Dog-Friendly Camping Florida – For That Much-Needed BREAK

Campsites in Florida That Allow Dogs

It is possible to experience dog-friendly camping in Florida whenever you like. Like most dog owners, you’ll want to take your four-legged companion along on all your adventures, including camping vacations. Spending time with your dog has several advantages for both of you.

You are encouraging your dog to trust you more by deepening your friendship. Camping with your dog may also be a great deal of pleasure.

friends with pet camping

Dog-Friendly Camping in Florida – The Sites

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

The rustic Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground is a pet-friendly campground. It is within several acres of natural forestland, about 15 miles (24.1 kilometers) from Orlando International Airport. Disney’s Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Animal Kingdom are also close theme parks. All Walt Disney World & Resort regions are accessible through ferries and buses. 

Horseback and pony rides, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a farm full of friendly critters are available at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch & Farm for aspiring cowpokes. Rent a bike or an electric cart, or go for a jog around the nature trails to enjoy the unspoiled beauty. Guests can catch some rays on the sands of Bay Lake Beach or rent a kayak or motorized watercraft. 

The two outdoor pools will help you fight the heat, and the four playgrounds and two video arcades will keep the kids entertained. On-site tennis courts are also available (equipment not provided). Chip ‘n Dale will stop by after the sun sets to keep the party going with a campfire sing-a-long and an outdoor screening of a classic Disney film. 

Babysitting services include parking, washing facilities, and other services. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue’s homestyle cooking, complete with a live hoe-down, is one of the dining alternatives. At Mickey’s Backyard BBQ buffet, live country music, line dancing, and rope tricks are just the beginning. 

The Trail’s End Restaurant and a selection of eateries in Crockett’s Tavern provide additional dining options. Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort have even more opportunities to experience the magic with extra magic hours. Every day, one of the Disney Theme Parks opens an hour earlier or stays open for up to three hours beyond regular park closing. 

This is to allow guests convenient access to certain attractions, including the most popular!

Two dogs of any size are welcome at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for an additional price per night in campsites and cabins. There are only a few dog-friendly cabins in Florida. 

The ‘Pluto’s Welcome Kit,’ which contains a mat, bowls, pet ID badge, poop bags, puppy pads, and a dog walking map, will be available for puppies at check-in. Vaccination documentation is also a requirement. 

Dogs can accompany you on the magical express complimentary airport shuttle and Minnie van as long as you restrain them. You should not go with cats to the premises.

Cleaning and safety procedures are good at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. They disinfect the rooms. Social distancing mechanisms and contactless check-in and check-out options are in place. Masks are necessary for hotel employees.

Marriott Stanton South Beach

The Marriott Stanton South Beach, perched on ocean drive in the heart of one of the world’s most fashionable cities, has established itself as a one-of-a-kind resort. This resort creates an atmosphere of excitement and relaxation by seamlessly blending modern luxury with a laid-back beach ambiance. 

You’ll know you’ve reached somewhere exceptional when you walk into the two-story hotel lobby, with its Art Deco-inspired decor and airy areas. Many rooms provide individual balconies with views of the ocean or city skyline, contemporary bathrooms, and 24-hour room service. 

Lolo’s Surf Cantina serves Mexican classics. You may also unwind at the resort’s outdoor pool, treat yourself at the spa, or work out at the gym. For an extra weekly fee, the Marriott Stanton South Beach welcomes two pets up to 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms). Dogs and cats are welcome, and you can leave well-behaved pets in rooms unsupervised. 

At check-in, furry guests will receive cookies and a bed. There is no grassy area on the property for pet relief, but a park is nearby. The Marriott Stanton South Beach has upgraded cleaning and safety systems and a cleanliness and sanitation program that adheres to Marriott’s commitment to cleaning. Guests get hand sanitizer, and they sanitize rooms after each visit.

Tropical Winds Beachfront Motel and Cottages

The pet-friendly Tropical Winds Beachfront Motel and cottages are directly on the Gulf of Mexico’s coastlines in picturesque Sanibel, Florida. Choose from efficiency and one-bedroom units with screened porches immediately on a private beach or one- or two-bedroom cottages only a short walk away. 

