Little Manatee River State Park Campground provides pet-friendly camping with water and electric hookups. The campground features spacious sites with partial shade and clean restrooms with showers. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park, including on the hiking trails. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Wimauma, Florida. Both tent campers and RV owners can enjoy the peaceful setting with good privacy between sites. Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River also welcomes pets at their campground, offering a dog park for off-leash exercise. This campground provides various accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabins that accept dogs.
The hiking trails along Little Manatee River offer excellent opportunities for walking dogs, with a 7-mile loop trail accessible from the main campground area. Wildlife sightings including turtles, rabbits, and deer are common throughout the park. Pet owners should note that the summer months can be particularly hot, making early morning or evening walks more comfortable for dogs. The campground area at Little Manatee River State Park is located 2 miles from the main road, creating a quiet environment ideal for pets sensitive to noise. Many sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, and the clean bathhouse facilities are conveniently located near camping areas. Campers report seeing a resident peacock named Elvis that frequents the Canoe Outpost campground area.
$22 / night
"Pet friendly and there is a trailhead about a half a mile outside of the campground. We didnt see a single person in this 7 mile loop hike and were very pleased with that."
"A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."
$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."
$24 - $109 / night
"Beautiful scenery and trails. Canoe and kayak outpost. The Outpost peacock named Elvis hung around with us! Dog park for my pup was fantastic and well maintained."
"It’s also located right off the highway, so you get all the noise. All day and all night. Now, for canoe and kayak trips, I guess it’s a good spot. There’s a lot of folk that come just for that."
$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."
$22 / night
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
$22 / night
"Was bordered by the camp road and the bike/walking path so often noisy with no sense of privacy. Bad mosquitoes, but to be expected."
"The sites are private and there’s playground and a beautiful lake for boating/ no swimming! Nice walking paths, dog friendly."
$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"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."
"There’s a small dog beach and two dog parks. Laundry facilities are centrally located. Cable is included."
"Close to a small beach and marina with a restaurant walking distance. Several dog parks but muddy/dirt. Laundry available for fee. Bath houses clean and large. Good amenities on base."
$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."
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.
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!
LegendIn Palmetto, easy access to Tampa, Sarasota, Gulf Beaches, and many other areas of Florida in a few hours driving distance.
Pet-friendly.
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!
Little Manatee River State Park and surrounding areas offer distinct camping experiences throughout the year. Summer months reach highs of 90°F with regular afternoon thunderstorms, while winter provides mild temperatures averaging 70°F during daytime. The region sits at a modest elevation of under 100 feet above sea level, with terrain characterized by oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, and scrub communities surrounding the blackwater river.
Paddle the blackwater river: Little Manatee River State Park provides excellent canoeing opportunities. "Great place to take horses camping," notes camper Donna H., highlighting the park's equestrian-friendly amenities. The river offers a gentle current suitable for novice paddlers.
Mountain biking trails: Alafia River State Park Campground features dedicated mountain biking paths for various skill levels. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," writes Jennifer T.
Swimming in natural springs: Lithia Springs Conservation Park maintains a spring-fed swimming area with consistent 72°F water year-round. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" shares Holy O. The swimming area requires a $2 per person fee and provides a refreshing alternative to saltwater beaches.
Natural site separation: Campers appreciate the vegetation between sites at Fort De Soto Campground. "Very private spots lots of trees. Lots of bugs in the summer time," notes Ralph B. The park's layout provides decent privacy despite popularity.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of tons of Birds!" reports Brennan H. Early mornings prove best for wildlife spotting along waterfront sites.
Clean facilities: Lithia Springs receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Beautiful location with plenty of things to do. A natural Spring, with a large playground area and nice bathroom/shower facilities," comments Tom R., reflecting the park's attention to cleanliness.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums present challenges, especially near water. "CONS: right next to a highway/large road with TONS of traffic noise. A fair amount of trash scattered around the campground, and a portapotty right on our site," reports Kathy L. about Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River.
Reservations: Most state parks accept reservations up to 11 months in advance, while county parks like E.G. Simmons Regional Park operate on first-come, first-served basis. "First come (no reservations) with 14 day stay limit. We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," explains Bran P.
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings intense heat and afternoon storms. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," warns AJ G.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain playgrounds for younger visitors. "There is a playground for children," notes Judy B. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park. Families should plan morning activities before afternoon heat intensifies.
Water safety: Lake Manatee State Park Campground provides lake swimming opportunities but requires vigilance. "The lake was fine to swim. Very far from the beaches on Bradenton, 40 min at noon. It was so hot because not too much nature," shares Diana M., highlighting the temperature considerations.
Activity planning: Structured activities help manage children's engagement. "Canoe Outpost Little Manatee River provides excellent kayaking for families. "We stopped in to rent kayaks not realizing that they also had sites for camping and RVs. We enjoyed our 3 hour kayak trip and then they very kindly found us a spot to stay for the night," explains Jolie H.
Site selection: Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers varied RV accommodations. "Campsites were nice. Lots to do. Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," notes Bryan, though some sites lack adequate shade.
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups exist at most area campgrounds, with limited full-hookup options. "There are three loops, and we were in the 1-86 loop. There are no pets and no RV's allowed, which was perfect for us. Most of the outer side of the loop has some sort of water," explains Joe R. about Fort De Soto.
Level sites: Most campgrounds maintain reasonably level pads. "Shower and facilities clean. Well kept park, level pads. No sewer or 50amp, but great anyways," reports Kevin H. about Lake Manatee State Park, emphasizing the importance of stabilization equipment for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wimauma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wimauma, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wimauma, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 197 dog-friendly camping locations near Wimauma, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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