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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Sarasota, FL

714 Reviews

Oscar Scherer State Park Campground in Osprey features pet-friendly campsites with tent, RV, and cabin accommodation options. Pets must be leashed throughout the park, with specific pet waste disposal stations located near camping loops. Sun N Fun RV Resort in Sarasota welcomes pets with a designated dog exercise area, though spots can be crowded during peak season. Myakka River State Park offers both Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds with pet-friendly sites where dogs can enjoy shaded camping areas. Most campgrounds in the Sarasota area require vaccination records and limit pets to two per site. Extremely well-maintained common grounds make Sun N Fun particularly appealing for extended stays with pets.

The Sarasota area's pet-friendly camping locations provide convenient access to nearby dog-friendly beaches and trails. Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant offers river sites where pets can enjoy water views, though mosquitoes can be problematic in these areas during evening hours. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort features a dedicated dog park and accommodates larger dogs, with many campers reporting positive experiences even with dogs over 50 pounds. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours from 10pm-7am when excessive barking is discouraged. Campers should note that summer temperatures in Florida often exceed 90°F, requiring extra attention to pet hydration and heat exposure. Several campgrounds offer shaded sites specifically designed to keep pets comfortable during hot weather.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Sarasota, Florida (111)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $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."

    "Great cycling, paddling, walking, exploring, fishing, kiting, or anything you want to do."

    2. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 483-5956

    $26 / night

    "Lost of sites back up to a small river but those sites right on the river are not kid or pet friendly so be careful when you make reservations.   There are a lot of trails throughout the park."

    "I literally drive by it whenever I go to the grocery store or ride my bike on the Legacy Trail."

    3. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

    38 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 361-6511

    $26 / night

    "Myakka River State Park is a not to miss Florida State Park. Don't let the proximity to Sarasota Fool You!"

    "So heads up with your pets please."

    4. Lake Manatee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Parrish, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 741-3028

    $22 / night

    "Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."

    "If you’re looking for a place to camp on the west coast of Florida that is quiet and has campsites that give you privacy, Lake Manatee State Park is a great choice."

    5. Sun N Fun RV Resort

    11 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 371-2505

    "We stayed at Sun N Fun for 3 weeks while visiting family in the Sarasota area. Despite Covid-19, there was still plenty to do."

    "Giant pool with bar and food, lots of activities from lawn bowling, disc frisbee, constant happy hours, moderately dog friendly, 30min from siesta key."

    6. Encore Winter Quarters Manatee

    12 Reviews
    Palmetto, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Very close to beaches, Anna Marie Island, Sarasota, and Tampa. The only downside is that you are close to I75, and there is construction currently underway."

    "Wonderfully situated around a lake. Good amenities and close to everything. Some highway traffic noise but nothing bad."

    7. Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant

    6 Reviews
    Sarasota, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 739-9313

    $60 - $130 / night

    "We came back to this gem and met with friends from Florida, we had our RVs next to each other and it was so much fun. We had a great time."

    "You are close to everything but you still feel like being far away. Everybody is very accommodating. Great Management, great Team! We will be back soon!"

    8. Horseshoe Cove RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Bradenton, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 758-5335

    "I have 2 50 lb+ dogs and there are many other people with dogs, plus a dog park."

    "Great park awesome amenities Pet Friendly and ok pricing! They have everything you can think of for a RV park and more! We will definitely be back! ♥️"

    9. Arbor Terrace RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort

    3 Reviews
    Bradenton, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (941) 755-6494

    "The dog run was great for my dog as well. The gym was open for use and sanitized, as well as the pool. "

    10. Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park

    7 Reviews
    Osprey, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 326-3521

    $26 - $70 / night

    "This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake."

    "Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Sarasota, FL

69 Photos of 111 Sarasota Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Sarasota, FL

714 Reviews of 111 Sarasota Campgrounds

  • David G.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    Small Park not far from civilization

    Oscar Scherer is full of wildlife, not far from lots of big cities.   The campground itself is small but nice.  Lost of sites back up to a small river but those sites right on the river are not kid or pet friendly so be careful when you make reservations.   There are a lot of trails throughout the park. Many are scrub oak communities and consequently there’s a fair population of scrub jays.   We also saw otters, bobcat, raccoon and gopher tortoise.   The park is also adjacent to the Legacy bike trail.  A linear trail that runs from Sarasota to Venice, FL.  So there’s some long bike rides opportunities.   Bathhouses are ok maybe a 7/10.

  • M
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Big Tree RV Resort

    Mostly Long Term, but nice!

    Arrived late, but Buddy led us to our spot and helped me park. Nice large concrete site. Some entertainment and food trucks on Friday night. Centrally located from Sarasota, Fort Myers and Celebration, Florida.

  • Cyndi J.
    Jan. 15, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Beautiful park

    Beautiful 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.

  • Perry J.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Oscar Scherer State Park Campground

    Wow, Who Knew?

