If like me, you find yourself on the never-ending, all-consuming search to find the very best campground on earth, then you will rejoice at what I discovered here in little known, far out-of-the-way Trimble Park Campground located just due south of Mount Dora – one of the quaintest small towns in the US (more on this later).
Allow me to begin by saying that the first thing I look for in a ‘magical unicorn campsite’ is that it truly is a unique discovery. Not made for – or even known by – the masses. Following a series of turns, and likely getting lost at least twice enroute and then having to double-back more than a few times where you’ll find yourself cursing as to whether or not the destination you are seeking out is actually even worth it … is exactly when you find yourself discovering this very particular slice of natural paradise. It’s here where I mistakenly came across one of the most amazing campgrounds I have ever been so excited to uncover in all of my backpacking, tent-unfolding, fireside grilling and midnight star-gazing sojourning.
So let me break it down for you. Beyond being a bit of a ‘hidden gem,’ Trimble Park Campground is idyllically sandwiched between two beautiful and very good sized lakes – Lake Carlton to the south and Lake Beauclair to the north (and just a smidge further north, you’ll come to a much larger Lake Dora) – so all you fish-catching, clear lake boat sailing and sunset-on-the-water seekers, rejoice at this very fantastic conundrum you will experience: with so many lakes at your nearby disposal, which one will you chose? Sprinkle in an ever-present chorus of tree frogs, never-ending patch quilt of verdant, green lilipads and more Spanish moss hanging from bending ancient Oaks than you’ve ever seen in your entire existence, then the charm factor of this spectacle just multiplied by 10 (at least). Add to this the simply superb way in which the local, regional rangers take METICULOUS care of this place, from the well-manicured lawns and pristine conditions of the shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, children’s playgrounds, fishing piers and even the newly paved flat roadways you’ll find yourself wanting to slowly crawl through so you don’t miss anything as you take in all the surroundings, this campground feels as though there is not a single blade of grass that is misplaced. It’s all been perfectly packaged to deliver a most amazing camping experience.
But the hands-down, most absolute amazing aspect of this entire experience is this: that nearly every RV / Tent campsite sits waterfront (and westward facing at that, ensuring one of the most brilliant sunsets you’ll see from the natural confines of your jungle-like make-shift camping abode). All sites come with water and electric, picnic tables, fire rings and BBQ’s, communal washing sinks and you’ll back up into the site, so as to maximize the lakefront views. There’s a separate bathroom facility that is fairly good and decently clean.
Massive insider’s tip? While there are primitive camping sites, apart from a bear pole to hang your trash, there is nothing on these sites (and they are incredibly small) – so I would highly recommend you book a non-primitive campsite (one of the very few times I have ever recommended this). Insider’s Tip#2? Further afield, you’ll want to make use of Wekiva Springs State Park – one of the best natural springs in the entire Sunshine State – you don’t want to miss this one! Last insider’s tip? If you don’t have to leave this place, then don’t. But if you must, you won’t have to mosey far to find just about everything you could want in just a 15 minute drive to the little showboat of a small town in nearby Mount Dora. This picturesque village has a number of grocery stores, small shoppes and boutiques as well as simply outstanding restaurants, which sent my Foodie radar to an all-time high. Joints I highly recommend include: Pizza Amoré, Ken’s Amish Deli & Bakery, Tony’s Clam Chowder Seafood, The Beauclaire, Jeremiah’s, Pisces Rising and 1921 Mount Dora.
For scenic shots of Mt. Dora, head to Gilbert Park where there’s a brilliant little lighthouse, flocks of seagulls and lots of aquatic rentals. On Saturdays, there’s a great little Farmer’s Market in town, called Renninger’s Farmer & Flea Market, where we bought fresh produce for our entire camping stay. Outside the main town of Mount Dora, you’ll find big box retailers like Publix, Target and Walmart. I sincerely hope I raised your expectations with regards to this particular natural campground oasis – even if I have, trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised by just what an amazing, precious camping experience awaits you here.
Happy Camping!
