Inexpensive and smothered in nature, these scenic campgrounds are the best for RV and tent campers within an hour’s drive of Disney World.
Central Florida
Lithia Springs: Camp at this cool, secluded park near Tampa
Tucked into a corner of Hillsborough County is a quiet, well-shaded campground that packs a lot of nature into a small 160-acre preserve along the Alafia River.
Best Camping near Mount Dora
Charming Old Florida village with an antique center and flea market that will knock your socks off. Not everyone wants to stay in a B&B or hotel, so we reveal a few of our favorite places to camp within 25 miles.
Florida Strawberry Festival set for Feb 27-March 8
Reba, Neil McCoy, Patti LaBelle, Josh Turner, Lynyrd Skynyrd headline 2020 Florida Strawberry Festival
Future of historic Desert Inn after crash uncertain
The historic (and notorious) Yeehaw Junction landmark has occupied the busy crossroads of State Road 60 and U.S. 441 since the late 1800s, when Florida Crackers hauled crops to market and cowboys herded cattle through the intersection. (And yes, it was once a brothel.)
Cut your own Christmas tree at Ocala National Forest
The winter holidays are different in balmy Florida, but you might be surprised that you CAN hike into the woods and cut down a Christmas tree. In fact, it’s only $7 and you can also explore beautiful Ocala National Forest.
Ocala: Four great kayak or canoe rivers within 45 minutes
You can experience four outstanding Florida rivers in one trip if you base yourself in the Ocala area. In four days of paddling, you have a good chance to see wildlife — from manatees to American eagles to alligators and even monkeys. Three of the four rivers are aquarium-clear spring-fed streams. The fourth is a wild and peaceful place where you can escape the modern world.
Mount Dora: Eight big weekend festivals plus year-round charm
Mount Dora is a historic town that has figured out how to keep people visiting: Maximize the natural beauty and develop big arts, crafts and antique festivals. THIS WEEKEND, Oct. 26-27: The 34th Annual Craft Fair. a juried event that attracts top crafters from around the country.
