Florida's Underrated Campground Between Orlando And Tampa Is A Cattle Ranch Filled With Endless Outdoor Fun

Sure, Florida is an exciting destination for entertainment centers, amusement parks, and sun-drenched beaches, but it is also home to thousands of cattle ranches. Interestingly, the history dates back to when Spanish explorers first brought cattle over in the 16th century, and since then, innovations in agriculture and crossbreeding have allowed the state's cattle industry to thrive. Visitors can experience that ranching heritage firsthand at Wilderness Shores Ranch and Campground in Lakeland, Florida. This isn't a ranch solely built for dairy or beef production, though. The 750-acre, privately owned ranch serves as a campground where visitors are welcome to fish, camp, boat, and interact with the animals.

Wilderness Shores owner Paul White regards his ranch fondly, and a visit to the property reveals its well-kept grounds, 4 beautiful miles of shoreline, and a chance to meet longhorn cattle in all of their arched-horn glory. The ranch is also home to goats, horses, and ducks. With only a handful of reviews on Tripadvisor, one previous visitor described this underrated campground as the "best kept secret in Lakeland." An escape to Wilderness Shores isn't difficult from Orlando or Tampa, as it's about an hour's drive from either city.

A day pass, available for a small fee, allows you to stroll around the wide-open spaces and elevated trails at Wilderness Shores. Horses graze in their pens, cattle roam freely, and goats laze in the shade. The ranch is home to a collection of longhorn bulls, cows, heifers, and steers. They have charming names such as Cowgirl Bliss, Shines a Lot, and Jump Time, and you can call out to them as they trot along and swing their broad horns back and forth. Alternatively, visit a pasture, where you can hold and pet miniature goats.

While Florida isn't a stranger to ranch-related wildlife and nature preserves, like Seminole Ranch Conservation Area, the campgrounds at Wilderness Shores Ranch provide scenic views, with some campsites nestled in meadows underneath towering oak trees. The campsites are also reasonably priced, with nightly fees listed online. Tents and RVs are available to rent, and you can set up at a primitive campsite by the lake, opt for RV boondocking, or hook your rig up to an electric site. There are restrooms, showers, double water hookups, and a dump station. Feel free to bring your pooch(on a leash when walking around), barbecue, and sing campfire songs. The ranch is great for families, but also nice if you want to camp alone and explore the reasons why solo camping is a trend.

More outdoor adventures await at Wilderness Shores. There is a fishing area in the northeast corner adjacent to Saddle Creek Campground, and anglers on Google noted that fishing is excellent at the ranch, especially for bass. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake's nooks and crannies. Alternatively, head inland to book a side-by-side tour of the grounds, where you can feed the longhorns. You can also feed the cows, horses, and goats for a small fee. As a member of the Florida Agritourism Association, Wilderness Shores Ranch is protected under inherent risk immunity, so take the necessary precautions while interacting with the animals. For more outdoor adventures in the area, Lakeland is home to Bonnet Springs Park, one of America's best city parks.