RV Parks In Lake Wales, Florida
27.9014° N, 81.5859° W
Quick Overview
Lake Wales sits up on the central Florida ridge in citrus and lake country, a warm, sunny inland alternative to the crowded coasts and a longtime snowbird favorite. For RVers it offers two distinct experiences: quiet, natural state-park camping on a famous bass-fishing chain, and full-service private resorts that run lively winter communities. Add the singing tower at Bok Tower Gardens and easy day trips to Orlando and Tampa, and it earns more than a one-night stop.
On the public side, Lake Kissimmee State Park spreads across nearly 6,000 acres on lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie, with 60 water-and-electric sites, a dump station, hiking and paddling trails, superb largemouth bass fishing, and a working 1876 Cow Camp living-history program. Many sites fit larger rigs, reservations open up to 11 months out, and the nightly rate is a bargain for the setting.
On the private side, Lake Wales is snowbird central. Canopy Oaks RV Resort sprawls over 400 acres with oversized full hookups, a heated pool, pickleball, and on-site dining; Camp Central RV Park has 150 full-hookup sites including big-rig pull-throughs; and Lake Wales Campground is a long-running resort with an indoor heated pool, shuffleboard, and a clubhouse full of winter activities. These parks fill from January through March and offer monthly rates that make a Florida winter affordable.
Season is everything here. Winter is the warm, dry, sunny peak, when the resorts run full activity calendars and you should book well ahead. Spring and fall are pleasant and quieter, and summer is hot, humid, and stormy but cheap and nearly empty. Whether you come to fish the Kissimmee chain, settle in for the winter, or tour Bok Tower and Legoland, the campgrounds below have you covered. The town stays low-key and friendly, the citrus-country roads are flat and easy to drive, and supplies are never far along US-27. Here are the details on sites, booking, costs, and seasons.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Lake Wales
No rated stations yet. Be the first to leave a review!
From the RVingLife Shop
Gear for Your Trip to Lake Wales
All Dump Stations Near Lake Wales
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Central RV Parks - North | 3.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Central RV Parks - South | 3.7 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cypress Campground & RV Park | 6.6 mi | 4.3 | RV Park | Varies |
| Cypress Campground & RV Park | 6.6 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Hammondell Campsites And RV Park | 7.5 mi | 3.9 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Gloria's Resort | 8.0 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Inn RV Resort | 8.7 mi | 4.1 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Royal Oaks RV | 8.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Good Life RV Resort | 9.2 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| East Haven RV Park | 9.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Camp Central RV Parks - North
3.5 miCamp Central RV Parks - South
3.7 miCypress Campground & RV Park
6.6 miCypress Campground & RV Park
6.6 miHammondell Campsites And RV Park
7.5 miGloria's Resort
8.0 miCamp Inn RV Resort
8.7 miRoyal Oaks RV
8.8 miGood Life RV Resort
9.2 miEast Haven RV Park
9.5 miTraveling to Lake Wales by RV
Lake Wales is centrally located and simple to reach by RV. US-27 is the main north-south corridor through the central Florida ridge, and SR-60 runs east-west right through town, both wide, flat, and comfortable for a big rig with no notable restrictions. Interstate 4 is roughly 30 minutes north via US-27, putting Orlando about 55 miles to the northeast and Tampa around 65 miles west, while Winter Haven and Legoland are only 20 miles away. That central position is a big part of the appeal: a quiet, affordable base within easy reach of the major attractions.
The main seasonal thing to plan around is summer weather. From June through September, near-daily afternoon thunderstorms can drop heavy rain and cut visibility quickly, so travel in the morning when you can. Resort and state park lots accommodate rigs, and Bok Tower Gardens has RV-friendly parking. Fuel, groceries, and RV supplies are easy to find along US-27 and in nearby Winter Haven, so resupply is never far. Once you are set up, the flat citrus-country roads make for relaxed driving between the lakes, the gardens, and the theme parks.
Useful Links
Find additional dump stations near Lake Wales
Browse RV parks and campgrounds in Florida
Helpful articles for RV travelers
Navigate to Lake Wales, FL
National Weather Service forecast
Recreation.gov campground search
Find emergency medical care nearby
Find grocery shopping nearby
Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Lake Wales, Florida, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Lake Wales
Lake Wales camping costs swing hard with the season. Lake Kissimmee State Park is the year-round budget choice, charging a low Florida state park nightly rate for its water-and-electric sites in a beautiful natural setting. The private resorts run mid-range to higher nightly rates during the winter snowbird peak, but most offer substantially lower monthly rates for seasonal stays from January through March, which is how the majority of long-term winter visitors book. In the summer low season, rates fall sharply across the board because of the heat and rain.
