Lake Dorr Campground in Ocala National Forest provides dedicated pet-friendly sites with bear boxes at each campsite, making it convenient for campers traveling with dogs. Clearwater Lake Campground allows pets throughout its spacious sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with easy access to surrounding trails. Most campgrounds near Umatilla enforce standard leash policies for dogs, typically requiring pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside vehicles or camping units. The campgrounds are known for their private sites separated by natural vegetation, creating peaceful settings where pets can enjoy outdoor time without disturbing neighbors. Campers with pets can access potable water throughout these facilities, though bathrooms at some locations like Lake Dorr occasionally experience service interruptions.
The forest trails surrounding these campgrounds offer excellent dog walking opportunities through the pine forests of central Florida. Pet owners frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere at Lake Dorr with minimal boat and road noise in the evenings, making it suitable for pets that are sensitive to loud environments. Dogs can accompany owners to nearby natural springs like Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs, though swimming restrictions apply for pets. All sites provide fire pits and grills where campers can prepare meals while keeping pets nearby. Wildlife considerations are important when camping with dogs in this area, as alligators inhabit many Florida lakes, necessitating careful supervision of pets near water bodies. Most campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest area maintain clean, well-kept grounds with hosts who enforce quiet hours, creating environments where well-behaved pets are welcome additions to camping experiences.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$38 - $70 / night
"This pet friendly campground has many magical options. The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well."
"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
"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."
$24 - $95 / night
"This 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."
"As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave"
"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."
$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."
$20 / night
"Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida’s natural springs."
"Plus my dog has major thunder anxiety. Lol .. It ended up being a simple light rain and a cold front . I wish I hand stayed . I’m heading back soon !! I didn’t get to explore the lake ."
$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).
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.
TravelerWe wereet at the entrance by a gentleman in a golf cart. He brought us directly to our site, and helped us get squared away. He recommended the local restaurant for dinner. Not a lot of options, but all the options were good!
Great dog park, 2 separate zones!!!
This is a golf/ lake community that is like the old TV shows. People walking dogs, riding golf carts, and meeting at the club house. We will return when we have more time to stay!
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.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers tent and RV sites with direct access to one of central Florida's clearest springs. Located in the Ocala National Forest, Umatilla-area campgrounds sit at elevations under 100 feet with cypress and pine forests creating natural barriers between campsites. The region experiences humid subtropical climate with summer highs frequently reaching 90°F, while winter temperatures can drop to the 40s, making spring and fall the optimal camping seasons.
Spring swimming and snorkeling: Alexander Springs Recreation Area features crystal-clear 72-degree waters year-round where visitors can see underwater plants and fish. "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," notes Gabby C. This spring maintains visibility to depths of 25 feet, making it ideal for novice snorkelers.
Kayaking the waterways: Paddle the 7-mile one-way Juniper Springs Run through pristine forest. "I have my own so I just used the shuttle service which was like $16," explains Lisa O. from Juniper Springs Rec Area. The current is steady, making it a downstream-only journey with shuttles returning you to the launch point.
Florida Trail hiking: Access segments of the 1,500-mile Florida National Scenic Trail directly from campgrounds. "If you go out and across the street you can hook up to the Florida Trail and do some hiking - we hiked about 10 miles and while flat and not hard it was still nice and some great changes in scenery," recommends Tina L.
Private, secluded sites: Lake Dorr Campground offers excellent site separation. "Every campsite has its own little private nook. So it's up to you if your a social butterfly or want to just be anti social," explains camper darsea. Most sites feature natural vegetation barriers providing privacy while camping.
Lakeside camping access: Trimble Park Campground provides waterfront sites with excellent fishing access. "This campground is beautiful and well-maintained. Older, clean bathrooms with showers. About 3 miles to Mt. Dora," notes Claire M. The lakefront sites offer direct views of Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton.
Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain quality facilities. "Very nice campground, the oak canopy makes great shade in the heat. Clean campground with good showers," writes Nicole D. about Alexander Springs. Most campgrounds feature regularly maintained restrooms, though some experience seasonal service interruptions.
Bear awareness requirements: Bear boxes are provided at many campsites throughout the region. "There is a bear box, fire pit, grill, and pinic table at every site," notes Amber H. at Lake Dorr. Campers must store food securely, especially overnight, as the forest maintains a healthy black bear population.
Spring water temperatures: All natural springs maintain consistent 72-degree temperatures year-round. "The Springs stay 72 degrees year-round so no matter what time of year the temperature is perfect," explains noah R. at Clearwater Lake Campground. This cool water can feel refreshing in summer but chilly in winter months.
Weekend congestion: Popular springs reach capacity early, particularly during summer months. "The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable," writes ENRIQUE T. about Alexander Springs. For less crowded experiences, visit midweek or during non-summer seasons when temperatures are milder.
Wildlife education opportunities: The forest offers natural wildlife viewing for kids. "We saw a family with a few kids walking out as we started. They told us about a boardwalk," shares Sarah K. at Lake Griffin State Park. Children can spot turtles, fish, and occasionally even wildlife like the "albino squirrel sighting" Joshua W. experienced.
Easy access swimming areas: Springs provide natural swimming pools with graduated depths. "I have been camping here since I was a kid. I still enjoy camping at this place. There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," states Rusty R. about Alexander Springs. Most springs feature shallow areas for younger children.
Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "Seemingly brand new playground for the kiddos," notes Stuart K. about Trimble Park. These facilities provide entertainment options when children need breaks from swimming or hiking activities.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites carefully based on size requirements. "The sites are pretty big as well, no water or electric, but every couple sites there was a drinking water fill up station," advises Gabby C. about Alexander Springs. Many campgrounds offer primitive camping without hookups, requiring RV campers to come prepared with full tanks.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management accordingly as not all campgrounds have onsite dump facilities. "50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access," reports Courtney Moriah about Trimble Park. Other campgrounds may require driving to centralized dump stations in the Ocala National Forest.
Shade coverage impacts: Dense tree canopy affects solar panel efficiency at many sites. "The tree coverage wasn't too extensive but it rained one day and was cloudy so that was part of the reason batteries didn't charge very well," warns Lisa O. about Juniper Springs. Position RVs strategically to maximize available sunlight when using solar power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Umatilla, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Umatilla, FL is Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Umatilla, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 323 dog-friendly camping locations near Umatilla, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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