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Dog-Friendly Camping near Lake Placid, FL

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    Highlands Hammock State Park Campground welcomes dogs throughout its spacious grounds, offering both standard and primitive camping options for pet owners. The standard campsites accommodate tents and RVs with water and electric hookups, while primitive sites provide more seclusion for tent campers with their furry companions. Leashed pets must remain under physical control at all times on the park's extensive trail system, though dogs are not permitted on three specific trails. Buttonwood Bay RV Resort and Lake Josephine RV Resort both maintain pet-friendly policies with clean, level sites for RVs and tent campers. The campgrounds feature amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and full hookups at most sites, with Lake Josephine offering a dedicated dog park area for off-leash play. Campsites are generally spacious enough for pets to relax with their owners, though some reviewers note that certain areas of Highlands Hammock can feel cramped during busy weekends. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on pet-friendly camping near Lake Placid, Florida.

    Wildlife encounters require extra vigilance when camping with pets, particularly near water bodies like Lake Istokpoga where alligators are common. Morning walks on trails reduce mosquito exposure for both humans and dogs, with several reviewers recommending early hikes to avoid Florida's infamous bugs and heat. Fisheating Creek Campground provides excellent water access for dogs that enjoy swimming, though owners should monitor pets closely in natural waterways. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies (typically 6-foot maximum) and request that campers clean up after their pets, with waste stations available at the larger resorts. During summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, shaded sites become premium locations for pet comfort. The Istokpoga Canal camping area offers both sunny and shaded options for pet camping, with trails connecting to nearby Hickory Hammock for extended dog walking opportunities. Small pets require particular supervision in Florida's backcountry environment where wildlife encounters are possible.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Lake Placid (138)

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      1. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground

      4.2(49)16mi from Lake Placid139 sitesTents

      "There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby. For showers you have to drive to the regular campground and use theirs. You can purchase firewood in the park as well."

      "There are many short loop trails that take you through many ecosystems, giant trees at sizes few have seen before, lots of wildlife to."

      from $18 - $22 / night

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      2. Lake Josephine RV Resort

      5.0(4)8mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents

      "Showers, laundry, dog park, game room etc. Nice fishing lake at the site."

      "Stayed here for just 2 night but what a great park right on the lake with its on launch ramp and private docks. Amazing sunset across the lake. Park has clean showers and bathrooms."

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      3. Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

      4.7(6)15mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents

      "Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host. They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites."

      "If you aren’t familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it’s hot, humid, and loaded with bugs. We also have great wildlife."

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      4. Happy Chile Farm

      4.0(1)5mi from Lake Placid1 siteRVs

      "The A/C, positioned thoughtfully right by the bed, delivers both cold air and the soothing sound of a leaf blower. Showers inside and out did the job."

      from $50 - $65 / night

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      5. Buttonwood Bay RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

      5.0(1)8mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We used this on our way back through the central area of Florida. It was also a Passport America stop. Staff is friendly and the sites are clean and level. Nice are for a sunset as well!"

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      6. Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

      4.8(30)28mi from Lake Placid35 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We were close to very clean restroom area that also had showers, washer and dryer. They do have primitive campsites for the more rustic individuals."

      "It’s a couple miles of reasonably decent dirt roads to get there, after several miles of remote highways. The only designated dark sky site in Florida.  "

      from $16 / night

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      7. Fisheating Creek Campground

      4.3(20)25mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "A very beautiful place to see natural Florida. Lots of camping spots for both tents and RV's. They even have a floating cabin. Good facilities, great staff, hiking, biking and swimming."

      "I have found young people from this area of Florida extraordinarily polite and respectful."

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      8. Trails End Fishing Resort

      4.0(1)11mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents
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      9. Thousand Trails Peace River

      4.1(24)30mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "A nice campground in south-central Florida. Campsites are close together but enough room to park trailer and tow vehicle. Most sites have some shade trees. Beware of low grassy areas after a rain."

      "Camping next to the river with our adult kids and the grandkids, good bicycle paths walking trails, canoeing fishing and actually quite in the evenings on the eastern side of the grounds, everything is"

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      10. Whispering Pines Village

      4.0(1)15mi from Lake PlacidRVs, Tents

      "Love that they have a splash pad and lots of hiking trails"

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    Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Lake Placid, FL

    45 Photos of 138 Lake Placid Campgrounds

    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Lake Placid, FL

    429 Reviews of 138 Lake Placid Campgrounds

    • Steven A.
      Nov. 28, 2023

      Lake Josephine RV Resort

      Top Notch Accommodations

      This place has everything you would need to enjoy your trip. Showers, laundry, dog park, game room etc. Nice fishing lake at the site.

    • h
      Dec. 14, 2022

      Little Charlie Creek RV Park

      Little Charlie Creek

      The campsite was nice. The dog park was nice. The pool was nice but had ALOT of frogs that didn’t make it… I was told there was a turtle found once so look before you enter, they do clean it very often though! Very close to Walmart! I even had a package delivered here!

    • Ryan P.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 30, 2022

      Resort at Canopy Oaks

      Great Clean Site

      Sites are all level, paved, and pretty big. We have a 40ft 5th wheel and fit the rig and truck on the site and still had room to spread out. Full hookups and high speed internet were available at each site as well. Plenty to do at the park from fishing, hitting golf balls, relaxing in the pool, feeding the goats, hanging out at the tiki bar, or watching the dogs run in the two dog parks. Very friendly and accommodating staff as well.

    • JERRY C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

      Very relaxing 5 star review

      The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host.

      They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites. It is right off the main road so no dirt road to get there though you have some road noise but you can get back away from most of it.  Lots of wildlife in the woods, nothing bothered the campsite.

