The 10 Best Campgrounds Near Orlando, FL
As much as we all love Walt Disney World, there’s more to the Orlando area than just the park. Orlando has great camping opportunities just outside the city, and its proximity to lakes, seashores, and wildlife refuges makes it a great outdoor destination in central Florida. Choose from these 10 best campgrounds near Orlando, FL, to make your next camping trip a hit.
When to Visit Orlando, FL
Summer is a popular time to visit Orlando; that’s just a fact. When school’s out and families head to see the magic that is Disney World, there’s going to be plenty of traffic throughout Orlando. If you can’t go any other time or you just really love crowds, summer is a perfectly fine time to be in Orlando. The weather isn’t fantastic, with highs in the low 90s plenty of humidity, but if you spend your time on the water, things won’t be too bad.
The absolute ideal time to be in Orlando is spring. March to May is the best stretch all year to go camping in Orlando, FL as you get small crowds and pretty much the best weather you’ll have all year. The highs still get up into the mid-80s on average, but the lows are in the low to mid-60s, making evenings and early mornings quite comfortable.
Fall is much the same, so travelers who can’t make it in spring can enjoy most of the same benefits by visiting in the fall.
Orlando’s winter, while not quite as comfortable as that of south Florida, is still very pleasant. Of course, that also means an influx of retirees and everyone looking to get out of the cold for a bit, so expect to make plenty of new friends at campgrounds near Orlando, Florida. That being said, with an average winter high right around 75 and overnight lows in the low 50s, it’s hard to beat the winter weather in central Florida.
Outdoor Destinations Near Orlando, FL
Lake Eola Park
In the heart of Orlando’s downtown area is this popular urban park. Covering 23 acres of prime downtown real estate, Lake Eola Park is one of the best ways to enjoy the fresh air without leaving the city.
The area is also home to the Walt Disney Amphitheater, so anyone taking in a show or event there should make sure to leave time to stroll through the park beforehand.
Harry P Leu Gardens
This botanical garden covers about 50 acres inside of Orlando and is one of the best places to get shade during the hot summer months. For those looking to get a hike in without driving too far, the network of public-use trails here is quite enjoyable. The gardens routinely have events to enjoy, so be sure to check the calendar and see what’s on tap!
Universal CityWalk Orlando
Known as “The Epicenter of Awesome,” at least by its own decree, Universal CityWalk is one of the best places to stretch your legs in the city. If you want to spend time in the city and maybe grab some souvenirs, all while leaving the car behind, this is the place to do it. With lots of shops, shows, and other attractions, there’s always something going on at CityWalk.
Best Campgrounds Near Orlando, FL
1. Mill Creek RV Resort – Kissimmee, FL
(14 miles from Orlando)
Mill Creek RV Resort is a family-friendly spot just outside of Orlando. Mill Creek isn’t far from the action at all as the closest resort to the city of Orlando, though it makes you feel like you’re far from the metro.
More than 150 campsites are available to you here, and all of them offer basic amenities to make sure you have everything you need during your stay, including a patio and a grill to make use of the great weather in Kissimmee.
Events are always going on here, so social butterflies will have all the opportunities to make friends while camping near Orlando, FL. For families, the heated pool and outdoor game courts are always popular choices.
Unique Amenity: Dog park
Sites offered here:
- Premium park model rental
- Elite full hookup pull-through
- Premium full hookup RV site
Book This Family-friendly Resort
2. Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate – Davenport, FL
(23 miles from Orlando)
Sun Outdoors locations are always good bets when on the road, and Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate lives up to that reputation. With various levels of RV sites allowing travelers to choose their luxury levels, Orlando Champions Gate has everyone covered as one of the best campgrounds near Orlando, FL.
While you get every bit of guaranteed relaxation, you’d expect from a resort, there are also ample opportunities to get outside. Consider the nearby lake access as your invitation to spend long days on the water.
Unique Amenity: Arcade
Sites offered here:
- 1 bedroom vacation rental with loft
- Standard full hookup back-in RV site
- Standard full hookup pull-through RV site
- Super full hookup RV site
3. Kissimmee South RV Resort (Age Restricted 55+) – Davenport, FL
(25 miles from Orlando)
For older travelers wanting a slower pace of relaxation, Kissimmee South RV Resort is a great Orlando, FL campground. With a 55+ restriction, older travelers won’t have to worry about excessive noise interrupting their quality of rest after a long day of fishing, outdoor sports, or just exploring the greater Orlando area.
Those wanting maximum comfort should consider getting out of the RV for a night or two and spending time in any of the premium park models to best enjoy the full suite of this resort’s amenities.
Unique Amenity: Mini-golf
Sites offered here:
- Premium park model 1 bedroom
- Elite full hookup pull-through RV site
- Premium park model 1 bedroom
- Premium full hookup RV site
- Premium park model 1 bedroom
4. Hide-A-Way Harbor Mobile Home and RV Park – Astatula, FL
(25 miles from Orlando)
If nothing else, the dock here has one of the most tranquil views you’re going to get in all of central Florida.
While you’re not far from Orlando and all its attractions, Hide-A-Way Harbor tends to cater to travelers wanting a relaxing experience on the water. Just moments separate you from your RV and great fishing and sunshine.
Located on Little Lake Harris, this Orlando campground makes it feel like you could spend an entire vacation here, and time would fly by. The picturesque lake is always enjoyable, whether you’re fishing or just taking in the views. Accommodations here are simple, but everything you need is always covered.
Unique Amenity: Fishing
Sites offered here:
- Canalfront site
- Compact canalfront site
- Lake view site
- Lakefront site
- Offwater site
Book This Tranquil Lakefront Stay
5. Orange City RV Resort – Orange City, FL
(28 miles from Orlando)
Just off of Interstate 4, Orange City RV Resort is located outside of Orlando but has great access to get you wherever you’re going. Full-sized rigs are easily accommodated by the resort’s spacious pull-through sites, all with full hookups.
