Campgrounds In Lakeland, Florida

The city of Lakeland, in Polk County, Central Florida, is about 35 miles east of Tampa and 55 miles southwest of Orlando. Its close proximity to Gulf and Atlantic beaches, as well as a number of Florida state parks, provides an array of outdoor activities and attractions for the adventurous camping enthusiast. Several campgrounds are in Lakeland, and many more close by, whether you favor primitive tent camping or luxury RV resorts.

Geography

Lakeland's position makes it a popular base for Central Florida vacationers. The city is Polk County's largest contributor to recreational activities, and has 45 parks, playgrounds and other leisure venues, such sports and entertainment complex The Lakeland Center. You can also find 38 lakes throughout the city, from tiny 2.5-acre Lake Blanton to 2,272-acre Lake Parker, where you can fish for large-mouth bass and crappie.

Campgrounds

Several camping options in Lakeland are suitable for all types of campers and close to area attractions. Tiki Village Campground has 203 sites and is pet and family-friendly, offering on-site activities such as bowling, horseshoes and water aerobics. You can also take part in line dancing and shuffleboard. The Sanlan RV Park is next to the public Bramble Ridge Golf Course and offers more than 500 full hook-up sites. Tent campers can head for the Carefree Lakeland RV resort, which also has five super-size big rig sites, and cabins to rent.

Activities

Campers can keep active with a range of onsite activities offered by each campground, such as paddle boats, stocked fishing lakes and a games room at the Carefree Lakeland RV resort. The Sanlan RV Park has three solar heated swimming pools and 18 shuffleboard courts. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the 2-mile walk through the Sanlan Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, while the 3-mile trail around the golf course is suitable for jogging.

State Parks

Colt Creek State Park in Lakeland is nestled in the Green Swamp Wilderness Area. You can enjoy more than 12 miles of hiking and horse-riding trails. Wildlife enthusiasts may be treated to possible sightings of around 150 species of birds and 80 species of butterfly, as well as bobcat, fox squirrel and bald eagles. You can combine primitive tent camping--available to organized youth groups on three basic campgrounds---with fishing and kayaking in the lake.

When To Go

Central Florida's climate rarely--if ever--gets too cold for camping. The hottest summer months, however, from June through August, can be uncomfortably clammy for tent camping, with an average high in excess of 90 degrees F. These months also experience the most rainfall and lightning storms. Organize your camping adventure to coincide with one of the many events that celebrate outdoor adventure in Polk County, such as the Bloomin Bike Ride in March or the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In aviation show in April.