More than 20 miles of multi-use trails are ripe for exploration on foot, bike or horseback at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly)

Tucked just away from Walt Disney World and International Drive, there’s a “natural theme park” that awaits visitors in the scenic rolling hills of southern Lake County.

Lake Louisa State Park is a 4,500-acre outdoor playground that offers more than 20 miles of trails, glamping sites, horseback riding, paddling and more. The natural gem provides a weekend or day trip escape into natural, wild Florida.

The easiest and most inexpensive way to explore the park is by setting off on a hike or a mountain bike ride. Though the trail map can be confusing at first glance, it does show a full range of trail options and suggests loops based on numbered posts.

More than 20 miles of multi-use trails are ripe for exploration on foot, bike or horseback at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Take a short nature walk spanning one or two miles, or spend a full day exploring, combining loops and trails to travel 10 or 15 miles. Off-road cyclists and equestrians will appreciate having many options and paths to traverse.

It’s possible to spot deer, gopher tortoises, fox squirrels, bobcats and birds of prey while visiting the park. Explore history by walking on lands inhabited by Native Americans for 10,000 years and learn about a plane crash that left remnants of a P-51 Mustang in Lake Louisa.

Paddling is also an option with rentals and tours available on Hammond Lake, which is smaller and more accessible than Lake Louisa.

The swimming area provides a chance to refresh in cool waters at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

For swimming, the beach area on the southern shore of Lake Louisa is the best option. This area is set up for enjoying a picnic and spending time on the playground, or anglers can cast a line from the fishing dock.

The park offers a range of camping options, from primitive sites without any amenities to fully-loaded glamping tents for a plush overnight experience. The aptly-named “luxury tents” include a queen bed, a cooling and heating unit, a chandelier and an indoor seating area within a 200-square-foot bell tent, not to mention a device charging station. These “CareFree Campsites” cost around $130 per night, or $95 for an “Eco-Tent,” which has slightly fewer amenities but still provides an elevated camping experience.

A 200-square-foot luxury bell tent is the way to go for glampers at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

A nearby 60-site campground offers plenty of spots for tent and RV campers.

On the opposite side of the lake, guests can choose from 20 modern cabins with heat and air conditioning that can sleep up to six people. Each cabin includes two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen and a dining/living room.

Other unique activities in the park include off-road segway tours and guided horseback rides. At Lake Louisa State Park, the world is your oyster.

A gopher tortoise pokes out of its burrow to inspect passersby at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Kayaks and canoes are available for rent at Lake Louisa State Park in Lake County on Monday, May 23, 2022. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.