Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Apalachicola, FL

Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground permits leashed pets at most outdoor areas, with dedicated dog-friendly zones and waste stations. Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites accommodate pets at remote waterfront locations where dogs can explore shorelines under supervision. Most campgrounds in the area require dogs to be leashed at all times, with typical length restrictions of 6 feet. Indian Pass Campground earns consistent praise for being extremely dog-friendly, offering waterfront sites where pets can swim. Several RV resorts like Coastline RV Resort provide designated pet exercise areas and maintain clean facilities. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Apalachicola, Florida.

The sandy beaches and water access at many Apalachicola area campgrounds make excellent recreation spots for water-loving dogs, though owners should watch for strong tidal currents when pets swim. Gulf View Campground maintains clean, well-maintained facilities particularly suited for campers with pets. During hunting seasons at Tate's Hell State Forest, dogs should wear bright vests when exploring trails for visibility and safety. Wildlife encounters are common in this coastal region, so keeping pets leashed protects both local fauna and dogs. Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort provides pet-friendly accommodations with nearby pet supply stores in Port St. Joe, approximately 15 minutes away. Temperature considerations are important when camping with pets, as summer heat can require extra hydration and shade for dogs.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Apalachicola, Florida (61)

    1. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Eastpoint, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 927-2111

    $24 / night

    "After entering the park, it's a four mile drive. The closest large town is about one hundred miles away."

    "The state park is a strip of land between the Bay of Apalachicola and the gulf. So many places to explore on foot, by bike, or by kayak."

    2. Indian Pass Campground

    32 Reviews
    Port St. Joe, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 990-4833

    $45 - $69 / night

    "It’s a bit crowded but there’s plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs being that it’s steps away from the beach."

    "Dog friendly. Kayak in the bay. Catching fish from the shore. Friendly staff. Store not stocked. No sewer hookups. Utility hookups may be on the wrong side so bring an extra long cable."

    3. Coastline RV Resort & Campground

    9 Reviews
    Eastpoint, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 799-1016

    $80 / night

    "The dog park area in back had good grass and was clear of poop and such. The view. Wow! Just wonderful. This is my new favorite place to stay along the Florida Panhandle coastline."

    "We arrived right around 3pm and the park was busy but nothing crazy. Pets are welcomed here as long as they respect boundaries, same as kids per the notes. Which we appreciate on both sides."

    4. Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL

    8 Reviews
    Eastpoint, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 697-0010

    $9 / night

    "Each spot is so far away from each other that you feel completely secluded, which is nice.  We stayed at Pidcock Rd.  "

    "Nice place for dogs (req'd on leash) as no other campsites nearby.  Very quiet, no water or electricity.  Don't trust google map for road directions, you have to approach from the east or north. "

    5. Gulf View Campground

    2 Reviews
    Eastpoint, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 799-1016

    6. T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Port St. Joe, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 227-1327

    $24 - $100 / night

    "About 1.5 hours from Apalachicola National Forest, lots more to do in the area. Watch the sunset! Camp sites have nice privacy, some areas are wooded for shade."

    "A beach within a short walk, palm trees,clean bathrooms, wildlife, sunsets………… And the Florida State Parks system is contactable and friendly!!!"

    7. Magnolias by the Bay private RV site + Dock

    1 Review
    Eastpoint, FL
    8 miles
    +1 (850) 323-0222

    $100 / night

    "The site is located right across the street from the ocean and has a pier you can walk fish from."

    8. Ho-Hum RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Carrabelle, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 697-3926

    "The Ho Hum is a great little campground right on St George Sound near Carrabelle. The sites are gravel, level, and large enough. All are full hook-ups."

    "Dog friendly and fine for kids but be mindful that there’s not much to do except fish and walk on the small beach."

    9. Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Port St. Joe, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 229-9229

    $60 - $70 / night

    "This recommendation is based on our site location which was oceanfront. "

    "Right next to your neighbors - but that’s just utilizing real estate. It’s going to be that way in Fl."