      There are bathrooms but no showers. They are a ways away from the campground. Its still shocking you can camp in Florida like this for free. Hope we can keep it this way for a long time.

    • j
      Aug. 16, 2022

      Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

      Florida backcountry

      Being from the area I am prepared for the weather. If you aren’t familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it’s hot, humid, and loaded with bugs. We also have great wildlife. Use caution around them, especially near the water with small pets.

    • Mary M.
      Jul. 8, 2018

      KOA Campground Okeechobee

      A great place for families and kids...

      This is the largest KOA in the country...It's a Great campground for families, although I didn't go with one...There is an adult only pool, and a family pool. The Shanty, a bar is right by the adult pool, with entertainment in season and mostly on weekends. I've been there many times in the past, with my TT and my Coach...The sites are mostly large enough for Big rigs...There are upgrades to deluxe sites with brick patios, barbeques, fire pits and chairs. It's a very busy place on the holidays...If you want quiet those days, I don't suggest you go there...There is also a Golf Course, Golf Cart Rental, A nice updated store, A fenced in Dog park...

    • Katrina L.
      Dec. 29, 2022

      Ortona South

      Very clean little place

      Everyone's really nice there's electric hookups fishing up the little pier nice little river coming through right by the locks. Dog friendly I haven't tried the bathroom yet but I'm sure they're clean. You can hear the cows next door lol pet friendly I have my dog and my ferrets with me. And with my discount it was extremely affordable I'll definitely be back again.

    • Cristy M.
      Jul. 21, 2018

      Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

      Awesome stargazing and wildlife

      If you love camping, wildlife, and stargazing but still want the convenience of amenities (i.e electricity, running water, bathroom, shower) then this is the place for you.

      Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is part of IDA International Dark-Sky Places. The park has little light pollution and also a stargazing pad where you can also camp on.

      The campgrounds aren't large but the campsites are good for tents and RVs. The one site we stayed at had water and electric hook-ups and a firepit. We were close to very clean restroom area that also had showers, washer and dryer. They do have primitive campsites for the more rustic individuals. The campgrounds are about 45 minutes from town, but the ranger station sells ice for $2.50 and firewood purchase is by honor system. We also saw other campers with their dogs so pet-friendly as well.

      Lots of hiking trails and so much wildlife. We saw deer grazing near our campsite!

      Make sure to bring lots of mosquito repellent, especially in the summer months. Otherwise you'll get bit...a lot! But it is Florida after all.

    • Amanda W.
      Jan. 22, 2024

      Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

      Isolated but fun

      Tons to do on property including little stores, bbq restaurant, pizza, ice cream etc. Horseback riding, petting zoo, rock climbing. BUT, my only complaint is the noise level of the area. Lots of boat noise, gas golf carts (big property) & it just happened that my neighbors loved their gas blowers & pressure washing lol. Lots of great sites to choose from. Nice staff. Pet friendly.

    Guide to Lake Placid

    Central Florida campgrounds near Lake Placid feature diverse terrain ranging from oak hammocks to cypress groves and open prairie lands. Elevations remain consistently low, averaging 70-100 feet above sea level, with significant water features including Lake Istokpoga and Fisheating Creek. Most campgrounds in this region remain open year-round despite summer temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F and high humidity from June through September.

    What to do

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: Highlands Hammock State Park Campground offers exceptional wildlife viewing along established trails. "The area is beautiful and shady, staff very friendly, lots of critters on the trails," notes Larry M. Visitors frequently spot deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species throughout the park.

    Paddling adventures: Fisheating Creek Campground provides direct access to one of central Florida's most scenic waterways. "We rented a canoe and saw alligators almost immediately. There is a nice little spot with a beach that was popular to pull over and stretch your feet," reports Kevin T. The creek offers navigable routes for kayakers and canoeists with varying skill levels.

    Stargazing excursions: Kilpatrick Hammock Campground at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park holds designation as Florida's only certified dark sky site. "Spectacular night sky. This is the place to stargaze. Many here taking pictures with their telescopes," shares Lauren W. The park maintains strict outdoor lighting policies to preserve night sky viewing.

    Fishing opportunities: Lake Istokpoga and surrounding canal systems provide productive fishing grounds year-round. The Istokpoga Canal camping area offers convenient water access for anglers. "The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground," explains Jerry C. Bass, crappie and bluegill remain common catches in these waters.

    What campers like

    Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer generously sized sites that accommodate various camping setups. At Lake Josephine RV Resort, campers appreciate the layout. "From perfect laid out sites, to a perfect sunset by lake Josephine, there is a lot to enjoy! Peaceful, friendly staff and neighbors," writes Robert M.

    Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas rank high among camper preferences. "Great park with a dock and lake. Had good power. Good water pressure. Showers were very nice, with laundry room right next door," notes Mark P. about his stay at Lake Josephine RV Resort.

    Access to water: Proximity to lakes, creeks and canals attracts many visitors seeking water recreation. "We stayed at Fisheating Creek on the lake a couple weeks ago and had a very fun time with my three daughters. Rented a canoe and saw alligators almost immediately," shares Kevin T. The combination of camping and water access creates versatile recreation options.

    Diverse hiking trails: Trail systems throughout the region offer varying difficulty levels and ecosystem experiences. "The walking trails at this park were all quite small and friendly for all," observes Sri G. about Highlands Hammock's accessible paths, which contrast with more challenging trails available at other nearby parks.

    What you should know

    Weather considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for extreme heat and afternoon thunderstorms. "During summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, shaded sites become premium locations," according to regional park authorities. Morning activities prove most comfortable before midday heat intensifies.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lake Placid, FL is Highlands Hammock State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 49 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 138 dog-friendly camping locations near Lake Placid, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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