Fort De Soto Campground's dedicated pet-friendly camping loop offers waterfront sites with direct water access where campers can park watercraft during their visit. The park features a dog beach and two fenced dog parks with seats, shade, and dog wash areas to rinse off sand before heading back to camp. Campers note the dog park is among the top 10 in the USA. Little Manatee River State Park and Alafia River State Park both accommodate pets at their tent, RV, and cabin sites with clean, well-maintained facilities. Canoe Outpost on Little Manatee River provides pet-friendly cabins with a dog park that visitors describe as fantastic and well-maintained. Most campgrounds in the area maintain designated pet areas with waste stations and bags throughout the grounds, though pet policies vary by location. Fort De Soto limits pets to one specific camping section and restricted areas within the park.
Hiking trails along the Little Manatee River provide excellent pet exercise opportunities where dogs can spot wildlife including alligators from safe distances. The Pinellas Trail offers paved paths for dog walking with connections to multiple beach areas. MacDill AFB FamCamp includes a small dog beach and two dog parks, though some reviews mention these areas can become muddy after rain. Key Lime Bay RV Resort provides two dog parks with floating docks for water-loving pets. When camping during warmer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to prevent paw pad burns on hot surfaces. Several campgrounds including Lazydays RV Resort feature sites adjacent to grassy areas that function as private dog spaces, with sites 36-38 specifically recommended for this feature. Visitors should note that while most campgrounds welcome pets, wildlife encounters including coyotes and rattlesnakes have been reported in some areas.
$22 / night
"Pet friendly and there is a trailhead about a half a mile outside of the campground. We didnt see a single person in this 7 mile loop hike and were very pleased with that."
"A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."
$22 / night
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
$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
"Amazing water access and dog friendly! The staff and rangers are kind and helpful. During our stay, there was E. coli in water which means water activities and fishing were restricted."
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
$38 - $48 / night
"Be advised that there is only one section thst allows pets and limited areas that pets are allowed but has a nice dog beach and off leash dog park."
"It’s not a National Park surrounding a national treasure but it might as well be. The park has three loops. All have waterfront sites and inner loop sites."
$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
$24 - $109 / night
"Beautiful scenery and trails. Canoe and kayak outpost. The Outpost peacock named Elvis hung around with us! Dog park for my pup was fantastic and well maintained."
"It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night. Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."
$24 / night
"What a beautiful well kept facility near suburbia. Just a short drive from Tampa and Lakeland areas this first come first served facility is a favorite of locals."
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Lithia 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."
"Most every one has a dog or two. Everyone obeys the dog rules, not one dog barks excessively. All the campers are courteous about each other and are quiet."
"This campground was adequate and very close to I-4. Sites are accommodating and clean. Pool and restaurant on site."
"It is very dog friendly and the sites are spacious. There are a lot of activities and a great pool area. This campground is close to Busch Gardens Tampa. We stayed here in a motor home."
ScoutBeautiful park! Clean, quiet, large private spaces, and nice bath facilities. Be advised that there is only one section thst allows pets and limited areas that pets are allowed but has a nice dog beach and off leash dog park.
LegendOne of my favorite places to camp in Florida, hands-down. You can only get to this camping spot by water. Must reserve, no pets & no alcohol.
We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat.
Amazing views.
Campfires not permitted in summer months due to sea turtle nesting.
GuideStayed here for a week in May - quiet, pretty campground with friendly staff, a petting zoo and vegetable farm on property. We enjoyed the produce market, but you could also go in the fields and pick your own. Camper sites had enough room between them, the electric/water sites had good tree cover for shade. There were cabins, a silo, and covered wagons you could also stay in. There's a big dog park, but not much shade there. There's a winery just 1 mile away. The Sarasota beaches and mangrove kayaking are an easy 45 minute drive away. The only thing I wished they had was a pool... Overall, we had a nice time here.
GuideThis is one of the best parks anywhere. It’s not a National Park surrounding a national treasure but it might as well be. The park has three loops. All have waterfront sites and inner loop sites. One is set up for tents, folding campers and small teardrop style trailers. One is conducive to big rigs but it’s a tight fit and one handles all, but allows pets. There’s lots of wildlife, particularly raccoons. A short drive or bike ride from the campground lands you at the old fort, or a ferry to Egmont Key for the day, or a beach with a view of Tampa Bay and the Skyway bridge, or the amazing north beach which has been listed several times as the best beach in America. It’s a truly gorgeous park. Kayaking, SUP, dog parks, dog beach as well as coyote, rattlesnakes, amazing shore birding, white pelicans, eagles, ospreys, roseates, manatees, dolphins... hard to get reservations but well worth it.
