Lake Louisa State Park

Park set among beautiful rolling hills

Lake Louisa is the largest in a chain of lakes and is the centerpiece of Lake Louisa State Park. The sprawling 4,500-acre park provides miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, as well as fishing from four of the park's six lakes.

The park's proximity to Disney World makes it a good camping choice for families wanting to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of Orlando.

The Lakes

As one can imagine with a name like Lake Louisa State Park, one expects much of the park's activities to revolve around water. In fact, swimming at Lake Louisa was a popular summer pastime. Unfortunately, Florida's ongoing drought has taken lake levels to their lowest in years, forcing the closing of the Lake Louisa swimming area during the 2009 season. The picnic area at Lake Louisa is still open.

Those wanting to cast a line may do so by boat from four of the park's six lakes or from fishing piers on Dixie and Hammond Lakes. Boats must be small enough to be hand carried to the water and be powered by hand or electric trolling motors.

Lake Louisa Campground

Nestled between Dixie and Hammond Lakes is Lake Louisa's full-facility campground. The 60 campsites are set high on a hilltop with beautiful lake views. When the campground was developed in 2003, new trees and vegetation was planted to restore the area to a natural landscape. Those plantings have not fully developed, so there is little shade in the area.

The hot water at the modern bathhouses is provided by solar energy. A sign outside each of the two facilities proudly states in part, "Solar water heating is simple pollution free and is a natural energy source for Florida, the SUNSHINE STATE."

The campground also features a pavilion and an amphitheatre, where ranger programs are held annually during the winter and spring seasons — October to April.

The campground's location is a full five miles from the entrance to the park. While this is a beautiful drive, at the park's posted speed limit, this will add several minutes to any trip you might plan outside the park.

Pets are allowed, but must be contained or leashed. Reservations may be made by contacting ReserveAmerica.com.

Primitive and Equestrian Camping

Lake Louisa's equestrian primitive camp includes a four-horse paddock, fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, pavilion, grills and self-composting toilet. Reservations for paddocks are not available at this time, but are available to equestrians on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, there is lush pasture for grazing, so the park recommends equestrians bring alternate tie-downs or portable horse corals. Four large posts with hookups for tie downs have been provided at each side of the camp facility.

Lake Louisa also has two vehicle-free primitive campsites — Wilderness Poin and Pine Point. Located off hiking trails, both are tucked away in some of the most beautiful areas of the park.

Reservations for either primitive camping may be made by calling the Ranger Station at 352-394-3969.

Rental Cabins

Lake Louisa's 20 rental cabins overlook beautiful Lake Dixie. All cabins feature two bedrooms and two baths, a full kitchen and dining/living room area. They are full-furnished... down to the silverware and linens. All you need is food and personal items.

Handicapped accessible cabins are available. No pets are allowed in the cabins. Parking restrictions apply to oversized vehicles. To conserve energy, fireplaces will not be in service from May 1 through September 30. Reservations may be made online at ReserveAmerica.com.

Information and Directions

Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US Hwy 27
Clermont, Florida 34714

Phone: 352-394-3969

Website: http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakelouisa

Reservations: ReserveAmerica.com

Directions: Lake Louisa State Park is located on Hwy. 27, approximately 7 miles south of State Road 50 and approximately 17 miles north of Hwy 192.