Dog-Friendly Camping near Bartow, FL

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    Saddle Creek Park and Campground accepts pets at its lakeside camping area with water and electric hookups. Multiple pet-friendly campgrounds near Bartow provide camping options ranging from tent sites to full RV hookups and cabin rentals. Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground and Sanlan RV & Golf Resort maintain well-kept grounds where dogs are welcome, with the latter offering golf cart rentals to explore natural areas with pets. Most parks require pets to remain leashed while outside RVs or tents. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Bartow, Florida. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort features landscaped sites with paver patios and turf where pets can comfortably rest beside their owners, though excessive barking may disturb neighbors during quiet hours at most campgrounds.

    Hiking trails around Cypress Campground & RV Park provide exercise opportunities for dogs, with many campsites offering shaded areas to protect pets from Florida's heat. Alafia River State Park Campground allows pets at its cabin accommodations and camping areas with access to water features where dogs can cool off during warmer months. Wildlife encounters are possible when camping with pets in the Bartow region, so maintaining control of dogs is essential for their safety and wildlife protection. Nearby Walmart stores in Winter Haven and other surrounding communities offer convenient access to pet supplies and food if needed during extended stays. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, though farther from Bartow, offers extensive pet amenities including horse corrals and designated pet areas for families traveling with multiple animal companions.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Bartow (214)

      1. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

      4.5(22)14mi from Bartow11 sitesRVs, Cabins

      "Easy location to get to. The lots are pretty wide open with little shade, but we had a tiki, which was awesome. Pool was nice and warm. Kids loved the slide. Dog park and wash are a bonus."

      "They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads. Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff."

      from $67 - $302 / night

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      2. Cypress Campground & RV Park

      3.9(7)12mi from Bartow1 siteRVs, Tents

      "We came to Florida to escape NY in 2020, chose from a map! While here, we made good friends with other snowbirds and travelers. There is a nice pool, small playground and 2 laundry facilities."

      "First we had a late arrival, and they had left us all the documents ready for us by the entrance."

      3. Alafia River State Park Campground

      4.3(20)21mi from Bartow29 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."

      "For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"

      from $22 / night

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      4. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

      4.4(64)31mi from Bartow95 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "If you like to hike, there are a bunch of different trails to walk and they run alongside the river."

      "Better if not during rainy season here in Florida. The ground was wet. Some sites had overflow from the river, I guess? Our site was nice. We had water and electricity. Pretty quiet. Lots of dogs."

      from $24 / night

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      5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

      4.6(130)40mi from BartowRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $56 - $201 / night

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      6. Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground

      5.0(4)13mi from Bartow4 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Great privately owned campsite for those wanting to get away from crowds and overly-popular sites."

      "Hike along the water on trails, off road biking, and up close viewing of the beautiful ranch animals ( steer and goats )."

      from $40 - $75 / night

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      7. Saddle Creek Park and Campground

      3.2(6)13mi from BartowRVs, Tents

      "Thrift and bait shop nearby."

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      8. Sanlan RV & Golf Resort

      5.0(2)9mi from BartowRVs

      9. Edward Medard Park

      4.3(15)21mi from BartowRVs, Tents

      "What a beautiful well kept facility near suburbia. Just a short drive from Tampa and Lakeland areas this first come first served facility is a favorite of locals."

      "Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."

      from $24 / night

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      10. Hardee Lakes Park

      4.8(11)21mi from BartowRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There are four lakes, campsites are located on one of the bigger lakes. Like all parks some site are better than others, none are bad.  We had the end site on the lake that was very private."

      "My husband enjoyed riding his fat tire along with our dog. We are hoping to visit again in February!"

      from $25 - $28 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bartow, FL

    1074 Reviews of 214 Bartow Campgrounds


    • Connie B.
      May. 17, 2018

      Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

      Lots of activities

      Pricey 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.

    • Jan S.
      Jun. 8, 2022

      Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA

      KOA Campground with working vegetable farm and petting zoo

      Stayed here for a week in May - quiet, pretty campground with friendly staff, a petting zoo and vegetable farm on property. We enjoyed the produce market, but you could also go in the fields and pick your own. Camper sites had enough room between them, the electric/water sites had good tree cover for shade. There were cabins, a silo, and covered wagons you could also stay in. There's a big dog park, but not much shade there. There's a winery just 1 mile away. The Sarasota beaches and mangrove kayaking are an easy 45 minute drive away. The only thing I wished they had was a pool... Overall, we had a nice time here.

    • B
      Feb. 3, 2021

      Thousand Trails Orlando

      Huge park

      This 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).

    • Zackary C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 6, 2025

      Lithia Springs

      Lithia Springs Park

      Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!

    • Danna D.
      Nov. 5, 2020

      Encore Terra Ceia

      Great Place - Friendly Staff & Neighbors

      Nice place to stay in Palmetto. I just moved into my RV and this was my very first camping stop so I had TONS of questions and needed quite a bit of help. The staff were super friendly and the neighbors were extremely helpful in showing me how to get everything set up. They have a nice pool and laundry facilities - would recommend coming with a separate vehicle as there's not much within walking distance, but it's only a short drive to Tampa, St. Pete, and the Sarasota/Bradenton area. They also have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!

