Weekends are the ideal time to enjoy Florida’s great outdoors. Here’s a quick rundown of great camping spots at local springs, beaches and everywhere in between. Best of all, they’re all within an easy drive of Orlando.

Canaveral National Seashore S. Washington Ave., Titusville, 321-267-1110canaveralnationalseashore/ Instagram
Orlando / Kissimmee KOA Holiday 2644 Happy Camper Place, Kissimmee, 407-396-2400Orlando / Kissimmee KOA Holiday Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 51 minutes With modern amenities like wifi, cable TV hookups and a pool, this isn’t diving into nature like other places, but it does put you in close proximity to theme parks. RV spots and cabins are also available to rent and it is a good idea to check availability before you go. Photo via
Bill Frederick Park 3401 S. Hiawassee Road, Orlando, 407-246-4486Bill Frederick Park Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 21 minutes Located on one of the top five rated fishing lakes in the state of Florida, Bill Frederick Park allows you to be close to the city, yet far enough to enjoy nature. They have a variety of activities including canoe rentals and volleyball courts. Call ahead to reserve a camping date. Photo via Adobe
Blue Spring State Park 2100 W. French Ave., Orange City, 386-775-3663 Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 49 minutes Activities at Blue Spring State Park revolve around the spring. With crystal-clear water staying a constant 73 degrees, it’s ideal on both hot and cooler days to swim, snorkel or dive. Not to mention on cold days you can see hundreds of manatees in the water. Be sure to make a reservation 24 hours in advance. Photo via Adobe
Disney Fort Wilderness Campground 4510 N. Fort Wilderness Trail, 407-824-2900 Disney Fort Wilderness Campground Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 34 minutes This is the kind of camping that you think of when you think of picturesque camping, complete with horseback riding and nature trails. Why? Because it is slightly Disney-engineered to be like that, but at the same time still has that charm and quaintness. No need to reserve ahead of time. Photo via Disney
Kelly Park / Rock Springs 400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka, 407-254-1902Kelly Park/Rock Springs Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 41 minutes The trails going through Kelly Park are great and all, but the best way to see it is by inner tube. What better way to see nature than planting yourself in a tube, drinking a refreshing beverage and letting the current do all the work? Make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance if you plan to camp here. Photo by Steph Davis.
Lake Griffin State Park 3089 US-441, Fruitland Park, 352-360-6760brian_heyman/ Instagram
Lake Louisa State Park 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, 352-394-3969Lake Louisa State Park Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 43 minutes With cabins, RV slips and tent camping, this place has levels of outdoorsiness to suit everyone. The also have kayak and bike rentals, as well as equestrian trails. Better make a reservation 24 hours in advance, though. Photo via Adobe.
Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park 8300 FL-46, Sanford, 407-884-2009
Wekiwa Springs State Park 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, 407-884-2009 Wekiwa Springs State Park Estimated driving distance from Orlando: 34 minutes With miles of trails to explore and natural Florida scenery all around, this place is a great way to see wildlife and take a dip in the springs without hardly any driving required. Make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance.