Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bushnell, FL

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Sumter Oaks RV Park accommodates pets with full hookup sites and a quiet location alongside shade-filled oak trees, permitting dogs for short and extended stays. Lake Panasoffkee Recreation Area offers primitive tent and RV campsites where pets are welcome throughout the well-maintained grounds. The bathrooms remain clean with flush toilets and running water facilities. Several campgrounds in the Withlacoochee State Forest system, including Hog Island and River Junction Campgrounds, have established pet policies allowing leashed dogs on trails and in camping areas. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.

Trails at Lake Panasoffkee provide miles of pet-accessible paths for hiking and walking dogs, with open field areas near horse stalls perfect for exercising pets. Nearby Lake Griffin State Park combines pet-friendly camping with water access where pets can cool off during hot Florida days. Wildlife encounters are common in these natural settings, requiring pets to remain supervised at all times. Shaded camping spots at Withlacoochee State Forest campgrounds offer relief from direct sun during summer months when heat can affect pets. Most locations maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than six feet, proof of current vaccinations, and proper waste disposal. The spacious sites at some RV parks provide adequate room for pets to remain comfortable while staying confined to designated camping areas.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bushnell, Florida (329)

    1. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Even though you can't bring your dogs here (Cypress Glenn you can - it's just down the road, but not as secluded and more for RV's)."

    2. Cypress Glen Campground

    16 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $22 / night

    "The down fall is that the sites are around a lake/river, so many of them are on a slope."

    "This is a RV-tent camping site with all sites being a reasonable walking distance from the facilities in the center."

    3. Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    14 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $14 / night

    "hog) is located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee river close to the small town of Nobleton."

    "But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. River Junction Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $14 / night

    "I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved.  And you are not allowed pets."

    "Pets are NOT allowed. I just wanted to clarify, since the listing states they are. Bathrooms are decent and the showers have hot water. Sites 1 thru 3 are walk up only."

    5. Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Fruitland Park, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 360-6760

    $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."

    6. Lake Panasoffkee

    7 Reviews
    Lake Panasoffkee, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "There was a big open field where basically all equestrian campers parked at since it was near the horse stalls. There’s also more shaded camp spots towards the back which is where I ended up."

    "This time around, there were no equestrian campers so everyone is aiming for the shady spots in the primitive area."

    7. Thousand Trails Three Flags

    11 Reviews
    Wildwood, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Beautiful location off of a major highway but due to lots of trees - very little road noise.  Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups.  Nice roads to walk your dog. "

    "Nearby shops and such are within 10 miles(gas, groceries, restaurants, flea markets, etc.). Overall, a nice park, but I wouldn't go during the rainy season in Florida."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Sumter Oaks RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 793-1333

    "Nice older park with picturesque green swamp behind the park. Friendly, helpful staff. Noisy because of location near busy road."

    "Conveniently located one hour north of Tampa, one hour south of Gainesville and one hour west of Orlando and Ocala.  Pricing for the campsites is very reasonable.   Some long-term sites."

    9. Holder Mine Campground

    19 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $23 / night

    "We love to primitive camp and with our dogs. You can do both of these hear without a problem. The only thing is that the campsites we stayed at are not secluded enough for what I like."

    "Way out in the forest yet near to town. A campground for tents or RV. They have a clean, well maintained bathroom and recycling at the trash house."

    10. Trails End RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Floral City, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 341-4440

    $60 - $99 / night

    "We have been traveling Florida for a while and this is our favorite place by far."

    "I looked for a campground close to home for our first trip in the new travel trailer. We found trails end and they had room for us on short notice."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bushnell, FL

1652 Reviews of 329 Bushnell Campgrounds


  • Connie B.
    May. 17, 2018

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    Lots of activities

    Pricey 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2023

    Encore Clerbrook

    Hole In One For this RV Parking Course

    It’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!

  • L&A C.
    May. 18, 2024

    Eleanor Oaks RV Park

    Rv park, BUT not….

