Near Winter Garden, Florida, camping and glamping options span across varied ecosystems from pine forests to lakeside settings, with elevations rarely exceeding 250 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this central Florida region remain operational year-round, with winter temperatures averaging 50-70°F during daytime hours. The area's sandy soil provides good drainage during Florida's frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers paddling opportunities across several connected bodies of water. "Nice campsites, clean bathrooms, friendly campers," notes one visitor, mentioning the natural setting that surrounds the park's aquatic attractions.
Hiking class 2 rapids: Hillsborough River State Park features Florida's only class 2 rapids along its nature trails. A camper observed, "Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife." The park offers multiple trail options ranging from short quarter-mile loops to longer multi-mile paths.
Swimming in natural springs: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground provides year-round swimming in natural springs that maintain 72°F water temperature. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife! The campground was quiet and the restrooms fairly clean," reports one visitor who enjoyed the variety of recreational options.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Lake Louisa State Park Campground receives praise for its site layouts. "Having stayed at Lake Louisa State Park several times we've enjoyed very spacious sites with beautiful views and an exceptionally clean property. The multiple lake views were so peaceful, I think the beach was my favorite by far," shares one frequent visitor.
Convenient theme park access: Orlando/Kissimmee KOA provides easy access to major attractions. "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," notes a camper highlighting the campground's location advantages.
Natural environment: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers authentic Florida landscapes. "We ended up here on a trip to Orlando because we just needed a bit of 'nature.' We were so pleased with our site's larger size, well maintained, geared towards RVs but good for tent camping as well. Our site was partially shaded which was a huge bonus for the warm afternoons."
What you should know
Reservation timing: For glamping close to Winter Garden, Florida, booking well in advance is essential, especially during winter months. "We're staying at the family campground as the primitive was full, so word of advice, book well in advance," advises a Wekiwa Springs visitor.
Weather considerations: The region experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, with high humidity. "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," shares a camper at Wekiwa Springs.
Park capacity limits: Hillsborough River State Park Campground and other popular parks may reach capacity early, especially on weekends. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns one visitor about the popularity of these natural areas.
Tips for camping with families
Golf cart rentals: Thousand Trails Orlando offers golf cart rentals that simplify navigating larger campgrounds with children. "Rent a golf cart if you don't have one. Transportation was OK and the Tavern was very nice," suggests one camper, noting how this option makes exploring the extensive grounds more manageable with young children.
Evening entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with organized activities after dark. "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," explains a visitor describing the character experiences available.
Swimming alternatives: When planning glamping close to Winter Garden, consider parks with both pool and natural swimming options. "The park has awesome. Really enjoyed the springs and kayaking. The camp site was nice with a pit and grill on site," shares a visitor to Wekiwa Springs, noting the variety of water-based recreation available.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For RV camping, choosing the right loop or section makes a significant difference. "We were in site 1709. We were walking distance to the pool, arcade, trading post, and campfire/sing along. There were about 20 rv/camping spots in our loop. The area is wooded and quiet with bathrooms off to one side and laundry facilities on the other side," details one RVer at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Maneuvering challenges: Some parks have tight turning radiuses that create difficulties for larger rigs. "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 a Fort Wilderness camper.
Utility variations: Encore Sherwood Forest and other parks have inconsistent utility services. "The water turns off a lot and so does the electric from time to time," notes one RVer, suggesting that travelers should be prepared with extra water and backup power options during peak usage periods.
