RV camping near Winter Park, Florida allows for convenient access to both wilderness settings and city amenities within a 30-minute radius. The subtropical climate in Central Florida maintains warm conditions year-round, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F between May and September. Area campgrounds frequently report standing water issues after heavy rainfall due to the region's naturally high water table.
What to do
Wildlife watching at natural springs: Wekiva Falls RV Resort offers access to the Wekiva River for canoeing and kayaking trips. "You can swim in pool or swim in lagoon. Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Wekiva River," shares Tonia B., while Megan K. adds, "There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
Visit historic downtown Winter Garden: The charming area is accessible from nearby campgrounds. "We walked to downtown Winter Garden and love the small town. We go back even when at other parks in the area," notes Ian R. from Winter Garden RV Resort. Pamela and Keith mention, "Our favorite activity is biking to the trail head for the West Orange rails to trail which is located downtown @ 3 miles from campground. This rail to trail is 22 miles long."
Free entertainment options: Tropical Palms Resort offers proximity to Old Town Kissimmee with weekend car shows. "The campground is 1/4 mile from Old Town. There they have bike nights on Thursday evenings. Friday and Saturday evenings have old car shows and cruises," explains Rob C. The area has "several loud amusement rides" according to Laura H., making it ideal for entertainment seekers.
What campers like
Multiple pool options: Many Winter Park area RV campgrounds feature swimming amenities to combat Florida heat. At Encore Lake Magic, Jeanne W. enjoyed "a beautiful lake view and pool close by everyday." The park has clean, well-maintained facilities with "beautiful park located by all the attractions in the area if that's part of your plans."
Golf access: Encore Clerbrook combines RV camping with an on-site golf course. "The golf course looks nice and adds to making park look better!" notes Ralph L. Stuart K. adds specifics: "18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop)," which provides cost-effective recreation for golf enthusiasts.
Wildlife encounters: Natural wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience at several parks. At Thousand Trails Orlando, Laura H. reports unique encounters: "Sometimes the cows from next door get loose and come visit. Sometimes there are alligators underneath RVs." The park also features "Alligators, Sand Hill Cranes, Tortoises," making wildlife viewing accessible without leaving the campground.
What you should know
Seasonal occupancy affects experience: Winter months bring significant population increases. At Thousand Trails Orlando, the population impact creates "bandwidth issues" according to Laura H., who notes "There isn't great cell service. The park is further from a tower and there are so many RVers in the area that don't count towards the population."
Varying water quality: Multiple campgrounds report issues with water smell or quality. Wekiva Falls' "springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind..." warns Calvert F. Nicole W. describes it more directly as "untreated well water you can swim in," which may affect swimming enjoyment despite the recreation options.
Traffic noise considerations: Site selection matters for noise sensitivity. Winter Garden RV Resort sits near "lots of traffic on 50 so, be aware if you can't sleep with noises, you need another location," advises Ian R. Similarly, Craig F. at Winter Garden notes, "We kept tripping the 30A breaker with AC on and a hot plate or microwave," indicating electrical limitations at some parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When traveling with children, select campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "The kids enjoyed ice cream, the bike trail, and the splash pad" near Winter Garden RV Resort, according to Kasey M., though availability may be affected by COVID restrictions or maintenance issues.
Biking opportunities: Safe cycling areas enhance family camping experiences. Jeremy G. at Tropical Palms notes, "Kids love the ability to ride their Bikes around the campground and love the pool." However, Laura H. cautions about mixed vehicle traffic at some locations: "Golf carts allowed and side by sides. This mixed with drunken visitors was a bit nerve wracking. Definitely didn't trust kids to ride around on bikes safely."
Security considerations: Gated campgrounds offer additional safety for families. Tropical Palms provides "key card needed to access so feel safe. also guarded gate," according to Sharon H. Similarly, Ponderosa RV Park lacks security features, with Stephanie noting, "I'm not sure if it's just our location in the campsite, but we are located where the freeway is unfortunately very close."
Tips from RVers
Site placement strategy: Lost Lake RV Resort accommodates large rigs with concrete pads. Stuart K. notes it's ideal "if you've got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels" with "ample elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure." Specific site requests improve experience, as Brandie B. at Thousand Trails Orlando recommends: "The older sites could use some resurfacing."
Limited sewer hookups: Check whether your preferred site includes all utilities. At Thousand Trails Orlando, Robert K. observes, "Thousand Trails section is on the West side and they do not have sewer (they said they are working on this in 2020)." Laura H. confirms, "Many spots did not have sewer, but they had free pump outs every Wednesday and a dump station."
Laundry facility access: Laundry amenities vary significantly between parks. At Encore Southern Palms, Jamie notes maintenance issues: "The bathrooms need updating and the toilets are leaking and 2 of the 3 bathrooms have been closed the entire time I was there." Pamela and Keith at Winter Garden RV Resort mention "nice mail room with lounge and free Wifi" near laundry facilities, which enhances convenience during wash cycles.