When most people think of Central Florida, they picture the manicured perfection of theme parks, the endless sprawl of resorts, and the bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-4. But just thirty minutes west of Orlando’s main attractions, there’s a whole different world waiting for you. This is a world of rolling sandhills, tea-colored lakes, and sprawling live oaks draped in Spanish moss. This is the world of Lake Louisa State Park, and for an RVer, it’s a slice of paradise. This isn’t just a place with a dump station; it’s a full-blown recreational hub that serves as the perfect natural antidote to the concrete kingdom next door. It’s a place where you can start your day with a guided horseback ride through the woods and end it by emptying your tanks before settling in for a quiet night under the stars.
The park is located in Clermont, a town that proudly calls itself “The Choice of Champions.” The nickname comes from the surprisingly hilly terrain that makes it a popular training ground for triathletes. For a visitor, these hills offer a welcome change from the typical Florida flatness. You can get a stunning view of it all from the top of the 226-foot Florida Citrus Tower, a cool retro landmark that gives you a 360-degree perspective of the Lake Wales Ridge. The area is also dotted with local farms where you can pick your own citrus or blueberries depending on the season, and the historic downtown area has a growing craft beer scene. For cyclists, the 22-mile South Lake Trail is a fantastic paved path that winds through the scenic landscape. And of course, if you must answer the call of the mouse, Walt Disney World is only about a 35-mile drive to the east. The location is perfect, offering a peaceful base camp with easy access to all the action.
Using the dump station here feels like part of a classic state park camping experience. It’s not a rushed, industrial affair. In most Florida state parks, the dump station is tucked away neatly between campground loops, and Lake Louisa is no exception. You’ll find it situated conveniently between the Dixie and Sandhill camping loops. If you’re a registered camper, using the dump station is included free with your stay. For day-trippers just passing through who need to empty their tanks, there’s a small fee, usually around ten dollars, but it’s always a good idea to call the ranger station to get the latest rate. You can expect a clean setup: a one-way approach lane for easy traffic flow, a solid concrete pad to keep things tidy, and a dedicated rinse spigot. The only thing to be aware of is the weekend checkout rush. Like any popular campground, Sunday morning can see a bit of a line form as everyone tries to dump their tanks before hitting the road. A little planning goes a long way here.
The amenities at Lake Louisa are a cut above what you might find at more rustic campgrounds. The potable water is excellent, with fill stations available at every single campsite in addition to a central spigot at the dump station itself. The bathhouses are a real treat. They are spacious, tiled, and cleaned twice daily, with decent water pressure that feels fantastic after a day of hiking or paddling on the lakes. You'll also find plenty of bear-resistant dumpsters near the campground entrance, so you don’t have to worry about packing out your trash. All 60 of the RV sites come equipped with both 30 and 50 amp electric hookups, and many of them are large enough to accommodate big rigs up to 50 feet in length.
One very important detail, especially for those drawn in by the unique activities, concerns pets. While the main campground is very welcoming to leashed pets, Fido is not allowed to join you on the guided equestrian tours. This is a standard safety rule, but it’s something you need to plan for. You’ll have to make sure your furry friend is comfortably settled back at the campsite before you head out for your ride. It’s also worth noting that, like most state parks, there are no propane filling or RV repair services on-site. You’ll need to stock up on supplies in Clermont or along the busy US-27 corridor before you enter the park.
From a cost perspective, this place offers incredible value. Camping fees in Florida state parks are remarkably affordable, typically running around $24 per night plus tax. When you consider that this fee includes your site, electric hookups, and free use of the dump station, it’s a bargain, especially when you compare it to the prices of private RV parks closer to the theme parks. Even if you’re just coming in for the day, paying the park entrance fee plus a small dump charge is often still cheaper than many commercial dump stations. As always, policies and fees can change, so a quick call to the park is always a smart move.
To make your visit perfect, a few insider tips can help. The horseback tours are incredibly popular and are capped at a small group size, so it’s essential to reserve your spot online in advance to avoid disappointment. Florida’s weather is predictable in its unpredictability; summer thunderstorms tend to roll in like clockwork in the mid-afternoon. Plan to do your dumping in the morning to avoid dealing with a slippery, rain-soaked pad. The park is also a great place for biking, with miles of hard-packed sand roads that make for easy cycling between the different loops and lakes. And last but not least, this is Florida. The beautiful lakes breed mosquitoes year-round, so be sure to pack and use a good insect repellent.
The final word on Lake Louisa State Park is that it’s an absolute treasure for RVers. It beautifully blends outdoor adventure with all the necessary campground comforts, all wrapped up in a serene, natural setting. It gives you a reliable and clean place to handle your tank duties while offering a memorable Florida experience that goes far beyond the theme parks. Just be sure to confirm the pet rules for your chosen activities, book your tours ahead of time, and arrive ready to relax. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries, and your soul, before diving back into the hustle and bustle of your travels.
7305 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
(352) 503-4489
Cost: Price not available
Category: Horseback riding service
Has Water
lakelouisastatepark.com