48 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Camping around Tavares, Florida features a mix of lakefront state parks, county campgrounds, and private RV resorts primarily positioned along the Harris Chain of Lakes. Lake Griffin State Park Campground offers tent, RV, and cabin camping options with full hookups and a location convenient to Fruitland Park. Trimble Park Campground provides lakefront sites with water and electric hookups on Lake Carlton, while Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park caters to RVers seeking direct lake access. The region includes several mixed-use facilities that accommodate multiple camping styles, from primitive tent sites to luxury RV pads with full amenities.
Access to most campgrounds remains consistent year-round, as central Florida's subtropical climate makes camping viable in all seasons. Summer months bring higher temperatures and humidity, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Winter months (October through April) represent the peak camping season when temperatures moderate and precipitation decreases. Most established campgrounds require reservations, particularly for waterfront sites during winter months when seasonal residents arrive. The region's flat terrain makes most campgrounds accessible without special vehicles or equipment. One camper noted, "We enjoyed taking morning and evening strolls around the grounds with our dog. We even walked to the nearby Lake Idamere park a few times. The park features a nature trail, pier, playground, and dog park."
Waterfront campsites consistently receive the highest ratings from visitors, particularly those with direct lake access for fishing and boating. Wekiwa Springs State Park, located about 25 miles east of Tavares, offers spring swimming opportunities in addition to camping. Several visitors mentioned the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including birds, alligators, and other native Florida species. Tent campers generally prefer the more natural settings of state and county parks, while RV enthusiasts have numerous options ranging from basic utility connections to resort-style amenities. "This is an absolutely beautiful small campground surrounded by water and huge oak trees with Spanish moss. There are birds and little alligators so abundant wildlife," wrote one camper about Trimble Park. Proximity to Mount Dora, with its shopping and dining options, provides convenient day-trip opportunities for campers staying in the Tavares area.
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
Available this weekend
from $24 / night
"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
"I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."
"This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"
"Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
"I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts."
"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!"
from $56 - $201 / night
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
Available this weekend
from $38 / night
"While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"
"You can hear a small amount of highway traffic in the distance, but totally tolerable. No pull thru sites. We stayed in site #8 and could barely see the neighbor next to us thru the trees/brush."
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"This is a typical Florida spring."
Available this weekend
from $38 - $70 / night
"Maybe they choose the name of this RV enclave because they were either actively hiding from the rest of the known world or due to its location, was hidden from (nearly) plain sight."
"Friendly neighbors and perfect lakeside view."
from $50 - $65 / night
"We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded."
"There is access to the park springs area, which is the main draw for the public. This is a beautiful area so bring the camera."
from $15 - $18 / night
ScoutTim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
LegendThis Old Florida location has a Western bent to the place with the covered wagon motif and ranch-styled main office with what looks to be a horse tie up on the porch, so whatever the theme might be, this RV enclave is a good stretch away from the I75 highway that you moseyed onto in to find this 55+ retirement one lane (OK, there’s a simple loop) cowboy retirement OK corral. You’ll access Countryside RV Park via Country Rd 489 just off of Route 470 and if you blink (you know, because of all that dust blowing off the prairie), you’d miss the turn-off, so keep your eyes peeled, pardner, and about 20 yards into the property, you’ll swing by the office on what looks to be freshly laid, small single vehicle lanes and check in with the sheriff (er, the RV manager), who will direct you to your humble piece of very flat land, which no doubt will be draped in shade provided by the scattered ancient and live oaks that are sweating Spanish moss creating a very (trust me) un-wild, wild west vibe.
