Campgrounds near Windermere, Florida range from full-service RV resorts to state parks with cabin accommodations. The area features several established camping areas within a 30-mile radius, including Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground in Lake Buena Vista and Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground in Apopka. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide amenities for both RV and tent campers, with several locations also offering cabin rentals. Lake Louisa State Park Campground in Clermont stands out with its diverse accommodation types including cabins, glamping options, and yurts, all situated on rolling hills that are uncommon in central Florida.
Central Florida's subtropical climate makes year-round camping possible, though summer months bring high temperatures, humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the Windermere area require reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. The region's flat terrain makes for easy access to most camping areas, with paved roads leading to all major developed campgrounds. Water management is a significant consideration, as many campgrounds are situated near lakes or springs. Facilities at state parks like Wekiwa Springs are generally well-maintained, though as one visitor noted, "The campgrounds are nicely wooded and provide a ton of much-needed shade from the Florida sun."
Proximity to water features represents a major draw for campers in the Windermere area. Several campgrounds provide direct access to lakes, springs, or rivers, offering opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake provides a more urban camping experience with cabin options just minutes from Orlando's attractions. Visitors frequently mention the contrast between the developed nature of the region and the surprising amount of natural beauty preserved within the park systems. Campers particularly value shaded sites during Florida's hot months. According to one review of Lake Louisa State Park, "The park is really beautiful. The rolling hills, pine forests, and pretty lakes. The wild flowers are also very pretty." Many campgrounds in the area balance natural settings with convenient access to Orlando's theme parks and attractions, making them popular with families seeking outdoor experiences alongside entertainment options.
$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"
$24 / night
"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."
$24 - $120 / night
"Situated right off of rout 27, a very busy 3 lane state road and not too far from Disney Parks is Lake Louisa State Park."
"Secluded campground in natural Florida. Hookup sites were well kept and at the end of the park so there was no thru traffic. To get to the hookup sites it Is an 8-10 minute drive from park entrance."
$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"
$85 / night
"We went along the outside rim in site Mako 7. The sites are large enough and have most have full hook ups. Not many trees for shade, but it is in Florida so that is to be expected."
"D section is old-school, Florida State Park-like camping. You have that romantic, southern charm and foliage. "
$20 - $100 / night
"if you choose primitive campground (10$) you will have to walk a little bit. the car parking is far away from the actual campsite. huge plus arw free showers with hot water. area is beautiful!"
"You can’t get more centrally located that bill Frederick. Located In metro west, this park is close to both the theme parks, and a commutable distance to north Orlando."
"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."
"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. "
"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."
"Very close to orlando, certainly not a nature retreat."
ScoutNice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
ScoutLarge, level sites. Can accommodate any size RV. Very active community. 2 activity centers, pool, pickleball, horseshoes, billiards, bingo, entertainment and much more. Clean bathrooms and showers.
GuideOther than the airplane noise overhead it’s fantastic large sites are amazing with water and electric.
TravelerWell kept primitive camping site. No road noise, and nice bear cabinets, picnic tables, grill and fire ring.
TravelerWe were very disappointed with the condition of what once was the flagship campground in Ocala National Forest. The boardwalks to both the springs adjacent to the campgrounds were in horrible and disrepair and closed, and looked like they had been for some time. The restroom on the tropical loop where we were staying was in serious need of a deep cleaning, lots of grime all over the walls. Additionally, the only dump station in the old campground was out of order and blocked off. This is one of those campgrounds where the forest service has contracted operations to a private contractor, and they are apparently falling down on the job.
ScoutThis campground has friendly staff, clean facilities, and is a bit more affordable than the Kissimmee KOA. About 20 minutes from Disney and there are several stores and restaurants nearby.
TravelerThey used to have a primitive sites near the boat ramp but since they don't really me make money on that it went byebye. I asked the front gate what happened & the rude lady was like "we never had that". Ok so all these websites are lying AND there used to be a sign with a literal tent in it lol either she's lying or clueless. Also reservations have to be made two days in advance You can't even do it a full day in advance. So If you're out of state and want to stay at this campground, you're going to have to sleep in your car for a night or two because of their policies LOL what a joke.
LegendTucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.
LegendPulling into Seasons In The Sun RV Resort just off I95 in Mims felt like exhaling after a long drive, with wide internal roads, neatly kept grounds and that unmistakable Florida sunshine filtering through palms that instantly soften the hum of the interstate nearby. This is a large, well established RV resort geared squarely to the RV crowd, offering full hookups, paved sites, a clubhouse, a pool complex with jacuzzi, shuffleboard and pickleball courts as well as clean, well-maintained restrooms and showers – in short, this place lives up to its name as a ‘resort.’ One evening we walked the loop at sunset while the boys rode bikes ahead of us, racing to see who could spot the first rabbit darting between sites, then ended the night around our portable bonfire roasting s’mores back at our rig as Jimmy Buffet music drifted softly from neighboring patios. While there’s 3 distinct areas to choose from, the best sites are those deeper inside the resort and farther from the entrance road because they feel quieter, more shaded and removed from passing traffic. While the amenites are expansive, the only downside is that this location feels somewhat fabricated and removed from nature, so if that's important to you versus having something 'turnkey' then you might want to manage your expectations. We recommend Seasons In The Sun for families looking for a comfortable overnight or short stay thanks to its EZ I95 access, resort level amenities and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that makes kids feel welcome without sacrificing convenience.
