Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Venice, FL
Fort De Soto Campground's designated pet-friendly loop accommodates campers with dogs, offering waterfront sites and proximity to a top-rated dog beach. The park maintains separate camping areas—one allowing pets and others designated as pet-free. Campers can bring up to two dogs per site in the pet section. The campground features multiple dog-friendly amenities including an off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small breeds, dog washing stations for rinsing off sand, and a dedicated dog beach where pets can swim. The dog park at Fort De Soto is consistently rated among the best in the country, with clean facilities and ample shade. Oscar Scherer State Park Campground also welcomes pets at specific sites, though waterfront sites along South Creek are designated as pet-free areas. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less.
Myakka River State Park provides pet-friendly camping options at both Palmetto Ridge and Old Prairie campgrounds, with cabins that allow dogs. Camp Venice Retreat offers tent sites under a tree canopy with water and electric hookups where dogs are welcome, plus nature trails suitable for dog walking. The Legacy Trail, accessible from Oscar Scherer State Park, provides a 10-mile paved multi-use path ideal for walking dogs, though mostly in full sun. Campers should be aware of wildlife considerations when camping with pets—alligators are common in many Florida waterways, particularly during mating season. Raccoons are prevalent at several campgrounds, especially Fort De Soto, where securing food is essential. Most campgrounds provide pet waste stations throughout the grounds, though supplies can sometimes run low during busy periods. Summer heat requires extra consideration for pets, with early morning or evening walks recommended.
