Dog-Friendly Camping near Clearwater, FL

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    Fort De Soto Campground's pet-friendly loop accommodates campers with dogs while maintaining separate areas for those without pets. The park features a designated dog beach and off-leash dog park with washing stations for rinsing sand from pets before returning to campsites. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA and St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday both welcome pets with dedicated dog parks and pet exercise areas. The dog park at Bay Bayou RV Resort includes multiple potty stations with waste bags positioned throughout the grounds. Caladesi RV Park, Avalon RV Resort, and Dunedin RV Resort maintain clean facilities for pets while enforcing leash requirements. Most campgrounds limit pets to two per site, though policies vary by location.

    Waterfront sites at Fort De Soto provide excellent opportunities for dogs to enjoy shoreline walks while the paved trails throughout the park offer additional exercise options. The dog beach at Fort De Soto has been listed among the top dog parks in America, featuring separate fenced areas with shade and seating for owners. Raccoons are less prevalent in the dog camping section, making food storage somewhat less challenging for pet owners. Caladesi Island State Park permits dogs on boat camping excursions but requires pets to remain leashed. The Pinellas Trail connects several pet-friendly campgrounds, offering extended walking routes for dogs needing exercise. Campers report the dog parks at Horseshoe Cove RV Resort and Key Lime Bay RV Resort are well-maintained with adequate space for larger breeds to run freely.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clearwater (153)

      1. Fort De Soto Campground

      4.7(141)25mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Be advised that there is only one section thst allows pets and limited areas that pets are allowed but has a nice dog beach and off leash dog park."

      "It’s not a National Park surrounding a national treasure but it might as well be. The park has three loops. All have waterfront sites and inner loop sites."

      from $38 - $48 / night

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      2. Caladesi RV Park

      4.3(18)5mi from Clearwater1 siteRVs

      "Great location 20 minutes from Clearwater beach. Plenty of good local places to eat. Friendly staff and guests. I highly recommend staying here"

      "It is pet friendly and everyone seems to clean up after their pets. The pool is clean and clear and that works for me."

      from $45 - $75 / night

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      3. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

      4.2(27)12mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Wanting to be close to them I opted for one of the small tent sites at the end of the park where I car camped in my Subaru Outback."

      "Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets."

      4. Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday

      3.9(8)8mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The dog park was adequate and my dog enjoyed it. I probably wouldn't stay here again just cause of the price and road noise. We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."

      from $45 - $120 / night

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      5. Bay Bayou RV Resort

      4.7(6)8mi from ClearwaterRVs

      "Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks. Right on the bayou with a kayak launch and docks for fishing and relaxing. We like it so much that we made it our home base for our travels."

      "There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around. Staff has been super friendly too."

      6. Caladesi Island State Park Campground

      4.6(5)5mi from Clearwater41 sites

      "Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.

      First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"

      "One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

      from $24 / night

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      7. Encore Vacation Village

      3.3(6)7mi from ClearwaterRVs, Cabins

      "The park is small, parking is crammed, and there’s a lot of older trailers but overall it’s a great location. This is our go to location when we have appointments at Bay Pines VA!"

      8. Clearwater RV Resort

      2.6(5)3mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents

      "Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."

      "Best location for moving around the area.  Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city. Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "

      9. Dunedin RV Resort

      4.5(2)5mi from ClearwaterRVs, Cabins

      "We didn’t really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance. Bathrooms are ok."

      from $75 - $129 / night

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      10. Avalon RV Resort

      4.5(2)5mi from ClearwaterRVs, Tents

      "Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities."

      "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated are like Clearwater. It's unbelievably quiet although it's right off of US 19. Staff is so great."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clearwater, FL

    846 Reviews of 153 Clearwater Campgrounds


    • Cyndi J.
      Jan. 15, 2019

      Fort De Soto Campground

      Beautiful park

      Beautiful park! Clean, quiet, large private spaces, and nice bath facilities. Be advised that there is only one section thst allows pets and limited areas that pets are allowed but has a nice dog beach and off leash dog park.

    • Stephen F.
      Nov. 6, 2021

      Caladesi RV Park

      Caladesi Rv park

      Very clean well maintained park. Great location 20 minutes from Clearwater beach. Plenty of good local places to eat. Friendly staff and guests. I highly recommend staying here

    • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 18, 2020

      Shell Key Preserve

      Years later it’s still one of my favorite places to camp in Florida..:

      One of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol.

      We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat.

      Amazing views.

      Campfires not permitted in summer months due to sea turtle nesting.

    • 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.

