The Orlando region is Florida's tourism magnet, with more theme parks per square mile than anywhere else in the nation. It also boasts proximity to both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, as well as Kennedy Space Center--all just a little more than an hour's drive east or west. If you're looking for someplace to park your RV and have easy access to the Mouse, the myriad malls ranging from cheap to chic, or to fancy or fast food, the Orlando area offers a full range of RV campgrounds. Keep in mind that, by loose definition, "Orlando"--like most metropolitan areas--actually encompasses about a dozen neighboring cities.
El Punto RV Park
Just a mile from downtown Orlando but "on a beautiful lake with dock and fishing," according to its website, the El Punto RV Park bills itself as a "destination campground and 21-plus park," it's a place to stay awhile, and there's not a whole lot to keep the kids busy. It does allow pets (on leashes) and offers paved roads to 44 sites (some pull-through) with full 30-amp and 50-amp hookups; water access and a boat ramp; an outdoor pool; on-site laundry and payphones. El Punto RV Park is just off Interstate 4 (Lee Road exit).
El Punto RV Park
3405 N. Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 297-4011
campflorida.com/campgrounds/moreinfo.php?ZID23=14812&ListingFormat=camp&ClassID=2
Lake Fairview Mobile Court
For place to escape the hustle-bustle of theme parks and malls and just "set a spell," check out Lake Fairview Mobile Court about one mile off I-4 (Exit 45). It offers 36 sites with full hookups (30 amp and 50 amp), and an on-site laundry, and rents spots by the season or annually. A member of FARVC, it accepts only cash or traveler's checks.
Lake Fairview Mobile Court
4462 Edgewater Drive
Orlando, FL 32804
(407) 293-8581
campflorida.com/campgrounds/moreinfo.php?ZID23=19715&ListingFormat=camp&ClassID=2
Fort Wilderness Resort
Less than 20 minutes' drive west from downtown Orlando is Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort. Since 1971, its campsites--located near Disney's Magic Kingdom--have offered a respite from a full day of Mickey Mouse and his entourage. Its 700-wooded acres have 799 campsites, ranging from tent/popup sites to premium sites that are from 25 to 65 feet in length. All sites have water, cable television and electrical (20 amp/120 volt, 30 amp/120 volt, 50 amp/250 volt outlets) hookups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Wi-Fi (high-speed Internet access) is available for an additional charge. Also at Fort Wilderness Resort are grocery stores, video rentals, babysitting and child services, laundry facilities and a kennel (pet-friendly campsites are available). The folks at Walt Disney World say Fort Wilderness has walking paths to the theme and water parks, and transportation is available by bus. The nightly rates for 2010 ranged from $44 to $107, depending on the size of the campsite and the season. Premium ($74 to $107) and Preferred ($64 to $97) sites can accommodate the "largest types of motor homes and travel trailers," while Full Hookup ($59 to $92) campsites can handle equipment up to 10-by-60 feet, and Partial Hookup ($44 to $73) sites have room for one pop-up or van camper-type vehicle and one tent.
The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
(407) 939-6244
disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/campsites-at-fort-wilderness-resort
Kissimmee/Orlando KOA
Wedged between two of greater Orlando's bigger tourist attractions (Sea World and Disney World) is one of two KOA campgrounds in the region, the Kissimmee/Orlando KOA. The owners of this recent addition to the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) group boast they "can accommodate anything from the smallest tent to the largest coach" on their 96 sites, with "shade trees trimmed for big rigs." Rates between $40 and $83 daily in 2010 include full hookups with "50 amp service at every site," as well as cable TV. The campgrounds sells propane and groceries, has a heated outdoor pool and hot tub, a rec hall fully stocked with games, and pull-through sites. Leashed pets are permitted.
Kissimmee/Orlando KOA
2644 Happy Camper Place
Kissimmee, FL 34746
(800) 562-7791; (407) 396-2400
kissorlandokoa.com
Fort Summit KOA
This KOA campground bills itself as "centrally located to Orlando's world-famous theme parks" but "a self-contained resort with plenty of space on 30-plus acres." It offers 50-amp electric hookups at all sites, and is big rig capable. Owners also say you can "pull your rig into an RV site complete with digital cable TV and a brick fireplace on the patio." Among the nearby tourist-draws are Walt Disney World and Sea World, plus the Mall of Millenia, which boasts some of the highest-priced merchandise in the region.
Orlando SW/Fort Summit KOA
2525 Frontage Road
Davenport, FL 33837
(800) 424-1880; U.S./Canada: (888) 562-4712
fortsummit.com
Lake Whippoorwill KOA
Twenty minutes from the region's theme parks is the 355-acre Lake Whippoorwill and the Orlando S.E./Lake Whippoorwill KOA campgrounds, which offers lakeview RV sites with full hookups (including electricity and cable TV). In addition to a swimming pool and hot tub, this KOA facility has a private boat ramp and rentals of paddle boats and canoes. In early 2010, the nightly rate for a 22-foot motorhome was $58, although prices fluctuate depending on the season.
Orlando S.E. / Lake Whippoorwill KOA
12345 Narcoossee Road
Orlando, FL 32832
Information: (407) 277-5075; Reservations: (800) 562-3969
koa.com/where/fl/09322
Related posts
With its many theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Theme Park, Orlando, Florida, is a popular vacation destination for families. For those that take their pet companions alo...
The Olympic Peninsula is across from Seattle and Puget Sound.Washington's Olympic Peninsula is best known as the setting for Olympic National Park. However, the region is also renowned for histori...
Located between Topeka and Salina in northeastern Kansas, Manhattan is the home of Kansas State University. "The Little Apple" is in the Flint Hills and offers plenty of outdoor attracti...
Don't want to leave your pet behind as you and the family venture to a Universal Studios theme park? The television and movie-themed parks in Hollywood and Orlando offer kennel services. Universal...
Dog RelaxingPets are a part of the family and when traveling, people like to bring them along. Vacations are relaxing and rejuvenating for humans but can be stressful for the dog. Finding a qualit...
