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Lake Panasoffkee primitive camping area welcomes pets throughout its spacious grounds where campers can select from sunny open sites or shaded spots beneath trees. Pet owners need only keep their animals leashed and properly supervised while enjoying this free camping destination. The campground features clean flush toilets, non-potable water spigots, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. Wide open fields provide ample space for dogs to exercise while staying close to their owners. The bathrooms are maintained daily by an on-site host who ensures facilities remain clean for all visitors.
Several miles of trails throughout the property allow for dog walking and hiking opportunities. Many campers report excellent experiences with pets at this location, noting the combination of open spaces and wooded areas provides options for both sun-seeking and shade-preferring dogs. Lake Panasoffkee's primitive camping is situated between two towns, making pet supply runs convenient with just a 15-minute drive to nearby stores. Thousand Trails Three Flags, another pet-friendly option in the area, offers full hookup sites with spacious, semi-shaded camping spots perfect for RVs traveling with animals. Both locations maintain quiet atmospheres after hours, creating peaceful environments for pets who may be sensitive to noise. Lake Griffin State Park Campground also permits pets at their sites but requires them to remain on leashes no longer than six feet at all times.
"Beautiful location off of a major highway but due to lots of trees - very little road noise. Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups. Nice roads to walk your dog. "
"Nearby shops and such are within 10 miles(gas, groceries, restaurants, flea markets, etc.). Overall, a nice park, but I wouldn't go during the rainy season in Florida."
"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"There was a big open field where basically all equestrian campers parked at since it was near the horse stalls. There’s also more shaded camp spots towards the back which is where I ended up."
"This time around, there were no equestrian campers so everyone is aiming for the shady spots in the primitive area."
"We love to primitive camp and with our dogs. You can do both of these hear without a problem. The only thing is that the campsites we stayed at are not secluded enough for what I like."
"I had site 1, which sites 1 and 2 are next to the entrance gate. It was fairly quiet at night. There was a few times I heard loud vehicles gojng down the road but not enough to complain about."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"hog) is located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee river close to the small town of Nobleton."
"But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"The down fall is that the sites are around a lake/river, so many of them are on a slope."
"Pets are allowed on leash. Nothing much for kids to do but my kids enjoyed walking the campground loop and walking the trails."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"To get to the camp site:
- go to the Circle K linked below
https://goo.gl/maps/qCoojcRZWhjXTjC77
- use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve."
"Flying Eagle was clean a lot of airboat noise close to town"
"We have been traveling Florida for a while and this is our favorite place by far."
"I looked for a campground close to home for our first trip in the new travel trailer. We found trails end and they had room for us on short notice."
from $60 - $99 / night
Check Availability"I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved. And you are not allowed pets."
"Pets are NOT allowed. I just wanted to clarify, since the listing states they are. Bathrooms are decent and the showers have hot water. Sites 1 thru 3 are walk up only."
from $14 / night
Check Availability"This is an excellent place to camp because it is secluded with large private campsites surrounding a clear swimming hole. It is a short drive from the Chaz, and affordable."
"My group goes to this campground several times a year due to the location to home and for being able to play off road in the surrounding trail system."
from $14 / night
Check Availability
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!
LegendFHU, unleveled concrete pad with a picnic table. So close to the FT resident in the tiny home next to us, that we could not sit outside comfortably. Also, our area was right by her sewage hook up. And then there was a storage shed, leaf piles, random stacks of supplies, and a residential trailer behind us. The Pool was small but clean, we didn’t use. Dog park was ok, but other people don’t pick up after their pets, even with signs, and available poop disposal can. Maybe if management put mutt-mitts out, pet owners might use them. We booked months ago, and we arrived a bit after 5 due to traffic, there was no welcome packet, and no one answered the phone, with the posted #. Thankfully, the maintenance guy was friendly and helped us find our spot. It wasn’t easy to get to, or to see where it was. It was way too small to accommodate our 5th wheel and Dooley. If someone had been in the spot in front of us, we wouldn’t have been able to get in. The map online doesn’t even have our site listed. We were visiting family, so thankfully we weren’t there much. The area has lots of good restaurants, attractions, fishing, and springs! I do not leave 3 star reviews, but my honest review is to help others from paying $400 a week, at this park. I was hard pressed to leave a 3 star…. But Because of the area attractions, FHU, and helpful maintenance employee, was the reason I did. I would not reserve here again. Especially at the high price.
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:
LegendWe made a quick trip up to this park during the lockdown. Let me say first that this is not a camp ground by my definition, rather an RV Park. At the time of our visit all National, State and County campgrounds were closed.
That said, we had an excellent time. The residents including the staff were really nice and welcoming. This park is well run. After check in somebody accompanies you to your site and does not leave until you are all hooked up.
We were a little out of place in our small camper (Airstream Basecamp) among the seasonal and permanent residents in large rigs and permanent modular homes sites, but that added to the fun. The park has a small store and is convenient to many local activities.