    FHU, unleveled concrete pad with a picnic table. So close to the FT resident in the tiny home next to us, that we could not sit outside comfortably. Also, our area was right by her sewage hook up. And then there was a storage shed, leaf piles, random stacks of supplies, and a residential trailer behind us. The Pool was small but clean, we didn’t use. Dog park was ok, but other people don’t pick up after their pets, even with signs, and available poop disposal can. Maybe if management put mutt-mitts out, pet owners might use them. We booked months ago, and we arrived a bit after 5 due to traffic, there was no welcome packet, and no one answered the phone, with the posted #. Thankfully, the maintenance guy was friendly and helped us find our spot. It wasn’t easy to get to, or to see where it was. It was way too small to accommodate our 5th wheel and Dooley. If someone had been in the spot in front of us, we wouldn’t have been able to get in. The map online doesn’t even have our site listed. We were visiting family, so thankfully we weren’t there much. The area has lots of good restaurants, attractions, fishing, and springs! I do not leave 3 star reviews, but my honest review is to help others from paying $400 a week, at this park. I was hard pressed to leave a 3 star…. But Because of the area attractions, FHU, and helpful maintenance employee, was the reason I did. I would not reserve here again. Especially at the high price.

  • B
    Feb. 3, 2021

    Thousand 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).

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 12, 2017

    Hog 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.
  • V
    Nov. 5, 2021

    Ocala RV Camp Resort

    Nice RV Park

    Easy access to I 75 Has nice pond with wildlife , cabins to rent and all services . Friendly staff and dog park.

  • Malaney H.
    Apr. 3, 2018

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    There is a lot to do!

    This park is full of great adventures. If you like to hike, there are a bunch of different trails to walk and they run alongside the river. You may even have the opportunity to catch site of some alligators as this river is very populated with them. There is also a cute shop and cafe so if your not feeling up to cooking, you can head there. At the shop you have the opportunity to swim in the pool, rent kayaks, canoes, and bikes. I also love that they are pet friendly. I take my dog everywhere (and sometimes my cat) and they enjoyed the trails just as much as I did!

  • Josh W.
    Feb. 10, 2020

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    Can we live here forever?

    Loved 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.

  • T S.
    Mar. 7, 2022

    Lazydays RV Resort

    Very nice campground

    This campground was adequate and very close to I-4. Sites are accommodating and clean. Pool and restaurant on site. If you have a dog they have a couple of dog parks on site buy I would recommend sites 36, 37 or 38. Large grass area for your own private dog area.


Guide to Bushnell

Dispersed camping options surround Bushnell, Florida, situated in Sumter County where elevations range from 45-75 feet above sea level. The region features a subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Many campgrounds throughout the Withlacoochee State Forest system provide access to over 157,000 acres of mixed pine flatwoods and hardwood forest.

What to do

Kayaking the Withlacoochee River: Access the river directly from River Junction Campground where paddlers can launch from water-accessible sites. "Very cool little place for primitive camping. All the sites are cut out so that you have some privacy from the neighboring sites. There are a couple of sites that you can't reserve, first come first serve, pay in cash at the iron ranger. Site 1 is that way and you could paddle into it. 14 and 16 can be reserved and also paddled into," notes a camper at River Junction Campground.

Hiking nature trails: Explore the 2-mile loop at Hog Island Recreation Area connected to the Florida National Scenic Trail. "We love it! It's close to us. Bring canoe or kayak and fishing pole. Pretty quiet although you can hear some traffic. Get up early in the morning and take walk and you are sure to see some deer," reports a visitor to Hog Island Campground.

Mountain biking: Ride through extensive trail systems near Holder Mine Campground with designated paths for various skill levels. "Lots of (walking only) trails but my favorite, the seemingly endless off roading sandy Jeep trails throughout this forest state park - lovely!" shares one camper.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural screening at Crooked River Campground. "My boyfriend and I just camped here for 4 days. Weekends have a different vibe on the weekdays it's quiet. Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by," writes a reviewer at Crooked River Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning offers the best wildlife sightings according to regulars. "We enjoyed our stay out there at river junction campground. We enjoyed the water and the trails in the area. The day time nature is great. Then at night we got to hear different creatures of the night," mentions a camper.

Clean facilities: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Bushnell maintain clean restrooms and shower facilities. A Lake Panasoffkee visitor writes: "This place was PERFECT. There was a big open field where basically all equestrian campers parked at since it was near the horse stalls. The bathrooms have flush toilets and running water. There is non-potable water spigots throughout the campground."

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others offer walk-up sites. At Lake Panasoffkee, "You need a permit, but it's free," notes a regular camper. Other parks use ReserveAmerica or have on-site payment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bushnell, FL is Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 329 dog-friendly camping locations near Bushnell, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.