Bud's RV Park & Marina

Are you a Floridian seeking an RV park that offers more than just a place to park your rig? Do you dream of waking up to the tranquility of a freshwater lake, with direct access for your boat and the chance to reel in a prize-winning catch? Then look no further than Bud's RV Park & Marina, a charming and authentic "Old Florida style" retreat nestled on the serene shores of Tiger Lake in Lake Wales. This is the place where nature's peace meets genuine hospitality, making it an ideal destination for both short getaways and extended seasonal stays.

Located at 1700 Tiger Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA, Bud's RV Park & Marina is a true hidden gem for those who appreciate a low-key atmosphere and a strong connection to the natural beauty of Central Florida. Recent reviews highlight the park's peaceful environment, surrounded by stunning live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, and an abundance of local wildlife. What's even more exciting is the ongoing revitalization under new owners, Bess and Will Hicks, who are dedicated to enhancing this beloved old fish camp while preserving its authentic charm.

Whether you're an avid angler, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for a quiet place to "chill" and unwind, Bud's RV Park & Marina promises a unique and memorable experience. Join us as we delve into the details of this picturesque park, from its prime lakeside location and comprehensive services to its standout features and the exciting improvements underway, all designed with the Florida camper in mind.

Bud's RV Park & Marina boasts an enviable location at 1700 Tiger Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of beautiful Tiger Lake, a significant freshwater body in Polk County. For Floridians, this location offers an ideal blend of peaceful natural seclusion and convenient regional accessibility. Lake Wales, while offering a charming small-town feel, is within a reasonable driving distance of major Central Florida cities like Orlando and Tampa, making Bud's an excellent choice for both spontaneous weekend trips and longer, seasonal retreats.

Accessibility to the park is generally straightforward, utilizing well-maintained state and local roads, which is crucial for those traveling in RVs of varying sizes. The approach to the park is noted as easy, ensuring a stress-free arrival. Once you're settled, the geographical advantage extends beyond the immediate surroundings. Tiger Lake itself connects to the vast chain of lakes, including the renowned Lake Kissimmee, opening up even more opportunities for extensive boating, fishing, and exploration.

The setting amidst live oak trees and lush tropical plants truly sets an "Old Florida style" tone, providing an immersive natural experience. This prime location, combining tranquility with connectivity to larger waterways and regional hubs, is a significant draw for local campers looking for an authentic Florida outdoor adventure.

Bud's RV Park & Marina is dedicated to providing essential services that ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for its guests, catering to the needs of both short-term visitors and those planning extended stays.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: All sites at Bud's RV Park & Marina offer full hookups, which include water, electric (with both 30-amp and 50-amp connections to accommodate various RVs), and sewer connections. This provides maximum convenience, allowing campers to enjoy all the comforts of home.

• Marina Access & Boat Launch: A significant highlight and a key service is the on-site marina and boat launch. This allows guests to easily launch their boats directly onto Tiger Lake, providing seamless access to excellent fishing and boating opportunities, including connections to Lake Kissimmee.

• Laundry Facilities: For added convenience, especially for long-term campers, the park offers on-site laundry facilities, which are a welcome amenity.

• Recycling Bins: Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility, recycling bins are available for guests, making it easy to dispose of recyclables properly.

• Restroom Facilities: While noted as "usable though dated" in some older reviews, the new owners are actively working on refurbishment and updating, indicating an improvement in these essential facilities.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: Bud's RV Park & Marina welcomes furry friends, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor adventure with your beloved pets. Standard leash and cleanup rules apply.

• Planned Small Store: Future plans include the addition of a small on-site store, which will provide campers with easy access to essential supplies without having to leave the park.

Bud's RV Park & Marina offers a compelling array of features and highlights that truly define its authentic "Old Florida" charm and appeal to a wide range of campers:

• Prime Lakeside Location on Tiger Lake: The park's most significant feature is its direct frontage on Tiger Lake. This provides stunning water views, excellent fishing opportunities directly from shore or boat, and a serene backdrop for your stay.

• Access to Lake Kissimmee Chain: Beyond Tiger Lake, the park's marina offers direct boating access to the larger Lake Kissimmee and its interconnected chain of lakes, renowned for trophy bass fishing and extensive natural beauty, making it an angler's paradise.

• Authentic "Old Florida" Ambiance: The park retains a rustic, natural charm, characterized by magnificent live oak trees draped with Spanish moss and a variety of tropical plants. This creates a peaceful and picturesque environment, a true escape from modern development.