    • Malaney H.
      Apr. 3, 2018

      Hillsborough River State Park Campground

      There is a lot to do!

      This park is full of great adventures. If you like to hike, there are a bunch of different trails to walk and they run alongside the river. You may even have the opportunity to catch site of some alligators as this river is very populated with them. There is also a cute shop and cafe so if your not feeling up to cooking, you can head there. At the shop you have the opportunity to swim in the pool, rent kayaks, canoes, and bikes. I also love that they are pet friendly. I take my dog everywhere (and sometimes my cat) and they enjoyed the trails just as much as I did!

    • T S.
      Mar. 7, 2022

      Lazydays RV Resort

      Very nice campground

      This campground was adequate and very close to I-4. Sites are accommodating and clean. Pool and restaurant on site. If you have a dog they have a couple of dog parks on site buy I would recommend sites 36, 37 or 38. Large grass area for your own private dog area.

    • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 19, 2020

      Encore Terra Ceia

      In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches

      In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance.

      Pet-friendly.

    • Josh W.
      Feb. 10, 2020

      Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

      Can we live here forever?

      Loved 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.


    Guide to Bartow

    Pet friendly camping near Bartow, Florida offers lakeside options across more than a dozen established campgrounds. Located in central Florida's Polk County at an elevation of 125 feet above sea level, Bartow experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F and mild winters with January lows around 50°F. Thunderstorms occur frequently during summer months, affecting camping conditions from June through September.

    What to do

    Hiking opportunities: Alafia River State Park Campground features multiple trails where dogs can accompany owners on leashed walks. One camper noted, "Nature Trails are amazing" while another visitor mentioned, "I was probably the only hiker at this park and there were a ton of mountain bikers. I loved that they had a ton of different trails to choose from, some just hiking or biking, and some mixed ones."

    Swimming access: During summer months when temperatures climb, campsites with water access provide relief for both pets and owners. "There are two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food. They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads," reports one visitor about Camp Margaritaville RV Resort.

    Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds feature preserved natural areas where wildlife sightings are common. "There is an eagle preserve by the lake and the Auburndale bike trail (29 miles!) just outside of the entrance," notes one camper. Dogs must remain leashed and under control during wildlife observation activities.

    What campers like

    Campsite spaciousness: Many campers appreciate the room between sites at certain campgrounds. "Large pull through sites with paver patios, turf, and landscaping," writes one reviewer about Camp Margaritaville. At Hardee Lakes Park, campers note "Camp sites are nice and clean, with beautiful lake views."

    Pet amenities: Dedicated facilities for pets rank highly in camper satisfaction. One camper reports, "The dog baths and parks are awesome" when describing amenities. Another mentions, "They each come with a turf pad which the pup loved," highlighting features that enhance the experience for pet owners.

    Quiet settings: Peaceful environments away from traffic noise rate highly among pet owners. A visitor to Hardee Lakes Park wrote, "This is a quiet campground that has 4 lakes with trails for hiking, 4 wheelers, boaters, & fishing. Beautiful!!" while another noted it's "Secluded and well maintained."

    What you should know

    Seasonal challenges: Summer heat and insects affect camping comfort substantially. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground warned about "mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," indicating that pet owners should bring appropriate insect protection.

    Fire regulations: Rules regarding campfires vary significantly between campgrounds. At Cypress Campground, a visitor noted "Only disappointment was that I did not realize there were no fire rings/pits/gills, so we had a couple of 'interesting' meals in our camper that were intended for campfire cooking."

    Pet policies: While most campgrounds welcome pets, restrictions apply regarding leashes and supervision. "They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads," notes one camper, while others mention the necessity of maintaining control over pets during wildlife encounters.

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds with dedicated facilities for children offer better experiences for families with both children and pets. At Cypress Campground & RV Park, "The pool was just what we needed, the put-put was a fun activity, the bathrooms were clean and adequate, the campsites were not huge but just fine."

    Location convenience: Proximity to attractions matters for families. "We had a BLAST at this camping retreat 3 miles from Legoland! The owners/employees were very nice and accommodating," shared one family who stayed at Cypress Campground.

    Safety considerations: Families with children and pets need to monitor wildlife interactions. "Wildlife encounters are possible when camping with pets in the Bartow region, so maintaining control of dogs is essential for their safety and wildlife protection," note regular campers.

    Tips from RVers

    Site accessibility: Large rig owners should research site dimensions before booking. Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground offers "water and 30/50. Septic dump station," according to one RVer who added, "Quiet and gorgeous; as every site has a view of the water, and trees/nature is abundant."

    Extended stay amenities: For those planning longer visits with pets, look for laundry facilities and maintenance services. "Bath house was clean and in good working order," reported a camper at Hardee Lakes Park, while another mentioned, "The washrooms in general are in a desperate need for a full gut and renovation" at a different facility.

    Hookup reliability: Water and electric connections vary in quality between campgrounds. "Hook ups and cable were excellent. Have to pay for wifi," noted one RVer, indicating the need to verify utility reliability when traveling with pets that may need climate control.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bartow, FL is Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale with a 4.5-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 214 dog-friendly camping locations near Bartow, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.