Conveniently located in the heart of Lake County, FL, Lake Griffin State Park offers a small nature oasis for anyone looking for a weekend outdoor adventure. In this guide, you will learn what to expect when visiting this park, important campground and campsite information, as well as the best activities.
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General Park Information
Directions and Contact Information
- Address: 3089 Hwy 441-27, Fruitland Park, FL
- Lake County
- Phone: (352) 360-6760
General Park Notes
Despite the name, Lake Griffin State Park is not directly on Lake Griffin. Instead, it is connected to the lake through the Dead River after one mile.
Related: Lake Manatee State Park
Lake Griffin State Park Campground Information
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<a href='https://apragmaticlens.com/lake-griffin-state-park/'><img src='https://ml0cur3zhy5j.i.optimole.com/w:auto/h:auto/q:mauto/ig:avif/f:best/https://apragmaticlens.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Lake-Griffin-State-Park-Info-1-1.jpg' alt='Lake Griffin State Park Campground Guide' width='800px' /></a>Campground Loops
Camping Loops and Sites
ADA Sites
Tent Sites
Road conditions within the loops
The campground Road is in fairly poor shape, narrow, and windy. The campground is quite hilly, which is surprising for a Florida campground. It feels more like a Georgia State Park in that sense.
Campground Amenities
Present
Missing
Notes about amenities
There is a single bathhouse in the loop, and you will need a code to get in. This code was the same as the gate code during the time of our visit, but make sure to check with the park rangers. On the outside of the bathhouse, there is a covered section with two clothes washers, three dryers, a large dish sink, and a lending library. At the time of our visit, laundry cost $1.50 for each cycle.
Pet Policy
Pets must be on a 6′ leash and supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed in any building or on boats. Exceptions apply to service animals.
Choosing a Campsite
Site Features
Site Hookups
Site Amenities
Maximum Length Available
40 feet
Pad Type
- Compact dirt
- Paved ADA site
Overall ratings
- Site Space – 3/5
- Site Privacy – 4/5
- Site Shade – 4/5
- Noise – 3/5
- Cell reception – 4/5
Notes about features and ratings
On average this park offers good sites, with some variation. Some sites have a decent amount of space, while others are a tight squeeze. Most sites have a good amount of vegetation that offers shade and privacy, with some exceptions. Being close to town, this campground has decent cell phone reception, but also some road noise. The ground is uneven getting into the sites, so expect your vehicle and/or RV to do quite a bit of rocking as you back into your site.
Specific Site Information
Related: Lake Kissimmee State Park
Things to do in Lake Griffin State Park
The walk to the mammoth Oak from the campground takes only about 5 minutes. It is truly an impressive tree.
The spur trail is a nice 1.5-mile trail that takes you on a lollipop loop. Portions of it are probably underwater during the wet season. When we visited during March, the boardwalk was just above the water, making for a very fun trail. Be ready to get wet. Half water shoes and hiking poles are handy to check the ground in front of you.
This is a rather small park. For that reason, there aren’t good opportunities for biking.
Swimming is not allowed in this park. Large alligators roam these waters, so I would not break this rule.
The kayak launch in boat launch are in great condition. There is an area to rinse out the kayaks, which is quite convenient. The Dead River is easy to paddle in as there is little to no current. Hence the name. He would be a different story on a windy day since the river is rather wide and open. You will still have the opportunity to see lots of lincoln’s, and hang us, and other wading birds. Yes, large alligators also reside in this River.
There are plenty of opportunities to fish for bass, catfish, and bluegill in this park, either from the wheelchair-accessible dock or from a kayak on the Dead River, or all the way in Lake Griffin.
The playground is also well made, and even has swings that are wheelchair accessible
You can go on a guided kayak tour that lasts approximately two hours. The downside of this tour is that you must be at least 18 years old. A pontoon boat tour is also available for participants 6 years old and up. You must make reservations ahead of time. For pricing and reservations, call the ranger’s office at 352-360-6760.
There are exercise stations as well in the day use area. In the day use area you will find games such as corn hole and volleyball courts. You can check out the materials from the ranger’s office.
Related: Three Rivers State Park
Other Considerations
FAQs
What should you bring to this park?
- Sunscreen. This reef-safe sunscreen is a family favorite.
- Mosquito repellent (DEET or Picaridin-based)
- Fishing gear (give this Pocket fisherman a try if you do not own fishing gear)
- Screenhouse during caterpillar season
- Binoculars (or this monocular with phone adapter)
Are there gear rental options?
If you do not have your own kayaks, you can rent kayaks or canoes from the office. Prices vary, so you will need to contact the park ranger’s office for more information. During the time of our visit, single kayaks were rented for $10/hour, and there was a two-hour minimum. Tandem kayaks and canoes were slightly more costly.
Grocery and convenience stores nearby
The park sells firewood at $8 per bundle, cash only. Groceries stores, such as Walmart Supercenter and Aldis, are located just over one mile south on US441.
Final Notes
Lake Griffin State Park is a beautiful park with fun trails and gorgeous live oaks. It also has a lot to offer in terms of fishing and kayaking. If those are not your favorite activities, then I would not recommend more than a weekend.
Useful Links and Resources
You can book a site up to 11 months in advance and stay up to 14 nights by visiting the new Florida State Park reservation site.
- Lake Griffin State Park/FloridaStateParks.org
- Reservations website/FloridaStatePars.org
RV and Camping Resources
RV Trip Planning
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