The smart-money plays are clear: take the state park for the lowest nightly cost any time of year, or book a private resort by the month if you are committing to a Florida winter rather than bouncing around. Either way, Lake Wales is cheaper than comparable coastal Florida destinations, and resupply along US-27 keeps grocery and fuel costs reasonable. Budget extra only for the resort amenities and the winter peak, when demand pushes nightly rates to their highest.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Lake Wales
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Best Time to Visit Lake Wales by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
50F - 73F
Crowds: High
Warm, dry, and sunny: this is peak snowbird season in central Florida. The private resorts run their full activity calendars and the state park fills with anglers, so book January through March months ahead. Comfortable days and cool nights make it the prime camping window.
Spring
Mar - May
60F - 85F
Crowds: Medium
Warm and pleasant before the summer heat sets in, with snowbirds heading north and good availability opening up. A fine, quieter time to camp, fish the lakes, and tour Bok Tower Gardens without the winter crowds or the summer storms.
Summer
Jun - Aug
72F - 92F
Crowds: Low
Hot, humid, and rainy, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms. This is the low season with the lowest rates and few snowbirds, so you will have the parks to yourself. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and bring good bug spray for the lakeshore.
Fall
Sep - Oct
66F - 86F
Crowds: Medium
The heat and rain ease through fall and the first snowbirds begin arriving, with resorts filling toward winter. Pleasant once the rainy season winds down, and a good shoulder window for fishing and exploring before the peak-season crowds and rates return.
Explore the Lake Wales Area
Plan around the snowbird calendar. Winter, January through March, is the warm, dry peak, so book the private resorts and Lake Kissimmee State Park months ahead, and ask about monthly rates if you are settling in for the season, since they make a long stay far cheaper than paying nightly. Summer is the opposite: hot, stormy, and nearly empty, with the lowest rates of the year if you can handle the afternoon rain.
Do not miss Bok Tower Gardens, five miles away, where a 205-foot carillon tower plays daily concerts from one of the highest points in peninsular Florida. If you fish, Lake Kissimmee State Park is one of the best public bass-fishing bases in central Florida, so bring or rent a boat and launch right in the park. Pair quiet nights at the state park with a stretch at a resort for the pool, pickleball, and winter social scene. Schedule outdoor activities for the morning in summer, carry good bug spray for the lakeshore, and use Lake Wales as a calm base for day trips to Legoland, Orlando, and Tampa.
National Parks Nearby
Other Cities in Florida
RV Tips & Articles
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Lake Wales
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Lake Wales?
Lake Wales offers a classic central-Florida mix. For nature, Lake Kissimmee State Park spreads across nearly 6,000 acres on three lakes with 60 water-and-electric sites, great bass fishing, and an 1876 Cow Camp living-history program. For resort-style snowbird comfort, Canopy Oaks RV Resort sprawls over 400 acres with oversized full hookups, a heated pool, pickleball, and on-site dining, while Camp Central RV Park has 150 big-rig-friendly full-hookup sites and Lake Wales Campground is a long-running snowbird resort with an indoor pool and shuffleboard. Pick the state park for the outdoors or a private resort for amenities and a winter community.
Do Lake Wales campgrounds have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes, the private parks are full-hookup. Canopy Oaks RV Resort offers oversized full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, Camp Central RV Park has 150 full-hookup sites including big-rig pull-throughs, and Lake Wales Campground provides full hookups with resort amenities. Lake Kissimmee State Park, the public option, has water and electric sites with a dump station rather than sewer at each site. So if you want full hookups for a long snowbird stay, choose one of the private resorts; if you prefer a natural lakeside setting and do not mind dumping on the way out, the state park is an excellent and cheaper choice.
How much does RV camping cost in Lake Wales?
Costs swing with the season. Lake Kissimmee State Park is the budget option, charging a low Florida state park nightly rate for its water-and-electric sites year-round. The private resorts run a mid-range to higher nightly rate in winter, when snowbird demand peaks, and many offer much lower monthly rates for seasonal stays from January through March. In summer, rates drop sharply across the board because it is the hot, rainy low season. The best value is a state park site any time of year, or a private resort booked by the month if you are settling in for a Florida winter rather than paying nightly.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Lake Wales?
