Camping In Florida With Dogs

Rainbow Springs State Park

There is no dearth of dog-friendly springs in Florida and Rainbow Springs State Park is another such option where you can spend a great day with your doggo. The lush green of the park makes for a worthwhile walk and you can relax in the cool springs. You will also find a number of hammocks all around the park. Check out our ultimate guide for hammock camping with dog.

What makes Rainbow Springs State Park the best spring in Florida for dogs is that visitors get to swim in the blue waters of the springs. If youre hanging out with your friends at this park, make sure to do some adventures like snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and camping. This spring features an astounding landscape of Florida and has the fourth-highest flow of spring.

Address: 19158 S.W. 81st Place Road Dunnellon FL 34432

Timings: 8 a.m to Sunset

Fees: $2 for the Headsprings

Tip: You must keep your dog on a 6-foot leash and dogs are not permitted in areas like rivers, headsprings, and swim areas.

Dogs In Florida State Park Campgrounds

Every Florida state park that has RV campgrounds allows dogs in the campground. Every state park will have slightly different rules about allowing pets in other areas of the park, such as on the beaches most parks will give you a copy of those rules when you check in at the campground. Some RV campgrounds have designated dog parks where dogs can run off-leash. There is no fee for bringing dogs into a state park. All dogs must have proof of a current rabies vaccine.

Little Buffalo State Park

Newport, Pennsylvania

If wandering around with your dog, walking through covered bridges, and playing in a creek sound good, this place is for you! This is a small campground, and not many conveniences are nearby, so make sure to have your supplies before arriving. Walk around the lake, take some pictures by a historic mill and walk the trails! The staff here at Little Buffalo State Park were helpful and welcoming of our dogs, and we truly felt relaxed.

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Pet Safety In Florida Campgrounds

RV camp sites in Florida parks — especially those in the state park system — are often integrated close to nature. If your campsite in on freshwater, remember to keep your pet away from the river, particularly at night, since all freshwater in Florida has alligators. Remember, too, that Florida has some of the hottest temperatures in the country and leaving pets in an un-air-conditioned vehicle — even for a few minutes — can result in heatstroke or death. Finally, Florida parks have wildlife ranging from snakes to panthers. While they probably won’t bother you, don’t leave your pet tied out on a leash unless you are right there with him.

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Prevent Barking In Campgrounds

Many campgrounds have policies against leaving pets unattended. These exist because of irresponsible and inconsiderate pet owners.

Anxious dogs can bark non-stop. This ruins the peace and quiet of an entire campground. RV walls are very thin, and they transmit sound. Its extremely unpleasant to be neighbors with a dog who constantly barks.

There are many heartbreaking stories of dogs being left unattended in RVs. When power goes out, dogs are left trapped, and defenseless in a hot RV. When this happens, dogs are subjected to horrible suffering and heat. Like being locked in a car, being locked in an unairconditioned RV is a death sentence.

For these reasons, and more, please be aware of specific rules before arriving at an RV park. Regardless of campground rules, never leave a dog unattended in an RV, if at all possible.

If you must, be sure to take every necessary precaution to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Try to schedule your time away so that you can come back and check on them as soon as possible. If you must be away all day, can you return periodically, or at lunch time? Be a good dog parent, even if it means you experience some inconvenience.

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Pet Kennels And Doggy Daycare

If you must be apart from your pet, take advantage of pet kennels, doggie daycare and pet boarding facilities. If youre uncertain, ask campground management. If dogs are allowed in a campground, you wont be the first guest, or the last, who needs pet-sitting. Campground staff can point you in the right direction.

If a popular destination doesnt allow dogs, theres usually some sort of pet kennel service available nearby. In our travels weve found them outside national parks, and other attractions where needed.

For example, here is how it works at the Kennedy Space Center:

Free kennel service is provided for pets. The kennel operates from 9 am until closing and is indoors and air conditioned. Visitors are encouraged to provide pet food, snacks, toys, blankets and water dishes for comfort. Please show a valid government-issued ID to verify that you are picking up the correct pet. Kennel services cannot be reserved in advance.

The Best Friends Pet Hotel kennel near Disney World looks like it would be a great choice. It has fantastic and affordable options which range from cute to adorable.

Many pet families use services like Rover.com, which pair you with dog and pet-friendly sitters, walkers and other petcare services. And, if youre an animal lover, it might be a great way to help earn money to use towards your own future travels!

Be sure to do everything you can to make your pets stay comfortable. If allowed, supply your pets favorite toys, treats and normal food.

