Best Campgrounds near Palmdale, FL
Palmdale, Florida serves as a gateway to diverse camping experiences in south-central Florida, with options ranging from waterfront sites to RV resorts. Fisheating Creek Campground, located directly in Palmdale, offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations along its namesake creek, which attracts paddlers and wildlife enthusiasts. Within a 30-minute drive, Ortona South provides Army Corps of Engineers-managed sites with water and electric hookups. The area between Lake Okeechobee and the western Florida wetlands creates a unique ecosystem where camping options vary from primitive sites to full-service RV parks with amenities like The Glades RV Resort in nearby Moore Haven.
Reservations become essential during winter months (November through April) when northern visitors fill campgrounds throughout south Florida. As one camper noted, "Securing a campsite at Fisheating Creek during winter months is a gamble. Weather is cooler and more predictable than summer months." Highway access is generally good with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads, though some primitive areas may require higher clearance vehicles. Summer camping requires preparation for intense heat, humidity, and insects. Mosquito protection is essential year-round but particularly from May through October. Wildlife considerations include alligators in and around waterways, with campers reporting frequent sightings during paddling excursions on Fisheating Creek.
Water-based activities dominate the camping experience in this region. Fisheating Creek offers canoe and kayak rentals with shuttle service for downstream paddling trips. According to visitor reviews, "The paddle upstream is pleasant in a kayak, and not burdensome as Fisheating Creek was not flowing swiftly." Birding opportunities are exceptional, with herons, egrets, wood storks, and roseate spoonbills commonly spotted. Campers frequently mention road and train noise at some locations, particularly at Fisheating Creek where Highway 27 traffic and a nearby railroad can be heard. Star-gazing receives positive mentions at several campgrounds, with Ortona South highlighted for its clear night skies. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting adequate coverage for major carriers.
