Camp Mack In Lake Wales Is A Riverfront Old Florida Getaway Near Lake Kissimmee

Some places in Florida still run on fish camp time. Out past the orange groves and long rural roads east of Lake Wales, there is a riverside spot where boats outnumber billboards and golf carts are the main way to get around.

Folks come for a weekend and end up staying a month. Anglers weigh in bass over eleven pounds here, airboats head out toward the gators, and the night sky stays dark enough to count the stars.

It sits right next to one of the biggest lakes in the state, yet it feels tucked away from everything. The following sections cover where it is, what it offers, where to sleep, how to eat, and the small planning tips that can save a long drive.

Read on to find out why so many people keep coming back.

A Fish Camp at the End of the Road

Camp Mack sits at 14900 Camp Mack Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898, in the United States. The resort lies on a quiet side channel of the Kissimmee River in Polk County, Florida.

It is about 9 miles from Highway 60, so the final stretch takes some patience. The payoff is a spot that feels removed from the busy theme park corridor to the north.

Officially, the property is listed as an RV park. In practice, it is much more than that.

The grounds include a lodge with hotel rooms, cabins, bungalows, several RV areas, a marina, boat ramps, a pool, a camp store, and places to eat. It is a full riverfront resort wearing the easygoing clothes of an old fish camp.

Lake Kissimmee State Park is roughly a 7 minute walk away. That makes the camp a handy base for anyone who wants both water access and protected natural land nearby.

The location also explains the crowd. Anglers, boaters, RV travelers, and families looking for a slower weekend all find their way down this long road.

Plenty of guests describe the place as tucked away from the main road. Once the car is parked, that distance starts to feel like the whole point.

Old Florida, Still Open for Business

Long before Florida had mega resorts, it had fish camps. These were simple waterside outposts with a ramp, a bait counter, a place to sleep, and people who knew where the fish were biting.

Camp Mack keeps that spirit alive. Regulars call it an old Florida fish camp, and the label fits.

The vibe here is unfussy on purpose. Rooms come with colorful decor and wood furnishings rather than designer touches, and the daily rhythm revolves around the water.

Staff members wave at guests as they roll by in golf carts. Friendliness comes up again and again when people talk about their stays, and many call the team some of the finest folks around.

The camp also follows its rules closely. Management says that strictness keeps the place safe and family friendly, which helps explain why the property stays quiet and clean.

For travelers tired of crowded attractions, this throwback style is a big part of the appeal. Nothing here tries too hard, and that seems to be exactly why people love it.

Consider it a time capsule with Wi-Fi, a pool, and air conditioning.

Three Lakes and a River Out Back

Fishing gets mentioned more than anything else at Camp Mack, and the reason is simple geography. The camp offers direct access to three fishing lakes, with Lake Kissimmee reachable by river.

Bass anglers make up a big share of the guest list. Some come for a few days of fishing, while others plan whole trips around tournaments.

Tournament weekends bring a lively weigh-in scene. During one recent event, many bass came in at seven to eight pounds, and the winning fish topped eleven pounds.

That is the kind of number that gets anglers booking next year before they even pack up.

The outfitter shop carries bait and tackle, so a forgotten lure is not a trip ruiner. Fuel is also available for boats.

Not every day is perfect, of course. Some anglers note that the bite can slow when lots of airboats are running nearby, so early or quieter hours may be worth targeting.

Still, for anyone who measures vacations in pounds rather than miles, this camp delivers a serious shot at a fish story that holds up.

Ramps, Slips and Boat Rentals

Boaters do not have to hunt for a launch point here. The boat ramp sits right in the campground, and a large parking area is set aside for trucks and trailers.

Several boat slips are available for rent. Guests can keep their boats in the water for the length of their stay instead of hauling them in and out every day.

One practical tip matters when water levels drop. The ramp has a drop-off that is clearly posted, and the ramp nearer the office tends to work better at low water.

No boat? No problem.

Boat hire is available, including pontoon rentals that suit families and groups who want a relaxed cruise rather than a fishing marathon. Some guests also mention tiki boat rides.

Fuel services are on site too, which saves a long trip to town just to fill a tank.

Many guests rank the marina and ramp among the best on the Kissimmee River. For a property built around water access, that is high praise in exactly the right department.

Airboats and Gator Spotting

Few things say Florida quite like an airboat, and Camp Mack offers rides right on the property. Reservations are recommended.

The gator tours are a highlight for many guests. Riders often spot plenty of wildlife along with the alligators, which makes the trip feel like a guided look at the wild side of the Kissimmee region.

Airboat rides draw strong interest from couples, families, and first timers. Even guests who come mainly to rest often add a ride to the plan.

There is another side worth knowing.

Airboats are loud, and on busy days several may be running around the waterways. Some boaters and anglers find the noise disruptive, especially near the ramp.

Guests who prefer quiet time on the water might plan around peak activity. Those who want the full Florida experience will probably find the ride is the most talked about part of their trip.

Either way, a gator sighting tends to make every phone camera come out fast.

