Leaving the land of magic behind, it would be a very short drive, only 20 miles, to our next destination, a campground we have been to many times before – Lake Louisa State Park in Clermont, FL. Our last visit was in 2023 – see this post for details and our review from 2014. Spanning over 4,500 acres, this park covers a large area around three major lakes—Lake Louisa, Lake Hammond and Dixie Lake and is known for its majestic landscapes characterized by rolling hills, pristine lakes, and diverse wildlife.

The campground has 60 sites with hookups (15 with water, sewer and electric and 45 with just water and electric) as well as primitive and equestrian camping, 20 cabins overlooking Dixie Lake and glamping accommodations.

We had a two night reservation on site #42, a back in site with water and electricity in Loop C. Normally the nightly rate would be $24 but since we have the Senior National Park Pass, it was only $12 per night for us. However, Florida charges a $7 per night utility fee.

The park offers many amenities. Walking, hiking and biking on the approximately 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails, plus about 7 miles of paved park roads. Visitors can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, horseback riding and wildlife viewing.

The park has an interesting history. In the early 1900s, John and Louise Driggors Hammond settled much of the area. Their operation included a home, sawmill, turpentine still, shingle mill, commissary and other facilities. They transported products by steamboat and barge on Lake Louisa.

Later, the Bronson family established orange groves and a cattle ranch there. Some remnants of those agricultural uses can still be seen.

There’s even an unusual aviation story: during a 2001 drought, remnants of a P-51 Mustang that crashed during a 1944 training flight were discovered. A monument commemorates the pilot, First Lieutenant Dean R. Gilmore, and other aviators.

The state purchased the property in 1973, it became a state park in 1974, and it opened to the public in 1977.

Because it was such a short stay and having visited the area before, we didn’t have the time or the desire to do much of anything. Our next stop would be a new destination for us!