    10. Water's Edge RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Port St. Joe, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 229-8600

    $49 / night

    "Water's Edge is conveniently located if you love outdoor activities in northern Florida."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 61 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Apalachicola, FL

250 Reviews of 61 Apalachicola Campgrounds


  • Amber A.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground

    Beautiful site with diverse habitat

    Lovely area, bring snorkels, kayaks, and bikes. Lots of wildlife. Really neat shorelines with sand and very tall trees, driftwood, dunes. Make sure to explore both sides of the peninsula. About 1.5 hours from Apalachicola National Forest, lots more to do in the area. Watch the sunset! Camp sites have nice privacy, some areas are wooded for shade. Some of my group stayed in the cabins and they were also nice (though sparcely stocked, call to know exactly what to expect). Very clean, great services as described.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Coastline RV Resort & Campground

    Glorious View and Location!

    We had a wonderful stay. The place was very clean. The staff at the office were cheerful and very pleasant. The dog park area in back had good grass and was clear of poop and such.

    The view. Wow! Just wonderful. This is my new favorite place to stay along the Florida Panhandle coastline.

  • J
    Feb. 16, 2025

    Port St. Joe RV Resort

    Great place to stay

    Very friendly staff and outstanding amenities. Pool, Dog Park, coffee and donuts, huge walk in shower with bench. Very handicap accessible facility.

  • Kevin A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Carrabelle Beach RV Resort

    Relaxing on the beach

    Nice campground. Helpful staff at check-in. It has a nice pool and is on the beach. Access is across Route 98, but the traffic was minimal. There is some road noise at site#39, but it is not bad. Level site, full hooks, cable TV, and good internet speeds. Getting the RV positioned was a little tricky. While the site is long enough, the sewer connection is closer to the front of the site, so we could not park at the back. We had to be positioned to reach the sewer connection and work our rear slide around a large palm tree. Site 39 backs up to the pool and park office. At busier times, there may be a lot of people traffic, but not during our stay. Also note that there are no firepit or grills provided at the site. You must have your own grill. We enjoyed our five-night stay here. IGA grocery store in Carrabelle is the closest. Fathom’s Steam Room and Raw Bar is an old Florida open-air restaurant and bar with live music. There is a small dog park in the resort. Lots to explore in the area: Carrabelle, Eastpoint, St George Island, Lighthouse, and State Park, Tate’s Hell State Forest, Crooked River Lighthouse, or just relaxing by the pool or on the beach.

  • Cindy B.
    Jun. 23, 2020

    Water's Edge RV Park

    Convenient campground with amenities

    Water's Edge is conveniently located if you love outdoor activities in northern Florida. It is close to a 9-mile bike path, boat launch to beautiful St Joseph's and Apalachicola Bays, and the gorgeous beaches of Cape San Blas. It is also close to Port St Joe and Apalachicola, two small, but lovely towns with shopping and restaurants. The campground itself is okay. The sites are for RVs only and are full hook-ups. They are long enough and level - my only complaint is that they are very close together. The little store at the campground is very convenient and stocks a good, diverse supply of groceries, beer and wine. The campground is also across the street from Indian Pass Raw Bar - known for their raw oysters.

  • M
    Oct. 11, 2024

    River Landing RV Park

    Best RV Park I have ever been to!

    I truly believe that it is the soul of the RV Park that makes it wonderful. The owners and managers of this park are absolutely incredible. The most accommodating kindest, most friendly people I have ever run across in all of the travels I’ve done which is many and my RV! This place has not been on the map before it is new and it has only had about a month in operating at this location. I kind of accidentally ended up here when being evacuated from hurricane Milton in Clearwater and somebody else from another campground that turned out to be a bust suggested we go here because it was an unknown location. Well Joanie, the owner was packed, but she fit us in anyway she made a parking space she created a connection. She figured out how to get water to us and welcomed us with food and music. The park inside has tables and chairs and little beautiful hanging lights a big fire pit and a really nice bathhouse with laundry room… We were instantly welcomed and various churches brought over food to all the campers here who had been evacuated from their homes… the place is beautiful and clean and sits on the prettiest river the Apalachicola river. It’s pet friendly and lots of dogs and kids with a big bounce house for the kids to play on guys came over from churches with guitars and played music just a wonderful place to beif you’re on your way back down to Florida evacuating run don’t walk to this campground because there’s lots of space here that is unfilled at the moment just because she isn’t well known.