Our original goal was to cycle on the Withlacoochee Trail, an area favorite of ours. We discovered that it had been closed due to the pandemic like many other parks. Why this trail was closed is beyond me but there you go. We explored the local area on bikes and discovered Lake Panasoffkee and the Lake Pano Lodge (pics attached).
As an added bonus, they put is right next to the pool which was open. It was like an Oasis because most public pools had been closed and remain so. Everybody was so "normal" at this park going about their lives without drama is was really great.
This park also has river access, boat ramp and launch so we had a great paddle on the Withlacoochee. Oh, forgot to mention that Thousand Palms has by far THE NICEST BATHROOM we have ever found on our travels adjacent to the community pool.
We will return when we want to play in this area even if we can find state or federal camping because it's such a unique experience for us to stay in an RV park and be welcomed like family.
Love this place.
GuideThis 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!
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!
Primitive campsites near Lake Panasoffkee offer dry, sandy terrain that rises only about 40-50 feet above sea level, creating a subtropical camping environment with mild winters and humid summers. The region's mix of wetlands and pine flatwoods supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities, with temperatures ranging from 45-70°F in winter and 75-95°F during summer months. Most campgrounds in this area sit on flat ground with minimal elevation changes, making them accessible for all types of camping setups.
Paddling opportunities: Launch directly from Flying Eagle Preserve where the Withlacoochee River system offers miles of paddling routes. "You can paddle far down and ride back. And have a lunch at the campsite afterwards. Perfect area for this," notes Tracy from Crooked River Campground. Consider bringing your own kayak as rentals are limited in the area.
Trail exploration: Crooked River Campground features multiple hiking options including a nature trail and boardwalk. "Connects to hiking trails in the Croom Tract. Also near many other Forest camp areas, trails, and launch sites. So many options available for nature fun," reports Tracy H. The trail system ranges from short 2-mile loops to longer 7+ mile routes.
Fishing spots: Multiple access points along the Withlacoochee River offer bank fishing or boat access. "We loved exploring the trail and then letting the kids play in the water while we tried to catch some bass," shares Danae N. Early mornings provide better catches when water temperatures are cooler, especially during summer months.
Secluded sites: Lake Panasoffkee primitive area features both open and shaded camping options. "There's also more shaded camp spots towards the back which is where I ended up. Beautiful trees for shade but room to get some solar too," writes Abby M. The campground has distinct areas for equestrian campers in open fields versus wooded sites for those seeking shade.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. "Get up early in the morning and take walk and you are sure to see some deer," recommends Lynn S. from Hog Island Campground. Many campers report seeing armadillos, rabbits, and various bird species throughout the camping areas.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain basic but functional restrooms. "The bathrooms are maintained daily by an on-site host who ensures facilities remain clean for all visitors," states one review. At Crooked River Campground, visitors appreciate that "Got to say it was nice to have a clean bath house with showers!"
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires navigation on unpaved roads. At River Junction Campground, "The road in called SW 113 ST was hardcore off road muddy driving... Potholes all the way to the site." Plan accordingly with appropriate vehicles, especially after rain.
Reservation systems: Several campgrounds require advance booking while others offer walk-up sites. "Site 1 is that way and you could paddle into it. 14 and 16 can be reserved and also paddled into," explains Ranae C. about River Junction Campground. For Lake Panasoffkee, "You need a permit, but it's free," notes Ethan B.
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping means dealing with Florida heat and insects. "Mosquitoes but that is Florida camping bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps," advises Tianay F. Winter months (November-February) offer the most comfortable camping conditions with temperatures between 45-70°F.
Water play options: Kids enjoy cooling off in the river at several campgrounds. At Holder Mine Campground, "The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was there favorite part," shares Danae N. The shallow areas near designated campsites provide safer play spots.
Site selection: Choose sites based on proximity to facilities when camping with children. "We had site 74 and really enjoyed it. It was huge and secluded! Our kids were able to run around and be noisy and we weren't worried about annoying our neighbors," reports a family camping at Crooked River Campground. Corner sites often provide more buffer space.
Nearby conveniences: Most needed supplies are available within a short drive. "Right in between two towns so can easily get groceries or gas with a 15 minute drive," explains Abby M. Plan for basic provisions as camp stores are limited in the area.
Site dimensions: Thousand Trails Three Flags offers spacious sites for larger rigs. "Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups. Nice roads to walk your dog," notes Charles F. Most sites can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet, though corner turns within some campgrounds may be tight.
Hookup options: Electric and water connections vary by campground. "The campground has large sites. They are for RVs/Tents so if you have both and a pop up, everything will fit!" writes Malaney H. about Cypress Glen Campground. Note that some sites may be on slopes, affecting leveling needs.
RV-friendly amenities: Dump stations are available at select locations. "Nice new dump sites," reports Steve N. about Cypress Glen Campground. Many campgrounds offer 30/50 amp service, though amp availability should be confirmed before arrival as not all sites provide both options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lake Panasoffkee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lake Panasoffkee, FL is Thousand Trails Three Flags with a 4.4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lake Panasoffkee, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 337 dog-friendly camping locations near Lake Panasoffkee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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