Tourism is now the leading industry in Orlando, Florida, a sun-kissed city world famous for its theme parks. With beautiful scenery, 100 attractions, 5,300 restaurants and the second largest convention center in the country, Orlando now greets more than 50 million visitors every year, according to the Orlando/Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Vacationers can sidestep pricey hotel rooms by arriving in an RV. Campgrounds are plentiful.
Orlando’s RV campgrounds range from plush to plain, and prices reflect the amenities. Before booking a spot, campers should ask about water, electric and sewer hookups, plus any other features that are important. Some facilities allow pets, while others don’t. Some are great for active children, while others are geared toward quiet relaxation. Some are located in nature preserves while others offer cable TV and Internet access. Most offer daily, weekly and monthly rates.
Orlando’s theme parks are a top draw, and campers can stay either nearby or, in one case, on-site. The Orlando Southwest/Fort Summit KOA campground offers sites for RVs, free shuttles to Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios, plus one of the biggest swimming pools in the area, open year-round.
Orlando Southwest /Fort Summit KOA
2525 Frontage Rd.
Davenport, FL 33837
863-424-1880
The 750-acre Fort Wilderness Resort was opened in 1971 as an original feature of Walt Disney World Resort. The resort offers full amenities for RVs, plus restaurants, horseback riding, boat and watercraft rentals, fishing, sports and children’s activities. Some campsites accommodate pets, and the resort offers an off-leash dog park, walking trails and kennels.
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground
4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail
Orlando, FL 32830
407-824-2900
RV enthusiasts also can pull up to one of Orlando’s many lakes. A 20-minute drive from Disney World, the Orlando Southeast/Lake Whippoorwill KOA is situated on the 355-acre Lake Whippoorwill, giving guests access to a private boat ramp, paddle boat and canoe rentals and fishing.
Orlando Southeast/Lake Whippoorwill KOA
12345 Narcoossee Road
Orlando, FL 32832
407-277-5075
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake offers 36 RV sites with full hookups, plus restrooms and showers, an on-site laundry, nature trails and a swimming pool. Turkey Lake offers swimming, fishing and boat rentals.
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
3401 S Hiawassee Rd.
Orlando, FL 32832
407-299-5581
The Lake Breeze RV Park offers 40 sites with full hook-ups, plus a boat launch, playground, swimming and fishing.
Lake Breeze RV Park
2040 Lee Rd.
Orlando, FL 32832
407-293-9391
Campers hoping to enjoy Orlando’s natural beauty can try Sherwood Forest RV Resort, offering 531 RV sites shaded by lush trees plus a heated pool and spa, miniature golf, a fitness center and outdoor games.
Sherwood Forest RV Resort
5300 W Irlo Bronson Hwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34746
877-570-2267
Orlando RV is an uncrowded 255-acre campground located in a nature preserve alongside the spring-fed Lake Hancock. The site books quickly from December 19 through March 31, so call 90 days in advance.
Orlando RV
2110 US Highway 27 S
Clermont, FL 34711
877-570-2267
The Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort in Clermont offers a whopping 1,250 sites for RVs on 287 acres of hills, trees and ponds. In addition to an 18-hole golf course and pro-shop, the year-round resort offers a fitness center, three swimming pools, barbecue and picnic facilities, playground, dog run and more. An activities coordinator plans numerous classes, game nights, potlucks and concerts for resort guests.
Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort
20005 US Hwy 27N
Clermont, FL 34715
877-570-2267
