Fort De Soto Campground accommodates both pets and owners with dedicated pet-friendly areas throughout the 235-acre park. Dogs can enjoy off-leash play at the park's dog beach areas, while the campground itself offers spacious sites with water and electric hookups. Sites remain well-maintained with clean fire rings and picnic tables. The campground enforces standard leash rules in most areas, though specific pet zones allow controlled off-leash activity. Bay Bayou RV Resort provides additional pet-friendly options with designated dog exercise areas and waste stations positioned throughout the property. Bathrooms at this resort stay exceptionally clean while landscaping is meticulously maintained with trees providing natural shade for pets and owners.
Caladesi RV Park provides convenient pet access to nearby Honeymoon Island State Park, where leashed dogs are permitted on designated trails. The park's location places campers near the Pinellas Trail, perfect for morning dog walks or longer excursions. Sites vary in size and shape, with some offering more space than others for pet exercise. Bug spray is essential during warmer months as sand fleas can cause welts and discomfort to both pets and owners. Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA offers cabin options that accommodate pets, though specific pet fees apply. The proximity to multiple beaches gives pet owners various options for water activities, with Dunedin's dog-friendly areas just a short drive from most campgrounds in the Safety Harbor vicinity.
$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."
$45 - $75 / night
"It is pet friendly and everyone seems to clean up after their pets. The pool is clean and clear and that works for me."
"The beach is a 5 minute drive and pet friendly! The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on. I will definitely come back to this campground."
"Wanting to be close to them I opted for one of the small tent sites at the end of the park where I car camped in my Subaru Outback."
"Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets."
"Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks. Right on the bayou with a kayak launch and docks for fishing and relaxing. We like it so much that we made it our home base for our travels."
"There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around. Staff has been super friendly too."
$25 / night
"The dog park was adequate and my dog enjoyed it. I probably wouldn't stay here again just cause of the price and road noise. We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
$24 / night
"Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.
First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"
"One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."
$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."
"The park is small, parking is crammed, and there’s a lot of older trailers but overall it’s a great location. This is our go to location when we have appointments at Bay Pines VA!"
"Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."
"Best location for moving around the area. Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city. Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "
"It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."
"They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well. "
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!
GuideThis campground was adequate and very close to I-4. Sites are accommodating and clean. Pool and restaurant on site. If you have a dog they have a couple of dog parks on site buy I would recommend sites 36, 37 or 38. Large grass area for your own private dog area.
Fort De Soto Campground sits on the southern tip of Pinellas County, approximately 25 miles from Safety Harbor, Florida. The surrounding Gulf waters maintain moderate temperatures year-round, with summer water temperatures reaching 85°F and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 60°F. Camping sites throughout the Safety Harbor vicinity frequently experience afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, making early morning activities preferable from June through September.
Kayaking access points: At Fort De Soto Campground, kayakers can explore the surrounding bayou directly from the campground. "We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," reports Joe R., highlighting the marine wildlife encounters possible right from the camping area.
Historic fort exploration: The historic fort at Fort De Soto provides educational opportunities with interpretive displays. "The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!" notes Brennan H.
Biking trails: The Pinellas Trail runs behind Caladesi RV Park, offering miles of paved pathways. "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery," confirms Gina D. The trail connects multiple coastal communities and provides a car-free corridor for cyclists.
Waterfront sites: Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers unique access to Florida's only Class II rapids. "Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," explains Bryan, highlighting features not found at coastal campgrounds.
Wildlife viewing: Evening hours reveal unexpected wildlife displays at some campgrounds. "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy," reports Jason D. from Hillsborough River State Park Campground, pointing out a seasonal attraction many campers miss.
Clean facilities: Bay Bayou RV Resort maintains exceptional standards with frequent cleaning schedules. "Immaculate grounds, clean and modern bath houses, three laundry rooms. Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks," states Mary G., noting the dog-friendly infrastructure that supports pet owners.
Seasonal insect preparation: Bug protection remains essential during warmer months at most campgrounds near Safety Harbor. "Great spot for relaxing by the water. Highly recommend. Bring good bug spray lol," advises David B. from Fort De Soto, emphasizing that waterfront locations intensify mosquito activity.
Reservation timing: St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday and other popular parks fill quickly during winter months. "Note that they do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky," advises Joe R., sharing insider knowledge about securing last-minute spots.
Site variations: Campground layouts vary significantly with some offering much more privacy than others. "They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel. There was plenty of shade, but also plenty of sunshine when you wanted it," notes Joe R., describing the vegetation buffer between sites.
Playground facilities: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Safety Harbor feature kid-friendly amenities. "The playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," explains Joe R.
Swimming options: Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA offers maintained pool facilities for families seeking water recreation beyond the beach. "Office staff is amazing. The upkeep here is like a machine. Undoubtedly the Cleanest showers I've ever seen!" reports Cher C., highlighting amenities important to families with children.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites provide learning experiences for children. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit!" reports Brennan H., noting the multiple activity options that prevent children from becoming bored.
Site selection priorities: For RVs, requesting specific sites can significantly improve the experience. "We must have done the camping gods some good, because we hit the site karma. Our site was nice and deep, with a weird little island in the middle," reports Joe R., explaining how site depth impacts setup options.
Utility placement issues: Some campgrounds feature awkwardly positioned hookups that require extra equipment. "The utilities were set up poorly and we struggled a bit with septic hookup," notes Nicole from St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, warning about preparation needs for waste connections.
Flood considerations: Following heavy rains, certain sites become problematic for RVs. "It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," reports Lorilee S. from Hillsborough River State Park Campground, highlighting an important consideration when selecting sites during Florida's rainy season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Safety Harbor, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Safety Harbor, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 141 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Safety Harbor, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 169 dog-friendly camping locations near Safety Harbor, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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