It depends entirely on the season. Winter, roughly January through March, is peak snowbird time in central Florida, and the private resorts and Lake Kissimmee State Park book months ahead, so reserve early if you want a winter spot, especially for a monthly stay. Florida state parks take reservations up to 11 months out, and prime winter weekends go fast. From late spring through fall, availability is wide open and you can often book within the same week. If a warm-weather Florida winter escape is your goal, treat it like the in-demand season it is and lock in your dates well ahead.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Lake Wales?
Winter is the prime season, with warm, dry, sunny days, cool nights, and the full snowbird experience at the resorts, which is exactly why so many RVers head to central Florida from January through March. Spring is also pleasant and quieter as the snowbirds head north, with good weather before the summer heat. Summer is hot, humid, and stormy with daily afternoon downpours, making it the low season, though rates are cheap and the parks are empty. Fall transitions back toward the pleasant dry season. For comfort and the liveliest community, aim for the winter months.
Can big rigs camp in Lake Wales?
Yes, easily. The private resorts are built for big rigs, with Canopy Oaks offering oversized full-hookup sites and Camp Central featuring 150 sites including big-rig pull-throughs with 50 amp service. Lake Kissimmee State Park also fits larger rigs on many of its sites. Getting to Lake Wales is simple for a 40-foot motorhome or fifth wheel, since US-27 is a wide north-south corridor through the central Florida ridge and SR-60 runs east-west right through town, with Interstate 4 only about 30 minutes north. Just watch for sudden afternoon downpours in summer, which can reduce visibility quickly on the highways.
Is Lake Wales a good snowbird destination?
It is a solid one. Lake Wales sits in the central Florida ridge and citrus country, away from the coastal crowds and prices but still warm and sunny through the winter, which is the classic snowbird draw. The private resorts here, like Canopy Oaks and Lake Wales Campground, run full winter activity calendars with heated pools, pickleball, shuffleboard, and clubhouse events, building a real seasonal community from January through March. Monthly rates make a long stay affordable, and you are within easy reach of Bok Tower Gardens, lake fishing, and day trips to Orlando and Tampa attractions. For a quieter, more affordable Florida winter, it works well.
Is there a dump station near Lake Wales?
Yes. Lake Kissimmee State Park has a dump station on site for its water-and-electric campers, so you can empty tanks even without sewer at the pad. The private resorts, Canopy Oaks, Camp Central, and Lake Wales Campground, all offer full hookups with sewer at the site, so guests there dump right where they park. Between the public and private options, taking care of tanks in Lake Wales is straightforward. If you are touring central Florida and need to dump between stops, any of these parks can help, and the state park is the most convenient low-cost option for a quick service stop and fresh-water fill.
What is there to do in Lake Wales besides camp?
A surprising amount. Bok Tower Gardens, five miles away, is a National Historic Landmark with a 205-foot singing carillon tower set in beautiful gardens atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, and the daily carillon concerts are a highlight. Lake Kissimmee State Park offers hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and a working 1876 Cow Camp living-history program. The Kissimmee chain of lakes is famous for trophy bass fishing. For family days, Legoland Florida in nearby Winter Haven sits on the historic Cypress Gardens site, and Orlando and Tampa attractions are an easy drive. Citrus-country back roads make for relaxed exploring between activities.
How do I get to Lake Wales with an RV?
Lake Wales is centrally located and easy to reach. US-27 is the main north-south route through the central Florida ridge, and SR-60 runs east-west directly through town, both wide and comfortable for big rigs. Interstate 4 is roughly 30 minutes north via US-27, linking Orlando about 55 miles northeast and Tampa about 65 miles west, while Winter Haven and Legoland are only 20 miles away. The roads are flat and RV-friendly with no notable restrictions. The main seasonal thing to watch is summer, when near-daily afternoon thunderstorms can bring heavy rain and quick drops in visibility, so plan travel for the morning when you can.
Is Lake Kissimmee State Park good for fishing?
Very. Lake Kissimmee State Park sits on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie, part of the famous Kissimmee chain that is renowned across the country for trophy largemouth bass. The park has a boat ramp and access for anglers, and the surrounding lakes also produce crappie and panfish. You can launch your own boat, and guided bass trips operate on the chain if you want local expertise. Beyond fishing, the nearly 6,000-acre park offers hiking trails, paddling, and excellent birding and wildlife viewing in a quiet natural setting. For an RVer who likes to fish, it is one of the best public bases in central Florida.
