Dogs and camping go together like peanut butter and jelly. Well, more like classic graham crackers, chocolate, and marshmallows. But you get the idea!
And as the number of people who own dogs continues to grow, so does the number of campgrounds opening their doors to four-legged guests. Florida, in particular, is known for being a very dog-friendly state.
In fact, there are many places where you can camp with dogs in Florida! But I’ve narrowed down the options and come up with what I think are the eight best dog-friendly camping destinations in this state!
Read More:
Where Can You Camp With Dogs in Florida?
Big Flats Campground, Myakka River State Park
The Myakka River State Park is located in Sarasota County and boasts 37,000 acres, making it the largest state park in Florida. It is also known for its canopy walkway built in 2000 and is the very first treetop trail in North America.
Big Flats Campground is one of the three campgrounds in this park, dirt-based, and is near the banks of Upper Myakka Lake. It is a very wooded campground with plenty of shade and is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and viewing alligators.
There are 24 campsites at Big Flats, and all sites come with water and 50-amp hookups, a fire ring, and a picnic table.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Dispersed
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $5-$77
- Address: Myakka State Park Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240
Grayton Beach State Park Campground
If you are into water recreational activities, consider camping out at Grayton Beach State Park Campground. Located in Walton County, this state park is known for its gorgeous beachfront and pristine emerald green waters.
This campground opens all year round and has 59 campsites, with each site offering electrical and water hookups and some with sewer hookups. And the maximum RV length allowed is 40 feet.
While there’s a 4.5-mile trail for hiking and bicycling that takes you through the park’s beautiful pine flatwoods, the best thing to do there is probably sunbathing, swimming, and paddling on the 100-acre coastal dune lake.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Cabin
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $30-$130
- Address: Main Park Rd, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459
Read More: How to Go Boating With Your Dog
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Hillsborough River State Park is one of the oldest state parks in Florida, covering 3,383 acres. It is famous because of its beautiful scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, and proximity to the river (unique class II rapids) and the city of Tampa.
There are 112 campsites at this campground. Most sites have electricity for RV and tent camping, and each is equipped with water, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Laundry facilities and hot showers are also available. Prefer hammock camping? You can do that, too, although only sites 41, 61, 68, 70, 110, and 111 allow that.
The trails are approximately 7.3 miles long, allowing you to take your furry family member to go running or hiking with you through a beautiful hardwood hammock.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Group
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $5-$31
- Address: Thonotosassa, FL 33592, United States
Read More: Top Dog Breeds for Cross-Country Running
Anastasia State Park Campground
You can never go wrong with a campground located right next to a beautiful, wide beach, and that’s what you will get exactly at Anastasia State Park Campground.
Located in St. Augustine., this campground is known for its pristine and unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, and ancient sand dunes. You’ll also get to enjoy bike rides, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
There are 139 campsites at this state park. They all are located within the maritime hammock and are within a short distance of the beach. Each site comes with electricity, water, a fire ring, a picnic table, and an in-ground grill. This campground also contains four bathhouses that have showers, hot water, washers, and dryers.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Group/ Cabin
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $35
- Address: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Highlands Hammock State Park Campground
With beautiful hydric hammocks, various wildlife, including black bears, and rare and endangered species like gopher tortoises and Florida panthers, Highlands Hammock State Park Campground offers its guests a unique camping experience.
There’s also an elevated boardwalk that meanders through the cypress swamp filled with centuries-old live oaks, towering cabbage palms, bromeliads, epiphytes, and ferns, giving you one-of-a-kind and unique views.
Regardless of whether you are a tent camper or RVer, you’ll have everything you need for a successful getaway. Water and electric hookups, shower facilities, laundry, a dump station, you name it! With so much to offer, it’s no surprise that this state park is one of the most popular among campers.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Dispersed/ Group
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $18-$29
- Address: 5931 Hammock Rd, Sebring, FL 33872, United States
Read More: What to do When Encountering a Black/ Grizzly Bear While Camping and Hiking
Fort De Soto Park Campground
Are you a history buff? If so, you’ll love Fort De Soto Park. It is known for its abundance of history! From first being the inhabitants of the Tocobaga Indians to being used as a blockade, then becoming coastal defense batteries and military training ground during the Civil War and World War II, this park has some of Florida’s most fascinating history.
Fort De Soto Park Campground contains 236 campsites with water and 30-50 amp electrical hookups and can accommodate RVs up to 16 feet long. While that isn’t too big, RVers don’t have to sacrifice comfort to camp here. They also have modern showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations on-site to make camping more convenient.
Your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out on any of the fun! There’s a dog park called The Paw Playground designed explicitly for dogs, where your canine is allowed on the beach, and more importantly, they can run wild because the area is off-leash!
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Dispersed/ Group
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $37-$48
- Address: 2528, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715
Read More: Dog Park Safety Tips
Fort Pickens Campground, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Stunning ocean views, beautiful white beaches, fertile marshes, and historical landscapes put Fort Pickens Campground on my list.
This campground is perfect for those who like to be surrounded by nature. There are trails where you can go walking, biking, hiking, and running with your dog and provide them with the outdoor exercise they need to stay happy and healthy.
The scenery alone will take your breath away! Watching dolphins and sea turtles swim in front of you as the sun sets over the ocean and birds fly above you sounds like paradise and a perfect day. If this doesn’t, I don’t know what does!
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Group
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $20-$40
- Address: 1463 Fort Pickens Rd, Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Bradenton/ Hunsader Farms KOA Campground
If you’ve ever been to a KOA campground, then you know that they are the most family-friendly campgrounds. The Hunsader Farms KOA Campground is no different!
With bumper pools, horseshoes, and obstacle courses for the kids, adults will have just as much fun hanging out at this place as their kids. Plus, Hunsader Farms has its own petting zoo where you can see over 30 species of animals, from goats, ponies, sheep, pigs to bison, kangaroos, and emus.
They also have a large fenced dog park (Camp K9) where your dog can go off-leash, get some much-needed exercise, play with other dogs, or just lounge around.
- Type: Tent/ RV/ Cabin
- Reservation: Yes
- Cost: $70 on average
- Address: 5500 Co Rd 675, Bradenton, FL 34211
