Jay J.
Scout
ScoutHappy Traveler RV Resort
Love this place, but the mosquitoes are bad.
Great place to camp, but they need Mosquito Shield to get rid of these mosques and no-see-ums. Temple terrace is bad with the mosquito problem .
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Temple Terrace, FL
Hillsborough River State Park Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with pets allowed at designated sites. The park maintains strict leash policies requiring dogs to remain on a 6-foot leash at all times when outside vehicles. Most sites at Happy Traveler RV Resort and Southern Aire RV Resort also welcome pets, with many offering full hookup services. Large fenced swimming pools and shaded camping spots make these locations comfortable for both pets and owners during Florida's hot months. Sites are adequately sized for most RVs with pets, though some locations like Lazydays RV Resort have very close together sites with limited privacy between neighbors.
Walking paths throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds provide convenient exercise areas for dogs. Edward Medard Park features multiple hiking trails where leashed pets can accompany owners through Florida's natural landscapes. Nearby Fort De Soto Campground offers one of the area's few dedicated dog beaches where pets can enjoy water access. Most campgrounds provide trash receptacles for pet waste disposal, though supply can be limited during busy periods. Pet owners should note that several campgrounds enforce quiet hours to prevent excessive barking, particularly at night. The proximity of many Temple Terrace area campgrounds to veterinary clinics in Tampa provides peace of mind for travelers with pets requiring emergency services. Temperature considerations remain important when camping with pets, as summer heat can quickly affect animals even during short walks.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Temple Terrace, Florida (232)
1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
65 ReviewsThonotosassa, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (813) 987-6771$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."
2. Lazydays RV Resort
14 ReviewsLee, FL5 miles+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."
3. Edward Medard Park
14 ReviewsDurant, FL15 milesWebsite+1 (813) 757-3802$24 / night
"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."
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
4. Fort De Soto Campground
141 ReviewsTierra Verde, FL35 milesWebsite+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."
5. Lithia Springs Conservation Park
12 ReviewsDurant, FL14 milesWebsite+1 (813) 744-5572$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
6. Happy Traveler RV Resort
4 ReviewsTemple Terrace, FL2 milesWebsite+1 (813) 986-3094"Temple terrace is bad with the mosquito problem ."
"Lots of shaded spots, 3 laundry facilities around the park (2 w/bathhouses). Large fenced in swimming pool, clubhouse with pool table, games, movies, kitchen, activities almost daily."
7. Cypress Creek Preserve
5 ReviewsLutz, FL7 milesWebsite"There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
8. Lake Park
5 ReviewsLutz, FL10 milesWebsite+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. Lithia Springs
9 ReviewsLithia, FL15 milesWebsite+1 (813) 744-5572"Lithia 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."
"Most every one has a dog or two. Everyone obeys the dog rules, not one dog barks excessively. All the campers are courteous about each other and are quiet."
10. E.G. Simmons Regional Park
23 ReviewsRuskin, FL22 milesWebsite+1 (813) 671-7655$24 / night
"Amazing water access and dog friendly! The staff and rangers are kind and helpful. During our stay, there was E. coli in water which means water activities and fishing were restricted."
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Temple Terrace, FL
125 Photos of 232 Temple Terrace Campgrounds
suzanne R.
Tampa East RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort
Wes N.
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Eric E.
Island Retreat Florida
Debbie D.
Lithia Springs Conservation Park
Olivia M.
Ducky's Day Off RV Park
David S.
Plantation Oaks
Mackenzie O.
Edward Medard Park
Richard
MacDill AFB FamCamp
The Dyrt
Encore Silver Dollar
The Longs ..
Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract
Brian M.
Find Out Farms
Brian and Janet S.
E.G. Simmons Regional Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Temple Terrace, FL
1127 Reviews of 232 Temple Terrace Campgrounds
- Cyndi J.Scout
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.
Alyssa D.
LegendShell 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.
Jan S.
GuideBradenton / 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.
- BBrenda L.
RangerThousand Trails Orlando
Huge park
This 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).
David G.GuideFort 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.
Zackary C.GuideLithia Springs
Lithia Springs Park
Lithia 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!
- sskylar T.Guide
Avalon RV Resort
Good for a short stay
Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.
Elliott B.LegendHog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest
Nice and secluded.
The 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:
- - River Trail/Sumter is 7.2 miles.
· Equestrian trails:
- - Hernando Main Loop is 18.65 miles.
- - Hernando is 36.35 miles.
- - Sumter is 7.70 miles.
Guide to Temple Terrace
Hillsborough River State Park offers dense oak canopy and Class II rapids, the only rapids in Florida. Located 16 miles from downtown Temple Terrace, the park maintains 112 campsites spread across shaded loops. Winter temperatures average 55-75°F, creating ideal camping conditions from October through April when mosquito activity decreases.
What to do
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing: Edward Medard Park features multiple hiking paths where visitors can observe local wildlife. "Beautiful park with a lot of wild life. The campground had bathrooms and showers available at a short walking distance," notes Mackenzie O. at Edward Medard Park.
Kayaking on natural waterways: The Hillsborough River provides excellent paddling opportunities through cypress forests. "The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," shares Rebecca A. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Fishing access: Multiple parks offer bank fishing and boat launches. "Kayaking and fishing on the lake is a blast!" reports Jeanene A. about Edward Medard Park, which features a 700-acre reservoir stocked with bass and catfish.
Beach access within driving distance: Fort De Soto Park offers Gulf beaches approximately 45 minutes from Temple Terrace. "Beautiful, sites nice amenities all very nice kinda crowded when I went but still nice," says Latisha S. about Fort De Soto Campground.
What campers like
Natural springs for swimming: Lithia Springs Conservation Park features a 72-degree natural spring. "The spring fed swimming area is clean and well kept. We will definitely come back," writes Ryan about Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Privacy between sites: Many parks offer vegetation barriers between campsites. "Completely secluded from neighbors. Very quiet at night. 24hr access," notes Ryan about his experience at Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Dark skies for stargazing: Several campgrounds maintain minimal light pollution. "It's nice and dark at night," mentions Lorilee S. regarding Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance makes for comfortable stays. "The bathrooms are well kept and clean. The park itself is very nice," shares Rebecca A. about Hillsborough River State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary: While some parks require advance booking, others operate first-come, first-served. "Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours," explains Hampton B. about Edward Medard Park.
Wildlife precautions needed: Local wildlife includes alligators and mosquitoes. "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them," warns Jason D. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Weather considerations: Florida's rainy season affects camping conditions. "It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," reports Lorilee S. about staying at Hillsborough River State Park.
Gate access varies: Some parks have limited entry hours or locked gates. "First of all, locked gate. You have to make a free reservation to get the combination," notes Curtis D. about Cypress Creek Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Temple Terrace, FL?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Temple Terrace, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Temple Terrace, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 232 dog-friendly camping locations near Temple Terrace, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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