Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Dog-Friendly Camping near Ocklawaha, FL
328 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Silver Springs State Park Campground accommodates pets alongside tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookup sites for electricity, water and sewer connections. Lake Griffin State Park and Salt Springs Recreation Area also welcome pets at their camping facilities with similar amenities. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times, with typical restrictions limiting pets to two per site and prohibiting them from swimming areas and public buildings. Southern Oaks RV Resort maintains well-kept grounds with clean facilities and level sites, making setup easy for RVers traveling with animals. Lake Waldena Resort extends pet-friendly policies to their cabin accommodations, one of the few locations near Ocklawaha offering enclosed shelters that accept animals.
The Ocala National Forest surroundings provide multiple trail systems accessible to leashed dogs, with the Santos Trailhead & Campground connecting directly to popular hiking paths. Campers note the spacious sites at Grand Oaks RV Resort offer ample room for pets to relax while still maintaining appropriate boundaries with neighboring campers. Summer heat considerations are important when camping with pets in this region, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during peak months. Most locations provide water hookups that allow for pet hydration stations, though campers should bring portable bowls for trail excursions. Local veterinary services are available in Ocala and The Villages, approximately 20-30 minutes driving distance from most Ocklawaha area campgrounds. Several parks enforce quiet hours starting at 10 p.m., when excessive barking becomes a particular concern. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Ocklawaha span a range of settings, from open RV resorts to wooded state park sites, giving pet owners practical options regardless of how they prefer to camp.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Ocklawaha (328)
1. Silver Springs State Park Campground
"The sites are large and spacious with shady trees surrounding each site. It is very quiet and peaceful. Note that pets are allowed in the campground area but not in any other areas."
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability2. Juniper Springs Campground
"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 Availability3. Lake Griffin State Park Campground
"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 Availability4. Santos Trailhead & Campground
"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."
"This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers."
from $22 / night
Check Availability5. Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos
"We Enjoyed the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings while listening to the Owls Hooting ~while we sat at our campfire ."
"Situated in Ocala, this park offers a wonderful get away for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking Great trails The park itself is open with few trees but an amazing host."
from $46 - $77 / night
Check Availability6. Salt Springs Recreation Area
"There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."
"We’re a married couple in our forties traveling with two dogs and a cat in our 37 foot motorhome. We stayed at Salt Springs campground for about a week in February."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
"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 Availability8. Southern Oaks RV Resort
"There is a convenient dog run on the back side of the park my dog loves swimming in. The park is maintained very well"
9. Thousand Trails Three Flags
"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."
10. Lake Waldena Resort
"This is a quiet little park that sits around a lake with some woods. Let’s see, the Wifi is poor, but we still were able to stream our favorite show at night."
"We found the office & lake area & it's great! The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office. "
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 26 min from Ocala, FL
- 30 min from Wildwood, FL
- 1 hr from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 1 hr 7 min from Deltona, FL
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Ocklawaha, FL
161 Photos of 328 Ocklawaha Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BROKEN SPOKE RANCH
Madison Golf & RV Resort
Whimcycle Trail Resort At SantosK
Lake Waldena Resort
Santos Trailhead & Campground
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Lake Griffin State Park CampgroundS
Ocala Sun RV Resorts
Thousand Trails Three Flags
Fore Lake CampgroundS
Juniper Springs Campground
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Fern Hammock Springs
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ocklawaha, FL
1666 Reviews of 328 Ocklawaha Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
Jesse M.ScoutThe Wekiva River Experience
Peace
It has a little of everything you would enjoy about this type of outside camp ground. Has hiking and biking trails. Of course the beautiful water that stays 72 degrees all year long.
- TTim K.Scout
Lake Point 55+ RV Park
Restrictions
Exercise caution with this reservation. The website says pet friendly but only after you reserve the site do they make you aware of pet size limit and breed restrictions. And your reservation is not refundable.
Eric K.GuideLake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed Camping
Spent two nights here again. Sept. 27th and 28th. During the day time there were a lot of Love Bugs. My camping kitty loved chasing them. At night or at sun down I was bombarded with bugs. Even if I tried to attract them to a higher light and I was in the dark, didn't help. So this time of the year, sunset = go inside.
Also, the description above is wrong.