Our return to this park year after year resulted in us building a home in the area for our endless summer adventures.
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!
GuideSites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.
GuideNice place to stay in Palmetto. I just moved into my RV and this was my very first camping stop so I had TONS of questions and needed quite a bit of help. The staff were super friendly and the neighbors were extremely helpful in showing me how to get everything set up. They have a nice pool and laundry facilities - would recommend coming with a separate vehicle as there's not much within walking distance, but it's only a short drive to Tampa, St. Pete, and the Sarasota/Bradenton area. They also have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!
GuideThis park is full of great adventures. If you like to hike, there are a bunch of different trails to walk and they run alongside the river. You may even have the opportunity to catch site of some alligators as this river is very populated with them. There is also a cute shop and cafe so if your not feeling up to cooking, you can head there. At the shop you have the opportunity to swim in the pool, rent kayaks, canoes, and bikes. I also love that they are pet friendly. I take my dog everywhere (and sometimes my cat) and they enjoyed the trails just as much as I did!
LegendIn Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance.
Pet-friendly.
Little Manatee River State Park and Alafia River State Park are popular pet-friendly camping destinations near Riverview, Florida. Both parks sit between 40-70 feet above sea level with subtropical climate conditions that remain mild throughout winter months. The Riverview area receives approximately 51 inches of rainfall annually with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: At Little Manatee River State Park, visitors can explore a network of natural trails. "We love it here because we can hike, bike or just relax," notes camper Linda M. The park offers multiple trail difficulty levels through pine flatwoods and along riverbanks.
Mountain biking on former phosphate mines: Alafia River State Park features some of Florida's most challenging mountain bike trails built on reclaimed mining land. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," shares Jennifer T.
Canoe and kayak rentals: Take advantage of the waterways at Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River where equipment rentals are available. "We enjoyed our 3 hour kayak trip and then they very kindly found us a spot to stay for the night," says Jolie H., highlighting the convenient rental options for water exploration.
Natural site separation: Campsites at Hillsborough River State Park provide good privacy between sites. "It's nice and dark at night," remarks Lorilee S., appreciating the natural buffer between camping spots. The park maintains extensive tree coverage that creates a secluded atmosphere.
Waterfront access: At E.G. Simmons Regional Park, many sites sit directly on the water. "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions," explains Jeanene A. The waterfront sites allow direct boat and kayak access from your campsite.
Wildlife encounters: Bird watching opportunities abound throughout the region's parks. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H. from Fort De Soto Campground, describing the diverse wildlife visible from camping areas and hiking trails.
Bug protection essential: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic, especially during warmer months. "The mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," warns Jake H. about Hillsborough River State Park. Bring multiple types of insect repellent and consider screened shelters.
Weekend availability challenges: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)," advises a reviewer about Edward Medard Park.
Seasonal crowd patterns: Winter months (December-March) bring significant increases in campers. "The winter season is October-April and the campground gets extremely full, going over capacity from December to February or March," notes William C. about MacDill AFB FamCamp.
Playground accessibility: Edward Medard Park offers extensive recreational facilities for children. "Beautiful park with a lot of wild life. The campground had bathrooms and showers available at a short walking distance," mentions Mackenzie O. The park includes multiple playgrounds within walking distance of campsites.
Pet-friendly camping loops: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Riverview provide designated areas for pets. "Pup friendly at the campsites as well," notes Jennifer T. about Alafia River State Park. Many parks have specific loops or sections designated for campers with pets.
Rainy day contingencies: Afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently in summer. "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," shares Lorilee S. about Hillsborough River State Park. Pack extra tarps and rain gear, particularly between June and September.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites requiring extra blocks or leveling equipment. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents," notes AJ G. about Alafia River, though they caution about some site limitations.
Hookup locations: At Lithia Springs Conservation Park, utility connections vary by site. "The sites are nice and spacious, have really excellent tree coverage. They all have fire rings, tables and power," reports Elliott B. Check hookup locations before selecting a site to ensure your RV setup works.
Dump station access: Several parks offer dump stations, though they may be shared among many campers. "There's a dump station," confirms a reviewer about E.G. Simmons Regional Park. Plan dump station usage during off-peak hours to avoid wait times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Riverview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Riverview, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Riverview, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 205 dog-friendly camping locations near Riverview, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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