Lake Griffin State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests along with their four-legged companions. Located in Fruitland Park, this year-round destination features 30/50-amp electric hookups, water connections, and sewer hookups for RVs while maintaining a pet-welcoming environment. Trimble Park Campground provides waterfront sites with electric and water connections where campers and their pets can enjoy lake views and access to fishing piers. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground allows pets at their accommodations including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and full hookups. Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park offers canal-facing and lakefront sites that accommodate pets, with several visitors noting the peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for morning and evening dog walks. The parks maintain clean facilities with designated pet waste disposal areas to ensure a comfortable stay for all guests.
Wekiwa Springs State Park and Alexander Springs Recreation Area provide access to trails suitable for leashed pets, though pets are prohibited in swimming areas and springs for safety and environmental protection. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies requiring pets to remain on leashes no longer than six feet when outside designated off-leash areas. Lake Idamere Park, within walking distance of some campsites, features a dedicated dog park where pets can run freely after days of being leashed at camp. Visitors should pack pet essentials including waste bags, portable water bowls, and tie-out stakes, as the tropical climate requires extra attention to pet hydration during summer months. Wildlife encounters are common in these natural settings, so campers should keep pets secured to prevent interactions with raccoons, which have been known to approach campsites looking for food, and small alligators occasionally spotted near the water's edge at several parks.
$24 / night
"Caverns are beautiful under the water but it is constantly crowded around. Pets need to be put on a leash. Horses are permitted. Many opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking."
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"It’s on the right side of the road near the boat ramp. If you aren’t paying attention you may miss it. We did, but a helpful park employee pointed us back in the right direction."
"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
$18 / night
"Two nice trails and playground. Pet friendly. Boat ramp. Great for kayaking and fishing."
"We enjoyed the hiking trail, but VERY muddy. Bring a watercraft to explore more. Been there- done that- probably don’t need to go back. The site: our campsite was small but sufficient for our use."
$56 - $201 / night
"Pet friendly with dog parks and trails."
"Super dog friendly with an amazing dog park. Great location and so many wonderful things to do here."
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
$38 / night
"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
"While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"
"My cats travel with me and they were enthralled by the peacocks the entire 2 weeks, I couldn't close the blinds!"
$38 - $70 / night
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"We found this campground while looking for a stealth spot near some springs and it was getting late and we had our car and our dog so just came here."
$50 - $65 / night
"Maybe they choose the name of this RV enclave because they were either actively hiding from the rest of the known world or due to its location, was hidden from (nearly) plain sight."
"Friendly neighbors and perfect lakeside view."
$40 - $73 / night
"There is a dog park, cafe, food trucks on Sat. Great place for families. There was a strong sulfur smell around our site. Not sure where that was coming from"
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
TravelerPricey but it's Disney. Lots of activities to do at the campground without going to the parks. Clean and well maintained campsites and bathrooms. The roads are narrow in the loops and the sites can be difficult to get into. Pet friendly with dog parks and trails.
LegendIt’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts. Located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida, Clerbrook offers nearly 300 acres of prime landscape that posits 1200+ RV slots for your parking and vacationing pleasure. Here you’ll be able to perfectly blend a golfing oasis that blends its RV offering complete with lush vegetation, interconnecting ponds and narrow canals all surrounded by ancient Oaks draped with Spanish Moss.
As far as amenities goes, Clerbrook does not disappoint. Here’s just a small list of all the great amenities you’ll find: Welcome Center, Heated Swimming Pools, BBQ and Picnic tables, Planned Activities, Clubhouses, Billiard Room, Card Rooms, Post Office, Fishing Area, 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop), Exercise & Fitness Center, Horseshoe Pits, Recreation Hall, Laundry, Shuffleboard Courts, Library, Nature Walks, Pets Welcome, Picnic Pavilion, Driving Range, Dog Park, Wood Shop, Basketball Court, Playground, Restrooms & Showers, Softball Field, Hot Tub, RV Storage, complimentary WiFi, Arts and Craft Classes as well as Live Entertainment on the weekends. Of course, for RV’ers you can expect both back-in and pull-through slots with all of the traditional water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve got wine on your mind (and why wouldn’t you when on holiday?!), just meander a few miles south of Clerbrook and you’ll discover a fairly respectable winery called Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offering tours and tastings featuring Muscadine grapes (apparently a prominent grape varietal down in these parts known for their antioxidant qualities; (2) When you get tired of fixing every meal from your mini-fridge or cooler, then you’ll have to head south to Clermont where you’ll find PeruRican Ceviche, which for these parts is pretty outstanding and if you are still longing for pizza, check out Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria for some good pies and pasta; and (3) If nature is calling and you want to get out for a good hike, then head due south to Hiawatha Preserve that has a few dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking paths, and of course, access to Lake Hiawatha, in case you want to drop your kayak or canoe in the water.