RV Sites for Rigs Big and Small

RV travelers form the backbone of the camp, and the setup reflects that. Multiple areas of full service sites are spread across the property.

Big rigs are welcome. Guests with 35 foot fifth wheels report fitting in without trouble, and the camp seems able to handle rigs of many sizes.

Shade is the detail to pay attention to when booking. Some sites sit under trees, while others are in open sun.

Premium shaded sites get strong praise. Guests who chose them say the tree cover made sitting outside comfortable, while the exposed sites looked noticeably hotter.

Bathhouses with showers and restrooms are available, along with a wash house for laundry. Long term stays are common, and some people settle in for a full month at a time.

Guests can bring their own golf carts, though side by sides are not allowed. Boats are welcome too.

At night, the campground stays quiet and dark. For travelers who want to hear the river instead of traffic, a campsite here hits the mark.

Lodge Rooms, Cabins and Bungalows

Not everyone travels with a camper, and Camp Mack has options for the RV-free crowd. The lodge offers hotel style rooms with cable TV and coffeemakers, and some rooms include kitchenettes.

Many guests describe the lodge rooms as clean, spacious, and comfortable. The decor is colorful with wood furnishings, matching the camp’s laid-back personality.

Groups and families have bigger choices. There are one and two bedroom cabins plus three bedroom bungalows, many with full kitchens, pull-out sofas, and porches.

Experiences do vary a bit.

Some guests have pointed out maintenance issues in certain units, such as lights not working or an odor from an air conditioner. Management has responded that these problems would be checked and serviced.

Asking about the specific unit when booking can help set expectations. Lodge rooms have run around 164 dollars a night for two queen beds in at least one recent stay.

For most travelers, a room here is about having a comfortable base close to the water rather than a fancy suite.

Where Meals Happen on Property

Hunger out here requires a plan, because town is not exactly around the corner. Thankfully, the camp has several places to grab a meal.

A casual eatery serves breakfast and light bites. Guests have mentioned the Cajun Cowboy restaurant on the property, with friendly ownership that left a strong impression.

The Freshwater Grill and Tavern brings a fun atmosphere and an upbeat team. The Corner Bar hosts bingo nights, and pool tables add a little friendly competition.

Food trucks round out the lineup.

They pop up regularly and often pair with live music during the riverfront concert series. Many guests describe those evenings as some of the most pleasant parts of their stays.

Here is the catch worth repeating. The grill has been closed on Mondays and Tuesdays at times, and some nearby restaurants close those days too, especially before the busy season.

Checking the website for current hours, or packing some groceries, keeps an early week stay from turning into a 30 minute drive for dinner.

Golf Carts, Pool Days and Events

The property is big, and guests who skip a golf cart often regret it. Rentals are available on site and are one of the most recommended ways to explore.

Cruising the grounds becomes its own activity. Fuel for golf carts is available too.

The heated outdoor pool sits at the clubhouse and earns praise for being well maintained. It is a welcome break after a hot morning on the water.

Kids have a play area, and the camp is both kid friendly and pet friendly. A fitness center rounds out the list for anyone keeping up a routine.

Events add energy to the calendar.

Fishing tournaments, live music nights, and the annual river run bring crowds and a festive mood. Some travelers who showed up without reservations happened upon an event and were warmly welcomed.

Weekends can get lively, which some guests love and others prefer to avoid. Midweek stays tend to be the calmer choice for those seeking peace and quiet.

Smart Moves Before the Drive

A little planning goes a long way at a remote camp. The camp store and outfitter shop stock sundries, bait, tackle, ice, and souvenirs, so the basics are covered.

Prices in the store can run high, with ball caps costing around 34.50 dollars. Stocking up on bigger supplies before arrival is a smart move.

The nearest dollar store is a long way off, though it sits along the route in. Gas and many groceries may require a drive of about 30 minutes.

Cell coverage is another surprise for some.

Service can be nonexistent on certain carriers. The camp offers internet access, and guests can purchase Airlink for a small fee.

Parking is free, the property is smoke free, and the camp takes its rules seriously. Reading the guidelines ahead of time avoids awkward moments.

For current rates and details, the official website is campmack.com. With a few supplies and realistic expectations packed in the car, the trip runs much more smoothly.

Worth the Long Road In

Some resorts try to impress with polish. Camp Mack wins people over with water, room to roam, and folks who wave hello.

The camp holds a 4.5 star standing across more than 700 opinions, which says a lot for a remote fish camp. Many guests return year after year, and some book their next spring before leaving.

It is not perfect for everyone. Weekend crowds, airboat noise, store prices, and limited early week dining can test some travelers.

Yet the strengths are hard to ignore.

Big bass, easy boat access, gator tours, shaded RV sites, cozy cabins, and a heated pool all sit within one property. Lake Kissimmee State Park is just a short walk away.

Anglers will likely love it most, followed closely by RV travelers and families who enjoy simple outdoor fun. Anyone chasing luxury may want to look elsewhere.

For everyone else, this riverside corner of Lake Wales offers a slice of old Florida that still feels genuine. Bring a rod, rent a cart, and let the river set the schedule.