There’s some basic amenities here in addition to the standard pull-through parking pads and FHUs offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, including: sanitary dump, impeccably clean his / her restrooms and shower facilities, picnic tables, WiFi, cable TV, coin-operated laundry, horseshoes, side X side shuffle boards that are in pristine condition, recreation room with billiards, dog park, fire pit, retention pond, on-site storage, exercise equipment and gym. There’s even a proper mail room in case you plan on staying long enough that you need to receive mail here or have it forwarded (beats waiting for the Pony Express to arrive). Due to this being a semi- or full-retirement zone, Countryside offers additional diversions and activities like bingo, Karaoke, bowling, arts & crafts as well as Bible study, in addition to learning how to lasso your very own steer (OK, I made up this last one).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If your ID or social security card doesn’t clearly state that you are 55+ you won’t have any luck at this hideout; (2) If you do manage to stay here, IMHO the best spots are those either on the western - but of course - side of this depot (#6 – 22) or eastern (#46–#59) perimeters; (3) Should you need to load up on anything while here, there’s not much nearby apart from a Dollar General and Kal’s Food Grocery, but if you don’t mind driving slightly further afield, there’s a Publix NE of here and a Winn-Dixie and Walmart due south of here towards Bushnell; and (4) In the event that you’d like to grab some local grub, there’s Big Apple Café and a Subway nearby in the small town here, or up on Lake Panasoffkee there’s Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant & Marina, which I highly recommend.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWe are in a travel spot. Lots of highway noise. Pretty area mostly owners only
TravelerIts a great campground for longterm and short term alike, my wife and myself live out of pull behind full time and have been here since August. This campground is conviently located roughly 45 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach. They have several buildings available for use to campers with kitchens inside some of the buildings, they have a beautiful pool open year round, a pool table nicely located right beside part of the Orlando wetland walking trails. Plus really who doesn't want to reconnect with their inner child and stay in a small little town like Christmas where the post office is decorated year round, there's a nativity scene up year round and parts of the park itself keeps some lights up year round.
TravelerRoads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
GuideSites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
ScoutZephyrhills colony has new Management. It's like a breath of fresh air.A weight is lifted from our shoulders of constant harassment and being hawked at on a daily basis. The parking pads are beautiful.The construction crew did an excellent job and the yellow stripes on the roads are amazing.We are so thankful for this improvement in our park that we can be proud and happy at once and for all. I thank God for answered prayer personally.Now I can breathe now.I can live amen
ScoutIt has a little of everything you would enjoy about this type of outside camp ground. Has hiking and biking trails. Of course the beautiful water that stays 72 degrees all year long.
ScoutExercise caution with this reservation. The website says pet friendly but only after you reserve the site do they make you aware of pet size limit and breed restrictions. And your reservation is not refundable.
Camping near Tavares, Florida centers around freshwater springs, with water temperatures holding steady around 72°F year-round in contrast to the region's often humid weather. Several campgrounds offer direct spring swimming access where visitors can see underwater rock formations and fish while cooling off. Sites positioned along spring runs provide both natural air conditioning effects during hot summer months and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Kayaking through spring runs: At Wekiva Springs State Park Campground, paddlers access multiple waterways with rental options available. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" notes Jenn B. The springs provide clear visibility for viewing underwater features and fish.
Exploring wildlife observation platforms: Wildlife viewing extends beyond alligator sightings common at lakefront sites. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Yes it rained most of the time but our site never flooded!! Such a nice view of the sunset from where we were. Saw lost of animals," writes Caitlyn P. about her experience at Wekiva Springs.
Swimming in natural springs: Springs offer refuge from Florida's summer heat with consistently cool water. At Alexander Springs Recreation Area, "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," according to Gabby C. These swimming areas provide natural alternatives to chlorinated pools.
Fishing from designated piers: Fishing opportunities exist beyond boat access points mentioned in many guides. "We ended up here on a trip to Orlando because we just needed a bit of 'nature.' We were so pleased with our site larger size, well maintained, geared towards RVs but good for tent camping as well," mentions Sara S. about Wekiva Springs, where fishing areas are accessible from shore.
