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Clearwater Lake Campground in Ocala National Forest welcomes pets throughout its well-spaced, shaded campsites. Campers with dogs appreciate the campground's clean facilities and access to the surrounding natural areas where leashed pets can explore. The campground maintains pet-friendly policies while preserving the pristine natural environment. Dogs must be kept on leashes when outside vehicles or tents to protect wildlife in this active bear country. Several other pet-friendly options exist nearby, including Blue Spring State Park Campground and Wekiwa Springs State Park, which offer pet-friendly cabins in addition to tent and RV sites. Bathrooms and shower facilities remain exceptionally clean throughout the campground, making longer stays with pets more comfortable.
The 1.3-mile trail circling Clearwater Lake provides an ideal walking route for dogs and their owners, offering frequent wildlife viewing opportunities. Pet owners camping at Clearwater Lake should store all pet food securely in provided bear-proof containers to prevent wildlife encounters, as the campground is located in active black bear territory. Additional nearby pet-friendly outdoor activities include the Paisley Woods mountain bike trail, which connects to Alexander Springs. While swimming is permitted in the crystal-clear lake, pets should remain on shore for safety and environmental protection. Campers regularly report spotting deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species while hiking the trails with their leashed pets. The campground's location provides easy access to other pet-friendly areas within Ocala National Forest, though owners should always verify specific pet policies before visiting adjacent recreation areas.
"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"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."
"As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave"
from $24 - $95 / 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"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"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 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"Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida’s natural springs."
"Plus my dog has major thunder anxiety. Lol .. It ended up being a simple light rain and a cold front . I wish I hand stayed . I’m heading back soon !! I didn’t get to explore the lake ."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"It’s on the right side of the road near the boat ramp. If you aren’t paying attention you may miss it. We did, but a helpful park employee pointed us back in the right direction."
"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
"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
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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.
Happy Camping!
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:
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.
GuideStayed here one night while returning from the FL Keys. Awesome place to overnight. Spacious pull through sites. They have a small fenced dog park which was great to let the dogs stretch their legs after traveling all day. The campground has plenty of space to walk the dogs.
Staff was great because we called during the days while traveling north and had a site waiting when we arrived after hours.
The only downside is that it is right behind a Pilot Travel center so there is noise from parked tractor trailers but I still slept fine.
LegendThis place is gargantuan and has so many roads and alleyways that I got lost navigating the place at least a couple of times. And just when I thought that I seen all of Southern Palms RV Resort, upon exiting the place, I realized that there was even more of Southern Palms right across the street where the expansive RV parking lot continued.
Located on the outskirts of Eustis here in the Sunshine State, this place has just about everything you could be looking for – from parks, shuffle boards, evening themed dancing and lakes to bike paths, swimming pools and bocce ball. But wait, there’s more… there’s also: clubhouse/ lounge for large group gatherings, whirlpool / spa / jacuzzi for those late night relaxing moments, fitness center to get your workout in, showers / restrooms that are just decent, ballroom for those evening dance parties, WiFi that is pretty superb, basic and expanded TV cable packages, picnic tables galore, BBQ grilles as far as the eye can see, the whole place is pet friendly, a horseshoe pit (where Joey is the local hero), mail center, game room complete with billiards table, a dog park that is always jam packed with man’s best friend as well as a laundr-O-mat (bring your quarters!) an extensive library (without its own Dewey decimal system) … and the list goes on, but I will end here.
Downside to this place is that, well, it’s a mega mall of RV’s, campers and semi-permanent, yet mobile housing solutions, and there’s a lot more people and accommodations than there is really space for, so it is quite overcrowded and you will definitely hear your neighbors at all times of the day, in addition to all of the scootering traffic going by your ‘campsite’ whether day or night. So if you are simply looking for a place to stay for the night enroute to somewhere else, this is not a bad place, but given the overpopulation and the fact that every single amenity offered, while great for some, makes me feel like I just left home to go somewhere else where they have everything that I just left at home.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few… First, if you are looking for a great meal and something out of the ordinary, head on over to The Dam Smoker and you will discover some pretty outrageous BBQ, which you can order and eat there (or order by the pound and go find a nice lakeside bench to enjoy) albeit in some very modest settings. Second, if you’d like to escape your asphalt slab for a nice slice of nature, then head over to Long Leaf Pine Trail, which has a decent hike, or check out the wildlife at Hidden Waters Preserve, both of which are near Lake Joanna.
