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Blue Spring State Park Campground permits pets at all campsites including their cabin accommodations. Private sites with substantial vegetation buffers provide seclusion for camping with dogs, with paved pads that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Manatee viewing areas along the boardwalk allow leashed pets, though dogs are prohibited on the trail to the spring head. Orange City RV Resort also welcomes pets with a designated dog walk area, though some reviewers note the closely packed sites offer limited space for pet exercise. Both campgrounds require pets to remain on leashes no longer than six feet when outside accommodations, and owners must clean up after their animals.
The spring-fed waters at Blue Spring create excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing with pets, though swimming areas are closed to protect manatees during winter months when over 500 manatees may gather in the run. Multiple hiking trails throughout the area accommodate leashed dogs, with the paved path connecting Blue Spring's campground to the main recreation area providing convenient access for daily pet walks. Nearby Highland Park Fish Camp offers pet-friendly cabin options with water access for those wanting more spacious accommodations. The campgrounds provide trash receptacles for pet waste disposal, and several veterinary clinics operate within a 10-minute drive of Orange City. Summer visitors should exercise caution with pets due to fire ant activity at some campsites and high temperatures that can affect animals during midday hours.
"Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, FL. Visited mid-Sept 2019 middle of the week. Although the campground was mostly booked we found space, with no crowds at the spring or the river. "
"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."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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"Had water and electric hook up and the near by walking trail was absolutely awesome. The staff could not have been more helpful. Next time I’m visiting family in Florida, I will definitely stay here"
"Small grounds, beautiful lake that allows fishing and boating. Sites are very close to each other, good for making friends, not good if you like your privacy. Drive up right next to your site."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"There is a dog park, cafe, food trucks on Sat. Great place for families. There was a strong sulfur smell around our site. Not sure where that was coming from"
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
from $40 - $73 / 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"No dogs allowed (except Service Animals). Really like it here."
"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
"This site is in a really pretty oak canopy, situated next to an open field. This is the only site in Seminole State Forest with a latrine."
"This is a really nice spot situated between the spring and Blackwater Creek. The site is 100 yards down a path from where you park. It's a great spot if you want to paddle the creek."
from $9 - $18 / night
Check Availability"This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."
"Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."
from $25 - $32 / 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.
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LegendThe cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
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GuideFrom the initial encounter with the ranger at the entrance to the staff running the camp store everyone was super-chill. Campground was well maintained and our neighbors were all well behaved. Next to Blue Spring State Park in Orange City Fl. this park had the best separation between sites of any Florida State Park we’ve experienced. I would say that there is more available for the smaller rigs and possibly no room for monster 5th wheels. I would think really big rigs would also have trouble maneuvering the tight roads here. The park has a boat ramp that allows access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the relatively short Tomoka River and Tomoka Bay. The camp store is right next to the boat ramp and is where you can rent kayaks, buy frozen bait, and some fishing tackle. Best of all they have a couple of local craft beers on tap and some outdoor seating where you can sip your beer and watch people launch their boats. There are hiking trails and you’re in close proximity to Ormond and Daytona beaches. If you’re taking a motorboat out from there and aren’t blessed with local knowledge of the waters do yourself a favor and ask the staff at the store they have maps and were very helpful with tips on navigating the waterway.
TravelerBlue Spring State Park in Orange City, FL. Visited mid-Sept 2019 middle of the week. Although the campground was mostly booked we found space, with no crowds at the spring or the river. Rent a tub and float down, with no crowds it's a 4 min walk up and a 15 min float down. The manatee's are on the move with their calfs. The love bugs are brutal this time of year, but the campground is separated enough from the river area to feel safe from gators with your dogs. Great short trail from campground to main area which included shop, food, tables and of course wood walkways by the river. Walkways wide enough for wheelchairs. Dogs allowed all over park except the wood trail up to the spring head. New bathrooms, 2 bars on the cell service and I did see laundry available.
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).
LegendWhat’s in a city, you ask? I would think organization, solid utilities, an infrastructure, stated rules and a semblance of community. If that’s the definition, then I guess Orange City RV Resort lives up to that moniker. As soon as you turn into this RV enclave, located just a stone’s throw from the major I4 highway, just due north of Orlando, this place will immediately impress you with it’s very organized and structured way that it lays out its design, from grid-like, well-paved streets and well-lit infrastructure to the outsized number of amenities you will discover here. If ease of access and turn-key entrance is on your check-list than OC RV has you covered.
Back to those amenities – here you’ll discover some fairly premier RV resort living plus-ups from a heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi, state-of-the-art work-out facility, multi-purpose community center (complete with fully operational kitchen), onsite laundry, shower and restroom facilities, doggie park, recreation hall (bingo, billiards tables, game room, card tables, etc.), dedicated mail center, private small pond (catch& release only), a handful of picnic pavilions, BBQ grills, traditional RV hook-ups (electric, water and sewage) plenty of games such as bocce ball, horse shoes, petanque and, of course (in Florida, the prerequisite) shuffleboard. This place is pet-friendly and while I thought it was more of a retiree community, there were plenty of kids playing around the nice little park that they have.