This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.
The campground DOES NOT maintain water availability throughout the site and DOES NOT HAVE ANY clean restroom facilities.
Other than that, I will be back.
- Eric K.Guide
Lake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed camping
Spent two nights here again. September 27th and 28th. This is a great dispersed camping area. You only need to know your limits with soft sand. During the day there were a lot of love bugs and the water was great. As soon as the sun sets, at this time of the year the bugs were terrible. Even if you tried to attract them up in the air with a Devos light you will be bombarded. Sunset = go inside. Other than the night time bugs, it's a great place. I will be back.
- LLibby H.Scout
Chassahowitzka River Campground
Great location, professionally managed, shady Old Florida
This is an excellent, quiet campground conveniently near the Chassahowitzka River Boat Ramp. It's incredibly cool and shady, so valuable in Florida. Sites are level and trees well trimmed. As newer RVers, I'd point to spots 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20 as among the easiest back-in spots, as you can utilize the turn of the driveway to get straightened up better. All of these spots also are shady and private. The campground was quiet on the weekend we visited, but during high season, sites 19, 20 and 48 (pull through) are among those offering the most privacy from neighbors.
Regarding the boat ramp access: take note, the ramp is easily accessible from the campground but not "walking distance" if you are carrying a kayak. You will either need to drive your boat(s) down or rent. Parking fee is $5 vehicle only/$7 vehicle plus boat trailer, and you can access the spot before business hours and pay the fee in cash in the Honor System box on the side of the boat house. The Chassahowitzka is a gorgeous, spring-fed, clear-water river, a true gem in Florida, and just gorgeous for observing fish and birds. The place gets busy on weekends, so arrive early.
We loved our stay and this camp is on our "must return" list!
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
Stuart K.
LegendSt. Johns River KOA
Waterfront RV Resort Just Outside DeLand
Delivering a blend of riverside charm and campground convenience to the banks of the St. Johns River, St. Johns River KOA in DeLand, FL is a great find for those looking for everything properly arranged for a riverfront encampment with EZ access to the frackish waters. Located just off State Road 44, it's an easy exit from Orlando or Daytona, but once you're settled, it feels like a peaceful riverfront retreat. First impressions? Pull into a shaded site, breathe in the river air and instantly realize you've landed in a camper’s version of lakeside serenity.
This KOA pulls no punches on amenities. You'll find full RV hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), spacious back-in and pull-through sites that fit up to 80' rigs, clean bathhouses, laundry, Wi Fi, a dog park and a center pavilion. At the water’s edge, there's a marina with boat and kayak rentals, a boat ramp and even a restaurant serving riverfront fare and weekend live music. All the staff you come into contact with here are friendly locals and a relaxed yet well-maintained environment that keeps you both entertained and relaxed. The crown jewel of this place? The Tiki Bar that sits atop John’s River Grille on-site at this location comes with just one rule: don’t show up late for the Happy Hour sundowning sessions!
Where this KOA shines is on the water. The St. Johns River is full of life, so expect to see manatees, turtles, great blue herons and even gators. Kayaking or paddling right from the campground is a breeze, and guided tours offer a closer look at local wildlife and quiet stretches of river. And when you want to stretch beyond the river, historic downtown DeLand, De Leon Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest are all within easy reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) River-view pull-through sites are prime real estate for sunrises and quick water access, so book early for the best sites; (2) Kayak or paddle launch right from the boat ramp for ideal for wildlife spotting and scenic calm; (3) Guided river cruises (available on-site) unlock insider encounters with manatees and osprey at low cost; (4) Prefer quiet? Request a site farther from the pool and marina because foot traffic can rise near those areas; (5) Bugs gather at sunset, so bring repellent for riverside evenings; and (6) Nearby dining options include Shady Oak Restaurant (you could walk to from St. Johns River KOA), Gator Bites, Emmy’s Time Out Tavern for an old school supper club menu or Hyder Head Brewery for locally brewed hops and Haggis.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Ocklawaha
Ocklawaha offers camping options nestled within central Florida's unique freshwater ecosystem at 42 feet above sea level. The area sits at the edge of the Ocala National Forest which contains over 600 lakes, rivers and springs. Summer humidity regularly reaches 90% with average July highs of 92°F, making access to water recreation particularly valuable during peak camping season.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing at dawn/dusk: Silver Springs State Park Campground offers exceptional viewing opportunities along its trails. "The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles," shares Marisol R. about nearby Juniper Springs Rec Area.
