Packing for a camping trip typically requires an extensive checklist that includes everything from sleeping bags and pads to tents, poles, stakes, and tarps.
Glamping takes the hassle out of outdoor adventures, offering travelers a comfortable stay without the hassle of pitching a tent and living roughshod in remote areas. Such facilities currently exist in Rock Springs Run State Preserve, a 14,000-acre state-owned public land area northeast of Wekiwa Springs State Park.
The park’s six glamping tents ($119 to $169 per night) each feature a queen bed, a twin bed above, and a rotating twin trundle, perfect for families and couples alike. Inside, visitors have access to “hotel-quality” linens, air conditioning, a coffee maker, and a fire pit just steps from an indoor restroom with shower, sink, and hot water.
calm setup
Surrounded by expansive, majestic live oak trees with Spanish moss swaying in the breeze, our glamping setup allowed us to enjoy coffee or wine on the front deck while taking in the Florida natural views. When it’s time to retire, you’re almost guaranteed a good night’s sleep in a cozy bed inside your spacious tent.
Rock Springs Guest Ranch’s hospitality team can accommodate special events like birthdays and anniversaries with balloons, special treats, and souvenirs.
Dogs are allowed on the glamping site, so my partner’s black Labrador retriever, Leo, also joined us for the event and quickly made himself at home, lounging on the porch with us and cozying up in the tent. Pet fee is $30 per pet, per night (maximum 2 pets). You cannot leave your dog unattended and must keep him on a leash at all times.
We brought supplies for making dinner and a spare bundle of wood (provided by our hosts) in the camp kitchen bin, but this overnight required much less packing than a typical adventure, which we were very grateful for.
As the sun set, I began grilling marinated skirt steak, onions, and peppers on the built-in charcoal grill. Then we assembled the tortillas and listened to the crackling of the campfire.
The next morning, the coffee machine in the tent gave us the energy we needed to start the day after a good night’s sleep. The best part? Other than packing my clothes, I didn’t have to pack up my sleeping bag or pack up my tent before heading home.
trot along the trail
One of the biggest attractions at Rock Springs Run Reserve is the guided horseback riding tours, which we enjoyed around sunset on the evening of our overnight glamping trip.
“Most of the people who come camping here come because they want horses,” said Courtney Webb, the park’s general manager. “We want to give this park everything we can.”
My partner was paired with Mick, a beautiful amber-furred man, and I cruised with a sometimes stubborn personality who always wanted to walk faster than the group. We were compatible in terms of personalities.
The tour visited the once lost town of Ethel. At its peak in the late 1800s, the town was home to about 300 people.
After a rainy day earlier in the day, a spectacular sunset broke through the clouds and cast a rainbow in the sky. It was a picture perfect setting for our horseback riding adventure. After the ride, we’ll have a charcuterie spread, champagne, and a campfire to help you kick back and relax after hitting the trails.
With 14 horses managed by the Rock Springs Guest Ranch team, there is an experience for riders of all experience levels and most ages. Guided trail tours require participants to be at least 8 years old, but Riva’s Round Up welcomes visitors of all ages with activities such as kid-friendly crafts, pony rides, horse lessons, games, and story time.
Other great accommodations
Rock Springs Run State Reserve has another lodging facility that can accommodate groups of up to 13 people.
The Hammock House ($299-$459 per night) offers a tranquil getaway for family and friends with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large living area, a game room, and a fully equipped kitchen. A ranch-style hideaway on the banks of the Wekiva River, where you can spend your vacation enjoying the tranquility and beautiful scenery.
As the glamping market continues to grow, Expected to grow to $7.87 billion by 2033 — Florida’s glamping options are on the rise Every year. There are several other options.
• Lake Louisa State Park, managed by the same company as Rock Springs Run, offers eco tents with queen-sized beds and a carefree campground with climate-controlled accommodations under canvas bell tents. Rates range from $109 to $178 per night. More information: lakelouisasastatepark.com
• Danville, an Airbnb property located on a private airstrip less than an hour from Orlando, offers unique accommodations, including a yurt-style treehouse with an outdoor Jacuzzi made from an old aircraft engine. It’s a special stay that you won’t find anywhere else. Prices average about $212 to $239 per night. More information: airbnb.com
Patrick Connolly / Orlando Sentinel
Inside the teepee accommodations at Westgate River Ranch Resort. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
• About an hour and a half south of Orlando, Westgate River Ranch Resort offers overnight stays in luxury Conestoga wagons, glamping tents, teepees, cottages, and lodge suites. Prices vary depending on stay type. More information: westgateresorts.com
• Alafia River State Park offers “comfort camping” in luxurious canvas bell tents with queen beds, fans, and cell phone charging stations. This park is the mountain biking capital of Florida. Rates range from $119 to $199 per night. More information: comfycamping experience.com
• Lake Kissimmee State Park offers luxurious Pioneer tents with queen beds, front porch chandeliers, rocking chairs, and climate control. Prices for this stay range from $120 to $155 per night. More information: lakekissimmeesp.com
• Colt Creek State Park has a “Cypress Dome” site with 200 square foot bell tents, each air conditioned and fully equipped with amenities such as queen-sized mattresses. Glamping experiences cost between $99 and $149 per night. More information: coltcreekstatepark.com
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
In 2022, thousands of stars will be visible in the night sky at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, a certified dark sky park near Okeechobee. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
• Kissimmee Prairie Preserve has seven different glamping accommodations, some with one king bed and bunk beds, and others with two queen beds. These average between $159 and $199 per night. This park is known for its dark skies and stargazing. More information: Kissimmee.tlglamping.com
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If you go
Rock Springs Guest Ranch is located at 31700 County Road 433 in Sorrento. Horse riding and lessons are offered daily, with lessons starting at $75 and sunset tours starting at $99. Glamping sites start at about $119 a night, and hammock houses start at about $299 a night. More information: rockspringsguestranch.com
