St. Cloud, Florida sits at the crossroads of multiple camping environments, from resort-style facilities to more natural settings. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find options ranging from the highly developed Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground to the more natural surroundings at Moss Park Campground. The area features a mix of private RV resorts, county parks, and state-managed recreation areas, most offering year-round availability due to Central Florida's mild winter climate. Lake Kissimmee State Park, located southeast of St. Cloud, provides a more natural Florida camping experience with opportunities for wildlife viewing, while numerous RV parks closer to the Orlando attractions cater to tourists seeking convenience.
Reservations are essential throughout the region, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors from northern states increase demand. Most campgrounds in the area maintain paved roads suitable for all vehicles, though summer heat and humidity can be challenging for tent campers. As one visitor to Lake Louisa State Park noted, "One issue, especially in summer, is the lack of shade so make sure you bring your own shade structures and a fan." Florida's unpredictable rainfall patterns also affect camping experiences, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months. Wildlife considerations include alligators near water bodies, as one camper cautioned: "Keep animals away from the water's edge. We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge."
State parks in the region typically offer more space between sites and natural settings than private RV resorts. "The sites are nicely setup with lots of privacy," reported one Lake Louisa visitor, while reviews of commercial RV parks often mention their proximity to attractions but tighter spacing. Natural springs represent a highlight for many campers, with 72-degree water year-round providing relief from summer heat. "The springs are one of my favorite day getaways! There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs," noted a Wekiva Falls visitor. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds near highways experiencing traffic noise, while others further from urban areas provide quieter surroundings. Most campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, while tent camping options may be more limited at some private resorts.
$56 - $201 / night
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
"The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"
$45 / night
"Right off 192 and close access to the Florida Turnpike, the park is conveniently located next to a Big Box store & gas station, Wendy’s and Waffle House."
"Very clean well managed park located in central Florida's tourist area. Nice place if you plan on visiting parks and other tourist attractions"
"It was tucked back and was private with all the trees and for the most part fairly leveled. Cute little fire pit in the back surrounded by trees and grass. The bathrooms were very clean."
"* Moss Park in Orlando Florida is a great camp ground for first timers. It has all Amenities. Bathroom, showers, large wash sink."
$20 / night
"I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks."
"The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail."
"Can’t speak to price because we’re Thousand Trails members and it’s included in our plan."
"This place is all about location. You can practically ride your bike to Disney or Sea World properties. The campground is typical Encore, tight and unappealing. "
"Boggy Creek RV Resort and Fish Camp Review Boggy Creek RV Resort and Fish Camp Is located in Kissimmee, Florida on the edge of East Lake Tohopekaliga."
"I was able to check in late easily via a lock box and found a great campsite close to clean bathroom/shower facilities. While it was late and dark, the resort seemed very nice and affordable."
"Good RV Park near Disney and it is a very pretty, lush, tropical park. Old town Kissimmee is right next door, and it has several loud amusement rides."
"It is a bit pricey but worth it for access to Disney."
$69 - $99 / night
"This park is conveniently located close to local attractions. The prices are extremely reasonable. We would definitely stay again."
"Outside the park isn’t the best area but it’s a short 20 min drive to most of the amusement parks. Easy late check in."
"Lots of stops and places to eat t close by. id go 5 stars but thé turnpike is beau by and can be a bit noises. We use our fan as a noise block at night."
TravelerStayed just one night on March. Great tent sites and mostly private. Facilities are clean with showers. Water and power at the site. Beautiful walks and lakes, Lots of birds and rabbits.
Only issue was the early morning traffic on the nearby highway (#27) was noisy.
GuideWell run and organized for a full park on launch day for Artemis II. Ocean breezes kept us comfortable despite lack of shade on the Inlet.
ScoutI'd like to give you the positives. Crisp, clean, manicured, food and bar pretty good, well-appointed amenities. We had a pretty good week, having found a quiet pool area. Saw a bald eagle and a swallow-tail kite. I’d like to tell you about that, but that’s not the review.
Here’s the review: if you book here, you will be checking into a bizarre combination of tropical paradise, tailgate party, spring break, and a middle school playground. On St. Patrick's Day, we had been doing some sightseeing. We came back to our site, and the folks who had arrived behind us fired up their music. I don't have a problem with music or other noise prior to"quiet time," so long as it's not over the top. This was way over the top. Kim was on the phone with the nursing home about her 91-year old mother and she couldn't hear the other end of the call.
We called Security and asked for help, they came around and talked to the offenders. Whereupon the offenders started yelling around"who complained about our music?" And, they sent their preteen daughters on their bicycles going around and asking"did you complain?” Let's just say it was downhill from there. They jacked the volume even more, and started taunting us. Kim lost her temper and started yelling at them to quiet down. They responded by threatening her. She told me to call security, but since they hadn’t helped, and the on-duty rent-a-cop had no interest in helping, I called 911(which the campground rules said to do in an emergency). Apparently, that was a mistake. The rent-a-cop was pissed off that we called 911 when he was supposed to already be on top of it(which he wasn't). So there was a conclave of police cars, and the night manager, and the three large guys from the offending site, etc.