Kayaking natural springs: Reserve boats early for best access. "The kayaking here is awesome. Try not to go during a tourist time. The cabins are very large," notes Marlene V. from Silver Springs. Another camper adds, "You can canoe or kayak, which they offer both for rental. Its a gorgeous natural run, sometimes with obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees."
Fishing local waterways: Multiple access points available around Ocklawaha. "We found the office & lake area & it's great! The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office," reports Cynthia K. about Lake Waldena Resort.
Mountain biking trail networks: Extensive trail systems connect throughout the region. "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," explains David G. from Santos Trailhead & Campground.
What Campers Like
Natural swimming areas: Crystal clear 72-degree spring water year-round. "The spring is beautiful & refreshing in the florida heat," notes Nicole D. "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas."
Spacious, shaded campsites: Many sites feature mature tree cover. "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them," mentions Carlos R. about Silver Springs. At Alexander Springs Recreation Area, Joshua W. found that "shade provided protection from the sun. We were surprised with an albino squirrel sighting as an added bonus."
Trail connectivity: Walk directly from campsites to trail networks. "Easy access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails," shares Esther M. The Santos area connects to multiple trail systems, with one camper noting: "Over 30 miles of trails to explore."
Wildlife sightings: Opportunities to view native Florida species. "From glass bottom boat tours to kayaking to camping Wildlife. Hiking food. alligators monkeys Birds beautiful Springs and River," explains Noah R.
What You Should Know
Spring water temperatures: All springs maintain constant 72°F temperature regardless of season. "It's COLD though..be warned!" advises Tessa M. about Juniper Springs.
Limited cellular connectivity: Cell reception varies significantly throughout region. The Whimcycle Trail Resort has "no WiFi service provided and our Verizon cell signal was extremely weak," according to Joni H.
Seasonal crowds: Heavy visitation during winter months and holidays. "AVOID SPRING & SUMMER WEEKENDS AT ALL COSTS or you will feel like you are at an amusement park waiting to get on a ride," warns Rebecca E.
Trail conditions: Varying terrain from paved paths to muddy routes. "We walked over to the second largest tree in Florida. It was maybe 1/2 a mile from the campsite... And it was muddy- very muddy," notes Sarah K. from Lake Griffin State Park.
Tips for Camping with Families
Free water recreation: Complimentary equipment at select locations. Dayanis P. enjoyed Lake Waldena Resort where "free to use kayaks and water sports, my son learned how to ride a bicycle for the first time today with one of their bicycles! The lake was really a joy to swim on, the kids were in it all day."
Educational tours: Glass-bottom boat rides showcase underwater ecosystems. "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.
Designated swimming areas: Springs feature shallow sections for children. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, one visitor notes the "spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride" making it convenient for families with young children.
Wildlife caution: Monitor children around waterways. "We leaned to go under one of the 110 (didn't count but seems about right) leaning trunks into the river and tipped my kayak so I had to jump out," warns a camper about navigating with kids through river obstacles.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Many parks accommodate big rigs with full hookups. At Thousand Trails Three Flags, campers found "nice level and spacious campsites" with Charles F. adding "Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups."
Level setup considerations: Some parks require leveling equipment. "Site 7 was quite undeveloped. Thanks to Anderson levelers we were fine," notes Charles B.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Ocklawaha: Most allow pets with restrictions. "Every camp site had dogs," observed one camper at Lake Griffin, while another mentioned that Southern Oaks RV Resort has "a convenient dog run on the back side of the park my dog loves swimming in."
Noise factors: Road proximity varies between campgrounds. Cynthia K. reports that at Lake Waldena Resort, "Traffic noise from Hwy 40 wasn't noticeable" while Richard P. found that at another location there was "Loud road noise all night and all day."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Ocklawaha, FL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ocklawaha, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ocklawaha, FL is Silver Springs State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Ocklawaha, FL?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ocklawaha, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 328 dog-friendly camping locations near Ocklawaha, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring