Discover the best campgrounds near Orlando, Florida with campfires

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but nature lovers know the best attractions in Central Florida are the wilderness and wildlife. Within an hour of downtown Orlando, campers can kayak with manatees in spring-fed rivers, fish on lakes, visit white-sand Atlantic beaches, and chart the stars at an International Dark Sky Park. Excellent local hiking and mountain biking options also draw those looking for an Orlando camping trip. Orlando campgrounds keep campers comfortable year-round, as do a smattering of RV parks with full hookups, free wifi, and swimming pools.

Where to go

Orlando Surrounds

There are several good parks for day trips and camping in Orlando, including the city’s Bill Frederick Park, home to 183 acres, fishing access on Turkey Lake, and a campground with tent and RV campsites. Another local camping gem with tent and RV sites is Moss Park on Lake Hart. And for a fun day on the water close to Orlando, check out Lake Apopka in Winter Garden, a favorite getaway offering boat rentals.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

For a spring-water oasis 20 minutes from town, check out Wekiwa Springs State Park. The crystal-clear green waters are open for swimming and paddling (kayak rentals available on-site). Even better, come winter, manatee sightings increase on the Wekiva River. The Wekiwa Springs campground is ideal for tent camping, with sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

The Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is just 30 minutes south of Orlando. By day, this grassland preserve is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching, but by night, the skies are so dark that the International Dark Sky Association has designated the area a Dark Sky Park, meaning the stargazing here is (literally) out of this world. The Kissimmee Prairie campground has RV and tent camping sites, along with water/electric hookups and a dump station.

Cape Canaveral Beaches

The closest Atlantic beach to Orlando is Cape Canaveral, about an hour east. This stretch of coast has white-sand beaches with boating, fishing, and surfing opportunities. The area’s Canaveral National Seashore is especially wild and scenic—just keep an eye on the Kennedy Space Center launch schedule when visiting for the chance to see a rocket take off.

When to go

Orlando has excellent warm-weather winter camping. Summer camping is possible too, but high heat and humidity mean summer campers may want an RV or lodging with air conditioning or a fan. Area theme parks like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios are most crowded in summer, so booking your summer getaway in advance is a must.

Nearby attractions

Embrace the tranquility that awaits at Lake Monroe Park in Florida. This haven for campers boasts a serene lake, perfect for quiet moments of reflection, lush greenery for peaceful strolls, and an abundance of local wildlife that nature enthusiasts will love.
Combine the magic of Disney with the great outdoors by camping near Walt Disney World. This experience is perfect for families, offering the thrill of Disney adventures by day, and the peaceful serenity of camping under the stars by night.