Top Orlando Campsites: Where Nature and an Urban Wonderland Meet

Despite its reputation as an urban wonderland, full of theme parks and concrete, the Central Florida area offers a variety of camping opportunities for the beginner and the expert. It's true, most of the time you will not be able to fully escape the city lights (and perhaps in some cases the sounds) but it is amazing how refreshing it can be to get back to nature - and how quickly it starts, even in a predominantly urban area.

So we will examine the top 5 camping sites in Central Florida.

1. Wekiva Springs State Park, Apopka, FL.

This park is located within an hour of the most popular Orlando theme parks, but seems a world away. The spring here is a refreshing, (if not chilly) 72 degrees year round. It can be quite a shock to the system when you first get in! Canoes are also available for rent. Wekiva Springs State Park offers full service camping and primitive camping - and even campsites which can only be accessed by canoe! Whether accessing primitive campsites by canoe or on foot, all are off the beaten path. The full service campsites offer water, electricity, fire pit, grill and picnic table.

Cost is $20 per night for full service campsites, $4 for primitive sites. Call 800-326-3521 for more information.

2. Kelly Park, 400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL. 32712

Much like Wekiva, which Rock Springs flows into, this park is a great escape and within an hour of the theme parks. There are places for tents and RVs in this park, which is run by Orange County. Over the years, Kelly Park has become a major attraction for those who like to tube down the river. The meandering run leads to a swimming area, where tubers can get out and walk back to the spring's source, and begin all over again. It makes for a relaxing day.

The cost is $23 per night for non residents. Seniors pay $17.25.

For residents, the cost is $18 per night, or $13.50 per night for seniors. Reservations can be made up to 45 days in advance by calling 407-889-4179.

3. Moss Park, 12901 Moss Park Road, Orlando, FL. 32832

This park is one of the most overlooked treasures by visitors to the area, but well known to the locals. Situated 15 miles southeast of Orlando between Lake Hart and Lake Mary Jane, Moss Park offers towering oak trees, playgrounds, swimming, fishing and hiking in a very serene setting. A canal connecting the two lakes is often a good spot for both wildlife and people watching (sometimes, those two are the same).

And with the Central Florida Greeneway, most theme parks are only 30 minutes away!

Non-residents pay $23 per night, or $17.25 if the senior discount applies.

Residents pay $18 per night, $13.50 for seniors.

Campsites have a maximum of six people per site.

Multi-family campsites are also available. They allow up to 18 people. Rates are $69 for non-residents and $54 for residents.

Call 407-273-2327 for more information.

4. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, 3401 Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL.

This park has it all! Horse trails, bike trails, hiking trails, you name it and it's here. If you want to fish, the large lake holds some trophy catches. There's a pool, play facilities. In addition, Universal Studios is practically in your back yard. For those who are interested in tennis, Lake Cane Tennis Center is just around the corner as well.

This is one of the best locations in all of Orlando for camping, and there are plenty of options.

Full hookups, including sewer, run $18. Water and electric only are $15.

Primitive sites for tents run $7.

And if you want at least some of the comforts of home, cabins are available for $35 per night, with a $110 deposit. They sleep 10.

For more information, call 407-299-5581.

5. Disney's Fort Wilderness, Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL.

For those who absolutely must be on site, and not just near the theme parks, Disney's Fort Wilderness, which has a variety of camping options, may be the perfect choice. There is a pool, lake, fishing opportunities, horseback riding and a host of other activities available to campers. Though the rates, per night, may be as much as some of the area hotels, those who choose to stay on Disney property can take advantage of other amenities, such as additional theme park hours only open to resort guests.

Rates are anywhere from $42 to $81 for a campsite with electric and water. Those with electric, water and sewer run from $47 to $94.

For those who want to add cable television to the electric, water and sewer, rates go up to between $56 and $99. The rate you pay depends on the time of year you visit, with holidays being the most expensive.

For more information call 407-939-6244.