Happy Camping!
RangerThis is probably the largest park we have ever stayed in. We normally go for the smaller quaint parks but we decided to try it out. We went along the outside rim in site Mako 7. The sites are large enough and have most have full hook ups. Not many trees for shade, but it is in Florida so that is to be expected. We were fortunate to have a couple of grassy areas around close to walk the dog. There is a dog park but it was on the other end of the campground. We did go one day and the park is nice. It’s sand and has poop bags. But no water for drinking so take your own. This side of the park had more trees and was nice for walking around with the dog. No WiFi in the area closest to the dog park. Sites seemed mostly level but only the new section has nice concrete pads. The older sections are hit and miss as to what the site looks like. All in all it’s a great location for visiting all the local attractions... (but we didn’t do that).
TravelerWe stayed at Fisherman's Cove for about two months in June and July. The park has two sections, the A section nearest the office/marina and the B section which is on a hill offering views of Lake Harris. The lots in the A section are a little close together, the premium lots in the B section have a little more breathing room. The roads within the park were clearly labeled and appeared to be new asphalt. During our stay we saw several maintenance teams hard at work on the upkeep of the landscaping and grounds.
I loved having the ability to reserve, access bills, and pay online. Once we arrived, check-in was quick and easy. Our space was clean and level. Our neighbors appeared to be trailers that were stored for the summer - they were hooked up but we never saw anyone come by. The summer in Tavares is the off-season for tourists and snow-birds, so our stay was incredibly quiet.
We enjoyed taking morning and evening strolls around the grounds with our dog. We even walked to the nearby Lake Idamere park a few times. The park features a nature trail, pier, playground, and dog park.
Check-out was quick and easy - we'll definitely be back!
TravelerEasy access to I 75 Has nice pond with wildlife , cabins to rent and all services . Friendly staff and dog park.
LegendThe Hog Island Recreation Area is located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee river close to the small town of Nobleton. Part of the recreation area includes the Hog Island Nature Trail, part of the Trailwalker Program and officially certified as part of the longer Florida National Scenic Trail. The Hog Island Campground (fl-dof.com) provides nicely shaded and dry campsites for tent and RV campers with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. These sites are amazingly screened from each other with natural understory vegetation and access to the Withlacoochee River. Restroom with showers (which could use a little love and care), water spigots and a dump station are located nearby. Campers arriving by canoe can stay at a riverside campsite that includes access to drinking water.
This is a good campground with pretty decent warm/hot showers and electric hookups, so you aren't going to really be spending a few days completely off the grid. Although, cellular service is spotty, but mostly usable. The camp hosts were really nice and supposedly no pets are allowed, but I definitely heard some dogs at night. Just a few steps away is the Hog Island boat ramp, nature trail and a section of the Florida National Scenic Trail leaving you with lots to do.
You get your standard nice campground features
· Large shared picnic area
· Good fishing
· Canoe and boat launch
· No pets allowed.
*I heard some dogs and there were basically no one around, so maybe the host let some people get away with it…
· 2-mile loop Nature Trail.
· Hiking trails:
· Equestrian trails:
TravelerThis campground was awesome for a weekend away with the family and dogs. It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water. Pet friendly and clean bathrooms with a small walking path for the pups. Been to better but a great weekend away!
GuideLoved our stay at Fort Wilderness. Our favorite Disney Resort. Super dog friendly with an amazing dog park. Great location and so many wonderful things to do here.
