Blue Spring State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites provide private, secluded camping surrounded by substantial Florida vegetation. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near DeLand offer full hookups with water and electric connections, including Highland Park Fish Camp, Hontoon Island State Park, and Lake Monroe Park. Each site typically includes a picnic table and fire ring, with pets allowed throughout the designated camping areas. The campgrounds keep bathroom facilities clean with hot showers available. During winter months, Blue Spring State Park becomes a manatee viewing area where camping guarantees park access even when day visitor capacity is reached. Sites at Sand Pine Campground inside Blue Spring State Park offer privacy and intimacy with thick vegetation between campsites, creating a sense of solitude despite being in a larger campground.
Hontoon Island State Park requires transportation via free ferry with all camping supplies carried in wheelbarrows provided by park services. Dogs must remain leashed at all campgrounds with most having designated pet walking areas. Nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking with dogs, though wildlife including alligators and bears can be encountered in the St. Johns River area. Highland Park Fish Camp offers a catch-and-release pond well-stocked for fishing, popular with families bringing pets. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with designated dump stations throughout making disposal of trash accessible. Campers should note that train tracks near Blue Spring State Park can create noise disturbance during overnight stays. Local restaurants like Rincon del Sabor, Blue Springs Pizza, and Taste of Soul provide dining options when campers need a break from cooking at their pet-friendly sites.
$24 - $95 / night
"This campground was awesome for a weekend away with the family and dogs. It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you."
"There’s a parking lot directly adjacent to the launch and you can either rent kayaks or bring your own."
$38 - $70 / night
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"We found this campground while looking for a stealth spot near some springs and it was getting late and we had our car and our dog so just came here."
$24 / night
"Caverns are beautiful under the water but it is constantly crowded around. Pets need to be put on a leash. Horses are permitted. Many opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking."
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
$38 / night
"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
$15 / night
"Had water and electric hook up and the near by walking trail was absolutely awesome. The staff could not have been more helpful. Next time I’m visiting family in Florida, I will definitely stay here"
"Small grounds, beautiful lake that allows fishing and boating. Sites are very close to each other, good for making friends, not good if you like your privacy. Drive up right next to your site."
$24 / night
"There are a couple of small trails right in the campground to see the Halifax River, but to have better views and water access you can walk or drive down near the trading post/picnic area."
"From the initial encounter with the ranger at the entrance to the staff running the camp store everyone was super-chill. Campground was well maintained and our neighbors were all well behaved."
$40 - $73 / night
"There is a dog park, cafe, food trucks on Sat. Great place for families. There was a strong sulfur smell around our site. Not sure where that was coming from"
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
"No dogs allowed (except Service Animals). Really like it here."
"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
$25 - $32 / night
"This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."
"Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."
TravelerPricey 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.
LegendIt’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!
TravelerThis campground was awesome for a weekend away with the family and dogs. It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water. Pet friendly and clean bathrooms with a small walking path for the pups. Been to better but a great weekend away!
TravelerTHIS quaint little park is so delightful. With so many gorgeous water birds and trees. The park sits off the Indian River and is the perfect place to catch a launch. The are also very dog friendly and have a dog park. The dock is also the perfect place to catch some redfish or snook. Had a wonderful time in this tucked away little spot.
GuideLoved 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.
GuideGreat location to walk down to the pier and watch the rockets launch from the space center. Nice swimming pool, store and laundry 3 on site. Ice big camp sites with lots of shade. Dog park and showers. Fish from the pier and small boat launch from park.
GuideStayed here one night while returning from the FL Keys. Awesome place to overnight. Spacious pull through sites. They have a small fenced dog park which was great to let the dogs stretch their legs after traveling all day. The campground has plenty of space to walk the dogs.
Staff was great because we called during the days while traveling north and had a site waiting when we arrived after hours.
The only downside is that it is right behind a Pilot Travel center so there is noise from parked tractor trailers but I still slept fine.
LegendThis place is gargantuan and has so many roads and alleyways that I got lost navigating the place at least a couple of times. And just when I thought that I seen all of Southern Palms RV Resort, upon exiting the place, I realized that there was even more of Southern Palms right across the street where the expansive RV parking lot continued.
Located on the outskirts of Eustis here in the Sunshine State, this place has just about everything you could be looking for – from parks, shuffle boards, evening themed dancing and lakes to bike paths, swimming pools and bocce ball. But wait, there’s more… there’s also: clubhouse/ lounge for large group gatherings, whirlpool / spa / jacuzzi for those late night relaxing moments, fitness center to get your workout in, showers / restrooms that are just decent, ballroom for those evening dance parties, WiFi that is pretty superb, basic and expanded TV cable packages, picnic tables galore, BBQ grilles as far as the eye can see, the whole place is pet friendly, a horseshoe pit (where Joey is the local hero), mail center, game room complete with billiards table, a dog park that is always jam packed with man’s best friend as well as a laundr-O-mat (bring your quarters!) an extensive library (without its own Dewey decimal system) … and the list goes on, but I will end here.