Bottom line: management demanded that WE leave, in half an hour, or be arrested. It’s 10:30 pm, and I told the rent-a-cop that I was in no shape to drive. “Figure it out,” he said, and walked away. So two 70-year olds had 30 minutes to get everything packed up and drive to some alternative place.
While we were striking the site, the kids at the offending site were chanting"we won, we won." And they started playing"Hit the Road You Jack" quite loud. And the adults were yelling"we're Republicans. We can do whatever we want." They noted our Maine license plates and told us to"go back to Canada where you belong."
We ended up in a wicked expensive hotel in the next town over, paying spring break prices($340 a night!!). And we lost the cost of two nights at the campground.
So if you’re a party animal, this may be your kind of place. Just don’t complain about anything, or you will be asked to leave.
It’s interesting to note which rules are enforced and which aren’t. For instance, there’s a poolside bar, and lots of signs between the bar and the pool saying“no food or drink beyond this point.” Not only was there lots of food and drink around the pool, there were wait staff taking orders and delivering it.
In retrospect, the fact that they have a rent-a-cop cruising the premises every night should have been a red flag. I’ve never seen that before, but apparently they expect rowdiness. They just don’t want to deal with the negative repercussions.
ScoutOur campsite is nice. It's quiet here during the week. The bathrooms need cleaning. They are kept neat just not cleaned.
GuideGreat service and friendly campground. Across from the inner channel...nice view. Level and full hook up. Clean park. Nice pool. If staying awhile they do different activities...nice. Only complaint...lot was too small.
LegendThere is something instantly calming about pulling into Sonrise Palms RV Park (you will want to note that misspelled 'Sonrise' otherwise you won't find this place on your GPS), tucked just off I-95 in Cocoa, where the pace slows down and the setting feels more like a quiet neighborhood packed with RVs than a busy campground, with spacious, mostly level sites, palm trees and greenery scattered throughout along with an EZ layout that makes settling in feel effortless. With around 80 to 90 full hookup sites, a heated pool, clean bathhouse and laundry, and even small touches like a dog park and canal fishing, this spot has all the essentials covered without feeling overwhelming. One evening, we grabbed a casual dinner nearby called The Grass Shack and came back to let the boys unwind at the pool while my hubby and I walked the grounds, spotting little bits of wildlife and enjoying that warm Florida night air before heading back for a cozy wind-down at our site. I would absolutely recommend this campground for families looking for a relaxed, low-key stay thanks to its quiet atmosphere, very clean bathroom and shower facilities as well as EZ access to nearby beaches, rocket launches and Space Coast adventures just a short drive away.
LegendThere is something comforting about pulling into a place that feels simple and straightforward after a long day, and JOY RV Park in Cocoa has that kind of easygoing charm, tucked just off I-95 with a modest layout of mostly level sites, wide enough spacing and full hookups that make settling in feel quick and stress-free. The campground leans more practical than resort-style, but with clean restrooms, a pool, laundry, and a small clubhouse, it covers the essentials well and while there is not a playground and shade can be limited (OK, to be honest, there's no shade anywhere, which is important to note, because you're in FL!), it still felt safe, quiet enough at night, and manageable for families. We grabbed a casual dinner nearby at The Filling Station Cafe (which was awesome) and let the boys wind down with snacks while talking about rockets and hoping to spot one of those famous Space Coast launches, which somehow made the whole stop feel a little more special. I would recommend this campground for families looking for a convenient, no-fuss place to stay thanks to its EZ access, full hookups, and proximity to beaches and space-themed adventures nearby.
LegendThe cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
LegendLooney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the closest tent camping options to St. Cloud?
For tent camping near St. Cloud, Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers nicely wooded sites with plenty of shade. The campground provides a natural setting with access to springs and hiking trails. Another excellent option is Lake Louisa State Park Campground, located just off Route 27. While it's relatively close to Orlando, it provides a more secluded camping experience with lakefront views. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance from St. Cloud and offer basic amenities including water access, restrooms, and designated tent sites.
Are there RV parks in St. Cloud with full hookups?
Yes, several RV parks near St. Cloud offer full hookups. Orlando/Kissimmee KOA provides well-maintained facilities with full hookups, along with amenities like a pool and clean bathrooms. It's conveniently located off Highway 192 with easy access to the Florida Turnpike. Wekiva Falls RV Resort is another excellent option with full hookup sites and unique features including refreshing springs, walking trails, and kayak rentals. For RVers seeking a golf-oriented stay, Encore Clerbrook combines full hookup RV sites with on-site golfing opportunities.
What are the best campgrounds in St. Cloud?
The best campgrounds near St. Cloud include Moss Park Campground, which offers both drive-in and walk-in camping options with water and toilet facilities in a natural setting. Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground is another top choice, featuring spacious campsites surrounded by oak hammocks and providing excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Both parks offer reservable sites and provide a peaceful retreat from the nearby tourist areas while still being conveniently located to St. Cloud amenities.
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