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Sure, Florida is an exciting destination for entertainment centers, amusement parks, and sun-drenched beaches, but it is also home to thousands of cattle ranches. Interestingly, the history dates back to when Spanish explorers first brought cattle over in the 16th century,\u00a0and since then, innovations in agriculture and crossbreeding have allowed the state’s cattle industry to thrive.\u00a0Visitors can experience that ranching heritage firsthand at\u00a0Wilderness Shores Ranch and Campground in Lakeland, Florida.\u00a0This isn’t a ranch solely built for dairy or beef production, though. The 750-acre<\/a>, privately owned ranch serves as a campground where visitors are welcome to fish, camp, boat, and interact with the animals.<\/p>\n Wilderness Shores owner Paul White\u00a0regards his ranch fondly, and\u00a0a\u00a0visit to the property reveals its well-kept grounds, 4 beautiful miles of shoreline, and a chance to meet longhorn cattle in all of their arched-horn glory. The ranch is also home to goats, horses, and ducks. With only a handful of reviews on Tripadvisor<\/a>, one previous visitor described this underrated campground as the “best kept secret in Lakeland.”\u00a0An escape to Wilderness Shores isn’t difficult from Orlando or Tampa, as it’s about an hour’s drive from either city.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Camp, fish, and meet the cattle at Wilderness Shores Ranch and Campground<\/p>\n A day pass, available for a small fee, allows you to stroll around the wide-open spaces and elevated trails at Wilderness Shores. Horses graze in their pens, cattle roam freely, and goats laze in the shade.\u00a0The ranch is home to a collection of longhorn bulls, cows, heifers, and steers.\u00a0They have charming names<\/a> such as Cowgirl Bliss, Shines a Lot, and Jump Time, and\u00a0you can call out to them as they trot along\u00a0and swing their broad horns back and forth. Alternatively, visit a pasture, where you can\u00a0hold and pet\u00a0miniature\u00a0goats.<\/p>\n While Florida isn’t a stranger to\u00a0ranch-related<\/a>\u00a0wildlife and nature preserves,\u00a0like Seminole Ranch Conservation Area<\/a>, the campgrounds at Wilderness Shores Ranch provide\u00a0scenic views,\u00a0with some campsites nestled in meadows underneath towering oak trees. The campsites are also reasonably priced,\u00a0with nightly fees listed online<\/a>.\u00a0Tents and RVs are available to rent, and you can set up at a primitive campsite by the lake, opt for RV boondocking, or hook your rig up to an electric site. There are restrooms, showers, double water hookups, and a dump station. Feel free to bring your pooch(on a leash when walking around), barbecue, and sing campfire songs.\u00a0The ranch is great for families, but also nice if you want to camp alone and explore\u00a0the reasons why solo camping is a trend.<\/a><\/p>\n More outdoor adventures await at Wilderness Shores. There is a fishing area in the northeast corner adjacent to Saddle Creek Campground, and anglers on Google<\/a>\u00a0noted that fishing is excellent at the ranch, especially for bass.\u00a0Rent a kayak or paddleboard\u00a0to explore the lake’s nooks and crannies.\u00a0Alternatively, head inland to book a side-by-side tour of the grounds, where you can feed the longhorns. You can also feed the cows, horses, and goats for a small fee. As a member of the Florida Agritourism Association,\u00a0Wilderness Shores Ranch is protected under inherent risk immunity, so take the necessary precautions while interacting with the animals. For more outdoor adventures in the area, Lakeland is home to Bonnet Springs\u00a0Park, one of America’s best city parks.<\/a><\/p>\n
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