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Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr Campground welcomes pets at its rustic sites near Altoona, with water hookups available for RV campers. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area include Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Clearwater Lake Campground, and Juniper Springs Recreation Area, all featuring spacious campsites where leashed pets can accompany their owners. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs along with cabins that accept pets. Blue Spring State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV spots with electric and water hookups, and pet-friendly cabins with showers and restroom facilities nearby. Trimble Park Campground permits pets at its waterfront sites with electric and water hookups. The campgrounds maintain clean facilities with designated pet walking areas, though most require pets to remain leashed at all times when outside vehicles or camping units.
Dedicated dog parks enhance the camping experience at several locations near Altoona, with Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort featuring an exceptional off-leash area that receives consistently positive reviews from pet owners. Wekiva Falls RV Resort provides a fenced dog park where pets can exercise freely after exploring the surrounding Ocala National Forest trails. Campers note that sites at Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs recreation areas offer good spacing between neighbors, providing reasonable privacy when camping with pets. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including proper waste disposal, vaccination requirements, and restrictions on leaving pets unattended. Wildlife encounters are common in the Ocala National Forest, requiring vigilant supervision of pets, especially during dawn and dusk hours when wildlife is most active. The warm Florida climate necessitates extra water provisions and shade considerations for pets year-round.
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"We found this campground while looking for a stealth spot near some springs and it was getting late and we had our car and our dog so just came here."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"This pet friendly campground has many magical options. The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well."
"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Caverns are beautiful under the water but it is constantly crowded around. Pets need to be put on a leash. Horses are permitted. Many opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking."
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This campground was awesome for a weekend away with the family and dogs. It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you."
"As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave"
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"It’s on the right side of the road near the boat ramp. If you aren’t paying attention you may miss it. We did, but a helpful park employee pointed us back in the right direction."
"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
"Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida’s natural springs."
"Plus my dog has major thunder anxiety. Lol .. It ended up being a simple light rain and a cold front . I wish I hand stayed . I’m heading back soon !! I didn’t get to explore the lake ."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Two nice trails and playground. Pet friendly. Boat ramp. Great for kayaking and fishing."
"We enjoyed the hiking trail, but VERY muddy. Bring a watercraft to explore more. Been there- done that- probably don’t need to go back. The site: our campsite was small but sufficient for our use."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"There is a dog park, cafe, food trucks on Sat. Great place for families. There was a strong sulfur smell around our site. Not sure where that was coming from"
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
from $40 - $73 / night
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TravelerPricey but it's Disney. Lots of activities to do at the campground without going to the parks. Clean and well maintained campsites and bathrooms. The roads are narrow in the loops and the sites can be difficult to get into. Pet friendly with dog parks and trails.
LegendIt’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts. Located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida, Clerbrook offers nearly 300 acres of prime landscape that posits 1200+ RV slots for your parking and vacationing pleasure. Here you’ll be able to perfectly blend a golfing oasis that blends its RV offering complete with lush vegetation, interconnecting ponds and narrow canals all surrounded by ancient Oaks draped with Spanish Moss.
As far as amenities goes, Clerbrook does not disappoint. Here’s just a small list of all the great amenities you’ll find: Welcome Center, Heated Swimming Pools, BBQ and Picnic tables, Planned Activities, Clubhouses, Billiard Room, Card Rooms, Post Office, Fishing Area, 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop), Exercise & Fitness Center, Horseshoe Pits, Recreation Hall, Laundry, Shuffleboard Courts, Library, Nature Walks, Pets Welcome, Picnic Pavilion, Driving Range, Dog Park, Wood Shop, Basketball Court, Playground, Restrooms & Showers, Softball Field, Hot Tub, RV Storage, complimentary WiFi, Arts and Craft Classes as well as Live Entertainment on the weekends. Of course, for RV’ers you can expect both back-in and pull-through slots with all of the traditional water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve got wine on your mind (and why wouldn’t you when on holiday?!), just meander a few miles south of Clerbrook and you’ll discover a fairly respectable winery called Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offering tours and tastings featuring Muscadine grapes (apparently a prominent grape varietal down in these parts known for their antioxidant qualities; (2) When you get tired of fixing every meal from your mini-fridge or cooler, then you’ll have to head south to Clermont where you’ll find PeruRican Ceviche, which for these parts is pretty outstanding and if you are still longing for pizza, check out Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria for some good pies and pasta; and (3) If nature is calling and you want to get out for a good hike, then head due south to Hiawatha Preserve that has a few dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking paths, and of course, access to Lake Hiawatha, in case you want to drop your kayak or canoe in the water.
Happy Camping!
RangerThis is probably the largest park we have ever stayed in. We normally go for the smaller quaint parks but we decided to try it out. We went along the outside rim in site Mako 7. The sites are large enough and have most have full hook ups. Not many trees for shade, but it is in Florida so that is to be expected. We were fortunate to have a couple of grassy areas around close to walk the dog. There is a dog park but it was on the other end of the campground. We did go one day and the park is nice. It’s sand and has poop bags. But no water for drinking so take your own. This side of the park had more trees and was nice for walking around with the dog. No WiFi in the area closest to the dog park. Sites seemed mostly level but only the new section has nice concrete pads. The older sections are hit and miss as to what the site looks like. All in all it’s a great location for visiting all the local attractions... (but we didn’t do that).
TravelerEasy access to I 75 Has nice pond with wildlife , cabins to rent and all services . Friendly staff and dog park.
LegendThe Hog Island Recreation Area is located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee river close to the small town of Nobleton. Part of the recreation area includes the Hog Island Nature Trail, part of the Trailwalker Program and officially certified as part of the longer Florida National Scenic Trail. The Hog Island Campground (fl-dof.com) provides nicely shaded and dry campsites for tent and RV campers with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. These sites are amazingly screened from each other with natural understory vegetation and access to the Withlacoochee River. Restroom with showers (which could use a little love and care), water spigots and a dump station are located nearby. Campers arriving by canoe can stay at a riverside campsite that includes access to drinking water.