Downside to this place is that, well, it’s a mega mall of RV’s, campers and semi-permanent, yet mobile housing solutions, and there’s a lot more people and accommodations than there is really space for, so it is quite overcrowded and you will definitely hear your neighbors at all times of the day, in addition to all of the scootering traffic going by your ‘campsite’ whether day or night. So if you are simply looking for a place to stay for the night enroute to somewhere else, this is not a bad place, but given the overpopulation and the fact that every single amenity offered, while great for some, makes me feel like I just left home to go somewhere else where they have everything that I just left at home.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few… First, if you are looking for a great meal and something out of the ordinary, head on over to The Dam Smoker and you will discover some pretty outrageous BBQ, which you can order and eat there (or order by the pound and go find a nice lakeside bench to enjoy) albeit in some very modest settings. Second, if you’d like to escape your asphalt slab for a nice slice of nature, then head over to Long Leaf Pine Trail, which has a decent hike, or check out the wildlife at Hidden Waters Preserve, both of which are near Lake Joanna.
Happy Camping!
ScoutProfessionally operated. Staff is fantastic! Amenities are great. Big dog park. New laundry room.
Camping near DeLand offers access to the St. Johns River basin ecosystem with elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures range from 40-70°F, creating ideal camping conditions from November through March. Summer months bring higher humidity with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September.
Kayaking the St. Johns River: Access the river from Alexander Springs Recreation Area where "the spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too." Launch your own kayak for a $5 fee or rent equipment onsite.
Wildlife observation: Clearwater Lake Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities around its pristine lake. One camper noted, "Campground is quiet and sites are HUGE. We were able to find a very nice hammock friendly site near the water. Easy access to all the ONF has to offer."
Hiking interconnected trails: Many campgrounds connect to the Florida Trail system. As one camper at Alexander Springs mentioned, "If you go out and across the street you can hook up to the Florida Trail and do some hiking - we hiked about 10 miles and while flat and not hard it was still nice and some great changes in scenery."
Off-season manatee viewing: Winter camping provides guaranteed access to Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground even during peak manatee season. "Really nice campground with all the amenities, showers, water, and power hookups for rv's, or in my case to charge my phone and camera," reports one visitor who recommends booking well in advance.
Well-maintained shower facilities: Multiple campers note the quality of bathhouses in the region. At Lake Monroe Park, one visitor remarked, "Restroom and shower pretty clean. The place and staff get a big thumbs up."
Spacious campsites: Despite Florida's reputation for tight campgrounds, several parks offer generous spacing. A Clearwater Lake camper shared: "Campground is quiet and sites are HUGE. We were able to find a very nice hammock friendly site near the water."
Advance reservations critical: Dog friendly campgrounds near DeLand book quickly, especially in winter months. One visitor to Wekiwa Springs advised, "Book well in advance" as the campground fills completely during peak season.
Noise considerations: Train tracks and industrial facilities affect some camping areas. A Lake Monroe Park visitor noted: "It's close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter."
Ferry requirements: Hontoon Island State Park Campground requires special logistics. "All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provided by the parks services," explains one visitor. The island is accessible only via free ferry or personal watercraft.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and alligators are present throughout the region. One Alexander Springs camper warned, "Be careful of ticks and alligators if you have your dog!!"
Free fishing opportunities: Highland Park Fish Camp provides a no-cost option for young anglers. "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish," notes a regular visitor.
Off-peak swimming: Arrive early for the best swimming experience. One Wekiwa Springs visitor advised: "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity."
Pet-friendly trail selection: For pet-friendly camping near DeLand, choose trails carefully. Alexander Springs offers dog-friendly paths but requires awareness: "If you go out and across the street you can hook up to the Florida Trail and do some hiking... Be careful of ticks and alligators if you have your dog!!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. Lake Monroe Park includes "a playground" that kids enjoy, while Hontoon Island State Park has "a great playground for the kids."
Hookup variations: Electric options vary significantly between parks. Tomoka State Park Campground offers both 30- and 50-amp service. One camper noted their site "had good separation from the neighboring sites and was level."
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully. Some campgrounds like Orange City RV Resort provide full hookups while others like Tomoka State Park offer a dump station "so close we can smell it while sitting outside."
Site selection considerations: Research specific sites before booking. A Tomoka camper mentioned: "The only other issue is our site (#2) has a large oak tree in the middle that prevents us from opening the awning."
Vehicle size limitations: Not all pet-friendly campgrounds near DeLand accommodate large rigs. Hontoon Island presents particular challenges as everything must come over by ferry, making it unsuitable for RVs exceeding certain dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near DeLand, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near DeLand, FL is Blue Spring State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near DeLand, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 231 dog-friendly camping locations near DeLand, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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