OC RV Resort offers up a number of different types of sites to choose from between standard, premium and ‘super sites’ – as you can imagine, ranked by size as well as position within the resort. Of course, the more modest size comes with less land, compromised vistas and places you in very close proximity to neighbors. In addition to open back-in and pull-through RV sites and slots, you will discover that there are also a number of 1BR cottages and newly constructed mini-homes available for lease.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The biggest tip I can give you is that literally only a 10 minute drive due west, you’ll hit arguably one of the best natural springs in all of Florida – Blue Spring State Park. And while there’s a small fee to get in, trust me, it’s worth it!; (2) To my fellow tent campers, if you’re reading this, my apologies, because OC RV Resort doesn’t offer up any spots to pitch your shelter for the night. That said, Blue Spring SP has some pretty awesome campsites that I would absolutely recommend, and if you want tent camping paradise, then just a bit further afield is Trimble Park Campground, arguably, some of the best tent camping in the entire state – for more details, you can read my reviews on both of these campgrounds on The Dyrt; and (3) As you would guess being located this close to Highway 4, you’ll come across all the usual franchise restaurant chains (Chili’s, Tijuana Flats, Perkins, Applebee’s, etc.), but if you’re looking for a nice meal, check out Riverwalk Pizzeria for some pretty great pies and fresh suds.
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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.
Blue Spring State Park offers secluded tent and RV campsites with large vegetation buffers between sites. The campground provides paved pads that accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length, with electric and water hookups at each site. Sites feature individual fire rings and picnic tables. A paved trail connects the campground to the main recreation area, making daily walks convenient. During manatee season (November through March), swimming areas close but wildlife viewing remains excellent with up to 500 manatees gathering in the spring run.
Paddle the rivers and springs: Blue Spring State Park offers canoe and kayak rentals with a dedicated launch area. "We spent much of our time kayaking from the park's canoe launch. Here, we were able to see tons of wildlife from all sorts of fish, alligators, and yes, a manatee!" notes Jenn B.
Explore hiking trails: Multiple trails accommodate hikers of various skill levels in the Orange City area. At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, visitors can access numerous trails. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" reports a camper.
Fish in stocked ponds: The catch-and-release pond at Highland Park Fish Camp offers a controlled environment for beginners and children. "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish," writes Jeanene A.
Private, vegetated sites: Campsites at Alexander Springs Recreation Area offer considerable privacy. "The sites were pretty big as well, no water or electric, but every couple sites there was a drinking water fill up station. The sites are 'semiprivate' with our neighbors being able to see right though to us but it is what it is," explains Gabby C.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds throughout the Orange City region maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. At Lake Monroe Park, "Restroom and shower pretty clean. The place and staff get a big thumbs up," notes Gerald S.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers consistently mention abundant wildlife sightings. "We had so much fun! My granddaughter didn't want to leave. She swam in the springs and loved it. Then we went to the swimming hole, and there were five manatees there," shares Lauren W. about her Blue Spring experience.
Seasonal limitations: Swimming access may be restricted during winter months. "During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees," explains Zach G. about Blue Spring State Park.
Crowds at popular sites: Plan for busy conditions, especially at springs. "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 Wekiwa Springs.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise. At Lake Monroe Park, "It's close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter," notes Jude.
Limited connectivity: Cell service can be spotty throughout the area. Highland Park Fish Camp has "NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless," reports one camper.
Best swimming areas: Springs offer crystal-clear swimming opportunities ideal for children. "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," shares Gabby C. about Alexander Springs.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and recreation areas. "There is a huge lake right by the site and showers are decent," notes Silly M. about Lake Monroe Park's facilities.
Accessibility considerations: Wekiva Falls RV Resort offers varied options for families with different needs. "Half of the sites are close together and a little tight, but they have a very nice pool and club house. The premium side (for a few more dollars) has larger sites and a store," explains Calvert F.
Educational opportunities: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Orange City offer nature programs. "New to Florida. Have not experienced 'real Florida' nature. 1st trip took us to Alexander springs. We were surprised with an albino squirrel sighting as an added bonus," shares Joshua W.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully at Orange City area campgrounds. "Paved loop, clear sites, close to stores, restaurants, and the spring," notes Anna C. about Blue Spring State Park.
Backup plans for busy periods: Popular dog-friendly campgrounds near Orange City fill quickly. "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the 6 often overlooked cabins, which BTW, come with their own set of parking spaces," suggests Stuart K.
Hookup availability: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Alexander Springs Recreation Area "would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping," notes Daniel S.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limited large rig accessibility. At Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites, "We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress, camp stove, cooler, etc," explains Meghan C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Orange City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Orange City, FL is Blue Spring State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Orange City, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 223 dog-friendly camping locations near Orange City, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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