St. Cloud camping options range from full-service RV resorts to state parks with primitive sites. Located in central Florida at about 82 feet above sea level, the area experiences summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. Winter camping provides more comfortable conditions with daytime temperatures typically between 65-75°F and lower nighttime readings around 50°F.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground offers natural swimming areas and paddle sports access. "The park is super quiet and there is a ton of wildlife roaming. Dog friendly, they provide poop bags by the dumpsters," notes Corey K. in his review.
Wildlife observation: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground features multiple trails for spotting native Florida species. "Beautiful place love the springs!! Hoping to see some Florida native black bears fingers crossed," shares Zackari S., highlighting the park's natural attractions.
Theme park visits: Stay at nearby campgrounds for convenient theme park access. According to Brandie B., "This was the perfect location for our touristy vacation! The Orlando Kissimmee KOA Holiday is great park to visit when staying in the Orlando area. Most shopping and restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive. And all the tourist attractions are within 30 minutes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground offers spacious sites with natural barriers. "Campsites are far enough apart for privacy with lots of shades trees. Each site has a firepit. Bathrooms were clean," reports Stephanie G.
Entertainment options: Campers appreciate the variety of activities within the campgrounds themselves. At Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, L B. notes, "Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc. Late arrival possible. Good WiFi and laundry facilities and even a gym."
Easy access to attractions: Proximity to major entertainment destinations without the resort prices. Jeremy G. states about Encore Tropical Palms, "Kids love the ability to ride their Bikes around the campground and love the pool. Plenty of deer to watch throughout the day."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Some parks have limited connectivity. At Lake Kissimmee State Park, Corey K. warns, "Cell service is practically non existent in the park and within 10 miles from the park. Keep an eye on gas, there's one place about 6 miles from the park and town is about 15 miles away."
Environmental noise factors: Highway proximity can affect some camping experiences. About Ponderosa RV Park, Stephanie notes, "I'm not sure if it's just our location in the campsite, but we are located where the freeway is unfortunately very close which makes it hard to sleep with the amount of traffic all through the night."
Weather considerations: Florida's climate requires preparation. "Temperatures in summer can exceed 90°F with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Winter provides more moderate conditions with temperatures ranging from 50-75°F," according to park information materials.
Tips for camping with families
Disney-adjacent options: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers premium camping with theme park benefits. Samantha O. shares, "We are not Disney people but Disney definitely goes above and beyond on accommodations so what better place to stay then a Disney resort. This place is great. I really felt like I was at a campground and not at a Disney resort."
Swimming facilities: Look for campgrounds with pools for family cooling off. Sarah L. mentions about Ponderosa RV Park, "The campground is fine. Lots of long term or permanent residents. Bathrooms are well maintained & in decent condition. Has a pool."
Accessibility features: Some parks offer accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. Lauren W. reports about Wekiwa Springs, "Being handicapped, the springs were a mile from the campground, which is a problem for people having difficulty walking. My husband pushed me there in the wheelchair. Once we got there, Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Encore Sherwood Forest provides concrete pads at select sites. Geoff Y. advises, "Except for the few concrete pads up front, all the sites are on grass. While you can't blame the park for the weather, recently there's been a lot of rain and rigs of all sizes are up to their rims in muck."
Hookup variations: Understand what utilities are available at your chosen campground. At Lake Kissimmee State Park, Corey K. mentions, "Only 30amp hook up and no sewer, but there is a dump station. The spots are pretty level and the pads are crushed shells. Spot 9 is fully concrete."
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tight spaces requiring careful maneuvering. About Disney's Fort Wilderness, Samantha O. cautions, "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. There is plenty of room between your rv and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot. We have a 27' rv that is 33' from top to top. Holy moly did it take a lot to get this into our spot."