This is a good campground with pretty decent warm/hot showers and electric hookups, so you aren't going to really be spending a few days completely off the grid. Although, cellular service is spotty, but mostly usable. The camp hosts were really nice and supposedly no pets are allowed, but I definitely heard some dogs at night. Just a few steps away is the Hog Island boat ramp, nature trail and a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail leaving you with lots to do.
You get your standard nice campground features
· Large shared picnic area
· Good fishing
· Canoe and boat launch
· No pets allowed.
*I heard some dogs and there were basically no one around, so maybe the host let some people get away with it…
· 2-mile loop Nature Trail.
· Hiking trails:
· Equestrian trails:
TravelerThis campground was awesome for a weekend away with the family and dogs. It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water. Pet friendly and clean bathrooms with a small walking path for the pups. Been to better but a great weekend away!
GuideLoved our stay at Fort Wilderness. Our favorite Disney Resort. Super dog friendly with an amazing dog park. Great location and so many wonderful things to do here.
TravelerWe wereet at the entrance by a gentleman in a golf cart. He brought us directly to our site, and helped us get squared away. He recommended the local restaurant for dinner. Not a lot of options, but all the options were good!
Great dog park, 2 separate zones!!!
This is a golf/ lake community that is like the old TV shows. People walking dogs, riding golf carts, and meeting at the club house. We will return when we have more time to stay!
GuideStayed here one night while returning from the FL Keys. Awesome place to overnight. Spacious pull through sites. They have a small fenced dog park which was great to let the dogs stretch their legs after traveling all day. The campground has plenty of space to walk the dogs.
Staff was great because we called during the days while traveling north and had a site waiting when we arrived after hours.
The only downside is that it is right behind a Pilot Travel center so there is noise from parked tractor trailers but I still slept fine.
Lake Dorr in the Ocala National Forest sits at approximately 60 feet above sea level in central Florida's subtropical climate zone. The area receives around 50 inches of annual rainfall, primarily during the summer wet season from June through September. Camping conditions vary seasonally with winter temperatures averaging 45-70°F while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
Explore the Florida Trail: Access the Florida Trail from several campgrounds including Alexander Springs Recreation Area which connects to this long-distance hiking path. "If you go out and across the street you can hook up to the Florida Trail and do some hiking - we hiked about 10 miles and while flat and not hard it was still nice and some great changes in scenery," reports hiker Tina L.
Kayaking Lake Carlton: Launch directly from waterfront sites at Trimble Park Campground for easy lake access. "I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," shares Ryan S. The park's 15 campsites make this a quieter alternative to busier springs.
Spring swimming: Take advantage of the consistent 72-degree spring water temperatures year-round. "The springs are amazing. Camping facilities are nice. Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping," notes Daniel S. about Alexander Springs. The swimming areas are particularly valued during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Spacious sites with natural privacy: Campers appreciate sites with good separation and natural vegetation buffers. "Nice and quiet. Good buffers between sites. No water or electricity hookups bathrooms are ok," writes Nate D. about Clearwater Lake Recreation Area. The campground's layout provides more seclusion than many Florida camping options.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and common areas. "Hostess is very active and friendly. There is a boat ramp to the large lake. There is also an area to park boat trailers. A code is required in order to enter bathrooms," notes Roger W. about Lake Dorr Campground.
Shaded camping spots: The oak canopy throughout many Ocala Forest campgrounds provides essential respite from the Florida heat. "Very nice campground, the oak canopy makes great shade in the heat. Clean campground with good showers. The spring is spectacular!" writes Nicole D. The mature forest provides natural air conditioning during hot summer days.
Spring swimming restrictions: Swimming access to spring areas may be limited during manatee season. "During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees," explains Zach G. about Blue Spring State Park Campground. Plan accordingly if swimming is a priority during winter months.
Booking challenges: Reserve sites well in advance, especially for smaller parks with limited availability. "Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance, so you have to time the precise days you want to camp here and be the first person to reserve a spot at 12:01am on the day that those spots become available," cautions Stuart K. about Trimble Park.
Bears are active: The Ocala National Forest has a significant black bear population requiring proper food storage. "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night. The campground does have a bear proof box to store some stuff in at night but make sure to put food in containers and in your car if you can," advises Kevin D.
Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Several pet friendly camping options near Altoona offer excellent family facilities. "I have been camping here since I was a kid. I still enjoy camping at this place. There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," shares Rusty R. about Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others, which may affect families with young children. "There are train tracks near the state park, so hearing trains throughout the night (especially at 3am) was not what I'm looking for when I get out into nature. So bring ear plugs!" advises Jenn B. from her experience at Blue Spring.
Plan for wildlife education: The abundant wildlife provides learning opportunities for children. "Wildlife encounters are common throughout Juniper Springs Recreation Area with crystal springs & the spring fed river meandering all through the park," notes Nicole D. Ranger programs at various parks often focus on teaching children about local ecosystems.
Water and electric hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs near Altoona. "Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping," comments Daniel S. about Juniper Springs Recreation Area. Plan accordingly with battery capacity or generator capability.
Site navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tighter sites requiring careful maneuvering. "Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots," warns Emily C. about Blue Spring State Park. Arriving during daylight hours makes setup considerably easier.
Consider rig size limits: Many of the most scenic campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. "I don't think large Riggs would be appropriate here," notes Roger W. about Lake Dorr Campground. Research maximum length restrictions before booking when traveling with larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Altoona, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Altoona, FL is Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Altoona, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 319 dog-friendly camping locations near Altoona, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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