FL state park recommendations before FW nights?

[toverly]

We want to stay in FW for our next trip down but I can't seem to get all the nights I need. Has anyone stayed in a local Orlando state park before FW. I figure it would be futile to stay after. No way it could compare. Just the first two nights, till we can get into FW. Please let me know. A few look close.
Thanks.

 

[tim5055]

Here is my list of Other Campgrounds in the WDW Area

On our way to FW we usually stop at Silver River State Park for a night or two before continuing to FW. SRSP is in Ocala, so it is a quick trip to FW on our arrival morning. It is a beautiful park and a great place to unwind form work before starting a relaxing vacation at the world.

 

[ducklite]

Lake Louisa State Park has campsites and is about a 30 minute drive to FW. There's a Publix about two miles from the park entrance to pick up groceries you might need. You should be able to see the MK fireworks from some points in the park.

 

[mrzrich]

Wekiwa Spring is one of the nicest state parks I've been to in Florida. Its in Apopka about 25 miles west of Orlando. There is a beautiful Spring there.

I'm sorry, but I can't reccomend Lake Louisa for camping. While the lake is lovely, the sites are not very nice. They are not shaded. Its like camping in a parking lot, and a poorly maintained one at that. Cracks in the road, potholes, etc. We drove in and out. On our way out we told the ranger why, he said "I know! Its pretty bad isn't it?"

 

[Disney Campers]

One more vote for Wekiwa Springs.

 

[ducklite]

Wekiwa Spring is one of the nicest state parks I've been to in Florida. Its in Apopka about 25 miles west of Orlando. There is a beautiful Spring there.

I'm sorry, but I can't reccomend Lake Louisa for camping. While the lake is lovely, the sites are not very nice. They are not shaded. Its like camping in a parking lot, and a poorly maintained one at that. Cracks in the road, potholes, etc. We drove in and out. On our way out we told the ranger why, he said "I know! Its pretty bad isn't it?"

When were you last there? They've made a ton of improvements there in the past 18 months or so, although I think the camping areas are still unshaded.

 

[mrzrich]

When were you last there? They've made a ton of improvements there in the past 18 months or so, although I think the camping areas are still unshaded.

Yeah I guess its been about two years now. I hope the keep up with the improvements because the location is ideal. If they could improve it a bit, that place would be full year round.

 

[Whosemom]

One more vote for Wekiwa Springs.

Me, too. Heck, I thought it was in Orlando. That was the most urbanly situated state park I have ever seen! But once you were in, it was another planet! And beautiful. We were a little surprised by some of the residents (bears), but they just ambled around and minded their own business for the most part. We just put our coolers in the car at night and all was well.

 

[DebbieT11]

Hey, we stayed in Orlando at a City park.... Turkey Lake - it was a GREAT little park! Cheap, safe, clean, secure.... can't ask for much more for $15 a night....lol... plus, they have a great laundry facility!


Here's a map and some reviews

But it was a nice place... affordable, and VERY close to Universal for a day or so too!

 

[des1954]

Wekiwa Spring is one of the nicest state parks I've been to in Florida. Its in Apopka about 25 miles west of Orlando. There is a beautiful Spring there.

I'm sorry, but I can't reccomend Lake Louisa for camping. While the lake is lovely, the sites are not very nice. They are not shaded. Its like camping in a parking lot, and a poorly maintained one at that. Cracks in the road, potholes, etc. We drove in and out. On our way out we told the ranger why, he said "I know! Its pretty bad isn't it?"

I agree with mrzrich about Lake Louisa. The park as a whole is beautiful, but the camping area stinks.

Another nice one is Hillsborough State Park in Tampa. Wekiwa Springs is very nice, also.

Over on the east coast is Jetty Park. While the campground itself is nothing to write home about, you are right on the Atlantic and can watch the cruise ships take off and come back from the comfort of your own camp site. The Disney Cruise Line launches from that port. Also, if there are any launches at KSC (Cape Canaveral), you can see them right from your camp site. There is a beautiful fishing pier and the beach within walking distance. Just "google" Jetty Park.

Deb