Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. It’s a place where storybook characters come to life and fairy tales come true. Orlando is home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, and Legoland Florida. The different parks feature everything from shopping, food, and entertainment to water parks, theme parks, and other unique experiences. Orlando is RV friendly, and several of the resort areas have oversized parking lots where you can park your rig for a fee. To avoid oversized parking fees, stay at a nearby campground, and take advantage of free park shuttles or public transportation.
Theme parks aren’t the only reason people come to Orlando. The warm weather and outdoor recreational activities bring campers, snowbirds, hikers, paddlers, bikers, photographers, and anglers to the area. You don’t have to participate in a sport or hobby to spend time outside. Orlando area state parks, like Lake Louisa State Park, have some of the best RV camping year-round. If you want to visit Florida in the winter, the weather will be cool but still comfortable. Did you know that winter is the best time to view the endangered manatee?
The manatee is a large marine mammal that lives along Florida’s coastal waters until the winter. When the water becomes chilly, the manatee migrates inland to be closer to the warmer natural springs. Manatee season begins in November and runs through March, and it’s the best time to take your Orlando RV rental to a nearby park or refuge to view the protected creatures. Two of the state’s top viewing areas are located near Orlando, Blue Spring State Park, and Merritt Island National Refuge. RVers who want to camp at the viewing area should reserve a site at Blue Spring State Park, where the manatees graze in the natural springs. Merritt Island National Refuge doesn’t permit camping, but one of Orlando’s best campgrounds, Manatee Hammock Campground, isn’t far from the viewing area.
Speaking of viewing, don’t rule out the chance to watch a Kennedy Space Center launch while staying at Manatee Hammock Campground. The Kennedy Space Center's Visitor Complex is minutes away from the campground. Visitors who want to learn about NASA and the space program can book tours of the facility, explore rocket and shuttle exhibits, and maybe even bump into an astronaut. Paid RV parking is available onsite.