GuideStayed here one night while returning from the FL Keys. Awesome place to overnight. Spacious pull through sites. They have a small fenced dog park which was great to let the dogs stretch their legs after traveling all day. The campground has plenty of space to walk the dogs.
Staff was great because we called during the days while traveling north and had a site waiting when we arrived after hours.
The only downside is that it is right behind a Pilot Travel center so there is noise from parked tractor trailers but I still slept fine.
Camping sites near Tavares, Florida provide year-round access to Central Florida's freshwater lakes and natural springs where temperatures range from 50°F in winter to 90°F in summer. The region sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level with sandy soil conditions that drain well after typical afternoon summer thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area offer shaded sites beneath oak and pine canopies.
Hike through natural Florida habitats: At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, trails give access to wildlife viewing and native ecosystems. "Really nice campground with all the amenities, showers, water, and power hookups for rv's, or in my case to charge my phone and camera," notes Zackari S., who appreciated the natural setting.
Canoe or kayak freshwater systems: The lakes and rivers around Tavares connect through canals, creating an extensive waterway network. At Trimble Park Campground, visitors can paddle directly from lakefront sites. One camper shares, "I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite."
Visit the 500-year-old oak tree: Lake Griffin State Park features one of Florida's oldest living trees. "Good trails and boat docks. It is Florida's so be prepared for mosquitoes," advises Larry M., highlighting this unique natural landmark that serves as a living connection to pre-colonial Florida.
Spacious, shaded campsites: Clearwater Lake Campground provides well-separated sites beneath a mature forest canopy. "Campground is quiet and sites are HUGE. We were able to find a very nice hammock friendly site near the water," reports AJ G., emphasizing the privacy that many visitors appreciate.
Clean facilities and well-maintained grounds: Alexander Springs Recreation Area gets high marks for upkeep. "The campground is beautiful and well-maintained. Older, clean bathrooms with showers," shares Claire M., pointing to the consistent standards that campers value when choosing pet-friendly campgrounds near Tavares.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers regularly spot diverse wildlife including otters, deer, birds, and occasional alligators. At Trimble Park, Ryan S. describes, "I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."
Reservation timing requirements: County parks like Trimble have specific reservation systems. "Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance," explains Stuart K., who also mentions the fierce competition for sites due to limited availability.
Swimming restrictions for pets: While many campgrounds welcome dogs, most prohibit them from springs and designated swimming areas. Natural springs maintain a constant 72°F temperature year-round, drawing swimmers seeking relief from summer heat.
Weekend congestion at popular springs: Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park offers a less crowded alternative with canal and lake access. "Beautiful waterside sights, perfect place to bring the boat too. The lake it's connected to a handful of other lakes where you could boat to a different town everyday," writes Keith R.
Look for dedicated play areas: Parks with designated children's facilities provide safe recreation spots. "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" shares Jenn B. about Wekiwa Springs, highlighting the variety of activities that keep children engaged.
Consider natural spring swimming: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers traditional pool swimming while nearby springs provide natural alternatives. According to Samantha O., "The pool is a nice size pool with a small water slide. There is a splash area in the back for small kids."
Pack extra towels and water shoes: Springs and lakes have sandy, sometimes muddy bottoms that require appropriate footwear. Sarah K. warns about muddy conditions: "It was muddy—very muddy. Thankfully, there was a hose at the boat ramp/kayak launch to clean ourselves and the dog."
Level site challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Site 7 was quite undeveloped. Thanks to Anderson levelers we were fine," notes Charles B. about Lake Griffin State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing proper leveling gear.
Limited maneuvering space: Larger rigs may find some campgrounds challenging. "Our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot. Everyone we spoke with complained about the lack of space to get a big rv into these spot," warns Samantha O., describing the tight access at Fort Wilderness.
Full hookup availability varies: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups only. "Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping," mentions Daniel S., indicating the importance of checking utility connections when planning a dog-friendly camping trip near Tavares.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tavares, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tavares, FL is Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tavares, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 323 dog-friendly camping locations near Tavares, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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