Lake Rosalie Park and Campground

For Floridians seeking an authentic and serene escape into nature without breaking the bank, Lake Rosalie Park and Campground in Lake Wales offers a truly refreshing experience. Nestled by the beautiful freshwater Lake Rosalie, this Polk County park provides a tranquil setting that feels like a hidden gem, perfect for those who appreciate simplicity, cleanliness, and the natural beauty of Central Florida. It stands apart from larger, more commercialized campgrounds by offering a peaceful atmosphere and essential amenities at an incredibly accessible price point.

Many campers, from tent enthusiasts to RV adventurers, have discovered this spot and extended their stays, drawn in by its quiet charm and stunning lake views. The park emphasizes a "first come first serve" approach, embodying a laid-back, genuine camping spirit that resonates with many local outdoors enthusiasts. If you're looking to unwind by a pristine lake, enjoy some fishing, or simply relax in a clean and well-maintained environment, Lake Rosalie Park and Campground is a testament to Florida's lesser-known, yet equally rewarding, natural havens.

Lake Rosalie Park and Campground is located at 2859-2925 Rosalie Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA. This address places it within Polk County, a region renowned for its numerous lakes and natural landscapes in the heart of Florida. The campground's position by Lake Rosalie, a beautiful freshwater lake, is a significant draw, offering direct water access and scenic views.

The park's location provides a sense of seclusion and tranquility, as it's away from the immediate hustle and bustle of major highways. However, it remains quite accessible from various parts of Central Florida. Lake Wales, the nearest major town, is home to attractions like Bok Tower Gardens, and the campground is also within a reasonable driving distance of larger cities such as Kissimmee and Orlando, making it a feasible weekend getaway for many Floridians. While the road leading to the campground, Rosalie Lake Road, might be a clay road as described in some older documents, the overall access is generally straightforward. Visitors appreciate that despite being somewhat off the beaten path, it offers a true escape into nature without being too remote. The presence of a small boat ramp on-site further enhances accessibility for those looking to enjoy the lake.

• Tent and RV Camping: Lake Rosalie Park and Campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs, offering versatile options for different types of outdoor enthusiasts.
• Water and Electrical Hookups: For RV and tent campers, sites are equipped with water and electrical hookups. Sites are noted to have both 30 amp and 50 amp service, catering to a wide range of RVs.
• Affordable Daily Rates: The park offers highly competitive rates, with full hookup sites (water and electric) typically available for $20 a night. Dry camping (tent next to vehicle) is even more affordable at $10 a night.
• First Come, First Serve Basis: Notably, the campground operates on a "first come, first serve" basis, meaning no reservations are taken. This requires campers to arrive and secure a spot, which adds to its laid-back charm but also means checking availability, especially during peak times.
• Clean Restrooms and Showers: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, which are a crucial amenity for any campground, particularly one offering primitive and partial hookup sites.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each campsite is equipped with essential outdoor living amenities, including a picnic table for meals and a fire pit for campfires and cooking.
• Dump Station: While individual sewer hookups may not be available at every site, there is a convenient dump station located at the beginning of the park for waste disposal, catering to self-contained RVs.
• Small Boat Ramp: The campground features a small boat ramp, providing easy access to Lake Rosalie for those with boats, kayaks, or canoes.
• Accommodating Host: Guests frequently commend "Marvin," the host, for being "perfect" and "very accommodating," enhancing the overall positive experience at the campground.

• Beautiful Freshwater Lake Access: The prime feature is its direct access to Lake Rosalie, a large, clean freshwater lake. This offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying scenic lake views, particularly from waterfront sites.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently highlighted by visitors, the campground maintains a remarkably "quiet and peaceful" ambiance. This makes it an ideal retreat for those looking to escape noise and enjoy nature's serenity.
• Exceptional Value: At just $20 a night for water and electric hookups, and $10 for dry camping, Lake Rosalie Park and Campground offers incredible value, making quality outdoor experiences accessible to more Floridians.
• Impeccably Clean Facilities: The cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers is a significant highlight, ensuring a comfortable and hygienic experience even in a rustic setting.
• Friendly and Helpful Host: The presence of an accommodating and friendly host like Marvin greatly enhances the visitor experience, making guests feel welcome and well-cared for.
• Uncrowded Experience: Reviewers often note that, outside of peak times, the park can be quite uncrowded, sometimes with only a few campers, which contributes to its "hidden gem" feel and offers more solitude.
• Wildlife Viewing: Being on a freshwater lake, the park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including alligators in the lake (a common and important note for Florida lake safety) and various bird species.
• Natural Setting: The campground boasts beautiful natural surroundings, providing a genuine outdoor experience with lush Florida foliage and open spaces.

For inquiries regarding Lake Rosalie Park and Campground, including current availability (given its first-come, first-serve policy) or any specific questions about facilities, you can reach out using the following contact details:

Address: 2859-2925 Rosalie Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA

Phone: (863) 679-4245

Mobile Phone: +1 863-679-4245

Some reviews also mention a camphost named Marvin, with a direct number of (863) 370-6367, which might be useful for on-site inquiries. However, the primary number listed for Polk County Parks and Recreation is likely the best initial point of contact. Given the "first come, first serve" policy, it's particularly advisable to call ahead to gauge expected occupancy, especially during weekends or holidays, though a firm reservation cannot be made.

For Floridians, Lake Rosalie Park and Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons, offering a quintessential Central Florida outdoor experience that caters to both budget-conscious adventurers and those seeking tranquil natural beauty close to home.

Firstly, its remarkable affordability ($20/night for full hookups) makes genuine lakefront camping accessible to nearly everyone in the state. In an era where many campsites are becoming increasingly expensive, Lake Rosalie's pricing ensures that a refreshing getaway is within reach, encouraging more frequent and spontaneous trips for local families and individuals. This value proposition is a significant draw for Floridians looking to maximize their outdoor recreation budget.

Secondly, the campground truly delivers on its promise of a "quiet, peaceful and very clean park." For residents accustomed to the hustle and bustle of Florida's popular attractions and cities, finding such a serene environment is a treasure. This tranquility allows for genuine relaxation, whether you're enjoying the "beautiful views" from a waterfront site, casting a line in the freshwater lake, or simply unwinding by a campfire. The consistent praise for Marvin, the accommodating host, further enhances this welcoming and well-managed atmosphere, making visitors feel at home.

Finally, its Central Florida location in Lake Wales makes it highly accessible from major population centers across the state, from Tampa and Orlando to South Florida. This ease of access, combined with a small boat ramp, clean bathhouses, and a dump station, means Floridians can easily pack up their tents or RVs and immerse themselves in a natural paradise without extensive travel or complex planning. For a straightforward, affordable, and deeply peaceful experience by a beautiful Florida lake, Lake Rosalie Park and Campground is truly a local treasure waiting to be discovered and revisited.

Lake Rosalie Park and Campground

2859-2925 Rosalie Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA