High Cotton

For Floridians who cherish the serenity of nature and the simple joys of camping, finding a truly private and picturesque spot can be a treasure. In the heart of Central Florida, specifically near Lake Wales, you’ll discover High Cotton – a unique campground that promises a tranquil riverfront oasis. This article will delve into what makes High Cotton an appealing choice for local users seeking a genuine escape into the state’s beautiful natural landscapes.

High Cotton is described as a "Rural Riverfront oasis!" that offers a distinctly private camping experience. Located at 18550 Co Rd 630, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA, this campground distinguishes itself from larger, more commercialized sites by prioritizing seclusion and a direct connection to nature. It's not a bustling resort, but rather a peaceful retreat for those who appreciate quietude and the beauty of a riverfront setting.

This particular site offers ample space for both RV and tent campers, accommodating various preferences for outdoor lodging. Reviews from past visitors highlight the "privacy and easy access to the river," emphasizing its suitability for a relaxed group or individual trip. One camper noted, "We only needed an overnight stay but we really enjoyed the time here and would definitely come back! It's a lovely piece of property right on the river and the swing was a fun amenity." This feedback underscores the charm and appeal of High Cotton – a place where guests can truly unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. It appears to be managed with a focus on providing a comfortable, no-frills, and genuinely relaxing outdoor experience, making it a hidden gem for Floridians seeking an authentic camping getaway.

High Cotton is ideally situated at 18550 Co Rd 630, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA. This location places it in Central Florida, a region celebrated for its numerous lakes, natural springs, and a more rural charm compared to Florida's heavily developed coastal areas. The campground's setting directly on the Withlacoochee River shore provides direct riverfront views, a significant draw for water enthusiasts.

While offering a secluded feel, High Cotton's location ensures reasonable accessibility for Florida residents. Lake Wales, a charming nearby city, provides convenient access to essential amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and local eateries, typically within a short drive. This allows campers to easily stock up on supplies without sacrificing the peaceful ambiance of their riverside retreat. Furthermore, the campground's proximity to popular natural attractions enhances its appeal. It is described as "very close to the blue springs state park swimming area," with direct access to Blue Springs Park via a short tube ride downriver or a quick drive. This proximity to clear, spring-fed waters is a major highlight for many Floridians, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in crystal-clear natural environments. The location also provides opportunities for exploring the broader Central Florida landscape, including attractions like Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales or even the theme parks of Orlando (though it's intentionally removed from that bustling environment). High Cotton strikes an excellent balance between a peaceful natural setting and practical access to conveniences and regional points of interest.

High Cotton focuses on providing essential services that enhance a genuine outdoor camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency and natural immersion over extensive resort-style amenities. While its simplicity is part of its charm, it ensures core needs are met for a comfortable stay.

• RV and Tent Sites: The property offers plenty of area for both RV and tent sites, catering to different camping preferences.
• Power Hookup (Historically): While recent information indicates that "Full 110v power hook up with 50amp service was taken out by latest hurricane and is unavailable currently," it's important for prospective campers to inquire about the current status of power availability. When operational, this provides crucial comfort for RV campers.
• Direct River Access: A key service is the low access point on the property, "perfect for getting in the water to swim or launch your kayak directly on property." This facilitates immediate engagement with the Withlacoochee River for various water activities.
• Fire Ring: A "Large handmade steel fire ring" is available for camper use, essential for campfires, cooking, and evening gatherings.
• Seasonally Available Firewood: Firewood is seasonally available on-site, often at no extra charge, which is a convenient service for campers.
• Pet-Friendly: High Cotton is indicated as welcoming pets, making it a suitable option for those who travel with their furry companions.
• ATV/Side-by-Side Welcome: The community welcomes ATVs and side-by-side vehicles, with plenty of areas to ride around and explore, catering to off-road enthusiasts.

It's important to note that the description explicitly states "Toilet not provided," indicating campers should be prepared with their own portable sanitation or be comfortable with primitive facilities. Campers are advised to check the water weather website for flooding information prior to booking, particularly concerning river levels.

High Cotton's most compelling features and highlights revolve around its direct connection to nature, privacy, and opportunities for authentic outdoor recreation. These attributes create a memorable and peaceful camping retreat.