Every unit has a tiny kitchen. After a day at the beach, the home has an outdoor BBQ area and an outdoor shower where you can rinse Fido’s sand. For an extra cost per pet per night, Tropical Winds welcomes two pets with a total weight of up to 60 pounds (27.2 kilograms). Dogs and cats are welcome, and you can leave the well-behaved pets alone in the room. 

The premise provides sheets and towels for pets during check-in. There are grassy spots on the property where pets can relieve themselves.

Tropical Winds Beachfront Motel and Cottages has improved cleanliness and safety systems, providing guests with masks, sanitizers, and rooms they sanitize after each visit. Cashless payment is available, and social distancing measures are in place. Masks are necessary for hotel employees.

Blue Spring State Park Campground

Canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, sailing, and many more activities are available at Blue Spring State Park campground. There are flush toilets and hot showers at the park, as well as picnic tables and fires. 

Electric hookups are also available for your convenience. Dogs on leashes can visit with you as long as you follow the park’s rules when you are with them.

Dogs are welcome at Blue Spring State Park campground, but you must keep them on a leash outside your car. Dogs are welcome in the campgrounds but not in the cabins. There are no additional charges for pets.

Fort De Soto Campground

Fort De Soto Park is the largest park in the Pinellas County Park System, with 1,136 acres (459.7 hectares) consisting of five interconnecting islands. The park offers a unique combination of silky white sand, tranquil, clear water, and a relaxed ambiance. All sorts of camping units are welcome at Fort De Soto Campground. 

All sites offer a picnic table, a charcoal grill, water, and power hookup (30/50 amp service). There is a camp store, dump stations, and modern restrooms with showers and laundry facilities for convenience.

Dogs are welcome at Fort Desoto Campground outside your vehicle, but you must keep them on a leash with the proper length. 

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground 

This one-of-a-kind state park has both boat and RV/tent camping options. Electric and water hookups are available at boat slips, toilets, and showers. Water and electricity are open at all land sites and have a dump station, restrooms, laundry, and hot showers. 

The park, which includes mangrove swamps, tropical hammock forests, and coral reefs, is the first undersea park in the United States. Among the many activities available are scuba diving, snorkeling, and glass-bottom boat cruises.

Dogs are welcome at the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) long when outside your vehicle. There are no fees or weight restrictions for pets.

Cody’s Catfish Pond & RV Park

Cody’s Catfish Pond & RV Park is just off Highway 19, about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) north of Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida, and the state park does not offer camping. Cody’s Catfish Pond provides a unique camping experience for RV and tent campers. There are both pull-thru and back-in spots available. 

Every site has a 30/50 amp service, water, sewer, and free WiFi. Most sites also feature 20 amp and water hookups for tent campers. Their campers can participate in a variety of activities!

Cody’s RV Park allows dogs. However, they must be on a leash when outside the car.

Rainbow Springs State Campground 

You can find the recently restored campground on the river about a mile and a half downstream from the main headspring and day-use area, roughly a six-mile drive. Water and electricity (20, 30, and 50 amp) are available at all sites and sewer hookups. 

There are ADA-compliant restrooms public. Between the upper and lower campgrounds is a dump station. The amenities include a campsite store, recreation center, showers and toilets, laundry, pool, and playground.

Rainbow Springs State Park welcomes well-behaved pets. They must be on leashes at all times and are not permitted to access the water, including headsprings, swimming places, rivers, and ponds. 

The premise management provides doggie pot bags to keep the park looking nice and safe for everyone. Pets should not be around the swimming pool area or buildings. Other limitations can apply.

St. George Island State Park Campground

This St. George Island campsite allows you to bring your pet along. They’re allowed on the beach, trails, boardwalks, and pavilions, but not on the beach, trails, paths, or pavilions. The park has slightly under 2,000 acres (809.4 hectares) of dunes, marshes, and woodlands, all home to a diverse range of animals. You may experience a rare, unspoiled stretch of Florida’s beach.

Pets are welcome at the St. George Island State Park Campground, but you must keep them on a leash outside your vehicle. 

Hillsborough River State Park Campground

Hillsborough River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest state parks, rich in beauty and history. You can walk through the river’s live oak hammocks, hickory, sabal palm, and magnolia. Fort Foster Historic Site, a rebuilt Second Seminole War Fort, will transport you to the 1830s if time travel is on your schedule.

Dogs are welcome at Hillsborough River State Park Campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) and cleaned up after. At campsites, dogs are welcome, but they must be calm. The campground does not charge you any pet fee, and there are no weight limitations.

Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

Scrub-jays, Florida gopher tortoises, and indigo snakes are all threatened with extinction, but this park offers them a haven. There are miles (kilometers) of paths winding through natural areas. Canoeists and kayakers will find a wealth of water. 

They won’t get disturbances from motor boaters on protected waters because those areas are off-limits to motor boats. You’ll have everything you need to enjoy the park’s breathtaking scenery when you stay at one of the campgrounds that offer complete facilities.

The Oscar Scherer State Park Campground allows you to camp with your dogs if you keep them on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) when they are outside your vehicle.

Fort Clinch State Park Campground

You can reserve sites at several campgrounds at any time of the year. You have up to eleven months in advance to make your reservations. The park is open every day from 8:00 a.m till it gets dark. Some of the most popular things at the beach are to soak up some rays, go for a dip, and go on a treasure hunt. 

Anglers have the option of fishing from the pier or taking advantage of the exceptional fishing in the surf. A track that spans the length of the park and is six miles (9.7 kilometers) long is open to bicycles and hikers. Nature paths that do not have a guide provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about and observe the local flora and fauna. 

A campsite offers overnight accommodations with complete facilities and a youth camping area.

You can visit with your dogs at the Fort Clinch State Park Campground. Outside your vehicle, they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters). You should not go with your dogs to the beach or the boating areas.

girl with dogs in a camp

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Alexander Springs Recreation Area, found in the Ocala National Forest, provides shaded camping spots but does not have hookups. Additionally, they feature paved roads and cemented parking spaces that are level. Tent space is available on all sites. Each campsite has a picnic table, barbecue grill, and a fire ring. 

A convenience store sells camping gear, beach gear, food, drinks, ice cream, and other products. There are restaurants, shops, and gas stations eight miles (12.9 kilometers) away from the campground. The abundant fauna includes alligators, turtles, deer, black bears, turkeys, raccoons, and other types of birds, and the opportunity to watch these animals. 

Throughout the summer months, there are interpretive programs. At the Alexander Springs Recreation Area, canines are welcome. Still, they must be no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) on a leash outside their owners’ vehicles.

Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort

The Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort is away in the center of Panama City Beach, Florida, on several exquisitely landscaped and maintained acres. A true big rig RV campground, it features 144 spacious and level sites equipped with water, sewer, and 30/50 amp service. 

On average, the site width ranges between 30 and 35 feet (9.1 and 10.7 meters). Extra-length pull-throughs that allow easy entry and exit are available. There are 26 pull-through sites, each with patios and 30 or 50-amp service. 

Every campsite has its own set of picnic tables. In addition, there are dog baths and walking spaces, a spa, a heated pool that is 50 feet (15.2 meters) long, fishing in freshwater, and many more amenities.

Dogs can visit with you at the Emerald Coast RV Beach Resort, but you must restrain them from using leashes when they are outside your vehicle. Please ensure your pet’s vaccine records are on hand to stay healthy. 

Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Wolf Hybrids, Dobermans, and German Shepherds are not allowed, along with any mixes containing these breeds. They may place additional requirements on you.

St. Andrews State Park Campground

Set up your tent in the pine forest close to the Grand Lagoon in Florida. In the woods next to Grand Lagoon are two loops of a campground where campers can stay in. There are 176 camping spots, each with a grill, picnic table, electricity, and water. 

Tents and recreational vehicles with a maximum length of forty feet will be able to find a place to park at these campsites. Every site has a picnic table, a grill, electrical and water hookups, and bathhouses spread out over the grounds. In addition, there is a facility for doing laundry and dumping waste.

Canines can visit the St. Andrews State Park Campground, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) outside their owners’ vehicles. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches, buildings, and boardwalks in any of these areas.

Boyd’s Key West Campground

You are free to enjoy pet friendly camping Florida at Boyd’s Key West Campsite, the southernmost campground in the continental United States. You can find It just outside the city boundaries of Key West, where a wide variety of tropical activities are just waiting for you. 

Temperatures on islands are never below freezing and barely fluctuate by about 12 degrees Fahrenheit (-11 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. A genuine utopia for people of all ages, with affordable prices. 