Dog Friendly Swimming Holes: Parks & Camping Locations

set it up

1. Dog Wood Park

Dog Wood Park is a leash-free zone for pups. Thus, they can be let off the leash during your visit here. Let them run around and exercise for a well-adjusted lifestyle. This helps them maintain a strong sense of control. Best of all, there is a big swimming lake for puppies too!

2. Lighthouse Point Park

Nature trails, pavilions, fishing, and swimming await. But, the best part is obviously the lighthouse. Take in a grand sense of history and enjoy some beautiful scenery all at once. Then, take a long hike with your puppy. You never know what a fun hike might encompass. Plus, you wear them out for a long night of restful sleep.

3. Smyrna Dunes Park

Now, the Smyrna Dunes Park is one of the coolest parks. According to the Volusia County website, this park is made of five different ecosystems. This includes a saltwater marsh, a scrub zone, dunes, river, and ocean. Each ecosystem just as fun as the last. Explore new areas with your puppy. You can hop in the water after a long walk to cool down. In some cases, you can even rent a boat to head out onto the water.

4. Myakka River State Park

The Myakka River State Park is the largest state park n Florida. Keep your puppy on a 6-foot leash at the park. Also, check their site for further rules and regulations. Enjoy all types of fishing and boating await you and your family pup.

5. Crystal Isles Campground

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Rovers Rv Park Waldport Oregon

This family-friendly RV park in Waldport, Oregon is a beautiful playground for you and your dog. With lush green spaces along a river, Rovers RV Park offers 32 RV sites not far away lie sandy Pacific ocean beaches where you and your dog can run, play, or relax.

This RV park features a fenced dog park for little dogs and a large off-leash dog area with estuary trails. Human activities include fishing and crabbing. You can read reviews for Rovers RV Park on RV LIFE Campgrounds.

Eureka Springs Conservation Park

Eureka Springs Conservation Park is a beautiful dog-friendly spring in Tampa which has a unique collection of tropical plants. The founder of the park established a fish farm springs and Eureka Springs became the first botanical park of that area.

If youre a nature lover, you will love the wonderful sights of the orchid room and rose garden. Also, make sure to breathe in the fresh air of the springs while strolling around the trails and boardwalks between the cypresses and maples. Dogs are welcomed at this park but must be kept on leash.

Address: 6400 Eureka Springs Rd Tampa, FL 33610

Timings: 8 a.m to 6 p.m

Fees: $2 per vehicle

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Salmon Point Resort And Marina Campbell River Bc Canada

Salmon Point Resort and Marina sits on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This dog-friendly RV park has a dog walk area along the shoreline and easy access to miles of oceanfront trails where you and your dog can play, explore, and relax on the leash optional beach.

While you wont find a dog park at Salmon Point Resort, there is a sandy leash optional beach nearby and 2 fenced off-leash parks within a 10-15 minute drive. Check out the Willow Point Dog Agility Park and Field Of Dogs Private Dog Park.

Human activities include a playground and a pool. There is world-class salmon fishing nearby too. Find out what people are saying about Salmon Point Resort on RV LIFE Campgrounds.

Pet Friendly Rv Parks In Florida

Pet Friendly RV Parks in Florida

• Pet Friendly Beaches in Eastern Florida

Florida is a dog’s paradise: the state has a doggie dining ordinance, dog parks and plenty of pet-friendly campgrounds. For RV campers who love to travel with their pet, that means that not only can you bring your dog — or cat — camping, there’s a pretty good chance that you can bring him with you other places on your Florida vacation.

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Myrtle Beach State Park

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

This campground is so big that its easy to get lost just taking a walk! One of Brickle and Digbys favorite activities are looking at other campers set ups! We cant argue how fun that is too, especially when other campers say hello to them. With an expansive dog friendly beach, the fun never ends at Myrtle Beach State Park!

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is famous for all the manatees that call the place their home. When these gentle giants swim together underwater, it is a sight to behold. Some have even called it a spiritual experience. If you love nature and get excited at the thought of having a positive close encounter with wildlife species, then you absolutely need to visit this state park. You can even stay over at the campground or one of the rental cabins. The campsites are equipped with a picnic table, a ground grill, and a concrete pad. Restrooms are available nearby. Other amenities include a fishing dock, a gift shop, and a concession stand for food. There are a bunch of activities for you to indulge in. These activities are hiking, picnicking, swimming, tubing, snorkeling, paddling, scuba diving, fishing, birding, and boat tours. If you are trying to find a pet friendly campground in Florida, then you can stop looking as Blue Spring State Park happens to be a pet-friendly place. However, you would need to clean up after your dog. Also, you would have to make sure that your little darling is on a leash at all times. Dogs may not be permitted throughout the park. So, be careful to take your dog only to the designated pet-friendly areas.