Are there public or state park camping options near Lake Wales?
Yes. The standout public option is Lake Kissimmee State Park, about 15 miles east of town, with 60 water-and-electric campsites set in nearly 6,000 acres on three lakes, plus a dump station, hiking, paddling, fishing, and the 1876 Cow Camp program. It is a far more natural setting than the private resorts and costs less per night. Other Florida state parks and public lands dot central Florida within day-trip range. Many RVers pair a stretch at a private snowbird resort for the amenities and winter community with a few nights at the state park for the quiet and the fishing, getting the best of both.
Can I camp in Lake Wales in summer?
You can, and you will have the place nearly to yourself. Summer in central Florida is hot and humid, with highs around 90, high humidity, and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms, so it is the low season and the snowbirds are long gone. The upside is the lowest rates of the year and wide-open availability at parks that are packed in winter. If you camp in summer, plan outdoor activities like fishing, Bok Tower, and state park hikes for the morning before the storms build, run the air conditioning in the afternoon heat, and bring strong bug spray for the lakeshore. It is a budget-friendly time if you can handle the weather.
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Lake Wales?
Lake Wales offers a classic central-Florida mix. For nature, Lake Kissimmee State Park spreads across nearly 6,000 acres on three lakes with 60 water-and-electric sites, great bass fishing, and an 1876 Cow Camp living-history program. For resort-style snowbird comfort, Canopy Oaks RV Resort sprawls over 400 acres with oversized full hookups, a heated pool, pickleball, and on-site dining, while Camp Central RV Park has 150 big-rig-friendly full-hookup sites and Lake Wales Campground is a long-running snowbird resort with an indoor pool and shuffleboard. Pick the state park for the outdoors or a private resort for amenities and a winter community.
Do Lake Wales campgrounds have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes, the private parks are full-hookup. Canopy Oaks RV Resort offers oversized full-hookup sites with 30 and 50 amp service, Camp Central RV Park has 150 full-hookup sites including big-rig pull-throughs, and Lake Wales Campground provides full hookups with resort amenities. Lake Kissimmee State Park, the public option, has water and electric sites with a dump station rather than sewer at each site. So if you want full hookups for a long snowbird stay, choose one of the private resorts; if you prefer a natural lakeside setting and do not mind dumping on the way out, the state park is an excellent and cheaper choice.
How much does RV camping cost in Lake Wales?
Costs swing with the season. Lake Kissimmee State Park is the budget option, charging a low Florida state park nightly rate for its water-and-electric sites year-round. The private resorts run a mid-range to higher nightly rate in winter, when snowbird demand peaks, and many offer much lower monthly rates for seasonal stays from January through March. In summer, rates drop sharply across the board because it is the hot, rainy low season. The best value is a state park site any time of year, or a private resort booked by the month if you are settling in for a Florida winter rather than paying nightly.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Lake Wales?
It depends entirely on the season. Winter, roughly January through March, is peak snowbird time in central Florida, and the private resorts and Lake Kissimmee State Park book months ahead, so reserve early if you want a winter spot, especially for a monthly stay. Florida state parks take reservations up to 11 months out, and prime winter weekends go fast. From late spring through fall, availability is wide open and you can often book within the same week. If a warm-weather Florida winter escape is your goal, treat it like the in-demand season it is and lock in your dates well ahead.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Lake Wales?
Winter is the prime season, with warm, dry, sunny days, cool nights, and the full snowbird experience at the resorts, which is exactly why so many RVers head to central Florida from January through March. Spring is also pleasant and quieter as the snowbirds head north, with good weather before the summer heat. Summer is hot, humid, and stormy with daily afternoon downpours, making it the low season, though rates are cheap and the parks are empty. Fall transitions back toward the pleasant dry season. For comfort and the liveliest community, aim for the winter months.
Can big rigs camp in Lake Wales?
Yes, easily. The private resorts are built for big rigs, with Canopy Oaks offering oversized full-hookup sites and Camp Central featuring 150 sites including big-rig pull-throughs with 50 amp service. Lake Kissimmee State Park also fits larger rigs on many of its sites. Getting to Lake Wales is simple for a 40-foot motorhome or fifth wheel, since US-27 is a wide north-south corridor through the central Florida ridge and SR-60 runs east-west right through town, with Interstate 4 only about 30 minutes north. Just watch for sudden afternoon downpours in summer, which can reduce visibility quickly on the highways.
Is Lake Wales a good snowbird destination?
