Central Florida has some great options for RV camping!
As weekend warriors camping near Orlando, Fl it could sometimes be hard to snag a great RV spot. Looking for off the beaten path campsites or booking well in advance are helpful. Here are a few of our the great RV camping spots we love within 2.5 hours of Central Florida and the greater Orlando area.
Great RV Campsites Near Orlando and Central Florida
1.) Moss Park in Orlando
Moss Park is actually an Orange County Park, but it is one
of our favorite places to go when we just need a quick getaway. We have gone
for one night when we just need to shut the world away for a bit. We have spent
full weekends there for Babe’s triathlons. It’s a beautiful, quiet park, with
the camping tucked back away from the public access part of the park. There is
a beautiful lake, both for boating and other water activities (the campground
has it’s own boat dock if you have a boat to bring).
There is also great hiking, both in Moss park and at the
adjacent Split Oak Mitigation Park through an access trail. It’s only $18 per
night if you are an Orange County resident ($23 otherwise) and only about 20
minutes from our house, often with open spaces, even last minute. For those
from out of state or further away in Florida, looking for a great place to camp
that is close to all the theme parks, it’s a great alternative to some of the
pricey spots out closer to all the craziness. It’s quieter and beautiful and
not a bad drive into the parks at all (about 30 minutes). (Moss Park YouTube Review)
2.) Rainbow Springs State Park (1
hr 40 min from Orlando)
Rainbow Springs State Park is one of our favorite spots when
we want a more relaxing weekend! Known for its river tubing, it is a great
place to go when you really just want to kick your feet back. It can be really
hard to get a spot in the summer, so this is definitely a spot you need to plan
ahead for (we booked 6 months in advance), but it is totally worth it as a spot
to beat the Florida heat! There is a tram that runs from the campground to the
river pull out, but you do have to pay $15 to use that service (also includes a
tube). To find out how we tubed for free, as well as more in-depth details of
the park and amenities, check out our full post on Rainbow Springs State Park.
3.) Highlands Hammock State Park (for Camping with Kids near Central Florida)
Highlands Hammock State Park was such a fun spot! Though the
campground was very crowded when we went, and we found the spots to be a little
too close together, the park is simply stunning. The trees there are thousands
of years old and huge, some you can even stand inside of. I felt like I was
walking through a scene in Jurassic Park! The trails are all really unique and
very neat. We loved the catwalk trail, with the cut off boardwalk that ran
through the swamp. The park also included a tram ride through ranger only park
land, a museum all about the creation of the state park system, and a craft
morning for kids (select weekends).
4.) A Historical City Getaway- Faver-Dykes State Park (1.5 hrs
from Orlando)
We had been trying to find a spot to stay near St. Augustine,
so that we could go explore the city and the history and eat all the yummy
foods. Anastasia State Park (just 5
minutes from St. Augustine) can be really hard to get into. Luckily,
Faver-Dykers isn’t that much further; an easy 20 minute drive. It’s not only a
convenient spot to get close enough to spend the day exploring St. Augustine
(check out this post to see how we spent our 10 hours in the city), but the
park itself is also great. It’s right off the interstate, but tucked far enough
away that you would never know. There is a gorgeous river to spend the day
paddle boarding on and a few fun trails to explore! The wifi is patchy, but
that just makes it all the better in my opinion, because you can truly unplug.
The spots are spacious and wooded and very well kept! (Faver-Dykes State Park YouTube Review)
5.) Fort De Soto County Park (2
hours from Orlando)- great beachside getaway
Fort De Soto was actually the first place we ever took Flo,
and we loved it so much, we were back just a year later to enjoy it with
friends. The spots are great; most of them right on the water. From your spot
it’s a super quick car (or bike) ride to the beach. They also have the old
forts to explore, as well as a museum that discusses the history of the forts
and the park. Babe and I love exploring old forts and ruins and learning more
about the history of Florida (well, he loves reading all the signs and learning
all the facts; I love exploring all the nooks and crannies and pretending like
I was living in the forts back when they were actively used). There is also a
ferry that you can take to Egmont Key, an island accessible only by boat, for a
day of more fort exploring fun, a more private beach experience, and the
possibility of wading with the stingrays!
6.) Manatee Springs State Park
(2 hrs 15 mins from Orlando)- Perfect for Paddling
Manatee Springs State Park, though the furthest on the list,
is a great spot to do a little river paddling. Manatee Springs has an outdoor outfitter that you can rent canoes or kayaks from right there in the park. Anderson's Outdoor Adventures will provide you with an rental equipment (or you can bring your own) and they will then take you up river by van so that you are paddling back to the park with the current. It's a ten mile paddle back to Manatee Springs from where they drop you off so it is still a good full morning of paddling, you just don't have to fight the currents! If you leave early enough in the morning you can be back in time to get some super yummy BBQ that they make right there on property. We each got a meal, but they are so big you could definitely split one between 2 people. They also have the MOST AMAZING SWEET TEA that I have ever had (and I like to think that I have had some good ones)!! There is also a swimming/ snorkeling spot in the park, as well as a system of underwater trails for anyone who is scuba certified.
If you liked this post be sure to also check out campgrounds and RV parks in Orlando for 10 more great spots throughout Florida!
Honorable Mentions
Though we prefer to stay at state or county parks, because of cheaper rates and having everything right there (hiking, outdoor activities...) these two Thousand Trails resorts get honorable mentions. Even though the price per night is a bit more they were super clean, had full sewer hoookups and great resort amenities!
* Crystal River RV Resort- right on the water with the ability to rent pontoons and in close to proximity to being able to swim with the manatees!!
* Clover Leaf RV Resort- We stayed here and then drove over to Weeki Wachee for a day with the mermaids!!
These are just some of our favorite, easily accessible spots, from here in Orlando. For an even more extensive list of Orlando RV camping spots check out this list from my friend Kim of Wanderful World of Travel. There are still so many to explore and we can't wait to do just that! What are your favorite spots for a weekend in the woods?! Any good camping near you we need to check out?
What adventures have you been up to?
Try a new restaurant in your own backyard?
Taken a day trip in your home state? Journeyed to far off lands?
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