Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Tampa, FL

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Tampa, FL has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Tampa, Florida (194)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "What a neat park :) This park is only a ½ hour from Tampa and I checked it out while in town on business."

    "Fantastic Campground not far from Tampa. This could be a good park to stay at if you want to do Busch Gardens which is just 16 miles away."

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    30 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."

    "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."

    3. Lazydays RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Lee, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 246-4777

    "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."

    4. MacDill AFB FamCamp

    9 Reviews
    Gibsonton, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 840-6919

    "There’s a small dog beach and two dog parks. Laundry facilities are centrally located. Cable is included."

    "Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large.

    Good amenities on base."

    5. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Right on Tampa Bay. Public swim area and picnic area. Lots of paved roads which was great for biking. Several Osprey nests and other birds to watch on the water."

    "When you kayak down the channel into Tamp Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge.  Beautiful sunsets from the beach and boat ramp or out in the kayak."

    6. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    7. Bay Bayou RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Oldsmar, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 855-1000

    "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."

    8. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This park has a really great walking trail around a lake with exercise stations. I’ve seen some horses on the trails also. There’s a cool BMX and rc car track too!"

    9. St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

    26 Reviews
    Bay Pines, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 392-2233

    "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."

    10. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $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."

    "Tampa is not too far away, but the park is kind of removed."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tampa, FL

933 Reviews of 194 Tampa Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2017

    Edward Medard Park

    Gem of the County

    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. Full service for RV's (even a dump station. Clean, monitored bathroom facilities close to lots of additional activities! Kayaking and fishing on the lake is a blast! Frisbee Golf (this is an advanced course) equestrian and hiking trails, picnic and playground areas. Pet friendly but there were more than a few stray cats when we were there (a problem the rangers are trying to address). Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)

  • 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.

  • David G.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Never gets old

    This 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.

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 30, 2016

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    wildlife and biking

    Owls and alligators! What a neat park :) This park is only a ½ hour from Tampa and I checked it out while in town on business. Biked a few of the trails, which were nice and rented a kayak to see some of the park from the water, both fun activities. I saw there was a pool as well! Campground covered a lot of area with large sites and some trees/vegetation growing between many sites giving more seclusion. A short trip here made me realize that more time would have been nice! Putting it on the list to return to ;)

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • deb K.
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Key Lime Bay RV Resort

    You're gonna want to stay here!

    This resort opened in mid 2022, and it reflects in the quality of everything. This was a ground up build, so everything is brand new. Sites are perfectly level paver pads with beautiful landscape. Hook ups are perfect, with awesome WiFi. Huge amenity center with gym, pool and hot tub, gorgeous clean showers and laundry. Great floating dock and two dog parks too. Close to everything in the Tampa area, but off the crowded areas. Just off the upper Tampa Bay Park, with plenty of hiking trails,etc. The owners/builders are gracious hosts, who host events all the time. Highly recommend this CG. Already booked our winter trip for next year.


Guide to Tampa

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Tampa, Florida, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can create unforgettable memories together.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Tampa

Tips for camping with dogs near Tampa

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

  • Caladesi RV Park offers spacious sites and is conveniently located near beautiful beaches, perfect for a day out with your pet.
  • Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA provides a clean environment with various activities, ensuring both you and your dog have a great time.
  • MacDill AFB FamCamp features a large tent area with plenty of shade, making it an ideal spot for camping with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tampa, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 194 dog-friendly camping locations near Tampa, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.