I've paddled the Emerald Cut a few times now. Initially I didn't like the idea of paying to launch…read moremy own paddleboard. However, it's only $10 now that I have my own life jacket (saving me additional cost of $5 to use one of theirs, as required). Well worth the low cost for some soul-enriching, communing with nature. I have never made a reservation. I normally arrive around 10:30, most recently on a Friday. Parked for free on Baptist Camp Rd. Just a bit of a walk from there with my inflated paddleboard, but I don't mind the extra exercise. You can unload your stuff closer, if preferable. There are port-a-potties available. You can count on there being a line in the check-in office. Various recreation supplies are available there for purchase. The process moves reasonably enough. A reservation will guarantee your entrance, however, and possibly aide quicker personal info collection. I always plan to do the Emerald Cut in roughly 3 hours round-trip, allowing myself several stops to enjoy the surroundings. You do run into (quite literally at times) novice paddlers along the way, which can be a bit tricky, yet not a real nuisance for me. In general, there's friendliness along the waterway. Slighty rowdy, party vibes in some spots, but also opportunities for solace and zen in various nooks. Encountering wildlife, fragrant elderberry, and other captivating flora along this stretch is always gratifying. It's a popular recreation destination for good reason.

Many tourists don't realize Florida is home to stunning crystal-clear spring rivers--perfect for…read moreswimming, kayaking, and tubing aka "hidden gems". My Hubby and I love kayaking, so we booked an excursion months in advance for Rock Springs through TripAdvisor. Our Tour Operator was Get Up And Go Kayaking located at Kings Landing in Apopka, FL. I LOVE saying Apopka ;) The good news: Apopka is a quick 1 hour drive from Orlando. Make sure you don't miss the turn to King's Landing, because the entrance is located on a narrow dirt road. You must drive past Kelly Park (which fills up fast). There is a Park Ranger located here who will guide you to King's Landing. As you get closer and if you see a parking spot, grab it! Check in is located in the Cabin like office where you will have to sign a waiver. If you do not want to take a clear bottom, guided Kayak tour, you can either rent or BYO Kayak versus taking a semi private, clear, guided kayak tour. NOTE: ONLY use their Sunscreen/lotion which is provided at no cost. It protects the wildlife and the Springs. We wanted the full experience as we have previously enjoyed renting clear Kayaks. Our guide for the morning was: Megan, who was fantastic! Full of energy, information and helpful tidbits about the Springs and its human and wildlife inhabitants. Our group was small and capped at 10. We paddled through both narrow and open stretches, and stopped to swim in the warm, crystal-clear water. One highlight was a banyan tree with an 8-foot natural "jump hole"--such a cool experience! It was a serene, memorable day, and fun fact: this is the very spring featured in the Visit Orlando commercials! Yeah, definitely take a day away from crowded Orlando to relax and enjoy Mother Nature! You will Thank Me ;)

This place is absolutely unbelievable! I was there for the American Heritage girls conference,…read morewhich by the way is fantastic organization. This is a place that had I been a kid and known about this place, I would've been here every chance I had. The accommodations were unbelievable! All the activities like the climbing wall, and the ropes were super cool. The girls got to do kayaking and archery, and even learned how to change a tire. This is the most beautiful land I've seen in a long time! Highly recommend you have any event here!

Great camp for kids aged 7 to 13! The best part is that any child can attend regardless of their…read moreparents financial situation! All they have to do is apply! After visiting the camp myself I can't wait to send my youngest this year. All Instructors are background checked and have training to inspire young adults. Only the best! They have beautiful up to date pools. The gym is state-of-the-art! And the rolling hill of acres is picturesque! There are so many things to do and see, like archery! I'm ecstatic for my baby to attend because everyone is super friendly and all - children, parents and Elk's are treated with the utmost respect and care! If you're looking for a great place to offer your child the best head start, this is the place for you.

Mount Dora isn't a huge lake but it's big enough to warrant a lighthouse and it's apparently the…read moreonly lighthouse in the entire state of Florida that remains an inland aid to navigation. It's adorable, located on a small spit of land at the Port of Mount Dora next to the boat launches. The lighthouse was completed in 1988 and stands 35 feet tall. It is built from brick. There is free parking here and a few benches where you can sit by the water and watch the kayakers or jet skiiers. [Review 1029 of 2024 - 1905 in Florida - 22057 overall]

Nice spot to sit down for a while once you get around the Mt. Dora area…read more Good amount of seating, but I'd say to stay away on really hot days. The lighthouse is waayyyyy smaller than you would think it is. But still a cool area to check out.

Great camping location with tons of activities. The views of the lake are awesome. The kids loved…read morethe swimming pool. Our swimming session was canceled due to thunderstorms; however, the staff rescheduled our session later that day to make sure the kids got in their swimming. They even opened the other pool to allow them to go down the pool slide. Thank you so much. The pool staff was truly helpful and went out of their way to make sure the kids got in some extra time.

La-No-Che and scouting go hand in hand. If you're a scout and/or scout leader, especially in…read moreFlorida, you know about this place. Chances are you have probably also camped here at least once. It's an important part of being a scout and produces memories that you and your boys will have forever. There are different camping weekends throughout the year. They have a Tiger Growl weekend (just for Tiger Scouts), Webelos to scouts transition weekend, Cub Holiday weekends, Cub Halloween weekends and more. The camping activities are generally the same, but the themes change depending on the season and/or holiday. Their activities schedule for Saturday's are great because they are packed with things for the boys to do. By the end of the day the boys are bushed and and sleep like champs that night. They offer BB Gun shooting, archery, swimming, metal detecting, crafts, hiking and a play to name a few. They have a dining hall if you choose not to make your own meals and have a scout store/trading post where you will find anything and everything scouting related. Each campsite is quite large and features a covered and screened shelter to store your packs food/supplies. Those shelters also have bunks in their own rooms if needed. Each site also has its own flag pole if your pack or troop want to have your own flag ceremony each morning and evening. La-No-Che has their own flag ceremony that scouts must be a part of. Teaches the boys how to respect our flag and respect this country. Food in the dining hall is actually very good. My elite tongue was very happy with what I ate and it's only about $5 per meal. I'm a big guy and left each meal satisfied. During the Halloween season they have a haunted house and trail at night for the boys to enjoy. They also have trick-or-treating and a costume parade for all the boys to participate in. A Lot of fun and probably mine and my sons favorite time to camp here. This is a great team building/bonding camp for packs and troops and applies what it means to be a scout. If you have a son in scouting, this is a must. Your pack or troop should be coming here, especially if you reside in Florida. See you at La-No-Che!