Natural spring swimming: The clear spring waters remain a consistent draw. At Clearwater Lake Campground, "Beat the heat at this beautiful swimming spot. Clear water and a nice beach make this a perfect spot. Lots of space between camping spots and nice bathroom/shower house," shares Natalie B. The swimming areas provide cooling relief without the chlorine found in pools.
Large, private sites: Campers consistently mention the spaciousness of sites at certain campgrounds. "Very small park with only 15 campsites. Each site has power and water connections. Water access by pier for relaxing or fishing," reports Evan V. about Trimble Park Campground. Many sites feature natural barriers creating separation from neighbors.
Proximity to multiple lakes: The chain of lakes provides varied recreation opportunities within short distances. "Beautiful waterside sights, perfect place to bring the boat too. The lake it's connected to a handful of other lakes where you could boat to a different town everyday," explains Keith R. about Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park. These interconnected lakes allow for extended exploration without relocating camp.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Beyond the bird watching noted in existing guides, many campers report diverse wildlife sightings. "New to Florida. Have not experienced 'real Florida' nature. 1st trip took us to Alexander springs. Great spot and the camp host was outstanding and friendly. We were surprised with an albino squirrel sighting as an added bonus," shares Joshua W.
Spring access gets crowded early: Popular springs fill to capacity, especially during peak times. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns Hannah S. about Wekiva Springs. Many locations implement capacity limits once parking areas fill.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Winter seasonal residents significantly impact site availability. "We have camped here since I was a kid. I still enjoy camping at this place. There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," states Rusty R. about Alexander Springs, highlighting the multigenerational appeal that contributes to winter crowding.
Booking competition for prime spots: Securing waterfront sites requires advanced planning. "Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance, so you have to time the precise days you want to camp here and be the first person to reserve a spot at 12:01am on the day that those spots become available," explains Stuart K. about Trimble Park Campground.
Variable amenities between areas: Magnolia Park Campground offers unexpected amenities compared to other nearby options. "For 23 bucks a night you get an electrical hookup which was great for my chevy volt. There's water at your site, a metal fire pit, showers and bathrooms nearby with outlets. It is gated with a code for the security conscious," reports Alistar B.
Look for accessible water entries: Families with small children benefit from gradual entry points at springs. "The bathrooms were well maintained and clean. The park was a beautiful reprieve from the busyness of Orlando!" shares Sara S. about Wekiva Springs State Park.
Consider specialized accessibility features: Some parks offer adaptive equipment for those with mobility challenges. "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! she was so helpful," notes Lauren W. about her experience at Lake Griffin State Park Campground, where accessibility options exist beyond what typical guides mention.
Scout playgrounds and recreation areas: Many campgrounds include play structures and open spaces. "We enjoyed taking morning and evening strolls around the grounds with our dog. Seemingly brand new playground for the kiddos," mentions Stuart K. about Trimble Park, providing options for children beyond water activities.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many parks offer Junior Ranger programs and nature talks. "Very beautiful and well maintained county park. Several of the sites are right on the water, great walking trails + clean restrooms," explains Leah Y. about Trimble Park, where interpretive trails provide educational content for children.
Leveling challenges at some sites: RVers report variable pad conditions requiring additional equipment. "Only complaint was our site was pretty unlevel and we had to max out our Anderson leveling blocks to get it right," mentions Scott B. about Magnolia Park. Many sites require additional leveling equipment beyond what might be expected.
Limited pull-through availability: Most sites require backing in, sometimes in tight quarters. "My 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," explains Samantha O. about Disney's Fort Wilderness.
Waterfront sites have specific challenges: Sites along water may have unique considerations. "We camped here with a mid-sized trailer camper. Lower number campsites are not on the water with less gator sitings if that is a fear for you," notes Claire M. about Trimble Park, providing insight for those with specific wildlife concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tavares, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tavares, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 413 campgrounds and RV parks near Tavares, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Tavares, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tavares, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tavares, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Tavares, FL.
What parks are near Tavares, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Tavares, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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