They have oceanfront sites, full hookup sites with CATV, 50 amp & 30 amp electric, a boat ramp & docks, a heated swimming pool, a gift & convenience store, a game room, four clean bathhouses, coin laundry, free WiFi, a poolside Tiki Hut with a big-screen TV, a picnic pavilion, and more. They also have a dump station.

Dogs can accompany you to the Boyd’s Key West Campground; however, you must control them and keep them on a leash outside their vehicles. No vicious or dangerous animals should be here, including those who have previously bitten or attacked people or other animals. 

In addition, breeds of dogs that are either naturally aggressive or have a history of being bold, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pincers, Chows, German Shepherds, and Wolf Hybrids, are not allowed. This includes any hybrids between wolves and domestic dogs. The owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. 

Cayo Costa State Park Campground

You can find Cayo Costa State Park on one of the barrier islands in Florida. This is one of the parks where dogs are allowed. The beaches, beachcombing, fishing, boating, biking, bird watching, picnicking, kayaking, and canoeing are just some activities guests can enjoy throughout their stay. 

Showers and toilets with running water are available for your comfort and convenience. Dogs you restrain by leashes can visit the park, but their owners are responsible for adhering to the park’s regulations. 

For the ferry service, you need to make reservations in advance. To make reservations for the ferry, you can call Captiva Cruises at 239-472-5100 or visit the website cayocostaferry.com. At the Cayo Costa State Park Campground, canines are welcome. Still, they must be no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) on a leash outside their owners’ vehicles.

Henderson Beach State Park Campground

The sugar-white sand beaches that stretch across Florida are one of the state’s most valuable natural resources. You may find more than 6,000 feet (1,828.8 meters) of breathtaking coastline along the park’s border with the emerald seas of the Gulf of Mexico at Henderson Beach State Park. There are sixty different camping spots available at Henderson Beach State Park. 

The campsites come equipped with water, electrical hookups, and access to an air-conditioned and heated bathhouse. This campground features a different boardwalk leading to the beach, outdoor showers, and a children’s playground. Wheelchairs and other mobility aids are available on Henderson Beach, which complies with all applicable ADA standards. 

The campground and trails at Henderson Beach State Park do not charge an additional fee for the presence of dogs. However, they must be on a leash with a maximum length of six feet (1.8 meters); whenever they are outside their owner’s vehicle.

Anastasia State Park Campground

Anastasia State Park’s campground is across 1,600 acres and features some truly stunning beaches. They provide full facilities and have 139 campsites available. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, surfing, biking, fishing, and many other outdoor pursuits are just some of the activities that you may enjoy in this park. 

As long as you respect the laws, the campground accepts canine visitors. Dogs can visit Anastasia State Park Campground and trails, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) outside your car. Dogs are not allowed in the beach area.

Blue Spring State Park Campground

The Blue Spring State Park campground offers visitors various recreational opportunities, including canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, biking, sailing, and many other pursuits. 

In addition to providing picnic tables and fires, the park features flush toilets and hot showers for its guests. In addition to that, for your convenience, they provide electric hookups. As long as they respect the park laws, dogs on leashes can accompany their owners.

At the Blue Spring State Park Campground, canines are welcome, but they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) whenever they are outside their owners’ vehicles. On the campgrounds, dogs are welcome; however, you should not take them inside the cabins. There is no charge for having a pet.

Wekiwa State Park Campground

This property, which has sixty campsites, has water and electrical hookups. On-site conveniences include restrooms, showers, and firewood. We are happy to have pets.

At Wekiwa Springs State Park, bringing your dog or cat is fine. You must always restrain each pet by a hand-held leash at least six (1.8 meters) feet long. You should not leave your pets on their own. 

You can take your pet for walks along the trails and the use areas. However, you cannot go with your pets to the swimming area. The owners of pets are responsible for cleaning up after their animals and disposing of their animals’ waste appropriately in trash cans.

Bahia Honda State Park Campground

Bahia Honda State Park Campground is on the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It features a top-rated beach to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. Electric hookups are accessible, as are flush toilets, hot showers, and drinking water. If you don’t break the park laws, your dog can accompany you, but it should be on a leash. 

At the Bahia Honda State Park Campground, canines are welcome. Still, they must be no longer than six feet (1.8 meters) on a leash outside their owners’ vehicles.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park Campground

This state park, which is fantastic for canoeing, cycling, and exploring, is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along. In addition to the standard campsites for families, there are also sites available for campers who ride horses, which have timeout posts for the horses. 

