Bay Bayou RV Resort features two pet-friendly dog parks and multiple doggy bag stations throughout the property. Campers can bring dogs of all sizes and breeds to this well-maintained Tampa campground that specializes in RV accommodations with full hookups. The immaculate grounds provide ample space for pet exercise, with designated waste disposal areas strategically placed for convenience. Sites at Clearwater-Lake Tarpon KOA also welcome pets, offering spacious tent sites, RV hookups, and pet-friendly cabin options. The dog park at this KOA is adequate for most pets to enjoy some off-leash time. Bathhouses remain exceptionally clean at both locations, important for campers returning from outdoor adventures with their four-legged companions.
Hiking trails at nearby Upper Tampa Bay Park provide excellent dog walking opportunities within minutes of Bay Bayou Resort. The park's floating dock and bayou access create additional recreation options for water-loving dogs. Caladesi RV Park offers proximity to the Pinellas Trail for longer dog walks and quick access to Honeymoon Island State Park, which has designated pet-friendly areas. Sand fleas can be problematic at some campgrounds in the region, particularly at Caladesi RV Park, so bringing appropriate pet-safe insect repellent is advisable. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash rules when outside designated dog areas. Several nearby veterinary clinics service the Oldsmar area for emergency pet care, and pet supply stores can be found within a 10-15 minute drive from most camping locations.
$45 - $75 / night
"It is pet friendly and everyone seems to clean up after their pets. The pool is clean and clear and that works for me."
"The beach is a 5 minute drive and pet friendly! The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on. I will definitely come back to this campground."
$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."
"Wanting to be close to them I opted for one of the small tent sites at the end of the park where I car camped in my Subaru Outback."
"Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets."
$25 / night
"The dog park was adequate and my dog enjoyed it. I probably wouldn't stay here again just cause of the price and road noise. We camped at Clearwater/ Lake Tarpon KOA Holiday in a Fifth Wheel."
"Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks. Right on the bayou with a kayak launch and docks for fishing and relaxing. We like it so much that we made it our home base for our travels."
"There’s a place to fish, a place to chill on the dock and not fish, trees are everywhere and lots of random wildlife roaming around. Staff has been super friendly too."
$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."
$24 / night
"Next to honeymoon island state park and just south of anclote Boat camping ONLY — tents/Rvs are not permitted.
First come/first serve boat slips, pet friendly (yay for dogs)"
"One of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. It's around 650 acres with tons of boardwalks and hiking."
"It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."
"They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well. "
"Off a very busy road hidden behind a hotel and a restaurant. Very clean and tidy park with RV sites and park models. Huge laundry room and very nice bath houses. Customer service is good."
"Best location for moving around the area. Use Drew not Gulf to Bay to move across the city. Great customer service Suzy and the crew are very helpful. "
"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!"
ScoutBeautiful 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.
LegendOne 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.
GuideStayed 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideLithia 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!
GuideSites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.
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:
GuideNice place to stay in Palmetto. I just moved into my RV and this was my very first camping stop so I had TONS of questions and needed quite a bit of help. The staff were super friendly and the neighbors were extremely helpful in showing me how to get everything set up. They have a nice pool and laundry facilities - would recommend coming with a separate vehicle as there's not much within walking distance, but it's only a short drive to Tampa, St. Pete, and the Sarasota/Bradenton area. They also have a nice size, fenced-in dog park with a dog walking path, so bring your furry friends!
GuideThis 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!
Camping options near Oldsmar, Florida extend from coastal sites with water access to inland parks with varied terrain and trails. The area typically experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F, while summer humidity levels often exceed 80% with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations under 50 feet above sea level, creating relatively flat, accessible terrain for campers of all experience levels.
Explore local trails: Upper Tampa Bay Park provides multiple nature trails that showcase Florida's diverse ecosystems. At Fort De Soto Campground, campers can experience "Great bike trails. There are three loops one for guests with pets. BRING YOUR RABIES VACCINE PAPERS!" as David G. notes. The park's extensive trail system connects beach areas to wooded sections.