  • Colin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    Very Nice and Secluded

    Very nice and quiet camp site. Each site is very private, and the camp is very secluded. After entering the park, it's a four mile drive. The closest large town is about one hundred miles away.

    The beach is walking distance, but no pets are allowed on the State Park Beaches, but pets are allowed on the public beaches outside the park.

    There's not much shade for tent campers.

    This camp ground is hard to get into, so it's best to book early.

    Lastly, although the camp ground have electric outlets at each site, 20, 30, and 50 amps, the closest high speed EV charger is 56 miles away in Mexico Beach, about one and a half hours drive.

  • Cindy B.
    Apr. 30, 2020

    Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    Paradise

    We had been coming to St George Island for years, but this was the first time we had stayed at the state park campground. We already have reservations for next year! It's a beautiful island with white beaches and little commercialism. The state park is a strip of land between the Bay of Apalachicola and the gulf. So many places to explore on foot, by bike, or by kayak. It's a perfect location for bird or dolphin watching, fishing, sunbathing, or beach walking. The campsites are spacious, secluded, and relatively hard to come by. This is one of the state parks in Florida that books up very quickly. The Island is fun to explore. There are a few restaurants and some stores- you can get groceries at one of two small grocery stores near the entrance to the Island. There are two breweries in the area- one in Eastpoint and another in Apalachicola. Apalachicola also has several restaurants and many small stores.

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Womack Creek Campground — Tate's Hell State Forest

    Primitive, rustic, and deserving of its name.

    At over 200,000 acres, Tate's Hell is the second largest State Forest in Florida, second only to Blackwater River State Forest in Santa Rose County. That's Hell is located off of U>S> Highway 98 in  Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. Check out The Ledgend of Tate's Hell on the State Forest webpage, https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest.

    For roughing it in the woods, nothing I have found beats Tate's Hell. With 36 primitive campgrounds (tent space, fire ring, and picnic table) with multiple campsites and 4 campgrounds with facilities (restrooms and some RV sites) there is plenty of room to camp and explore Tate's Hell.

    The Womack Creek campground, where I spent one night, has both RV and tent campsites and a boat ramp with access to Womack Creek. 

    Recreation opportunities include the High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail which is part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program.


Guide to Apalachicola

Camping options near Apalachicola, Florida range from waterfront state parks to forested primitive sites, all situated in a coastal region where the Apalachicola River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The area's subtropical climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and mild winters with occasional frost. Many campsites require advance reservations during peak season from February through April when snowbirds seek warmer winter camping destinations.

What to do

Wildlife watching in Tate's Hell State Forest: Primitive campsites provide access to diverse ecosystems where campers can observe native wildlife. "We saw a few dolphins from a distance and collected some neat shells. It was foggy while we were there, but normally the views on the beach are long range," notes Leah from St. George Island State Park. For nocturnal wildlife viewing, consider camping during meteor showers. "We camped at Pidcock Road Campsite #49 during the 2020 Leonid meteor shower. Nice place for dogs as no other campsites nearby. Very quiet," shares Vince F.

Kayaking and paddleboarding: Launch your watercraft from multiple access points to explore coastal waterways. "The activities on the island are amazing too. There were a couple boat ramps to launch kayaks from, lots of wildlife, a beautiful beach, and the stargazing was phenomenal," reports Becca S. Access points for kayaking are available at most waterfront campsites, though some require a short walk or drive to boat ramps.

