Pet friendly camping near Ocala, Florida offers abundant wildlife viewing options throughout the Ocala National Forest and surrounding parks. The area features 80+ miles of hiking trails across the Cross Florida Greenway where well-behaved dogs can join their owners. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F, with milder winter conditions averaging 50-70°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Glass-bottom boat tours: Silver Springs State Park Campground provides access to the famous glass-bottom boat tours where visitors can observe underwater wildlife. "The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information. We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also," shares Carlos R. from Silver Springs State Park Campground.
Kayaking on Rainbow River: Rainbow Springs State Park offers crystal-clear waters perfect for kayaking. "We rented kayaks for a reasonable price. The Rainbow River flows south. The location where we started was south on the river about 4-5 miles from Rainbow Springs. It was a easy kayak paddle upstream as the current is not overpowering," notes Leasa W., who visited Rainbow Springs State Park Campground.
Mountain biking trails: Santos Trailhead & Campground connects directly to some of Florida's best mountain biking routes. A reviewer notes, "Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded. Easy access to all the mountain bike trails, the paved Greenway trail, and the Florida Trail."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing at Silver Springs. "Wonderful large private sites. Showers, laundry, store, restaurants and glass bottom boats and canoe, kayak rentals. Equestrian section also," mentions John R. The campground maintains natural barriers between many of the sites.
Swimming and tubing opportunities: Rainbow Springs State Park gets high marks for water recreation. "Full hookups. Great for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling! Kids have a lot of fun!" says Brenda S. Another camper adds, "Take a 4hour tube ride down a crystal clear spring fed river. Full of wildlife, fun, families, snorkeling, little to no paddling since your going down river."
Clean facilities: Wild Frontier RV Resort earns consistent praise for maintenance standards. "Beautiful Campground. Pull through asphalt sites with picnic table. No on ground fire but covered fires pits can be used. Park is kept very clean and groomed. They mow and blower once a week. Pool is heated. The showers, lodge building and pool deck area are all very clean and stylish," explains one reviewer.
What you should know
Reservations recommended: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during winter months. "Two days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal. This is a quiet park w a lot of nature," notes Jody O. about their stay at Silver Springs.
Age restrictions at some parks: Some facilities limit long-term stays for families with children. "Also to note, no children allowed more than a week stay. I personally find that to be a weird rule as RVing can be pretty family oriented. Especially for the full timers out there," reports a reviewer about Wild Frontier RV Resort.
Trail difficulty levels: Santos Trailhead & Campground offers varied mountain biking options. "The attraction here is the biking. It's an international destination for mountain biking! While there are no mountains in Florida, there are many man made ramps and jumps and turns. It's remarkable to see. There is also a wonderful cross Florida trail that is paved, is super smooth."
Tips for camping with families
Book walkable sites for tent camping: For families with young children at Rainbow Springs, certain sites offer better access. "If you're tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path). Bathrooms are two single stall/shower combos, but never too crowded."
Pack extra water for hot weather activities: Heat can be intense, especially when hiking with pets and children. "We went before tubing opens (April 1 each year), so the Rainbow was less crowded and stunningly clear and emerald," mentions Latika Y., highlighting seasonal timing considerations for family activities.
Seek campsites with shade: Ross Prairie Campground offers varying levels of tree cover. "Pluses are everything is super clean, the camp hosts are amazing, its easy to get to, great access to Ocala or Dunnellon, all sites are pullthrough, ground is small and quiet, 50 amp, and access to great trails for hiking, biking, horse back riding, and walking. Down sides are noise from rt 200, some sites are compact, and it lacks shade."
Tips from RVers
Gate access codes: Several campgrounds use security gates that require codes for after-hours entry. "Make sure to have your gate code at the ready, the gate is unmanned, and it's right off the main road as soon as you turn in. There is only room for one RV/travel trailer between the gate and the road, so there is nowhere to pull over to the side. Be ready," advises an RVer about Rainbow Springs.
Water pressure management: Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos requires additional equipment. "Water pressure is very high so have a water regulator. We had to turn it down from 60+ lbs to around 20 flow and 40 no flow pressure. Power is stable. We needed to use large channel locks to get the Sewer cap off," explains one visitor.
RV age restrictions: Some parks have limitations based on RV appearance or age. "If your rig is more than 10 years old, they will ask for pictures. They sent a reminder email the day before and gave us a courtesy phone call to let us know how to check in after hours," notes Michelle S. about Silver Springs RV Park.
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