Families planning a Central Florida vacation often find themselves staying in a large hotel with hundreds of other theme park-bound families.
While this is usually considered a part of the experience, it doesn't have to be that way.
Florida campgrounds located near all of the Central Florida attractions make for a pleasant retreat from crowded theme park days.
Camping close to all of the traditional Central Florida attractions also opens up a wealth of opportunities to enjoy all of the natural wonders of the area like Florida fishing, hiking, canoeing and of course nature viewing.
Here are some tent camping and RV parks in Central Florida to consider before planning your next Central Florida vacation: Lakeland Carefree RV Resort Holiday dinners, bicycle outings, water aerobics, and quality time with friends and family in the clubhouse are just a few of the things that make the Lakeland Carefree RV Resort one of the best Florida campgrounds.
Just west of Orlando, within the city limits of Lakeland, campers experience a Central Florida vacation resort year-round.
RV enthusiasts enjoy 230 full hook-up sites, and recreational vehicle and cabin rentals are available.
Amenities include a heated pool, spa, game room, laundry, store, snack bar, showers, a children's pool, and a fenced dog park.
Outdoor activities are abundant with a stocked fishing lake, paddleboats, shuffleboard, and miniature golf.
River Ranch RV Resort If a Western-style cowboy retreat reminiscent of Old Florida is your idea of the perfect Central Florida vacation, then the 1,700- acre ponderosa-style River Ranch RV Resort in Lake Wales might be just the thing.
This "Dude Ranch" recalls an era when Florida was home to an abundance of cowboys and cattle ranchers.
Guests are close to nature, and there are many activities on the ranch and in the surrounding areas.
You can enjoy horseback riding, guided nature hikes, Florida fishing, boating, pools, spas, a 9-hole golf course, marina with lake and river access, and a petting zoo, and there's even a rodeo on Saturday nights in a 1,200-seat stadium.
Additional amenities including tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, the skeet, trap and archery range, and swamp buggy rides make the River Ranch experience one of the most sought after Florida campgrounds.
Camp Mack's River Resort In the eastern part of Polk County lies Camp Mack's River Resort.
Located on the Kissimmee River in "Big Bass Country," it offers a beautiful Florida campground setting, boat rentals, a restaurant, pool, fishing guide, and a store.
With more than 290 RV sites, and rentals and permanent sites, Cape Mack offers full-service hook-ups, a laundry facility, and scenic nature tours along the Kissimmee River.
All RV sites are paved, and most have picnic tables.
Cable TV and wet slips can be rented for additional fees.
For guests without an RV, cabin and park model home rentals are usually available.
Bass and pontoon boats are available for rent, and a tackle shop makes it convenient to pick up gear and sundries.
For a truly unique experience, the Camp Mack Billy Bob Airboat offers an up-close view of the beauty and charm of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes.
Tent Camping in Central Florida If your family likes to experience nature up close, then planning a rustic Central Florida vacation with traditional tent camping may be the way to go.
Saddle Creek Park borders a beautiful lake -- meaning you can relax the day away fishing, boating, or taking nature walks.
There are also facilities for target shooting, playgrounds, sports facilities and picnic gazebos.
Florida fishing is also very popular.
You'll find the winter months best for Black Crappie, and February through April to be the time for Largemouth Bass.
Channel Catfish and Bluegill Bream are also commonly found.
Planning a Central Florida vacation doesn't always mean hotels and theme parks.
It is important before traveling to think about the activities your family enjoys doing together and incorporating them into your vacation.
Booking a spot at one of the many Central Florida campgrounds nearby can give your family a nice change of pace.