Enjoy peaceful lakes, lush springs, and wild Florida forests on a Mount Dora camping getaway.
A relaxed town in Florida’s Lake County, Mount Dora sits on the bank of Lake Dora. This is a prime spot for kayaking, fishing, and sunset boat tours, while miles of hiking and mountain biking trails also draw campers to nearby state parks and forests. This part of Central Florida is loaded with wildlife, including black bears, alligators, river otters, deer, and hundreds of local and migratory bird species. Plus, you can find multiple springs for swimming and manatee viewing close by. Just don’t come looking for an alpine experience—the town is called “Mount” Dora because it's situated on a 184-foot plateau.
Two massive nature preserves await just east of Mount Dora—the Seminole State Forest has miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, plus primitive camping, while the adjacent Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park has another 18 miles of multi-use trails as well as a canoe/kayak launch on the Wekiva River. Mount Dora makes a great base camp to explore these parks thanks to a smattering of RV parks and campsites with picnic tables, full hookups, and even wifi. For more options, check out nearby Tavares or Eustis.
For relaxed lakeside camping, head to Lake Griffin State Park, known for kayak and canoe adventures (rentals are available). Keep an eye out for anhinga, alligators, and turtles on Lake Griffin, and don’t miss the 400-year-old live oak tree near the park entrance.
You can swim, snorkel, and kayak in crystal-clear spring water at Wekiwa Springs State Park. The campground features tent sites and RV campsites with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms. Because of its proximity to Orlando, this spot often books out early.
About 50 minutes northeast of Mount Dora, Blue Springs State Park features a campground and cabin rentals. This first-magnitude spring is famous for the manatees that congregate here each winter.
Mount Dora is especially pleasant in fall, winter, and spring, when the heat and humidity from summer is dialed down. Book early for winter and spring break trips, as these seasons draw big crowds. If visiting during the summer, you may be most comfortable in an RV, cabin, or glamping site with a fan or AC.