Overall Impression: Loved it! Lake Louisa State Park was a complete surprise to us. Here is a link to their park brochure. We have enjoyed this area a lot and found this park to be a great experience with the over 6 miles of rolling hill park roads, 3 larger lakes for fishing and paddling and some smaller ones too, miles of trails and double track/equestrian trails. There are rv sites, tent sites, cabins and even an equestrian area. The roads outside the park were very bike friendly too. Not far from major attractions like Disney (aprox 20 miles away)
The Campground: You can see more campground information by clicking here. There are three loops for camping and only a few offer glimpses of the lake but most of the sites were nicely wooded with good privacy from your neighbors. We camped here in May and while it was getting hot, the bugs were very manageable with some bug spray and using fans at the bewitching hour that seems to be just when the sun sets. Each site has 30/50 amp and water and many will accommodate larger units. Cell service with our sprint phones and verizon hotspots was good. We were able to get several tv channels with our antenna. If you want to be able to walk/roll your kayak, I would suggest you stay in 1-30 because these are the closest to water access. The two bathhouses in the campgrounds were clean and functional. There are washers and dryers. There is a designated tent area that has two glamping tents ready to reserve which does not offer as much shade as some of the other sites. There is also a designated equestrian camping area too. This park also has cabins for rent. Unfortunately, most state parks do not allow pets in the cabins.
Trails- Here is a link to a nice clean map. I got lost in the area of Dude and Hook Lake because there were trails that weren’t marked on the map but since everything makes a circle you won’t be lost for long. There is not a lot of shade on some of the multi-use trails but well worth the exploration. Lots of different foliage and in some areas you will find abandoned orange tree groves that still bear fruit. Some areas will get muddy and boggy with rain but it was easy to find paths around those spots. These same trails are fun to bike also. The equestrian trails are hikable and bikeable. There are also trail rides available which looked like a lot of fun. Here is a link for the guided horseback riding opportunities.
Water– There are 3 lakes that are easily accessed. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the campstore near the campgrounds. Dixie Lake and Hammond lake are near the campgrounds and Lake Louisa is further away. All allow kayaks, canoes, non motorized boats and electric powered boats. The fishing was pretty good and the lakes were beautiful to kayak. There is a swimming beach that is located right next to a sign that says “Beware of Alligator” so… swim at your own risk. Lake Louisa, Dixie Lake and Hammond Lake have fishing piers which makes water access really easy and relaxing. There are also some smaller lakes that tucked into nooks and crannies in the park- Bear Lake has a floating dock and is accessed by a gravel road and the most secluded accessible lake. (there is no bathroom near this lake) The nearest public boat ramp for larger boats is located off park premise at the Palatlakaha River Park and Boat Ramp. The park website says that all boats have to be off the park boundary waters an hour before sunset for campground and cabin guests, in addition to the day use people.
Biking- There are 7 official miles but you can log 12 mile loops in the park by riding all the roads through the campgrounds and side roads. The rental center/camp store rents bikes. The roads outside the park have a sidewalk and good shoulders for biking. The closest rail to trail is the The Van Fleet Trail is located in Clermont which is about 22 miles away. However, you should be able to get the milage you desire on the roads outside the park with the added benefit of some good hills.
Things to to Nearby- Disney and all its wonder is not too far away. While this next bit of info is still in the park, I am including it here because it costs extra money. Here is a guide to the eco-tours offered at the park with guided horseback riding, kayaking, hiking and equipment rental in general. Please note that apparently the kayak is for a minimum of 2 people and there is are minimum age limits for participating, in case you have younger children. In nearby Clermont, there is the trampoline place called Sky Zone, a structure called the Citrus Tower, public golf course and a water front park. There are ATV rentals and a museum of presidents also within a short driving distance. Here is a trip advisor link for your ease on these activities.
We really enjoyed this park and we think you will also. Happy Camping!
