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Lake Griffin State Park Campground's pet-friendly policy extends to tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins within its year-round facility. Located in Fruitland Park, this established campground provides electric hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups for RV campers traveling with pets. Trimble Park Campground in Mount Dora maintains a 4.8-star rating among campers who appreciate its pet accommodation alongside fire rings, picnic tables, and thirty-amp electrical connections. Dogs must be leashed at all times in both parks, with designated pet walking areas available for daily exercise. The bathrooms at Southern Palms RV Resort need updating with some toilets leaking and limited facilities available during peak times. All campgrounds enforce standard pet policies including waste cleanup requirements, vaccination documentation, and noise control.
Ocala National Forest's nearby trail system offers extensive pet-friendly hiking routes connecting to many of the campgrounds. Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Juniper Springs both welcome pets on leashed walks through their facilities, though animals are not permitted in swimming areas or springs themselves. Lake Harris provides shore fishing opportunities where dogs can join their owners with proper restraint. Local reviewers note the heated pool and hot tub at Southern Palms create a pleasant environment after daily pet excursions, while the extensive dog park at Fisherman's Cove RV Park gets consistently heavy use from resident pet owners. Veterinary services are available in Mount Dora and Eustis, both within 20-30 minutes of most campgrounds. Wildlife encounters require vigilance with pets, as alligators inhabit most Florida lakes and waterways near camping areas.
"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"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."
"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"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 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"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"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."
"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"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"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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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.
Ocala National Forest surrounds Grand Island, Florida with its unique mix of pine forests, natural springs, and lakes spanning over 387,000 acres. The forest maintains a subtropical climate with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter nights can dip into the 40s. Campers should prepare for seasonal fluctuations in wildlife activity, particularly during alligator breeding season from April through June.
Spring swimming access: Clearwater Lake Campground offers well-maintained swimming areas with crystal-clear water. "The spring is spectacular! Natural open spring with lots of plant & animals to see in the water & around the park. Large grassy area for picnicking was really nice," notes Nicole D. from Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Paddle sports: Rent canoes or kayaks to explore the waterways connecting to campsites. A visitor at Juniper Springs Rec Area shares, "They also have a great river you can canoe or kayak, which they offer both for rental. It's a gorgeous natural run, sometimes with obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees."
Wildlife viewing: Observe native Florida species from designated areas throughout the forest. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Yes it rained most of the time but our site never flooded!! Such a nice view of the sunset from where we were. Saw lots of animals," reports Caitlyn P. from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Access multiple difficulty levels of trails from main campgrounds. "There is a 4.5-mile hiking trail, biking trail, as well as water activities. There are two different parking lots, but both provide opportunities to reach the water and picnicking spots," explains one visitor.
Privacy between sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Grand Island feature natural vegetation barriers. "The sites are semi-private with vegetation between sites but it is what it is," observes a camper at Alexander Springs, while another visitor at Trimble Park Campground notes, "Each site has power and water connections. Water access by pier for relaxing or fishing."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives regular praise across multiple campgrounds. Gabby C. mentions, "every couple sites there was a drinking water fill up station," at Alexander Springs, and another camper adds, "Very small and quiet place, great for beginners. Host was great, bathrooms cleaned and hot showers."
Natural swimming areas: Springs and lakes provide cooling options during hot months. "The swimming area on Clearwater Lake is a gradually deepening sand bottom with very clear water," explains one reviewer, while another states, "The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable."
Accessibility to supplies: Most campgrounds offer reasonable driving distance to necessities. "15/20 minutes away plenty of amenities and shopping if necessary," reports a camper at Lake Dorr Campground.
Water temperature: Springs maintain consistent 72°F temperatures regardless of season. "It is COLD though...be warned!" emphasizes one camper about the spring water, which provides cooling relief in summer but might feel chilly in winter months.
Reservation timing: Several pet-friendly camping sites around Grand Island require advance planning. Regarding Lake Griffin State Park Campground, a reviewer advises, "Been there- done that- probably don't need to go back," suggesting first-time visitors may want to prioritize more highly-rated locations.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators inhabit most water bodies throughout the region. "Just watch for coons stealing your food," warns one camper, while another mentions, "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night."
Weekend crowding: Many campgrounds reach capacity quickly during peak times. "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 popular swimming areas.
Kid-friendly swimming: Choose campgrounds with graduated entry points for water access. "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," describes a camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Playground options: Several campgrounds include play equipment for children. "Wonderful little campground by a beautiful lake. Restrooms and showers were great along with the dishwashing station," shares Kevin D. about Clearwater Lake Campground.
Educational opportunities: Learn about Florida ecosystems through ranger-led programs. "Blue Spring State Park Campground is known for it's manatee sightings and this park did not disappoint! The park itself provides many opportunities for outdoor activities," explains a visitor, adding that wildlife viewing opportunities abound.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise that might affect light sleepers. "The only drawback I found from the campsite/campground area was the noise. 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!" suggests one camper.
Site selection strategies: Research specific site numbers before booking. At Wekiwa Springs, "Parking all back in on grass with no cement, table or fire pit. Next to a highway so it can be noisy," reports Lloyd S. about one location, highlighting the importance of site research.
Maneuvering challenges: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. "The sites do not have electric or water, however there are shared water spigots situated within close distance to most of the campsites," explains a reviewer about primitive camping options suitable for smaller RVs.
Hookup limitations: Check utility availability as options vary widely between campgrounds. One camper at Encore Southern Palms describes, "The park isn't the best park we have been to but the surrounding area and safety and nice people make up for it. The bathroom is very nice and modernized."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management around available facilities. "We had electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station," shares Emily C., noting the typical arrangement at many state parks in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grand Island, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grand Island, 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 Grand Island, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 319 dog-friendly camping locations near Grand Island, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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