Withlacoochee River Park provides pet-friendly camping spaces within a short drive of Dade City. Dogs are welcome at the RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabins throughout the wooded campground. The spacious campsites feature picnic tables, fire rings, and water and electric hookups while keeping pets comfortable in shaded environments. Campsites are well-maintained and relatively private, with several trails accessible directly from the camping areas. Green Swamp West Tract also accommodates pets throughout its primitive camping areas, offering a more rustic experience for campers with dogs. The park requires pets to remain leashed when outside vehicles or tents, and owners must clean up after their animals. Sites remain quiet and peaceful at night, making them suitable for pets that may be sensitive to noise. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Dade City, Florida.
Hiking trails throughout the Withlacoochee River Park system provide excellent opportunities for dog exercise, with several miles of paths connecting directly to campgrounds. The Florida Trail section running through Green Swamp West Tract offers additional pet-friendly hiking options with varied terrain. Campers report seeing wildlife including armadillos, turtles, and birds, so keeping dogs leashed is essential for their safety and wildlife protection. The Withlacoochee River provides water access where pets can cool off, though owners should watch for posted warnings about alligators. For longer stays, Dade City's veterinary services are approximately 10-15 minutes from most campgrounds. Travelers seeking more amenities may consider Florida Sand Music Ranch, which offers a more developed camping experience while still welcoming pets, particularly during their regular music events held throughout the year.
$24 / night
"If you like to hike, there are a bunch of different trails to walk and they run alongside the river."
"Better if not during rainy season here in Florida. The ground was wet. Some sites had overflow from the river, I guess? Our site was nice. We had water and electricity. Pretty quiet. Lots of dogs."
$24 / night
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
"Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."
"Right near a ton of hiking trails and about 10-15 mins from Dade City."
"Hottest month in Florida but still we had a lovely time here at this park. It was our first time taking our 2016 class C out on the road as total newbies."
"We hiked out about a mile along the Florida Trail and stayed for a night at the Gator Hole campsite. It was so peaceful, lots of space to explore (we had a 3 year old and two dogs!)"
"Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management."
$22 / night
"The down fall is that the sites are around a lake/river, so many of them are on a slope."
"Pets are allowed on leash. Nothing much for kids to do but my kids enjoyed walking the campground loop and walking the trails."
"Sertoma Youth ranch is located in Dade City, Forida off a dirt road. It has water and electric hookups and a dump station."
"Located in Brooksville Florida, you will find more of Florida's nature hidden here. There's a swamp like lake in the back with plenty of birds to see."
$14 / night
"I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved. And you are not allowed pets."
"Pets are NOT allowed. I just wanted to clarify, since the listing states they are. Bathrooms are decent and the showers have hot water. Sites 1 thru 3 are walk up only."
"Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."
"Even though you can't bring your dogs here (Cypress Glenn you can - it's just down the road, but not as secluded and more for RV's)."
"Only one pet per spot allowed and don’t allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission."
"We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son’s lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable."
GuideWe stayed in the recreation field which was great! It was wide open when we were there, quiet, and overall very relaxing. It's $25 a night, for both the rec field and their regular spots. There are 12 or so normal RV spots with a bath house. We didn't check out the bathroom, but the spots seemed fine. Right near a ton of hiking trails and about 10-15 mins from Dade City.
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.
GuideI rated this park a four, only because it's not really meant for a long stay for tent campers or for a lot of activities. There is a beautiful lake that you can canoe/kayak/boat on, and a great trail that runs along side of it, but it is super close to I75. I am a heavy sleeper, and actually appreciate "white noise" but for others tent camping, it may be inconvenient. I would recommend this as for a one night stop for travelers or for RV's only. There isn't a visitors center and check-in is by honor code. Dogs are allowed so this is always nice for me! There is also dirt biking trails, which is something you don't always see and nice to have. Other that water activities there wasn't much to do on site. Locally and near by is the Dade City Battlefield, which was really interesting and historic information about Florida. There is also an ancient oak tree in the middle of the park which was beautiful! I'd recommend visiting if you stay at this park.
