Camping opportunities surrounding St. Cloud, Florida range from rustic tent sites to fully-equipped RV resorts situated between 28.3° and 28.4° latitude. The area sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level with summer highs averaging 91°F between June and September. Rainy season typically runs May through October with thunderstorms developing most afternoons, creating challenges for equipment setup and management during these months.
What to do
Observe deer and wildlife: At Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground, visitors regularly encounter wildlife throughout the park. "Deers all around even among the campsites. Some tours available close by for airboats," notes Robert T. The park offers long hiking trails where campers can spot native Florida species in their natural habitat.
Explore biking trails: Paved and unpaved biking routes connect many camping areas around St. Cloud. "Beautiful shaded sites and long biking trails," says Alexandra E. about Lake Kissimmee State Park. Most trails are relatively flat, making them suitable for all skill levels and family groups.
Enjoy swimming pools: During hot summer months, campgrounds with pools provide welcome relief. At Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, "We go every day. They have rental bikes and a pool," reports Shawn M. Many resort-style campgrounds maintain heated pools for year-round swimming.
Visit nearby theme parks: Campsites near St. Cloud serve as affordable bases for Disney visits. "Perfect location for our touristy vacation! The Orlando Kissimmee KOA Holiday is great park to visit when staying in the Orlando area... Walt Disney World 15 minutes," explains Brandie B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate adequate separation from neighbors. At Moss Park Campground, "The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers," according to Carol B. This county park offers natural buffers that create more secluded camping experiences.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and amenities rank high in positive reviews. "Park and facilities were super clean. Nearby trash facilities checked and cleaned multiple times a day during our stay," notes Lori E. about Moss Park Campground. Most established campgrounds provide regular maintenance of shared facilities.
Wildlife viewing: Natural areas around St. Cloud support diverse wildlife populations. "Wild turkeys visited us daily to hang out by a fallen tree near our site. Deer passed by every evening," shares Barbara J. about her stay at Lake Kissimmee State Park. Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the region.
Security features: Gated access provides peace of mind at several campgrounds. Moss Park features "gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours," explains Carol B. Many private campgrounds employ similar security measures.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Summer heat and humidity affect camping comfort significantly. "Only saw 3 other campers the whole time. Park is super quiet and there is a ton of wildlife roaming," reports Corey K. about Lake Kissimmee State Park in July, noting the extreme heat keeps many campers away during summer months.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult navigation. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. Our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot," warns Samantha O.
Site variations: Not all campgrounds maintain consistent site quality. "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," reports Geoff Y. about Sherwood Forest RV Resort.
Noise considerations: Location affects noise levels at campsites near St. Cloud. "Very noisy park needs to have sites redone not level mostly older park models and trailers that had junk around them," reports Joseph L. about one campground, while others note highway proximity creates noise disturbances.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to children with recreational facilities. "Very Friendly staff. Several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc," shares L.B. about Orlando/Kissimmee KOA. Campgrounds with organized activities provide entertainment options.
Select sites near bathrooms: When camping with young children, bathroom proximity matters. "The spot I got was close to restroom with kids is a must if you don't have other options," advises Nicole W. about her experience tent camping at Sherwood Forest RV Resort.
Consider wildlife safety: Families should remain vigilant around water features. Alligator sightings occur regularly at lakes and ponds throughout the region, requiring constant supervision of children and pets near water edges.
Check rules and restrictions: Not all campgrounds welcome pets or allow certain activities. "I wish we could come here more often, but they don't allow dogs," mentions Kimberly R. about Moss Park Campground. Always verify pet policies, noise restrictions, and alcohol regulations before booking.
Tips from RVers
Book concrete pads when available: During rainy periods, solid parking surfaces become essential. "My site is still mucky after 3 days of sunshine," reports Geoff Y. at Sherwood Forest RV Resort. When possible, request concrete pads to avoid getting stuck.
Reserve pull-through sites: Easier access makes setup smoother for larger rigs. "We stayed 4 days in a pull thru as we were arriving at midnight. Our site was provided prior to arrival and check in was easy the next morning," shares Dianna F. about Orlando/Kissimmee KOA.
Monitor overhead clearance: Trees create pleasant shade but may impede large RV access. "Be careful of low hanging tree branches when backing in," warns one camper. Many campgrounds around St. Cloud feature mature oak trees with expansive branches that might damage tall rigs.
Check cell service availability: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Kissimmee State Park, campers report "no cell service (this actually made us cancel another stay we had planned since we needed cell service for remote work)." Bring signal boosters if connectivity is essential.