Water activities: Double-check boat and kayak access options before arrival, as facilities vary widely. The Lake Park area offers canoe rentals and fishing opportunities. According to Christy C., "So much to do here.....camp, BMX, canoe, fish, RC cars, horseback riding and more." Many water access points require small fees ($2-5) for day use.
Outdoor sports: Several campgrounds maintain recreational facilities beyond standard amenities. "The 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!" describes Robin M. about Lake Park's unique offerings that appeal to active campers.
Beach proximity: Most campers appreciate the short driving distance to Gulf beaches. "The beach is a 5 minute drive and pet friendly! The Pinellas bike trail is also located right behind the park and easy to get on," shares Diana M. about her stay at Caladesi RV Park. Local beaches typically allow leashed pets during designated hours.
Clean facilities: Consistently maintained bathhouses and common areas receive frequent mention in positive reviews. Lloyd G. notes, "Bathhouses are air-conditioned and clean so is the laundry room also has a coin machine. We were able to pull in with no issues level and clean site." These well-kept facilities make extended stays more comfortable during hot weather.
Water views: Waterfront sites command premium rates but offer direct access to bays and waterways. At St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, "Located on the water. Lots to do. Great for kids & pets," according to Virginia D. Sites with water views typically cost 15-25% more than standard interior sites.
Site spacing varies: Many campgrounds pack sites close together, especially during peak winter season. "Sites are smashed together and no privacy. Some sites back up to the mangroves which is nice but that's about it," explains Angela M. about certain camping areas. Request specific site numbers when making reservations if privacy matters.
Weather considerations: Florida's summer brings intense heat and frequent afternoon storms. "During the rainy season, half of the park is closed off due to the road being flooded," George M. warns about certain areas. Always check seasonal weather patterns when planning trips between June and September.
Reservation windows: The most desirable sites book quickly, especially during winter months. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, campers need to plan ahead. "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north. Being a Floridian, we've experienced FL's state parks and found them to offer privacy between sites," explains Rick G. about securing reservations.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic, especially near water. "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," Jake H. advises about Hillsborough River State Park. Pack insect repellent with at least 25% DEET for adults and child-safe options for younger campers.
Pool access: During hot months, swimming pools provide welcome relief. Jess S. mentions, "Kids loved the pool, but playground needs updating" at Clearwater RV Resort. Many campground pools maintain seasonal hours, often closing by 8 pm, so plan afternoon activities accordingly.
Playground options: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer playground equipment, though quality varies. "Lake Rodgers trail and campsites are beautiful and well kept up. The 3 trails (upper, mid, and lower) make it nice to walk thru different terrains," notes Marquee M. about one park's family-friendly layout. Most playgrounds lack shade, so morning or evening use is recommended.
Hookup quality: Full-service sites provide reliable utilities, but quality varies between campgrounds. At Bay Bayou RV Resort, "Immaculate grounds, clean and modern bath houses, three laundry rooms. Very dog friendly with doggy bag stations and dog parks," reports Mary G. Most sites offer 30/50 amp service, though 50 amp connections may require additional fees.
Road noise: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. "This park was okay, but we were at the front and the road noise was bad. Lots of sirens and traffic. It was noticeably quieter at the back of the campground," explains Tina about Clearwater/Lake Tarpon KOA. Request interior sites when making reservations to minimize road noise.
Site surfaces: Different campgrounds use various surface materials that affect leveling and comfort. "The sites have space. They are not on top of each other. The lots, bathrooms and laundry room are all kept clean and well stocked," notes Gina D. about site conditions. Many sites use crushed shells or sand, which can track into RVs, so bring outdoor mats and extra floor coverings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Oldsmar, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Oldsmar, FL is Caladesi RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 18 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 178 dog-friendly camping locations near Oldsmar, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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