    This was our first visit to Oscar Scherer State Park, why I’m not sure as we only live a few miles away. I literally drive by it whenever I go to the grocery store or ride my bike on the Legacy Trail. I’ve boated past on the Intercoastal Waterway, paddled past on South Creek and flown over in an airplane countless times. 

    I guess being Sarasota residents I felt I already knew everything about it. I WAS WAY WRONG. This is a fantastic Florida State Park. I can understand now why it is so popular. The facilities are very good considering how many people visit. And it’s not too polished that it doesn’t have that camping or state park vibe. No Disney here. 

    The campground is very large even for State Park Standards, over 100 sites. Many are along South Creek with water views although they are no pet sites as maybe there are gator issues. 

    We camped in site#69, the last pet site before the restricted sites along the creek#70- 90. The sites are quite large and private as the campground is mature with lots of native Florida foliage. We didn’t see any evidence of Raccoons or other campground mooches. 

    Lots of hiking in this park, if you cycle the Legacy Trail built on an old railway doesn’t offer much contour as it is pretty much a strait shot but runs from Sarasota to Venice and from Venice you can take the Venetian Waterway even further. Soon the Legacy Trail will go all the way to downtown Sarasota. 

    Finally the best part for visitors to the Sarasota area. You will probably not find a State Park as close to the US#1 Rated Beach Siesta Key, just a few miles or Sarasota and all her arts and culture(15 minutes) including The Ringling Museum, Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, St. Armands Circle, Lido Beach, award-winning restaurants, tiki bars, dinner cruises, and more. 

    In fact as I write this the US Olympic Rowing Trials are going on at Benderson Park about 15 minutes away, next door to the Apple Store. This is no joke the premier rowing facility in the world. And did I mention if you forgot anything there is a Publix about 1/2 mile front the front gate of the park? 

    OF NOTE: Of all the state parks we have visited, this had the most unfriendly group of campers we have ever encountered. Surly in fact. It was difficult to extract a return greeting of any type. 

    Perhaps it’s because this isn’t your normal group of happy wanderers, and those who truly enjoy the outdoors. More like COVID refugees or visitors doing“Florida on the Cheep” who have the time and resources to escape those areas of lockdown. 

    Our first clue was the amount of “resort wear” being donned in lieu of the normal camping duds and the overall lack of activity inside the park for the amount of campsites during the day. Well the park is smack in the middle of a major resort destination and it is high season. This all left the park less crowded for us. 

    Whatever the reason I hope the park guests can find some joy after all in the blessings that nature gives us no matter what the situation. Life is short. As the late, great Warren Zevon once said“enjoy every sandwich”.

  • Jan S.
    Jun. 8, 2022

    Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA

    KOA Campground with working vegetable farm and petting zoo

    Stayed 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.

  • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Encore Terra Ceia

    In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches

    In Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance.

    Pet-friendly.

  • Alyssa D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2020

    Shell Key Preserve

    Years later it’s still one of my favorite places to camp in Florida..:

    One 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.

  • Perry J.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Simply a great campground!

    Fort De Soto Park is amazing. It offers something for everyone whether you are there camping or simply for the day. The beaches are amazing with TONS and TONS of parking. Great cycling, paddling, walking, exploring, fishing, kiting, or anything you want to do. It can get busy in season but the area is designed to accommodate the crowds except for the one lane road to and from so plan your visit according to your threshold for traffic and crowds. 

    I'm a Florida local from Sarasota and have visited many times but never to camp. We came with a small travel trailer and were lucky enough to get a site right on the water as many are which by itself is rare. Great weekend and honestly one of the nicest parks I have ever been to. 

    Its great that possibly the most valuable real estate in all of Florida's Gulf Coast was reserved for a county park in lieu of private condos and resorts. The park has a no alcohol policy which honestly is fine. Being such an urban destination I could imagine things getting way out of hand there to the detriment of more chill folks without the ban. Even though I like a cocktail as much as the next guy, i'll take the pleasant environment over the beer any day. 

    Thanks Pinellas Parks for such a great place for locals and guests to visit.

  • Danna D.
    Nov. 5, 2020

    Encore Terra Ceia

    Great Place - Friendly Staff & Neighbors

    Nice 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!

Guide to Sarasota

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Sarasota, Florida, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors alongside your furry companions. With a variety of amenities and activities tailored for both pets and their owners, these campgrounds provide a welcoming environment for all.

Dog owners appreciate spacious sites and amenities

Pet owners like the variety of outdoor activities

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Sarasota

  • Sun N Fun RV Resort features a large pool and various activities, making it a fun spot for families with pets to unwind after a day of exploration.
  • At Buttonwood Inlet RV Resort, you can enjoy live music and delicious food nearby, while your pet enjoys the friendly atmosphere of the resort.
  • Linger Lodge RV Park & Restaurant offers a peaceful setting along the river, perfect for fishing and relaxing with your pet in tow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sarasota, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sarasota, FL is Fort De Soto Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 140 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sarasota, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 111 dog-friendly camping locations near Sarasota, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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