Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Love this place
Good clean site.
258 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Winter Haven, Florida provides several campground options spanning from resort-style facilities to more basic RV parks. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort stands out as a high-end option with concrete pads, multiple swimming pools, and family activities, while Cypress Campground offers a convenient base for Legoland visitors. Most camping areas near Winter Haven consist of established campgrounds rather than primitive sites, with accommodation types including RV spots, cabins, and tent sites at select locations.
The central Florida climate affects camping conditions year-round, with most campgrounds operating throughout all seasons. Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making water access and shade particularly important. As one visitor noted, "The pool was just what we needed, the put-put was a fun activity, the bathrooms were clean and adequate." Reservations are recommended during winter months when seasonal visitors or "snowbirds" increase occupancy rates at many parks. Several campgrounds in the area restrict certain activities, with fire bans common at multiple locations including Cypress Campground and Camp Margaritaville.
Campgrounds near Winter Haven generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Amenities vary significantly between locations, with higher-end resorts featuring pools, game rooms, and organized activities. A camper wrote, "True resort style camping. Amazing Pool and amenities. Large pull through sites with paver patios, turf, and landscaping." Many camping areas provide convenient access to local attractions, particularly Legoland, which is approximately 3 miles from Cypress Campground. Water-based recreation opportunities exist at several locations, including fishing at Oak Hammock Resort and lakefront access at multiple properties. Most campgrounds are designed primarily for RVs with full hookup capabilities, though tent camping is permitted at select locations like Cypress Garden MH and RV Park and Saddle Creek Park.
"What it lacks in shade it makes up for with 2 nice pools, one geared toward kids with a fountain and very fun twisty slide, music, TV’s etc & the other is on the lake by a tow-ski place that’s fun"
"Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff."
from $67 - $99999 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"We came to Florida to escape NY in 2020, chose from a map! While here, we made good friends with other snowbirds and travelers. There is a nice pool, small playground and 2 laundry facilities."
"First we had a late arrival, and they had left us all the documents ready for us by the entrance."
"I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks."
"The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"If you’re looking for an authentic “Old Florida” experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this campground is truly something special."
"Hike along the water on trails, off road biking, and up close viewing of the beautiful ranch animals ( steer and goats )."
from $40 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Thrift and bait shop nearby."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to Campground and Sites. Sites are flat and easy access. Campground has long term sites. Great pool and Store."
"About 20 minutes from Disney and there are several stores and restaurants nearby."
"My husband and I live in Winter Haven Fl and just bought an RV and wanted to open it up and get it ready for trips but didn't have room at our house so we camped local."
"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"
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Pond in addition to lake. Bountiful with wildlife. Full hookups, laundry, game room, outdoor ping pong, trails, lakeside dock, fishing dock on pond and wifi."
from $85 / night
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Good clean site.
Nice state park. Plenty of lakes, but also plenty of gators at this time; hatching season. Wide open space, great roads. Not all sites have sewer hookups, it’s worth finding out which one before booking, if it is important for you. Even glamping tents and cabins are available, cabins are right next to the lake. Swimming area at Lake Louisa has a playground with swings and even a beach/swimming area, but that seems awfully dangerous, given the noises the gators make about 30 feet away. Unfortunately there is not a lot of things to do near the state park if one wants to do anything outside of camping, at least not a lot I could find, maybe you are better at that. Apparently it is very popular with bikers and triathletes, I have seen at least 10 today, using the great roads.