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Fort Pickens Campground Of Gulf Shores

Pensacola, Florida

Fort Pickens Campground is on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. This is a pristine and protected area, and we felt quite privileged to be able to bring our dogs here. Although they are not allowed on the beach within the campground, there is a dog friendly beach just a short drive outside of the park. The main draw for us here was the history and being able to learn so much with our dogs right by our side. The campground gets booked quickly, so plan ahead, and be sure and reserve a shaded site.

Pet Accidents: Avoiding Embarrassment

Every pet owner knows what pets do when they find irresistible new smells: they mark their territory. This is fine if its outside on a tree its not fine in a vacation rental, hotel lobby, or in a new friends house.

If you take your dog to a pet-friendly place, be sure to keep an eagle-eye on them. Look for the tell-tale body language and any signs theyre about to relieve themselves. Try to stop them before it happens. Be sure to take them to potty before going inside any dog-friendly place, too. All of this applies even to the most well-trained dog.

If your pet has an accident, remember that its your shortcoming as an owner, not theirs. At the same time, dont beat yourself up, too much. If its a dog-friendly place, its not the first time its happened, and it wont be the last. Just apologize appropriately, clean it up thoroughly, and offer to pay for any damage. Most importantly, recognize what went wrong, and commit to doing better next time.

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Glamping Vacations In Florida

Do Florida Rest Areas Allow Dogs

Almost all Florida rest areas allow dogs, but some have specially designated pet areas where you must take your pet.

When this is the case, be sure to read the signs, and follow the rules. Florida rest areas are often staffed and/or patrolled by state troopers and law enforcement.

It can be annoying, but designated pet areas exist for several reasons:

Hygiene: Thousands of people may use a rest area each day. With so many people using a small area, maintenance staff can better maintain hygiene if all pets are kept inside a designated zone.

Safety: The Pet Area may be in a protected area with less vehicle traffic.

Etiquette: Not everybody likes dogs. Some people are afraid of them, or just dont like them. Some are afraid due to bad experiences, or just because thats how they feel. Pet owners should be respectful, and keep pets in the proper zones.

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Keeping Your Dog Clean

When youre a full-timer, keeping an RV becomes a challenge. When you add a dog or pet into the mix, it becomes an unwinnable gauntlet.

Pets especially dogs make it much harder to keep an RV in pristine condition try as you might, pets will take a toll on even the most pristine RV. Pets toe nails will dig into plush, luxurious RV leather.

Dog or cat hair will permeate every nook and cranny. Adorable little paws collect tree sap, dirt, and every other imaginable substance, and smear it into your carpet and living area. Spilled water and food will slosh around your kitchen floor, and kibble will find its way into the darndest of places.

If you want to keep your RV clean while traveling with a dog, or pet, youll need to be ever-vigilant, and have the right tools.

The best advice for keeping a clean RV with pets is to have a regular cleaning regimen. Use a checklist and rotate through chores on a regular schedule. RV owners should be familiar with because you will already have a litany of things to inspect and maintain around your rig.

Make it easy on yourself. Get proper tools which make cleaning jobs easy. This is one of the biggest lessons I have learned over the years: Hard job get delayed easy jobs get done.

The Gulf Islands National Seashore

The Fort Pickens Campground has 200 campsites just near the sparkling beach in Santa Rosa. Youll get a chance to see dolphins and ospreys as you take a walk along the coast. There are hiking and biking trails. You can also have campfires at specific times. Camping in Florida with dogs can be a fun experience if you choose this campsite.

Your pets must always be on a leash except in tents and RVs. They are allowed on hiking trails and campgrounds, though not on beaches. Do not forget to clean up after them when you leave a particular place after walking with your canine companion.

Amenities: Fire ring, portable grill, water and electric hookup, restroom with shower and hot water, and laundry. There is also an amphitheater for recreational purposes.

Address: 1463 Fort Pickens Road, Pensacola Beach, Florida 32561.

Fee: You have to pay an amount of $28 if youre camping in a tent. But if youre camping in your RV, you must pay $40 a night. Your furry companion can enjoy a free stay at this place so that you can experience dog-friendly beach camping in Florida.

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Pets In Other Florida Campgrounds

Every national, city, county and privately run campground in Florida has different rules regarding pets. Most — but not all — municipal campgrounds allow dogs. Some privately run campgrounds either don’t allow pets or charge a pet fee. Call each park individually to ask about their policies. The National Park System does allow pets in most of the RV campgrounds, but in some parks, such as Gulf Islands National Seashore, you won’t be able to bring your dog many other places in the park.