Many Central Florida campgrounds have the advantage of being close to the big
Central Florida attractions. So you can camp for a pretty low per-night
fee and have plenty of dollars left to enjoy Disney, Sea World, Busch Gardens
and more.
The disadvantage? Lots of people have this idea! That makes for
noisier and more congested campgrounds. Don't let that stop you though, if
you want to be near the attractions. And if you don't? Ahh, there
are plenty of Central Florida campgrounds that offer a more peaceful Florida
camping experience.
So what's the weather like? Winters are usually fairly cool -- days in
the 60's, nights in the 40's on average. Do bring some jackets and other
warm clothing though -- frost is not uncommon, and I've even seen days not make
it out of the 30's when those cold fronts come through. You'll pretty much
get dry weather and blue skies in the winter for your Central Florida camping.
You'll also see few, if any, mosquitoes and low humidity. Late November
through February can be quite chilly.
Summers are very wet for Central Florida campgrounds - hot and humid,
especially around Orlando. Sometimes the ground will actually steam after
an afternoon thunderstorm. Speaking of thunderstorms, tent camping is
probably not the best idea this time of year -- the lightening can be quite
intense. With all the rain, mosquitoes are a huge nuisance -- bring plenty
of DEET repellant. Summer weather generally runs from mid-May through
mid-September.
The shoulder seasons are from about March through mid-May and from
mid-September through the beginning of November. Weather is variable --
you could have days in the 90's and nights in the 70's, or you could get a cold
snap and have the nighttime temps go down into the upper 30's. For the
most part, through, it's quite pleasant camping weather. If you have a
choice, April is a fine month for Central Florida campgrounds -- pretty low
humidity, mild days and cool nights. Plus you'll see why Florida means
"feast of flowers"!
Reservations for most Central Florida campgrounds can be made through
Reserve
America through their website or by calling (800) 326-3521. You'll see
links in the Reservation section for each park if Reserve America will book for
you. Otherwise, call the phone number listed for the campground for more
information.
Most campsites are accessible by small to medium RVs and pop-ups. If
you have a really big RV (you know who you are), check with the individual
campgrounds to verify that they can accommodate you.
One final note: if you need to pick up some camping supplies before you
head on out for your adventure, check out
Basspro.com. Don't let the name fool you
-- they are not just fishing, but have tons of camping and hunting goods too!
(My husband likes them so much he asks for gift certificates every year for his
birthday.)
So, what are the campgrounds in Central Florida? Here they are, in
alphabetical order:
Alafia River State Park
Number of Sites: 30
Cabins: None
Rates: $18 per night for up to 4 people.
Notes: This park is unusual in that it has horse camping
available, with plenty of trails. Other amenities include
electricity, water, restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas,
playground, fishing, hiking trails and a dump station. In season,
guided canoe tours are also available.
Rates: Campsites are $20/night for up to 4 people.
Cabins are $85 per night.
Notes: Here's some good news: the cabins include
electricity and air conditioning --you'll need it in the summer months!
All camping sites have electricity and water. Amenities include
restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, playground, fishing,
hiking trails and a dump station. Extras include canoe rentals,
tours, swimming and tubing down the springs (great fun!)
Notes: This is boat-only camping -- no tent or RV sites are
available. Amenities include restrooms, grills, cold-water
showers, picnic areas, fishing, boat ramp, hiking trails and canoe/kayak
rentals.
Number of Sites: 138, of which 16 have no electricity.
Cabins: None
Rates: $18 per night.
Notes: Horse camping is available -- there are 6 sites.
There are lots of amenities, which include restrooms, grills, hot
showers, picnic areas, fishing, hiking and biking trails, swimming and
dump station. In addition, bike rentals, a snack bar and a
restaurant are on site.
Notes: Pets allowed at one of the camping areas.
Amenities include restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, fishing,
hiking and biking trails, playground, swimming and dump station.
Extras include bike rentals, canoe rentals and a campground store.
Cabins: Yes, 6 cabins that sleep either 4 or 6. One
electrical outlet per cabin.
Rates: 6-person cabin is $30 per night. 4-person cabin
is $25 per night. Tent site is $12 per night.
Notes: There is no water to cabins and tents, and electricity
only in cabins. Camping is fairly primitive. Amenities
include restrooms, hot showers, fishing, hiking trails, picnic area and
canoe rentals.
Notes: There are 15 horse camping sites available.
Amenities include restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, hiking
trails, bike trails, laundry facility and dump station.
Notes: Campsites include water and electricity.
Amenities include restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, fishing,
boat ramp, hiking trails, bike trails, playground, vending machines and
dump station.
Cabins: Yes, 20 which sleeps 6 each. Air conditioning,
water and bathroom in each.
Rates: Cabins are $110 per night. Campsites are $21 per
night.
Notes: Campsites include water and electricity; primitive tent
sites are also available. Amenities include restrooms, grills, hot
showers, picnic areas, fishing, boat ramp, hiking trails, bike trails,
horse trails, playground, vending machines and dump station.
Notes: Pets accepted at some campsites. Amenities
include restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, fishing, boat
ramp, hiking trails, bike trails, playground, canoe rentals, swimming,
vending machines and dump station.
Cabins: Yes, 10 which sleeps 6 each. Cabins have
electricity and air conditioning, no water or bathroom facilities.
Rates: Cabins are $100 per night. Campsites are $21 per
night.
Notes: This park is next to the Silver Springs and Wild Waters
attraction. Primitive camping is also available. Amenities
include restrooms, grills, hot showers, picnic areas, hiking trails,
bike trails and dump station.