If you're planning a visit to Walt Disney World or any of Orlando's major attractions and prefer staying in your own RV over an expensive hotel room, Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate continues to be one of the more convenient options in the area. Since my original visit, the resort has matured nicely, with its modern facilities, clean grounds and resort-style atmosphere making it an appealing basecamp for exploring Central Florida. And make no mistake about it, while this is very much an RV resort – not a nature campground – this spot succeeds by delivering comfort, convenience and easy access to everything the Orlando area has to offer.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Beautifully renovated facilities that still feel modern and well-maintained; (2) Outstanding heated swimming pool, clubhouse and spotless comfort stations remain the centerpiece of the resort; (3) Full-hookup RV sites with concrete pads make setup quick and easy; (4) Exceptional location just minutes from Walt Disney World, ChampionsGate with countless dining, shopping and entertainment options; and (5) Everyday conveniences like Publix, Aldi, CVS and numerous restaurants remain close enough that you can leave the RV parked and run errands with ease.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) The campground still feels more like an RV resort than a traditional campground, with relatively little mature landscaping or natural privacy; (2) Larger fifth wheels and motorhomes may find some sites a bit tighter than expected; (3) Tent campers will likely find the experience less appealing due to the predominance of paved surfaces and surrounding RVs; (4) Depending on your site's location, nearby road traffic can occasionally detract from the otherwise relaxing atmosphere; and (5) If you're seeking a true Florida nature experience, you'll need to venture beyond the campground to nearby lakes, conservation areas or state parks.
Happy Camping!
I know, I know, it’s not real camping. But I love it just the same. 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. They have campfires and trivia. Outside movies. The Trails End to get food at.
Horse stables. Halloween time is the best time to come. I love looking at everyone’s decorations.
It has a lot of activities to do with the family. Only thing I don’t like is the restrooms. Had a bad experience. Someone was recording one of my family member in the shower. The other person was standing on a seat and recording when someone goes and shower. Disney couldn’t do anything by the time we notice the person left running from the bathroom units. Did not see a face but just a hand and a iPhone with a flashlight on. Be careful. Don’t go alone to the restrooms. Bathrooms are supposed to be lock at night and need a key card to open , but Disney always have it open. If it was locked Disney could had know who enter the restroom when the incident happened.
Booked about a week ahead, at that time tgere were 147 sites available. It shows you what is available to pick from. I picked one in the low 400's...I think it was 405, because one on each side was empty. Fast forward to the day before I get an email about virtual check in. However it states I am in the mid 100's....so I call and inquire. At the time of the call there were 109 sites vacant. The girl proceeds to tell me if you dont pay a$50 lock fee. They can move me at their discretion. So I got moved....additionally, got here an hour early and had to pay$25 early check in. 109 empty spots and the pool is like a carnival cruise pool....SLAMMED! Only 2 small comfort stations. No shade to be found. We are here now, and this may well get updated for a vetter rating...or worse, who knows. But it seems like a resort that will nickel and dime you to death. And moving someone who booked, and paid in full is some shady shit...
Very pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
It's very peaceful. Chickens roam free and we were able to see cows and get farm fresh eggs. 50 AMP and water connections, I saw reviews about the road being bumpy but we didn't have that experience. Everything was smooth. 10/10.
The park itself is very nice not much amenities besides bathroom and shower building and the nearby area is not that good , its relatively safe but its just a lot of homeless nearby an its just not a nice area at all to walk around during the day or night its a shame. But the park itself keeps you very protected from that ive never had a issue for over 7 months being here
Camping near Winter Haven, Florida spans an area of rolling hills with elevations between 100-200 feet above sea level, surrounded by dozens of small lakes and ponds. Winter temperatures range from 50-70°F between November and March, making this period popular for northern visitors seeking outdoor recreation. Central Florida's sandy soil drains quickly after rain, minimizing campsite flooding compared to coastal regions.
Water recreation at Lake Kissimmee State Park: The park features numerous hiking trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. "We stayed in site 19 for one night in early February. This site was very large, mostly level, with beautiful trees surrounding the site and great privacy," writes one visitor at Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground.
Fishing at multiple locations: Oak Hammock Resort provides fishing docks on both their pond and lakefront areas. "Beautiful landscape mixed with outdoor activities. Pond in addition to lake. Bountiful with wildlife. Full hookups, laundry, game room, outdoor ping pong, trails, lakeside dock, fishing dock on pond and wifi," notes a camper at Oak Hammock Resort.
Biking on local trails: The Auburndale bike trail runs 29 miles near Camp Margaritaville. A reviewer mentioned, "There's an eagle preserve by the lake and the Auburndale bike trail (29 miles!) just outside of the entrance." Several campgrounds connect to paved cycling routes throughout Polk County.