    • David G.
      Jun. 20, 2019

      Fort De Soto Campground

      Never gets old

      This is one of the best parks anywhere. It’s not a National Park surrounding a national treasure but it might as well be. The park has three loops. All have waterfront sites and inner loop sites. One is set up for tents, folding campers and small teardrop style trailers. One is conducive to big rigs but it’s a tight fit and one handles all, but allows pets. There’s lots of wildlife, particularly raccoons. A short drive or bike ride from the campground lands you at the old fort, or a ferry to Egmont Key for the day, or a beach with a view of Tampa Bay and the Skyway bridge, or the amazing north beach which has been listed several times as the best beach in America. It’s a truly gorgeous park. Kayaking, SUP, dog parks, dog beach as well as coyote, rattlesnakes, amazing shore birding, white pelicans, eagles, ospreys, roseates, manatees, dolphins... hard to get reservations but well worth it.
      Our return to this park year after year resulted in us building a home in the area for our endless summer adventures.

    • 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!

    • T
      Jan. 19, 2022

      Clearwater / Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday

      Lots of Road Noise

      This park was okay, but we were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground. Roads are really narrow. We were told they didn't pick up trash at the site and the only dumpster was at the opposite end of the park, which was a bit inconvenient. Wifi was really good and cable worked well. The dog park was adequate and my dog enjoyed it. I probably wouldn't stay here again just cause of the price and road noise. We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel.

    • s
      May. 4, 2024

      Avalon RV Resort

      Good for a short stay

      Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.

    • 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!


    Guide to Clearwater

    The Clearwater area offers multiple pet-friendly camping options within a subtropical climate where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, making it an ideal destination for snowbird campers with pets. Sites near the Gulf benefit from sea breezes that provide natural cooling during warmer months.

    What to do

    Biking on Pinellas Trail: Located directly behind Caladesi RV Park, the Pinellas Trail offers extensive paved paths for cycling. "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery," notes Gina D., adding that it "connects several pet-friendly campgrounds, offering extended walking routes."

    Kayaking and fishing: Waterways accessible from campsites provide excellent options for water recreation. At Bay Bayou RV Resort, "There's a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around," according to Mike W. The resort features a kayak launch and fishing docks.

    Historic exploration: The Fort De Soto Park area includes historical structures to explore. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit," reports Brennan H., who noted abundant wildlife including "raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of Birds!"

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the space between accommodations at several parks. At Fort De Soto Campground, Ralph B. notes the "Very private spots lots of trees." Another camper, Joe R., explains "They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel."

    Well-maintained facilities: Parks in the area typically maintain clean, functional amenities. According to David G., "Restrooms are dated but well maintained. Electric and water. 2 dump sites on property. Good cell coverage with wifi at the office." Even during peak seasons, most campgrounds prioritize cleanliness.

    Waterfront access: Direct water access distinguishes several campgrounds. Taylor T. states, "Cant go wrong with a waterfront stay," while at Caladesi Island State Park Campground, Robert C. describes it as "a beautiful Island. One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."

    What you should know

    Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during winter months. "They do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky," advises Joe R. regarding Fort De Soto.

    Site variations: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same park. At St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, Nicole observed, "Way overpriced, close to road, very close together sites. The utilities were set up poorly and we struggled a bit with septic hookup." However, waterfront sites typically offer better spacing and views.

    Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect camping experience. Ralph B. notes that Fort De Soto has "Lots of bugs in the summer time," while other reviewers mention the need for proper rain gear during Florida's frequent afternoon showers.

    Limited alcohol policies: Some parks prohibit alcohol consumption. Joe R. states, "Note that there is no alcohol allowed in the park, including the campground. All I can say is that you should use common sense. This is a family friendly place."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Several parks feature playground facilities for children. Joe R. describes Fort De Soto's playground: "There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."

    Swimming options: Pools provide alternatives to beach swimming. At Dunedin RV Resort, Sarah A. notes, "We didn't really explore the amenities as we were only in for a night but they looked nice from a distance." Many parks maintain pools with extended hours during summer months.

    Additional activities: Some campgrounds offer organized events for families. Doug E. describes St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA as having "a heated pool, mini golf course, shuffle board, dog run. They have the typical bike rentals, four person bikes, that are found at most KOAs."

    Tips from RVers

    Site dimensions: RV spaces vary significantly between parks. At Avalon RV Resort, Derick B. notes, "The sites are a little tight but that's normal for most of Florida, specially in a heavy populated area like Clearwater."

    Hookup configurations: Utility placement affects setup convenience. Ashley C. from Bay Bayou RV Resort states, "We're currently on our maiden voyage with our new to us fifth wheel and couldn't be happier with our experience here! The staff is friendly, the pool is huge, the park is very clean."

    Access challenges: Navigation within some parks requires caution. Kevin from Caladesi RV Park reports, "Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio," while others mention tight turns and narrow roads that can challenge larger rigs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clearwater, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 141 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 153 dog-friendly camping locations near Clearwater, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.