Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground accommodates pets throughout its shaded campsites and cabin areas, maintaining a standard leash policy while offering numerous hiking trails where dogs can explore alongside their owners. The park's spacious sites provide both tent and RV camping options with electric hookups, water access, and picnic tables, though some campers note the proximity between neighboring sites. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA also welcome pets, with the KOA featuring level sites that work particularly well for quick overnight stays with dogs. The bathrooms at most locations remain well-maintained and clean, though pet owners should be aware that the spring swimming areas prohibit dogs for safety and environmental reasons.
The extensive trail system throughout Wekiwa Springs State Park provides excellent pet exercise opportunities, with the 5-mile loop trail particularly popular among dog owners. Many trails remain mostly shaded by abundant trees, offering protection from the Florida sun for both pets and their owners. Wildlife tracking opportunities abound, with animal tracks frequently visible along paths. During summer months, pets require extra water and shade consideration due to the excruciating heat typical of central Florida. Magnolia Park Campground and Trimble Park offer additional pet-friendly options with water access, though both maintain standard leash requirements. The natural springs maintain 72-degree temperatures year-round, providing refreshing nearby destinations after pet-friendly hiking excursions.
$24 / night
"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."
$56 - $201 / night
"Pet friendly with dog parks and trails."
"Super dog friendly with an amazing dog park. Great location and so many wonderful things to do here."
"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."
$40 - $73 / night
"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."
"While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"
"Across from Lake Apopka with more walking trail than we can do over 15 miles."
$24 - $95 / night
"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"
$24 - $120 / night
"Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice."
"Situated right off of rout 27, a very busy 3 lane state road and not too far from Disney Parks is Lake Louisa State Park."
"The park is bordered by railroad tracks, a truck route high-way and a small airport."
"Much less busy than nearby campgrounds. Great place for my son"
$20 - $100 / night
"You can’t get more centrally located that bill Frederick. Located In metro west, this park is close to both the theme parks, and a commutable distance to north Orlando."
"if you choose primitive campground (10$) you will have to walk a little bit. the car parking is far away from the actual campsite. huge plus arw free showers with hot water. area is beautiful!"
$38 / night
"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."
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).
LegendIf your idea of a good time is joining a rather overpopulated roadside RV parking lot, chock full of amenities and distractions then look no further than Bee’s RV Resort located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida. This location is a good layover and while very well-established for those looking for a built-in community and infrastructure, the stinging reality here is that spots are quite tight, far and few between and too well organized for my particular taste.
You’ll discover a ton of amenities from nicely paved roads, newly refurbished solar-heated pool, complimentary WiFi, laundr-O-mat (located right next to the front office), sparkling clean showers and restrooms as well as an on-site propane station – and there’s even an on-site restaurant in case you don’t want to stray too far from this beehive. But wait! There’s more! This RV parking corral encircles a natural pond in case you want to cast a line, there’s pull-through and back-in sites with all of the traditional water, sewage and electric (30 / 50) hook-ups, scattered picnic tables and BBQ grills as well as a ton of activities to choose from – classic car shows and autumn craft-making to well-being seminars and even a Thanksgiving dinner and dance - for those that want to connect and socialize.
Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) If you’re a golfer, you’re in luck as there are a ton of golf courses near Bee’s with Clerbrook Golf course located just across the street; (2) If you don’t want to get out of this honeycomb, then try your luck at Diggity Dawgs, which is the new on-site restaurant – but they only feature pizza and subs from Coney Island, so lower your foodie bar!; (3) If you don’t want to dine on compromised eats, 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 (4) 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!
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.
TravelerTHIS quaint little park is so delightful. With so many gorgeous water birds and trees. The park sits off the Indian River and is the perfect place to catch a launch. The are also very dog friendly and have a dog park. The dock is also the perfect place to catch some redfish or snook. Had a wonderful time in this tucked away little spot.
LegendThis place is gargantuan and has so many roads and alleyways that I got lost navigating the place at least a couple of times. And just when I thought that I seen all of Southern Palms RV Resort, upon exiting the place, I realized that there was even more of Southern Palms right across the street where the expansive RV parking lot continued.
Located on the outskirts of Eustis here in the Sunshine State, this place has just about everything you could be looking for – from parks, shuffle boards, evening themed dancing and lakes to bike paths, swimming pools and bocce ball. But wait, there’s more… there’s also: clubhouse/ lounge for large group gatherings, whirlpool / spa / jacuzzi for those late night relaxing moments, fitness center to get your workout in, showers / restrooms that are just decent, ballroom for those evening dance parties, WiFi that is pretty superb, basic and expanded TV cable packages, picnic tables galore, BBQ grilles as far as the eye can see, the whole place is pet friendly, a horseshoe pit (where Joey is the local hero), mail center, game room complete with billiards table, a dog park that is always jam packed with man’s best friend as well as a laundr-O-mat (bring your quarters!) an extensive library (without its own Dewey decimal system) … and the list goes on, but I will end here.