• Direct Riverfront Location: The property is situated directly on the Withlacoochee River shore, offering "direct Riverfront views" and unparalleled access to the water for various activities.
• Privacy and Seclusion: Described as a "Rural Riverfront oasis!" with plenty of area for sites, High Cotton offers a level of privacy that can be hard to find at larger, more crowded campgrounds. This is consistently highlighted by positive reviews.
• Access to Natural Springs: One of its standout features is its "very close" proximity to the blue springs state park swimming area, which can be accessed by tubing downriver or a short drive. This provides an exceptional opportunity to experience Florida's famous clear, cool springs.
• Excellent Fishing and Swimming: The specific area of the river is noted for being "great for fishing and swimming," appealing directly to anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
• Tubing Opportunities: Campers can bring their own tubes and float down the river for an hour to a nearby boat ramp, offering a fun and unique recreational activity.
• Large Handmade Steel Fire Ring: A dedicated, substantial fire pit enhances the camping experience, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Scenic Swing Overlooking the River: A "lovely 6 foot swing that overlooks the river" provides a charming amenity for relaxation and enjoying the views.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: Welcoming to pets, High Cotton allows campers to bring their beloved animals along for the adventure.
• ATV and Side-by-Side Friendly: For off-road enthusiasts, the community is welcoming to ATVs and side-by-sides, with areas nearby for riding and exploring.
• Quiet and Tranquil Setting: The area of the river where High Cotton is located is described as "sparsely populated" and "relaxing and tranquil," ensuring a peaceful escape from noise and crowds.

These features collectively create an appealing destination for those seeking a quiet, activity-rich, and authentically natural Florida camping experience.

Given the private and independent nature of High Cotton, it is less likely to feature large-scale, formalized "promotions" or "special offers" typically seen at corporate-owned resorts. Its value proposition lies more in its unique setting, privacy, and direct river access. However, smaller, independently-run campgrounds often provide flexibility or informal incentives. Prospective campers should always inquire directly when making reservations, as they might offer:

• Varying Rates by Season: Prices for campsites may fluctuate based on Florida's peak and off-peak camping seasons. Booking during less busy times could potentially offer better value.
• Extended Stay Discounts: For campers planning a longer visit (e.g., weekly or monthly stays), some private campgrounds offer a reduced nightly rate.
• Group Rates: If booking for a larger group, it might be worth asking if any special group pricing is available.
• Direct Booking Benefits: Sometimes, booking directly through the owner or a preferred platform might offer better terms than through third-party aggregators.

The primary "offer" of High Cotton is its unique and highly desired features – the privacy, river access, and proximity to natural springs – which provide an experience that is often considered premium for campers seeking solitude and direct engagement with Florida's outdoors. Any specific deals would best be confirmed by direct communication with the property owners or managers when planning your trip.

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain the most current information regarding High Cotton, including details on power availability, amenities, and booking, the best approach would be to contact the property directly through its known booking platforms or owner contact if available. Based on public information, this type of campground often manages bookings through specific camping reservation websites.

Address: 18550 Co Rd 630, Lake Wales, FL 33898, USA

Phone:

When planning your visit, especially considering the note about the power hookup, it is crucial to communicate directly to confirm the exact amenities and any specific requirements for your stay at High Cotton. Utilizing the platform where you found information about High Cotton for booking is typically the most reliable way to establish contact.

For Floridians, High Cotton in Lake Wales represents an exceptionally suitable and desirable camping destination, particularly for those who value privacy, direct access to natural waterways, and a peaceful escape from the more populated areas of the state. It embodies the essence of authentic Florida outdoor living, making it a compelling choice for a local getaway.

The most significant draw is its unique riverfront location directly on the Withlacoochee River. This allows locals to enjoy immediate access to fishing, swimming, and especially tubing down to nearby natural springs – a quintessentially Floridian activity. The promise of "privacy and easy access to the river" resonates deeply with campers who seek to avoid crowded parks and instead prefer a serene environment to truly unwind and reconnect with nature. This level of seclusion is a prized commodity in Florida, offering a genuine sense of escape.

Furthermore, High Cotton caters to both RV and tent campers, providing flexibility for different styles of outdoor adventure. The presence of a large fire pit and seasonally available firewood enhances the traditional camping experience, perfect for creating lasting memories around a campfire. For those with pets, the pet-friendly policy means that beloved companions can join the outdoor fun, which is a major advantage for many Florida families. The option to bring ATVs and side-by-sides also appeals to locals who enjoy exploring rural trails and off-road recreation.

In essence, High Cotton offers Floridians an accessible yet remote riverfront haven. It's a place where the focus is on simple pleasures – the beauty of the river, the quiet of nature, and the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities at your own pace. For locals seeking a refreshing and genuine camping experience that truly feels like a break from the everyday, High Cotton provides the perfect setting right in their own beautiful state.