This is one of the most family-friendly campgrounds near Orlando, FL, so the whole family can relax by one of the pools or compete at games outdoors or in the clubhouse. Whether you want to see Orlando, Daytona, or both, this is a fantastic central location.
Unique Amenity: Hot tub/sauna
Sites offered here:
- Premium cottage 1 bedroom
- Cozy super full hookup pull-through RV site
- Cozy super full hookup RV site
- Premium full hookup pull-through RV site
- Premium full hookup RV site
- Standard full hookup RV site
- Super full hookup pull-through RV site
Book This Exploration Basecamp
6. St. John’s Marina & Resort – Deland, FL
(32 miles from Orlando)
Why leave the boat behind when you don’t have to? That’s the logic behind St. John’s Marina & Resort. You know you want to spend your days on the water when you’re visiting central Florida, so why not make it maximally convenient to do so?
After a long day on the water, there’s plenty to do near this Florida campground, as well as a restaurant on-site if you don’t feel like driving.
Didn’t come with a boat? No worries! With boat, kayak, and canoe rentals, St. John’s makes it easy for everyone to enjoy life on the water and under the tree cover.
Unique Amenity: Canoeing/kayaking
Book This Waterfront Relaxation Spot
7. Central Park MH & RV Resort – Haines City, FL
(33 miles from Orlando)
The sprawling community at Central Park is a fantastic place to spend your vacation in the Orlando area. With proximity to both Orlando and Tampa, you’re sure to see all the highlights in one trip while here.
Of course, if you don’t feel like logging those miles, there’s so much to do on the grounds of Central Park, including outdoor games, crafts, and a heated pool.
Unique Amenity: Shuffleboard
Sites offered here:
- Basin view pull-through RV site
- Doublewide back-in RV site
- RV island
- Riverfront back-in RV site
- Riverfront pull-through RV site
- Tree line back-in RV site
- Trine line double lot RV site
- Wilderness lane
- Wilderness lane x-long
- X-long back-in
- X-long back-in with patio
- X-long pull-in
- Riverfront cabin
Book This Sprawling Community Stay
8. Indian River RV Park – Titusville, FL
(35 miles from Orlando)
Billing itself as the premier RV park in Space Coast Country, Indian River RV Park doesn’t disappoint. This relaxing spot is near several major outdoor destinations, including world-class fishing, beautiful beaches, and Canaveral National Seashore.
The park is a great starting point for several major day trips in the area, like Disney World and Universal Studios. It strikes the perfect balance of being close to all the major spots without feeling like you’re too close to the city, making it one of the best campgrounds near Orlando, FL.
Unique Amenity: Showers
Sites offered here:
- 30-amp and 110 RV site
- 30/50-amp, deluxe waterview, full hookup RV site
- 30/50-amp, full hookup RV site
- Deluxe bungalow (1 bedroom)
- Deluxe bungalow (2 bedroom)
9. Cherry Pocket Fish Camp – Lake Wales, FL
(39 miles from Orlando)
While you don’t have to be a fishing enthusiast to stay at Cherry Pocket Fish Camp, it sure does help. If nothing else, this Florida campground is a great place to try your hand at casting a line or two!
This is a fantastic spot to catch your own dinner and relax at your campsite while the sun sets. Of course, anglers with less luck will be happy to hear of the on-site restaurant.
This simple spot really embodies the lifestyle of the area with its fresh air and great water access. The park offers a boat launch for those who want to get out onto the water and spend their time in the sun.
Unique Amenity: Boat launch
Sites offered here:
- 30/50-amp canal RV site
- 30-amp standard RV site
- One bedroom deluxe cabin
- Rancher 2 bedroom
- Two-bedroom deluxe cabin
- Two-bedroom deluxe cabin (4 person)
10. Indian Mound Fish Camp – Oak Hill, FL
(40 miles from Orlando)
Last but certainly not least is this incredibly popular fish camp in Oak Hill, Florida. Anyone who loves the water or the outdoors is going to be ecstatic spending time at Indian Mound Fish Camp and the nearby “redfish capital of the world.”
With a laid-back aesthetic, this welcoming Florida campground ensures you don’t need to be an expert at snagging fish to cast a line here. The campground provides kayak and canoe rentals, as well as all essential pieces of fishing gear if you forgot a piece of tackle or just want to give fishing a try.
However, those not setting lines in the water will be happy to enjoy the tranquil trees that line the property and the proximity to Daytona Beach and Orlando.
Unique Amenity: Waterfront
Sites offered here:
- Captains Quarters
- Canal front RV site
- Direct river front RV site
- Manatee cabin
- Nature preserve RV site
- Premier river front RV site
- Premium south riverfront RV site
- Redfish cabin
- Premium canal front
Orlando is known for what the city offers, but the city is just the beginning. Those heading to the South to enjoy its warmth should consider these campgrounds near Orlando, Florida, for a legitimate outdoor adventure.
Joe Coleman is a freelance travel and outdoor writer based in East Texas. His love for the outdoors started when living near Olympic National Park and has stayed with him ever since. Taking a respite from social media, you can reach him exclusively at joecolemanfreelance@gmail.com.
Image Credit: Mill Creek RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate, Kissimmee South RV Resort (Age Restricted 55+), Hide-A-Way Harbor Mobile Home and RV Park, Orange City RV Resort, St. John’s Marina & Resort, Central Park MH & RV Resort, Indian River RV Park, Cherry Pocket Fish Camp, Indian Mound Fish Camp