The Essex Chain of Lakes park is open from 8 a.m. until sundown, 365 days a year. Campers who plan to arrive after sunset should call the park on the day of arrival at 813-672-5320 to get the gate combination and instructions. All campers must be set up before 11 p.m.

Admission

• $5 per vehicle (two to eight people).
• $4 single-occupant vehicle.
• $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

Camping

$22 per night plus tax, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee and a $7 nightly utility fee for RV, cabin, bungalow, boat and yurt units. Utility fee includes water, electricity and sewer. (Utility fee does not apply to tent camping.)

Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses that are just a short walk to the barn and paddocks.

Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50% discount on current base campsite fees. (Reservation fee and utility fee are excluded.) Must present documentation at check-in.