Downside to this place is that, well, it’s a mega mall of RV’s, campers and semi-permanent, yet mobile housing solutions, and there’s a lot more people and accommodations than there is really space for, so it is quite overcrowded and you will definitely hear your neighbors at all times of the day, in addition to all of the scootering traffic going by your ‘campsite’ whether day or night. So if you are simply looking for a place to stay for the night enroute to somewhere else, this is not a bad place, but given the overpopulation and the fact that every single amenity offered, while great for some, makes me feel like I just left home to go somewhere else where they have everything that I just left at home.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few… First, if you are looking for a great meal and something out of the ordinary, head on over to The Dam Smoker and you will discover some pretty outrageous BBQ, which you can order and eat there (or order by the pound and go find a nice lakeside bench to enjoy) albeit in some very modest settings. Second, if you’d like to escape your asphalt slab for a nice slice of nature, then head over to Long Leaf Pine Trail, which has a decent hike, or check out the wildlife at Hidden Waters Preserve, both of which are near Lake Joanna.
Happy Camping!
Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers accessible Florida wilderness just 20 minutes from downtown Orlando. The region maintains year-round temperatures between 60-90°F with summer humidity regularly exceeding 80%. Campsites range from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups across Apopka's network of county and state parks, with several locations offering direct water access.
Spring swimming: 72-degree water year-round at Wekiva Falls RV Resort provides relief from Florida heat. "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," notes Megan K.
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk optimal times at Clearwater Lake Campground for spotting native species. "I was able to see some nice schools of bass while snorkeling outside of the swimming area," reports Tom R. The campground hosts warn visitors about active bear areas, so secure food properly.
Hiking: multiple trail systems with varying terrain and difficulty levels. "We have camped here with a 26' trailer and also a 31' 'A' class motor home. The premium side has larger sites and a store," explains Calvert F. about options at local parks that connect to extensive trail systems.
Spacious, secluded sites at Trimble Park Campground provide privacy between camping neighbors. "The sites are super private, but the lake view makes it totally worth it!" shares Leah Y. about this less crowded option with only 15 total sites.
Direct water access for kayaking from many campsites. "I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," explains Ryan S., highlighting the convenience for water enthusiasts.
Clean facilities across parks receive consistent praise from campers. "The bath houses are immaculate. There is bus service throughout the campground with bus and boat service to the Parks," comments Darcy S., noting that maintenance standards remain high even at busier locations.
Summer crowds affect springs and waterways between May-August. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," advises Hannah S. about Blue Spring State Park Campground.
Reservation windows vary by park from 45 days to 11 months in advance. Trimble Park uses a specific booking system that requires careful timing: "Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance."
Urban noise affects some locations near highways and infrastructure. "Rt 441 is a busy road. Small airport next door with training flights all day," notes Ron C. about staying at one location, while another camper mentions railroad proximity at certain parks.
Playground amenities vary significantly between parks. Lake Monroe Park offers "a boat ramp, playground, and bike trails connecting to Gemini Springs," according to Diana F., making it suitable for families with diverse activity interests.
Kid-friendly swimming areas with designated spaces at multiple parks. "There is a nice heated pool, laundry room, cable and wifi, also a small store," explains Calvert F. about facilities that cater to families looking for recreation options beyond hiking.
Wildlife encounters thrill children when properly supervised. "My granddaughter didn't want to leave. She swam in the springs and loved it. Then we went to the swimming hole, and there were five manatees there," shares Lauren W. about a memorable experience with younger campers.
Site leveling challenges affect certain camping areas. "Our site was pretty unlevel and we had to max out our Anderson leveling blocks to get it right," reports Scott B. about Magnolia Park Campground, suggesting bringing extra equipment.
Pull-through availability limited at most pet friendly camping near Apopka, Florida. "We pulled in and even though the office was closed they had a couple of packets of sites to just grab. That was very convenient," explains Sven L., highlighting the need to research site access before arrival with larger rigs.
Electric service typically 30/50 amp at developed sites. "We had electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station," notes Emily C. about the typical hookup arrangement, with sewer connections less common and usually requiring an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Apopka, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Apopka, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Apopka, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 292 dog-friendly camping locations near Apopka, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
