Central Florida has some of the most underrated camping in the state — crystal-clear spring runs, oak-canopy hammocks, and rolling lakeland trails. This guide covers the best state parks and forest campgrounds within 90 minutes of Orlando.
Best State Parks for camping
Wekiwa Springs State Park
30 minutes north of Orlando in Wekiva Springs. 60 family campsites in oak-and-pine hammock; kayaking, swimming in the spring, and 13 miles of trails.
Blue Spring State Park
In Orange City on the St. Johns River. Famous for manatee gatherings November-March. 51 campsites plus rustic cabins.
Hontoon Island State Park
Near DeLand — accessible only by boat. Rustic camping experience on an island in the St. Johns River.
Lake Louisa State Park
In Clermont. Largest park in Central Florida with 60 lakeside campsites and 20 cabins; horseback riding and mountain biking on rolling Lake County terrain.
Highlands Hammock State Park
Near Sebring in Highlands County. One of Florida's oldest state parks (1931) with virgin oak hammock, alligator-rich swamps, and 138 campsites.
National Forest camping
Ocala National Forest
A vast forest just north of Orlando across Altoona, Astor, and Fort McCoy. Multiple campgrounds at Juniper Springs, Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Clearwater Lake — all swimmable spring-fed lakes within the forest.
Beach camping
For coastal Central Florida camping, head to New Smyrna Beach or Canaveral National Seashore for primitive beach sites just south of Daytona.
Looking at Central Florida real estate?
If you're house-hunting in Central Florida and want to live close to camping country, the Lake County and Volusia County markets are natural starting points — both offer affordable single-family homes within easy reach of multiple state parks and the Ocala National Forest.