Fishing from shorelines or piers: Catch local fish species from designated fishing areas without needing a boat. At Ho-Hum RV Park, "At the end of the fishing pier you can see the crabs clinging to the support poles," notes Paula C. The park includes fishing license coverage for guests using the pier. Shore fishing is particularly productive during early morning or evening hours when fish are most active.

What campers like

Uncrowded beaches: Access to less-developed shorelines provides a more natural beach experience. "If you love the beach the way it use to be this is your place. Miles of bike paths, kayak to your hearts content. During the week you may have times that you are the only one on the beach. Pristine," explains Barbara C. Beach access varies by campground, with some offering direct waterfront sites and others requiring short walks.

Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing conditions. "We had a wonderful time at this beautiful primitive campsite. This is not a campground but a private site. The site is located right across the street from the ocean and has a pier you can walk fish from," says Daylin R. about Magnolias by the Bay. The site offers unobstructed ocean views and night sky viewing without interference from nearby development.

Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds feature clean, modern amenities despite their relatively remote locations. "The bathhouses were pretty nice as well. Spacious showers and hot water," reports Becca S. At Coastline RV Resort, "Bathrooms are laid out super nice, clean and comfortable," adds Rhonda S. Most established campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though primitive sites typically offer only basic facilities.

What you should know

Biting insects can be intense: Mosquitoes, no-see-ums, and biting flies are common in this coastal region. "Nats and mosquitos really bad, take bug spray and fans," warns Tammy S. Another camper details, "The only downside to this location was the bugs—definitely recommend mosquito nets and a thermacell. We only stayed one night, but the management did spray for bugs around sunset." Insect activity increases during warmer months and after rainfall.

Limited cell service in remote areas: Connectivity varies significantly across camping locations. At Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, "There was no cell service on the roads once we entered the dense forest but the spot itself was cleared of trees enough that we got service on ATT and Verizon," reports Laura M. Service is generally better at established campgrounds closer to towns than at primitive sites.

Weather-related challenges: Rain and storms can impact camping conditions significantly. "This is a pretty campground, but in the heart of summer, the mosquitoes and bugs were plentiful. It rained so much that our tent was virtually floating and we had to seek shelter in the bath house," explains Lauren M. Summer thunderstorms are common, often developing quickly in afternoon hours.

Tips for camping with families

Beachcombing activities: Designated shell-collecting areas provide family-friendly entertainment. "We saw a few dolphins from a distance and collected some neat shells," shares Leah. Morning hours typically offer the best shell selection before other beachgoers collect the most interesting specimens.

Bike-friendly paths: Several campgrounds provide cycling opportunities for all ages. "This state park is pristine! I love that the Audubon society works so closely with this park to preserve its fine feathered inhabitants," notes Savannah C. about T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. "Sand on the beach is hard packed enough that we were able to ride our bikes right on the beach," adds Laura M., making this an ideal activity even for younger riders.

Wildlife education opportunities: Learning about local ecosystems offers educational value. "This place is great! A beach within a short walk, palm trees, clean bathrooms, wildlife, sunsets... There are hike in spots for those with tents who want to. There are very nice screened in cabins available," shares Richard R. Guided nature programs are sometimes available during peak seasons.

Tips for RVers

Site selection considerations: Choose carefully based on shade and proximity to water. At Indian Pass Campground, "Beautiful location on the water. Campground is just a tad compact when it comes to vehicle maneuverability, but very manageable," advises Matthew V. Most waterfront sites fill quickly, requiring reservations months in advance.

Supply planning: Limited shopping options mean bringing essentials is important. "Bring all necessities because options are limited for shopping in the area and considerably more expensive than normal," cautions T. D. The nearest major grocery stores are in Apalachicola and Port St. Joe, with smaller convenience stores and campground markets offering limited selections at premium prices.

Water and power management: Hookup availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "Each site has water and electric. A dump station is available," notes Chris K. Some primitive sites require self-contained systems, while established campgrounds offer full hookups but may have limitations on amperage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Apalachicola, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Apalachicola, FL is Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Apalachicola, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 61 dog-friendly camping locations near Apalachicola, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.