Camping near Windermere, Florida offers access to a variety of water-oriented activities within a 30-mile radius. The area's sandy soil composition helps most campgrounds drain relatively well after typical afternoon storms, though summer humidity remains a challenge. Sites with electrical hookups are essential during hot months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September.
Kayaking on area lakes: Several campgrounds provide water access points for paddlers. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, visitors can launch directly into multiple water bodies. "We were able to roll our Kayaks to Dixie lake from our campsite," notes a visitor who appreciated the convenient access. The park also features a "cute hidden lake called Bear Lake that you can bike or drive to and even put in your kayak or electric boat on this more remote lake."
Biking on dedicated trails: Central Florida's flat terrain creates ideal riding conditions for all skill levels. Encore Tropical Palms serves as an excellent base for cycling enthusiasts. "We also enjoyed riding our bikes into Clermont," mentions one camper. The Winter Garden area offers access to the West Orange rails to trail which extends up to 22 miles, with an optional 9-mile extension connecting to South Lake Trail.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds feature resident wildlife for observation opportunities. At Magnolia Park Campground, wild peacocks roam freely throughout the grounds. "The peacocks were so much fun. I loved using them as an excuse when I was running late for something," reports one camper. Similarly, Lake Louisa visitors report seeing "plenty of deer to watch throughout the day" around their camping areas.
Proximity to urban amenities: Unlike more remote camping regions, the Windermere area provides convenient access to necessities. Thousand Trails Orlando is "only 30 minutes from most of the Orlando theme parks and shopping/restaurants are within 5-10 minutes," according to a reviewer. This balance allows campers to enjoy nature without sacrificing conveniences.
Clean, well-maintained bathhouses: Many campgrounds in the region invest in quality facilities. At Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, "the bath houses are immaculate," notes a visitor. Another camper highlights that "the shower drains tend to back up but everything works and is serviced daily," providing realistic expectations for visitors.
Security features: Many area campgrounds offer gated access for added safety. Magnolia Park Campground provides "key card needed to access so feel safe. Also guarded gate," notes one reviewer. Another camper appreciates the visible staff presence at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, noting "the staff is actually out and present around the campground. All are extremely friendly and helpful."
Reservation timing: Competition for sites increases significantly during winter months. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, advance planning is essential. "We never had to get out of our car to checkin. The people were very nice and knowledgeable at checkin," notes one visitor, though they caution about tight navigation: "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot."
Seasonal weather impacts: Florida's summer brings predictable afternoon thunderstorms. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Yes it rained most of the time but our site never flooded!" reports one Wekiwa Springs camper, highlighting effective drainage at established sites. Winter visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations that can range from 40°F to 75°F within a single day.
Campground density variations: The area features both spacious natural settings and more compact commercial properties. "Sites are close together and very open," notes one Bill Frederick Park visitor. Conversely, Lake Louisa offers "very spacious sites with beautiful views and an exceptionally clean property," creating a more spread-out feeling despite being a developed campground.
Pool facilities: Check opening hours and temperature before planning swimming activities. "The pool is a nice size pool with a small water slide. There is a splash area in the back for small kids," reports a Fort Wilderness visitor, though they note "the lifeguards are very rude." At Encore Tropical Palms, a family found "the pool is small for the size campground but nice."
Planned activities: Many larger campgrounds offer organized family programming. Orlando/Kissimmee KOA provides "several activities possible for children eg pool, skating jumping etc." At Fort Wilderness, "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."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer specific accommodations for families with diverse needs. Wekiwa Springs State Park features options for those with mobility challenges: "our site, 2, was a handicapped one, and beautiful. Restrooms directly behind us," shares one visitor who also appreciated the "ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water" at the springs.
Navigation challenges: Many area campgrounds require careful maneuvering. At Fort Wilderness, "our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot. Everyone we spoke with complained about the lack of space to get a big rv into these spots." Once parked, however, most find the amenities compensate for the initial challenges.
Electrical capacity limitations: Some campgrounds have inconsistent power delivery. One camper at Winter Garden reports "we kept tripping the 30A breaker with AC on and a hot plate or microwave." Thousand Trails Orlando offers more reliable service with "water, sewer and 50 amp" hookups, making it suitable for larger rigs with higher power demands.
Transport options within large resorts: Consider on-site transportation needs at expansive properties. Fort Wilderness visitors repeatedly suggest "rent a golf cart, it's worth it," as the property size makes walking between amenities time-consuming. "Buses run very frequently and never had an issue getting a bus to the amenities," notes another camper, highlighting the reliable alternative transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Windermere, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Windermere, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 344 campgrounds and RV parks near Windermere, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Windermere, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Windermere, FL is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 130 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Windermere, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Windermere, FL.
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