It is a solid one. Lake Wales sits in the central Florida ridge and citrus country, away from the coastal crowds and prices but still warm and sunny through the winter, which is the classic snowbird draw. The private resorts here, like Canopy Oaks and Lake Wales Campground, run full winter activity calendars with heated pools, pickleball, shuffleboard, and clubhouse events, building a real seasonal community from January through March. Monthly rates make a long stay affordable, and you are within easy reach of Bok Tower Gardens, lake fishing, and day trips to Orlando and Tampa attractions. For a quieter, more affordable Florida winter, it works well.
Is there a dump station near Lake Wales?
Yes. Lake Kissimmee State Park has a dump station on site for its water-and-electric campers, so you can empty tanks even without sewer at the pad. The private resorts, Canopy Oaks, Camp Central, and Lake Wales Campground, all offer full hookups with sewer at the site, so guests there dump right where they park. Between the public and private options, taking care of tanks in Lake Wales is straightforward. If you are touring central Florida and need to dump between stops, any of these parks can help, and the state park is the most convenient low-cost option for a quick service stop and fresh-water fill.
What is there to do in Lake Wales besides camp?
A surprising amount. Bok Tower Gardens, five miles away, is a National Historic Landmark with a 205-foot singing carillon tower set in beautiful gardens atop one of the highest points in peninsular Florida, and the daily carillon concerts are a highlight. Lake Kissimmee State Park offers hiking, paddling, wildlife viewing, and a working 1876 Cow Camp living-history program. The Kissimmee chain of lakes is famous for trophy bass fishing. For family days, Legoland Florida in nearby Winter Haven sits on the historic Cypress Gardens site, and Orlando and Tampa attractions are an easy drive. Citrus-country back roads make for relaxed exploring between activities.
How do I get to Lake Wales with an RV?
Lake Wales is centrally located and easy to reach. US-27 is the main north-south route through the central Florida ridge, and SR-60 runs east-west directly through town, both wide and comfortable for big rigs. Interstate 4 is roughly 30 minutes north via US-27, linking Orlando about 55 miles northeast and Tampa about 65 miles west, while Winter Haven and Legoland are only 20 miles away. The roads are flat and RV-friendly with no notable restrictions. The main seasonal thing to watch is summer, when near-daily afternoon thunderstorms can bring heavy rain and quick drops in visibility, so plan travel for the morning when you can.
Is Lake Kissimmee State Park good for fishing?
Very. Lake Kissimmee State Park sits on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie, part of the famous Kissimmee chain that is renowned across the country for trophy largemouth bass. The park has a boat ramp and access for anglers, and the surrounding lakes also produce crappie and panfish. You can launch your own boat, and guided bass trips operate on the chain if you want local expertise. Beyond fishing, the nearly 6,000-acre park offers hiking trails, paddling, and excellent birding and wildlife viewing in a quiet natural setting. For an RVer who likes to fish, it is one of the best public bases in central Florida.
Are there public or state park camping options near Lake Wales?
Yes. The standout public option is Lake Kissimmee State Park, about 15 miles east of town, with 60 water-and-electric campsites set in nearly 6,000 acres on three lakes, plus a dump station, hiking, paddling, fishing, and the 1876 Cow Camp program. It is a far more natural setting than the private resorts and costs less per night. Other Florida state parks and public lands dot central Florida within day-trip range. Many RVers pair a stretch at a private snowbird resort for the amenities and winter community with a few nights at the state park for the quiet and the fishing, getting the best of both.
Can I camp in Lake Wales in summer?
You can, and you will have the place nearly to yourself. Summer in central Florida is hot and humid, with highs around 90, high humidity, and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms, so it is the low season and the snowbirds are long gone. The upside is the lowest rates of the year and wide-open availability at parks that are packed in winter. If you camp in summer, plan outdoor activities like fishing, Bok Tower, and state park hikes for the morning before the storms build, run the air conditioning in the afternoon heat, and bring strong bug spray for the lakeshore. It is a budget-friendly time if you can handle the weather.
Are there free dump stations in Lake Wales?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Lake Wales.
All Dump Stations Near Lake Wales (108)
RV ParkCamp Central RV Parks - North
RV ParkCamp Central RV Parks - South
RV Park with Dump StationsCypress Campground & RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsCypress Campground & RV Park
RV ParkHammondell Campsites And RV Park
RV ParkGloria's Resort
RV ParkCamp Inn RV Resort
RV Park