Happy Camping!
Camping in the Ocala National Forest encompasses diverse terrain surrounding Paisley, Florida, where subtropical climate creates year-round camping opportunities. Located at an elevation of approximately 72 feet, this area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional cold snaps. The sandy soil throughout campgrounds enables good drainage, making camping possible even after typical Florida afternoon thunderstorms.
Swimming and springs exploration: 72-degree water year-round at Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers refreshing relief during hot Florida days. The spring head is directly accessible from the swimming area, which campers note is exceptionally spacious. "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," reports Gabby C.
Canoeing and kayaking: Launch sites available on multiple lakes and springs throughout the region, with rental services at several locations. At Juniper Springs Rec Area, the 7-mile downstream float offers unique paddling experiences through crystal waters. "Some of the prettiest water in central FL makes for a great one way downstream 7 mile float. Boats less than 10' greatly improves your ability to navigate tight turns," advises Rebecca E.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings optimal for spotting native Florida wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Lake Dorr Campground offers prime viewing opportunities with its lakeside location. "There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," notes Rusty R. who has been visiting the area since childhood.
Spacious, private campsites: Natural vegetation buffers between sites at Lake Dorr Campground provide a sense of seclusion while camping. "The sites themselves weren't far from each other, but had lots of trees and bushes to separate them so you aren't right up on your neighbor," explains Amber H. Sites include bear boxes, fire pits, grills, and picnic tables at each location.
Clean facilities: Recently renovated restrooms with warm showers enhance the camping experience at several locations. At Lake Monroe Park, "Hot showers in the bathrooms, each bathroom has its own sink, mirror, toilet, and hot showers the water doesn't go cold on you," according to Chelsea R. These amenities make multiple-night stays more comfortable for tent campers.
Peaceful atmosphere: Minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing opportunities at more remote campgrounds. The relatively small size of Trimble Park Campground contributes to its tranquil setting. "This is a beautiful, small campground with 15 campsites most of which are waterfront," notes Ryan S., who appreciates the park's magnificent lake views and wildlife sighting opportunities.
Bear activity requires proper food storage: Active black bear territories throughout the Ocala National Forest demand vigilance with food and scented items. "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night. The campground does have a bear proof box to store some stuff in at night but make sure to put food in containers and in your car if you can," advises Kevin D. about his experience at Clearwater Lake.
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Springs and popular swimming areas become extremely congested during summer weekends and holidays. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns Hannah S. about Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Reservation systems vary by location: Some campgrounds require booking 6+ months in advance while others offer first-come availability. For Trimble Park, "Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance, so you have to time the precise days you want to camp here and be the first person to reserve a spot at 12:01am on the day that those spots become available," explains Stuart K.
Kid-friendly swimming options: Natural springs provide safe areas with consistently comfortable water temperatures. Alexander Springs remains popular with families because of its gradual entry points and clear visibility. "I have been camping here since I was a kid. I still enjoy camping at this place. There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," shares Rusty R.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature recently updated equipment for children needing activity options beyond water recreation. At Blue Spring State Park Campground, families find multiple recreation opportunities. "This is a great park with tons to do. Sites are well maintained. There is a path from the campgrounds to the spring. There is a shop on site as well as rentals for canoes and kayaks," reports Jenn B.
Wildlife education opportunities: Ranger-led programs occur regularly at state parks and recreation areas, teaching children about local ecosystems. Manatee viewing opportunities at Blue Spring State Park provide memorable learning experiences. "Visited to see Manatees from the land. Cooler temps best for manatee numbers," advises Emily C.
Site selection considerations: Limited full hookup options require advance planning for extended stays. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Paisley offer water and electric but not sewer at individual sites. "Having electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station," notes Emily C. about Blue Spring State Park Campground.
Size restrictions exist at most natural area campgrounds: The more primitive pet friendly camping near Paisley typically accommodates smaller to mid-sized rigs. "I don't think large Riggs would be appropriate here," advises Roger W. about Lake Dorr Campground, representing a common limitation throughout the region's natural campgrounds.
Shade impacts solar capabilities: Heavy tree canopy at most campgrounds limits solar charging effectiveness. "I have solar panels which did their job for a few days but I was pretty low on battery when I left. The tree coverage wasn't too extensive but it rained one day and was cloudy," explains Lisa O. about her experience at Juniper Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Paisley, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Paisley, FL is Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Paisley, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 298 dog-friendly camping locations near Paisley, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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