The toilets at the family campground are up to date and tiled; hot showers are available, and each site has electric and water hookups. You can find both horseback riding and hiking routes within the park.

At the Jonathan Dickinson State Park Campground, canines are welcome. Still, outside their owners’ vehicles, they must be on a leash no longer than six feet (1.8 meters).

What to Expect at Dog–Friendly Campgrounds

Are you considering camping but not sure if you should bring your dog? You don’t have to leave your dog at home if you’re going camping. That’s correct! Camping with pets is a fantastic way for you and your dog to get some exercise, see new sights and smell new odors, and spend quality time together.

Although camping can be enjoyable for you and your pet, you should be aware of the duties and dangers accompanying bringing your pet. Below are some tips for having a pleasant and safe trip with your pet and several fantastic pet-friendly campgrounds.

Before You Go Camping

Take into account your pet’s health and personality. Does your pet get excited when it’s time to walk? Is your pet more easily curled on a pillow at your feet or out in the open? Is your pet in good physical condition? If you answer yes to all of these questions, you and your partner will have a more enjoyable vacation.

  • Research pet-friendly campgrounds and parks while planning your camping trip. Some national parks do not allow pets, but plenty of fantastic options provide all of the benefits of a national park while also allowing you to bring your dog along.
  • Take a selfie or have a friend or neighbor take a photo of you and your pet on your phone for safety reasons. This will help identify you as the pet owner if you and your dog become separated.
  • You’ll need to receive your dog’s latest immunizations and papers from your veterinarian before going camping with them, so schedule an appointment soon before your departure date. Keep a duplicate of the documents with you if a park or campground authority requests it.
  • Get an extra pair of dog tags from the hardware shop with the precise address and campsite number where you and your dog will be staying.
  • It is always a smart idea to get a microchip for your dog and register it. If you ever become separated, this could determine whether or not you see your closest buddy again. Over 80% of lost pets with no chips never find their way back to their owners.
  • Please restrict your pet in the car, either with a harness or a crate, if you are driving to the campsite. These devices serve as a seatbelt in an accident, keeping your dog safe. You must create your pet if you’re moving your dog by truck. Numerous reports have shown dogs jumping out of truck beds and suffering serious or fatal injuries. A leash is not an acceptable substitute.
  • Make sure to bring two 6 feet (1.8 meters) dog leashes, a few towels, and a brush to aid with the dirt and insects you may encounter on your journey. Don’t forget to bring your dog’s food and lots of bags to clean up after him.
  • Attaching a bell to your dog’s collar is another wonderful tip for camping with your dog. (A simple jingle bell will suffice.) You’ll be able to hear your pet no matter where they are if you do it this way. GPS trackers are fine, but you may not want to bring your laptop or cell phone. Coverage may not be enough (part of the fun of getting away from it all), so this device may not be as useful as it would be in town.
  • If you want your dog to sleep outside the tent, bring a doggie bed or their favorite sleeping device with you. This will make them feel more at ease while also keeping them cleaner. Bring some rope or a strong anchor to keep your pet tethered while you sleep.
  • You will require water for you and your dog, so plan appropriately. Portable water bowls are simple to transport and allow you to hydrate your dog anytime.

During Your Camping Trip

  • If you’re looking for a campsite, look for one with a shady location, especially during the summer. During the trip, your dog will get exposure to a lot of heat, so keeping him cool is crucial.
  • Take care of your dog’s waste! This is the cardinal rule of dog camping (leave no trace), and it’s one of the reasons why some parks don’t accept pets. Let’s try one scoop at a time to modify these perceptions.
  • Make an effort to limit the barking to a minimum. Most parks have quiet hours that begin at 10:00 p.m. If barking is a problem, visit a specialist before going on vacation to get it under control.
  • Never leave your pet unsupervised while camping with them.
  • Swimming, fishing, and hiking are great activities to enjoy with your dog.
camping with dog

The Final Bark!

Going out to campsites with dogs and other pets is quite interesting. It helps your dog enjoy itself and bond with you more. Your pet also gets an opportunity to explore the outside world through the many activities available in the many pet-friendly camping cabins in Florida.

Do not hesitate to try camping with your dog in the best dog-friendly campgrounds in Florida today.

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