One Tank Trips: Lake Louisa State Park

Recently we visited Lake Louisa State Park. It is a stunning area located between Clermont and Orlando. As soon as you drive up you are on the top of the ridge and can look down the hillsides into the valleys with little ponds and larger lakes. This state park is home to 11 different environments and is part of the Northeastern edge of the Green Swamp.

All of today's beach photos were taken by Rebecca and the others were taken by Ruth.

We began our day with a stop into the rangers station, where we got our last stamp in our Jr. Ranger passports. Each of the kids then in turn were given a Jr. Park Ranger pin to add to their vests. I think the park ranger was as excited as the kids were. He remarked that in the four years he had been working at Lake Louisa that they were the first kids who had come in with their passports completed.

Before long we were off again this time to see Lake Louisa itself. We headed down the boardwalk to the beach where we enjoyed a picnic lunch. Afterwards four of the kids leapt in the lake. They spent a good amount of time wadding around out there, even after we saw a small gator in the lake a little ways down from the swimming area. After a bit they waded back to shore and played on the playground while drying off.

The park has miles of trails, most of which intersect with each other giving you endless combinations to hike. Due to the heat we opted to do the nature trail and some of it's intersecting paths, before working our way back to the parking lot. The nature trail was nice, having periodic post with little tidbits of information about the plants and animals of the region. The kids had fun climbing trees and running around, despite the high temperatures.

After getting back in the car and getting everyone some water, we decided to drive around and check out the campgrounds since they are listed as one of Reserve America's top 100 campgrounds. First we checked out the equestrian camping. One tip, camping is often hard to find in Florida, especially over the winter; however, equestrian sites are often open and you aren't required to bring horses to use these spots. In this case we didn't think much of the equestrian sites, they were more or less a spot to park a trailer and a covered stall. None of the extra things one would use for camping. Next we checked out the eco camping. For $100 a night you have a bed, in a canvas tent, a fire ring with two chairs, a picnic table, some water, a grill, and a few other odds and ends. Just down from that are the glamping tents. They have everything that the eco tents have plus the addition of air conditioning. Finally we drove through the camp grounds they have some large and some small sites, both pull through and back in. All these sites have water and either 30 or 50 amp hook ups. The only campground we didn't check out was the primitive campground, because it is one that you have to hike into. On our way out of the park we swung through and checked out the cabins. They are 2 bedroom and 2 bath, with a kitchen, living room, with everything but tv, screened in porch over looking the lake. There is also a fire ring and chairs outside. These are also only $120 a night, and definitely are now on our list for some fall camping.

We had a great time and think it's worth visiting. Ruth even wanted to make it a weekly trip. While, we don't plan to visit that often, we do plan on going back again. Entrance is $5 a car load. If you'd like to make a trip the address to Lake Louisa State Park is 7305 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont, Florida. Of course, you can always call for more information at 352-394-3969.