• Abundant Wildlife: Guests frequently spot diverse wildlife, including Gray Herons, egrets, sandhill cranes, baby alligators, gopher turtles, fox squirrels, and owls, offering fantastic opportunities for nature observation and photography.

• Peaceful and Low-Key Atmosphere: Praised by reviewers for being "low key" and "so peaceful," Bud's provides a relaxing environment ideal for unwinding and enjoying nature without the hustle and bustle of larger resorts. It's a great place to "chill."

• Friendly Community and Welcoming Owners: The park fosters a friendly atmosphere among campers. Critically, the new owners, Bess and Will Hicks, are consistently described as "wonderful" and providing "great hospitality." Their presence and dedication to improvements significantly enhance the guest experience.

• Ongoing Refurbishments and Updates: Under the new ownership, the park is actively undergoing refurbishments, including updating sandy roads to asphalt and generally improving the facilities while preserving its classic fish camp feel. This commitment to enhancement bodes well for future visits.

• Visibility of Cape Canaveral Launches: On clear days or nights, campers can witness distant rocket launches from Cape Canaveral, adding a unique and spectacular element to their stay.

Bud's RV Park & Marina, under its new ownership, is in a phase of active improvement and offers competitive pricing that is already noted as "reasonable." While specific, complex promotional schemes are not widely advertised, the current value proposition and future plans suggest potential benefits for guests.

Based on the provided information and common RV park practices, consider the following:

• Value-Oriented Pricing: The current pricing structure is already considered "reasonable," offering great value for full hookup sites with direct lake and marina access. While prices may "go up a bit as improvements are completed," the current rates are a strong incentive.

• Monthly Stay Benefits: As seen with the reviewer who stayed for a month, the park clearly accommodates and is well-suited for extended stays. It is highly probable that monthly rates offer a significant discount compared to daily or weekly rates, a common practice in RV parks that cater to long-term campers. This is particularly appealing to Floridians seeking a winter retreat or an extended base.

• Future Activities and Amenities: While not a direct discount, the "plans for a small store and weekly activities" indicate an increasing value proposition for future stays, adding more amenities and engagement opportunities for the same or a slightly increased price.

• "Permanent Camper" Opportunities: The mention of "quite a few permanent campers" suggests there might be opportunities for even longer-term site leases or seasonal contracts, which often come with the most competitive pricing. Interested parties should inquire directly about these possibilities.

To get the most accurate and current information on rates, availability for extended stays, and any upcoming special offers as improvements continue, direct contact with Bud's RV Park & Marina is highly recommended.

To inquire about availability, rates, or any other information regarding your stay at Bud's RV Park & Marina, please use the following contact details. The friendly owners, Bess and Will Hicks, and their team are eager to assist you.

• Address: 1700 Tiger Lake Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA

• Phone: (863) 812-7566

• Mobile Phone: +1 863-812-7566 (This is likely the same number, provided with the international dialing code.)

• Website/Facebook: While a new website is reportedly being created, you may find additional information and updates via their Facebook page, which serves as their primary online presence for now. Searching for "Bud's RV Park & Marina Lake Wales FL" on Facebook should lead you to their page.

It is always a good practice to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, to confirm availability and discuss your specific needs.

For Floridians seeking an authentic, peaceful, and truly connected outdoor experience, Bud's RV Park & Marina stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its prime location on Tiger Lake, with direct access to the expansive Lake Kissimmee chain, is a significant advantage for local boaters and fishing enthusiasts. This means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the incredible freshwater resources our state has to offer.

The park's "Old Florida style" charm, characterized by its natural setting with Spanish moss-draped live oaks and abundant wildlife, provides a serene and genuine escape from the often-bustling pace of modern life. For locals, this offers a refreshing opportunity to reconnect with nature right in their backyard, without needing to venture far from home. The tranquil atmosphere, as praised by many campers, is perfect for unwinding and de-stressing.

Furthermore, the dedicated new owners, Bess and Will Hicks, are actively working to enhance the park while preserving its unique character. Their commitment to improving facilities, coupled with their "wonderful" hospitality, ensures a welcoming and comfortable environment. The full hookup sites, laundry facilities, and planned future amenities all add to the convenience, making both short visits and longer seasonal stays highly enjoyable. Bud's RV Park & Marina is more than just a place to park your RV; it's a community where you can relax, fish, explore, and truly experience the best of Florida's natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for your next local adventure.