Lake Louisa State Park lies along the shores of Lake Louisa in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp south of Clermont, Florida. This beautiful lakeside park is only 27 miles west of Orlando.
Lake Louisa is the largest of 13 area lakes that connect to the Palatlakaha River. The river, lakes and the park’s other diverse natural habitats – flatwoods, marsh, swamp, sandhills, old citrus grove and upland mixed forest – provide a natural haven for many species of wildlife.
Guests enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, bicycling, hiking, camping and birdwatching inside this 4,372 acre Florida state park.
Activities
This gem of a state park has much to offer whether you’re visiting for a day or staying for a few. The day-use section of the park features a shaded picnic area complete with grills, a bathhouse, playground and swimming area. A complex trail system is located nearby and offers adventures for all: pedestrian, mountain bikers and horseback riders.
The park’s cabins, modern, primitive and equestrian campgrounds, and glamping tents, ensures a happy overnight experience for all who desire to spend the night inside the park.
Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Lake Louisa State Park:
Boating at Lake Louisa State Park
Kayak, canoe or motor boat on Lake Louisa. All hand powered and electric trolling motors are permitted on the lake, but be advised that they must be hand carried to the water; there isn’t a boat ramp on Lake Louisa. Dixie Lake Outpost rents canoes, kayaks and safety equipment for use on Dixie Lake.
Swimming at Lake Louisa State Park
Swimming is only allowed in one of the park’s six lakes: Lake Louisa. This large lake is very refreshing to cool off in after exploring the trails.
Hiking at Lake Louisa State Park
Wander along the 23 miles of trails inside Lake Louisa State Park. Trails wind through the park’s cypress trees, wildflower fields and grassy pastures and alongside the lakes.
Here are some of the trails at Lake Louisa State Park:
- Lake Louisa Nature Trail – Easy 6.6 mile mostly shaded walk through the woods and along the lake. Picnic areas are located along this trail.
- Big Creek Loop – An easy 2.6 mile loop along a sandy path past dunes, flatlands, prairie and a picturesque creek filled with lily pads.
- Bronson Loop Trail – A moderate 6 mile loop along sandy terrain through the pine forests.
Biking at Lake Louisa State Park
Bring your bicycles and explore the 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails through the wilderness inside the park. Another 7 miles of paved roads are also ideal for riding.
Fishing at Lake Louisa State Park
Fish from pier, dock, boat or lakeside from four of the park’s six lakes inside Lake Louisa State Park. Be sure to pick up a Florida fishing license ahead of time if you want to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish or bowfin.
Birding at Lake Louisa State Park
Water fowl, songbirds, raptors and more may be seen along the lake and woods inside Lake Louisa State Park. Look for bald eagles, osprey, warblers, sparrows, hawks, Red-eyed Vireos, Eastern Meadowlark and American Kestrel during your visit.
Pick up a bird and butterfly checklist at the Ranger’s Office to help identify and keep track of any that you see.
Nature and Wildlife at Lake Louisa State Park
Quiet and rustic Lake Louisa State Park is home to many species of wildlife. While camping, exploring the trails or spending a relaxing day on the lake you’ll see birds, squirrels, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, raccoons, butterflies, turtles and snakes.
Pets at Lake Louisa State Park
Pets are allowed at Lake Louisa State Park as long as they are supervised and kept on a handheld leash no longer than 6 feet. Pets are not allowed in park buildings, including cabins, or the swimming area.
Camping at Lake Louisa State Park
It’s easy to see why Lake Louisa State Park was voted one of America’s Top 100 Family Campgrounds by ReserveAmerica; they have options for every camper: cabins, modern campsites, primitive campsites, equestrian campsites and even glamping.
The park’s 20 cabins overlook beautiful Lake Dixie. Each cabin sleeps up to 6 people and has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and rustic fireplace.
The modern campground contains 60 sites for RVs, tents and hammocks and is situated between Dixie and Hammond lakes. These campsites have electric and water hookups and are close to bathhouses, a pavilion and two accessible fishing piers.
Year round glamping sites are also available. These luxury tent sites are already set up for you, you just need to bring your personal items. The park’s concessionaire offers two types of CareFree Camping: luxury tent sites in the campground and ECO tent sites near the equestrian area.
The equestrian campground is a primitive site with horse paddocks, non-potable water, a self-composting toilet plus a pavilion, picnic tables and fire rings. A beautiful grassy pasture is closeby for horses to graze in. Riders may access the 15 miles of multi-use trails throughout the park.
Another two primitive campsites are available for campers who wish to backpack in. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring but no access to water.
The park also has two primitive group campsites for youth groups of up to 30 each. These sites have benches, picnic tables, a grill and a fire ring. There is no electricity or water at these sites and the nearest restroom is a half mile away.
Park Location
Lake Louisa State Park
7305 US 27
Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: 352.394.3969
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Lake Louisa State Park:
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