Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tampa, FL
Hillsborough River State Park Campground accommodates pets across tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options with specific rules requiring leashes at all times. Fort De Soto Campground provides pet-friendly sites accessible by boat, drive-in, or walk-in methods while enforcing standard waste cleanup expectations. Most Tampa-area campgrounds restrict pets to designated areas, though several properties like Lazydays RV Resort receive consistently positive reviews for their pet amenities including designated dog exercise areas. The sites at Lazydays are close together with limited privacy, but the property remains well-maintained with ample green space for dog walking.
Lake Park's extensive trail network gives pet owners multiple route options for dog exercise, though some sections flood during rainy season. E.G. Simmons Regional Park permits pets at waterfront campsites with standard leash requirements enforced. Several campgrounds including MacDill AFB FamCamp and Bay Bayou RV Resort maintain pet waste stations throughout their grounds. Practical considerations include Tampa's high summer temperatures, which can make midday walks uncomfortable for dogs. Sites like St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday provide shade that helps keep pets cool during hotter months. Wildlife encounters remain possible at many campgrounds, requiring vigilant leash management, particularly at properties like Little Manatee River State Park Campground where natural habitats intersect with camping areas.