LegendThis is a nice pleasant location with nothing around but nature. This totally primitive site can be found 12 miles out from the McNeil Trailhead near Colt Creek State Park on Hwy 471. Choose your hiking dates well, the warmer and more humid the more difficult the hike. Trails can get pretty wet in the rainy season also.
Site was clear and open, which was good because there is an abundance of ticks to be found in the brush. There are places for tents and hammocks using tree safe straps. benches, fire ring and even a picnic table. Insect repellent is a must have!
The insects and frogs put on an amazing chorus after a rain. You will need to hang food and trash at night to keep critters away.
There are 65 miles of trails here, 37350 acres, and you really need to pay attention to the trail signs. there are separate equestrian sites in the area and separate trails as well.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.
Trails can also be access from 13347 Ranch Road in Dade City, Florida
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).
LegendSertoma Youth ranch is located in Dade City, Forida off a dirt road. It has water and electric hookups and a dump station. There are several bath houses and a large gathering pavilion to hold church services or concerts. It has been renovated little by little and gets better every year. There is a creek that runs through the property, a playground and a basketball court. These are the main areas where kids congregate. The sites are dirt and grass and some are pretty unlevel. What we love the most about Sertoma is the serene country setting with cows out in the pasture and the one way in and out makes it a safe secure place for our church families to meet and fellowship. a very relaxing place to camp that is reasonably priced.
GuideLithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting. Sites are spacious with plenty of shade, and the amenities like restrooms and picnic areas are kept in great shape. The best part is being just a short walk from the beautiful natural spring, perfect for swimming and cooling off. It’s a great spot for families or anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors. I’ll definitely be coming back!
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:
Seasonal camping opportunities abound within 15 miles of Dade City, Florida, where the terrain features gentle rolling hills and cypress wetlands. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, making December through March the most popular camping season. Summer campers should prepare for afternoon thunderstorms and temperatures consistently above 90°F with high humidity.
Kayaking the Withlacoochee River: Access the river directly from Withlacoochee River Park where kayak launches provide entry points to explore the waterway. "The river was an obstacle course but adventurous and challenging... She have a you tube channel called trailandcampreport.com," notes Joanne W., highlighting the navigational challenges that attract experienced paddlers.
Hiking the Florida Trail: The Florida Trail section near Green Swamp West Tract offers scenic hiking through diverse ecosystems. "We hiked out about a mile along the Florida Trail and stayed for a night at the Gator Hole campsite. It was so peaceful, lots of space to explore (we had a 3 year old and two dogs!) and the symphony of Sandhill Cranes and Coyotes as the sun set was a memory I'll never forget," shares Kelly S.
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds host astronomy events on new moon nights. "On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!" reports one camper about Withlacoochee River Park's minimal light pollution.
Privacy between sites: At Crooked River Campground, campers appreciate the natural buffers. "The spacious, private campsites were a plus. It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest and the kids loved getting to explore," shares Danae N., who camped with her family at site 74.
Wildlife encounters: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife viewing. "We saw armadillos, turtles, large Ospreys, and a small gator by the fishing dock," reports one camping group at Withlacoochee River Park. At Green Swamp, the natural soundscape enhances the experience: "The symphony of Sandhill Cranes and Coyotes as the sun set was a memory I'll never forget."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities. "The bathhouse is set up for 1 person/family the way we use it," notes a camper about Withlacoochee River Park, while another mentions, "They did a fantastic job in all area's of their new campground. So much to do and it was so quiet and clean."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Dade City require advance booking, especially during winter months. Colt Creek State Park requires reservations through their official system. "They offer ice and firewood as well," mentions Ivy, noting on-site supplies available for purchase.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings mosquitoes and afternoon thunderstorms. "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them," reports Jason D. about his family's experience camping in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dade City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dade City, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
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