Camping options near Kissimmee, Florida range from natural state park settings to family-oriented private campgrounds within close proximity to major attractions. The region sits at just 82 feet above sea level with a subtropical climate producing average summer highs around 92°F and winter lows rarely dipping below 50°F. Rain showers occur frequently in summer afternoons between June and September, creating high humidity conditions campers should prepare for when visiting.
What to do
Water recreation activities: Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers multiple lakes for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "This park has totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and equestrian trails. We also enjoyed riding our bikes into Clermont."
Wildlife viewing: Moss Park Campground provides excellent wildlife observation opportunities just 15 minutes from the Orlando airport. "Deer roam happily around and your wake up call in the morning is courtesy of feisty Sandhill Cranes calling back and forth," shares one visitor who enjoyed the natural surroundings.
Theme park access: While staying at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, guests can use transportation services to access Disney attractions. "Buses run very frequently and never had an issue getting a bus to the amenities. We took the bus to the marina area for dinner at the buffet, to watch the fireworks/light show, and to see Cinderella's horses and carriage."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Moss Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities despite its natural setting. "Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March)," reports a satisfied camper.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing at Wekiwa Springs State Park. "Nice sites. Trails are fun. Springs are great bug crowded especially on weekends," notes a reviewer who rated the park highly.
Resort amenities: Thousand Trails Orlando offers extensive amenities beyond standard campground features. A visitor detailed, "They have 2 Pools, 1 Hot Tub, Mini Golf, Tennis Courts, Pickle Ball Courts, Shuffle Board, Club House, Mail Room, Camp Store, A small Lake with Kayak rental, Alligators, Sand Hill Cranes, Tortoises, A Garden, Basketball, Kids play room and play area, Arcade, Gym, Several pretty ponds and a giant lagoon."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Kissimmee area require advance booking, especially during peak tourist seasons. "We stayed at site 20. It was great! It's on the corner of the loop, so basically a straight back in. More spaced out from your neighbors than most sights, although all the sights were spaced out well, plenty of privacy," shares a Moss Park visitor.
Parking and transportation options: At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, navigation can be challenging. "Our only problem with wilderness camping. 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," warned one camper who struggled with a larger RV.
Crowding issues: Wekiwa Springs State Park experiences significant visitor traffic. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," advises a camper about day-use areas.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Orlando/Kissimmee KOA offers family-friendly swimming options. "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. Very close to Disney world and to restaurants or supermarkets."
Evening entertainment: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort provides organized activities for children. "The sing along was fun. Chip and dale walk around to everyone. they ask that you don't leave your spot and they will come to you and really they do. They stopped at every spot to take pictures."
Budget-friendly options: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake offers affordable camping near attractions. "This campground in located central to major attractions in the Orlando area. The campground is very small and very quiet. It is attached to a park and they have a swimming pool, disk golf, horseback riding and cabins for rent. The price is ridiculously low at about $25/day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Encore Tropical Palms provides different site types for various needs. "We stayed in the back, so pretty quiet. Our third time here. Kids love the ability to ride their Bikes around the campground and love the pool. Plenty of deer to watch throughout the day."
Park layout navigation: Large campgrounds in the area can be confusing to navigate. "This park is about 2.63 miles all the way around the outer loop. Sometimes the cows from next door get loose and come visit. Sometimes there are alligators underneath RVs," explains a visitor at Thousand Trails Orlando.
Hookup considerations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. "Full hook ups, generous yards, decent landscaping. There are some permanent structures, mostly rentals and the cabins. There are some personal sites as well," notes a Thousand Trails Orlando visitor describing the site setups.
