Why Camp Mack Is the Closest Old Florida Experience to Orlando

THE OLD FLORIDA RESORT

Discover the Florida Most Visitors Never See

Just over an hour from Orlando, there’s a place where Florida still feels wild, natural, and authentic. Welcome to Camp Mack.

When most people think of a Florida vacation, they picture theme parks, crowded beaches, and long lines. But nestled along the historic Kissimmee River near Lake Kissimmee, Camp Mack offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the Florida that existed long before highways, high-rise hotels, and amusement parks transformed the state.

WHAT IS IT

What is “Old Florida”?

Old Florida isn’t a theme park attraction or a carefully staged tourist experience. It’s a way of life rooted in Florida’s natural beauty, outdoor traditions, and rich history.

•      Moss-draped cypress trees

•      Airboats gliding across marshes at sunrise

•      Ospreys and bald eagles soaring overhead

•      Bass fishing on legendary waters

•      Campfires under star-filled skies

•      Historic cattle ranches and cracker culture

•      Wildlife encounters that happen naturally, not behind fences

While much of Florida has changed dramatically over the last century, the Kissimmee River Valley remains one of the last places where visitors can still experience this authentic side of the Sunshine State.

GETTING HERE

Closer than you think

One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how close Camp Mack is to Orlando. Located about 60 miles south of the city, it’s close enough for a day trip — but feels worlds away from the traffic and crowds.

“Many guests describe Camp Mack as feeling like stepping back in time.”

In just over an hour, visitors can leave behind busy highways and arrive at a riverfront destination surrounded by thousands of acres of protected wilderness.

THE WATER

Gateway to Lake Kissimmee and the Kissimmee River

Camp Mack sits directly on the Kissimmee River and provides easy access to Lake Kissimmee, one of Florida’s most renowned fishing and boating destinations. The area remains remarkably undeveloped, preserving the natural beauty that attracted visitors generations ago.

•      Fish for trophy largemouth bass

•      Explore miles of scenic waterways

•      Kayak through natural marshes

•      Watch wildlife from the water

•      Enjoy some of Florida’s best birdwatching

THE WILDLIFE

Wildlife everywhere

One of the things guests remember most about Camp Mack is the wildlife. And because the property is surrounded by natural habitat, encounters are often completely spontaneous — right from the docks, boat ramp, cabins, RV sites, or restaurant deck.

•      Alligators

•      Bald eagles

•      Ospreys

•      Sandhill cranes

•      White-tailed deer

•      River otters

•      Wild turkeys

•      Bobcats

•      Hundreds of bird species

THE EXPERIENCE

A different kind of Florida vacation

At Camp Mack, the pace slows down. Instead of waiting in lines, guests spend their days fishing at sunrise, taking airboat rides, exploring the river by boat, watching wildlife, enjoying live music, and sharing stories around a campfire.

It’s the kind of Florida vacation that families often say they wish they had discovered years ago.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Stay your way

Camp Mack offers accommodations for nearly every type of traveler — whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a fishing trip, a family vacation, or an extended winter stay.

•      Lodge rooms

•      Cabins and cottages

•      Full-hookup RV sites

•      Waterfront camping

HISTORY

Next door to Florida history

Camp Mack is located next to Lake Kissimmee State Park, home to the famous 1876 Cow Camp Living History Area, where visitors can experience demonstrations of Florida’s early cattle ranching heritage and learn about the cracker cowboys who helped shape the state.

The surrounding Kissimmee River Valley played a major role in Florida’s development — a transportation corridor for steamboats, ranchers, settlers, and Native American communities. History isn’t something that happened somewhere else. It happened right here.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan your Old Florida adventure

Millions of people visit Central Florida every year, yet many never venture beyond the theme parks and tourist corridors. Those who do discover a Florida filled with wildlife, history, open spaces, fishing, boating, and genuine hospitality — the Florida that locals have treasured for generations.

Come experience the Kissimmee River.

Explore Lake Kissimmee.

Discover Camp Mack.