State parks and private campgrounds surround Winter Garden, Florida, creating a diverse camping landscape within an hour's drive of the city. The area features a mix of RV-focused facilities like Winter Garden RV Resort and more natural settings at nearby state parks. Lake Louisa State Park Campground, located 15 miles west in Clermont, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with year-round availability. Magnolia Park Campground on Lake Apopka provides both tent and RV camping with full hookups in a shaded setting. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, though more expensive, combines camping with theme park proximity and extensive amenities including horseback riding trails.
Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during winter months when snowbirds migrate to central Florida. The Winter Garden RV Resort accepts only recreational vehicles, with no tent camping permitted, as confirmed by a camper who noted, "I called the Winter Garden number listed... They were very helpful to inform me that there are only RV sites at this location." Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near major roads. One visitor to Winter Garden RV Resort advised, "If you can't sleep with noises, you need another location." Florida's humid subtropical climate makes spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons, while summer brings intense heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes.
Many campers highlight the recreational opportunities available near Winter Garden's campgrounds. The West Orange Trail, accessible from downtown Winter Garden, receives consistent praise from visitors. One camper noted, "Our favorite activity is biking to the trailhead for the West Orange rails to trail which is located downtown @ 3 miles from campground. This rail to trail is 22 miles long and can be extended another 9 miles if you link to South Lake Trail." Proximity to Orlando's attractions is another draw, with Disney World approximately 21 miles away and Universal Studios about 15 miles from Winter Garden. State parks like Wekiwa Springs offer natural swimming areas and hiking trails, though some visitors report weekend crowding and noise issues at certain locations.
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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"
"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."
"Very close to orlando, certainly not a nature retreat."
"If you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this particular RV location just off of Highway 414 near Hiawassee may just be the perfect spot for you."
"Nice gravel drive for the RV. There are horse events, fun to watch., food truck available for breakfast and lunch day of event. Nice shade snd clean bathrooms. Only $17 if over 55."
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.
Scout75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
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.
Camping options near Winter Garden, Florida range from 15 to 30 miles from the city center, with most sites situated along lakes or within forested areas. The region's subtropical climate creates year-round camping possibilities, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with afternoon thunderstorms from June through September. Fall through spring provides more comfortable camping conditions with daytime temperatures between 65-85°F and lower humidity levels.
Horseback riding and trail access: At Clarcona Horse Park, equestrian activities are the main attraction. "There are horse events, fun to watch, food truck available for breakfast and lunch day of event," notes one visitor. The park offers 22 miles of riding paths with camping sites nearby.
Kayaking on multiple lakes: Trimble Park Campground provides direct water access from most sites. "I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," shares one camper. The interconnected lakes offer hours of paddling opportunities.
Swimming in natural springs: Located about 20 miles from Winter Garden, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers crystal-clear spring water maintained at 72°F year-round. "The springs are amazing," reports a visitor, though noting it "gets crowded especially on weekends." Arrive before 9am during summer months to secure entry.
Hiking in state parks: Lake Louisa State Park Campground features rolling hills uncommon to central Florida. "This park has lots to offer - great trails for hiking and biking, boat launches, fishing, or just relaxing," writes one reviewer. The terrain includes pine forests and several small lakes connected by well-marked trails.
Private lakefront sites: Trimble Park Campground receives high marks for its waterfront camping. "This is a beautiful and well maintained county park. Several of the sites are right on the water, great walking trails + clean restrooms. The sites are super private, but the lake view makes it totally worth it!" explains one camper. Sites 3-13 provide the best lake views.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Nature encounters enhance camping experiences in the area. "We were serenaded by the cackle of wild turkey, the squeals of wild pig, the yip and yap of coyotes, hoots from resident owls and the occasional shrill from the bobcat," describes one visitor at Lake Louisa. Magnolia Park features resident peacocks that wander freely throughout the campground.
Proximity to attractions: The Orlando/Kissimmee KOA serves as a convenient base for area attractions. "This was the perfect location for our touristy vacation! Most shopping and restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive. And all the tourist attractions are within 30 minutes: Walt Disney World 15 minutes, Universal Studios 23 minutes, SeaWorld 17 minutes," shares one camper.
Budget-friendly options: Several campgrounds offer economical rates compared to hotels. "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," notes a visitor to Magnolia Park Campground.
Reservation requirements vary by park: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly during winter months (December-March). Lake Louisa State Park uses a specific reservation system: "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."
Limited tent camping options: RVs dominate most campgrounds in the area. "I called the Winter Garden number listed, which transfers to Encore, Thousand Trails reservations. They were very helpful to inform me that there are only RV sites at this location," reports a visitor to Winter Garden RV Resort. Call ahead if planning to tent camp.
Water concerns: Several campgrounds have water-related considerations. At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity." At Trimble Park, visitors note: "Keep animals away from the water's edge. We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge."
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise. At Winter Garden RV Resort, one camper advises, "Lots of traffic on 50 so, be aware if you can't sleep with noises, you need another location." Similarly, at Bill Frederick Park, a reviewer mentions it is "right next to the highway."
Look for parks with kid-friendly amenities: Magnolia Park Campground offers recreational facilities beyond camping. "There's the lake, a playground, a few volleyball courts, and lots of space to play at the park," writes one visitor. The park also has basketball courts available for family use.
Consider cabin options for easier family trips: Lake Louisa offers family-friendly accommodations beyond tent sites. "Opted for the cabin option during our stay at Lake Louisa and we were very happy with the choice. Cabin was fully furnished and very clean. There was a lot of indoor and outdoor eating space meaning family gathered at our place, which was great!"
Plan for afternoon activities: Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake provides alternatives to outdoor play during hot afternoons. "This park offers every recreation in the book: boating, fishing, biking, hiking, frisbee golf, wildlife watching (petting farm), jungle gyms, horse boarding, grilling spots, swimming pool. There's something here for everyone."
Schedule around crowds: Wekiwa Springs becomes extremely busy during summer weekends. "We stayed at site #43 which has water/elec. hookup, dump station near by. All of the sites seemed level, most are quite private with a fair amount of trees/foliage in between sites," notes one visitor who recommends weekday visits to avoid crowds.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some parks. "Only complaint was our site was pretty unlevel and we had to max out our Anderson leveling blocks to get it right," mentions a reviewer at Magnolia Park Campground. Bring sufficient leveling equipment.
Electrical capacity limits: Some parks have power limitations. At Winter Garden RV Resort, one camper reports, "We kept tripping the 30A breaker with AC on and a hot plate or microwave. But in the end price seemed reasonable for what it was." Consider running fewer appliances simultaneously.
RV site navigation: At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, maneuverability can be challenging. "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. We have a 27' rv that is 33' from top to top. Holy moly did it take a lot to get this into our spot."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer accessible sites with specific amenities. At Wekiwa Springs, a visitor shares, "our site, 2, was a handicapped one, and beautiful. restrooms directly behind us. being handicapped, the springs were a mile from the campground, which is a problem for people having difficulty walking. My husband pushed me there in the wheelchair. once we got there, Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Winter Garden, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Winter Garden, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 352 campgrounds and RV parks near Winter Garden, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Winter Garden, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winter Garden, 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 Winter Garden, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Winter Garden, FL.
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