Spacious RV sites: Camp Margaritaville offers some of the area's largest sites. "Margaritaville is so clean & spacious!! The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors," shares a visitor at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale.
Wildlife viewing: Wilderness Shores Ranch allows visitors to observe ranch animals and wildlife. "Absolutely loved the place! Longhorns every where, goats, horse, cows. There's little tours they do on their side by sides. The property is huge! and plenty of roaming area," describes a camper at Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. "Very welcoming, clean and well kept park. The owners were very friendly and communicative. There's a store on site that I bought a T-shirt from and also a little game room that we enjoyed with pool and air hockey," reports a visitor.
Fire restrictions: Several campgrounds prohibit ground fires, including Cypress Campground. "We had a BLAST at this camping retreat 3 miles from Legoland! The owners/employees were very nice and accommodating... Only disappointment was that I did not realize there were no fire rings/pits/gills, so we had a couple of 'interesting' meals in our camper that were intended for campfire cooking," writes a visitor at Cypress Campground & RV Park.
Limited cell service: Some parks have poor connectivity. A Lake Kissimmee visitor noted, "Be aware that we had no cell service (this actually made us cancel another stay we had planned since we needed cell service for remote work)." This affects multiple campgrounds in rural areas.
Seasonal population changes: Winter months bring significantly higher occupancy as seasonal visitors arrive. Local campgrounds may reach capacity between December and March, with some requiring reservations months in advance.
Kid-friendly pool options: Camp Margaritaville features dedicated children's water areas. "We love this Margaritaville location! The staff is always friendly, they've got a great splash pad and playground for the kids, a water slide, and two larger pools for kids and adults," shares a family camper.
Proximity to attractions: Cypress Campground sits just 3 miles from Legoland. "We recently stayed here to go to LEGOLAND Brick-or treat and we had a great experience. First we had a late arrival, and they had left us all the documents ready for us by the entrance."
Disney transportation convenience: For those wanting to visit Disney, Fort Wilderness offers direct transport options. "We never had to get out of our car to checkin. The people were very nice and knowledgeable at checkin," explains a visitor at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Power requirements: Many older campgrounds offer 30-amp service while newer resorts provide 50-amp connections. "Hosts take you to your spot and help you back in if needed. All the perks- pools, recreation, concrete pads, paved roads. The dog baths and parks are awesome."
Site size limitations: Some parks have tight turning radiuses and limited space. "We were in 392, which is right behind the dog run and the amenities area... They blast music through speakers from 8am to 10pm. Some nights the music went on until after 11pm," warns one RVer about site selection at some resorts.
Weather preparation: Florida's humid climate affects RV air conditioning efficiency. Bringing portable fans helps circulate air during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds near Legoland in Winter Haven?
Yes, there are several campgrounds convenient to Legoland Florida Resort in Winter Haven. 21 Palms RV Resort is just off I-4 at Exit 58, only a short drive from Legoland. Another excellent option is Orlando/Kissimmee KOA, which offers easy access via the Florida Turnpike and is well-maintained with amenities like a pool and clean facilities. Cypress Campground & RV Park is also nearby, making it convenient for Legoland visitors. These locations provide comfortable bases for families wanting to spend multiple days at the theme park while enjoying the benefits of camping accommodations.
What are the best campgrounds near Winter Haven, Florida?
Winter Haven offers several excellent camping options nearby. Cypress Garden MH and RV Park is located right in Winter Haven and makes an ideal base for exploring the area. For those seeking a more nature-focused experience, Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers beautiful surroundings just off Route 27. Other top options include Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Auburndale, Saddle Creek Park in Lakeland, and Lake Kissimmee State Park, all within a convenient drive from Winter Haven. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities from primitive camping to full RV hookups, giving campers plenty of choices based on their preferred camping style.
What camping is available near Winter Haven, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Winter Haven, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 258 campgrounds and RV parks near Winter Haven, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Winter Haven, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winter Haven, FL is Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winter Haven, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Winter Haven, FL.
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