Falling Waters State Park Campground permits pets throughout its 24 sites in Chipley, offering water and electric hookups for both tent and RV campers. The park features Florida's tallest waterfall at 73 feet, which flows into a sinkhole with accessible viewing platforms. Cotton Landing and Blue Spring Recreation Area also welcome pets on leashes at their campgrounds. The campsites at Cotton Landing include individual pavilions, fire rings, grills, and trash cans, making them convenient for pet owners. Restroom facilities are clean with well-ventilated shower stalls, particularly appreciated during COVID concerns. Most sites include some privacy barriers with shrubs between them, creating semi-private camping areas.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds range from short paved paths to longer boardwalks through pine forests and around sinkholes. The waterfall area at Falling Waters is accessible via a combination of dirt paths, boardwalks, and paved sections, allowing even those with mobility concerns to view the falls with their pets. Sand Pond Campground in Pine Log State Forest provides additional pet-friendly options with boat-in access for campers wanting water activities with their dogs. Lakeview Campsites offers access to a large lake where pets can cool off during hot Florida days. Most campgrounds require pets to remain on leashes at all times, and owners should bring waste bags as pet stations may be limited. The swimming areas at several parks provide relief during summer months, though the lakes can get busy during peak season.
$18 / night
"The lookout point is a perfect location to stand and watch the waterfall and take pictures of course! The park offers some great hikes as well."
"Great open field behind volleyball court with fencing all around to burn the dogs’ energy before taking off."
"We just stayed here for the weekend with our two kids and dog and it was so nice. We had a site right in front of the pond and it was not a long walk to the bathroom/shower area."
"Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the beach areas but close enough to enjoy them just the same."
$60 - $120 / night
"Lakeview Campsites have access to a huge lake and several other places to visit nearby. Check them out and share some pictures of your stay!"
$30 - $45 / night
"Cute dog parks, with water for the dogs, and a swing for you to hang out on while you wait for the dogs business to be done. There is a petting zoo with baby goats and piglets here too."
"Open 4 years Very Big Big Rig Friendly with state of the art full hookup 20 30 50 amp level sites 7 back in's 17 pull throughs up to 110 feet 2 large shaded dog parks corral for Horses Family Friendly"
$28 / night
"A little less “outdoor feeling” than other Florida state parks but very comfortable. The park itself is great with an amazing beach."
"Clean and peaceful and beautiful walking trails and easy access to the beach. Beautiful sunsets on the beach."
$45 - $55 / night
"Kerri Very Welcoming and Knowledgeable Very nice level sites w electric water fire ring, picnic table Leah free pet play area!"
"This place is beautiful and very well run, has an off leash play area for pets, free range chickens ( Gave Me 2 free eggs ) Very quiet off main Rd 1/4 Mile. Very quiet restful night..."
$24 - $145 / night
"Little pool, dog park, beach close by, tons of biking, deer, turkeys, birds galore. Highly recommend the Donut Hole for breakfast, brunch or lunch! So good! Service was awesome!"
"Site 81- level; gravel parking pad; 8x30 ft concrete patio; moveable picnic table; partial shade Very nice beach
Hourly tram to the beach
Good bike paths
Very nice Campbell Lake"
"Nice tiny campground in the Florida forest. There are only 3 sites and you must reserve online through the water management district even though it is free."
"Pretty hot during the day - 90s and around 70 at night. But the spring is about a 5 min walk and one can swim whenever. Already made reservations for next year. Beautiful and quiet only 3 sites."
$45 - $50 / night
"A beautiful new pool, hot tub and outside lounge are available. The pool and surrounding area was clean and well kept."
"It is one of our homes away from home. The staff is very friendly, the bathrooms are very clean and the pool/hot tub area is super nice. It's well worth the stay if you're in the area."
ScoutHost was very friendly, and very patriotic. Cute dog parks, with water for the dogs, and a swing for you to hang out on while you wait for the dogs business to be done. There is a petting zoo with baby goats and piglets here too.
TravelerOpen 4 years Very Big Big Rig Friendly with state of the art full hookup 20 30 50 amp level sites 7 back in's 17 pull throughs up to 110 feet 2 large shaded dog parks corral for Horses Family Friendly Pet Friendly Owner Friendly Discounts are Military First Responders Sr (55 and older) Passport America FMCA Escapees $28.per day tax included no restrictions on discounts with Free Firewood Free Wi-fi Free Fishing Free Paddle Boats 45 minutes to local Beaches very clean safe and owner lives in site #1
ScoutI have read a lot of the reviews. I think some of these people had other issues that caused them to give a bad review. Yes, this is known as a cat haven but with people who have dogs should stay in the dog parks, If they don't accept a place that cannot turn a blind eye to cats. This is an RV park and a campground and I'm not sure why people would expect more luxury than the outdoors experience. This is a beautiful getaway away from the ocean but right next door, and people would love this place if they knew the history behind it and maybe honor it a little bit more. The impact from people that don't like this place gives it a bad reputation. Why listen to someone who don't want you to know about the experience? Just want you to know what they think about it. This is a great place and there are a lot of hardworking, honest people. This is not just a campground, people are residents here and have been here a long time, some would even call it home. There's nothing wrong with anything about this place. It is a wonderful place to be.
GuideWe have stayed here several times. We love it! Little pool, dog park, beach close by, tons of biking, deer, turkeys, birds galore. Highly recommend the Donut Hole for breakfast, brunch or lunch! So good! Service was awesome!
GuideVery clean, friendly park. Cement pad sites with all hookups. Easy walk to beach and restaurants. Dog park on site.
ScoutThis is a simple, no frills RV park with full hookups. There are no views of the bay or other scenic views but it is quiet and clean with level concrete pads. It also has one small bath house. The downside is that there are “grass burrs” everywhere in the sparse grassy areas if you want to walk a dog but there is a dog park.
GuideRight off I-10. Stayed 1 night. Owner is so nice. Park is well kept. Nice dog park. Little road noise but not horrible.
ScoutNew convenient campground right off I-10. Level concrete FHU pull-throughs. Bare bones with no other facilities (restrooms, showers, pool, playground or dog park). Really designed just for an overnight
TravelerWe stayed here for two nights/three days of a ten day trip. It was hands-down the nicest of the locations. Clean, concrete pads, excellent location and good wi-fi that was not up-charged. The pool area was nice and clean. Service and staff were excellent/friendly and they escorted us to our site upon arrival. They also have trash pickup at your site daily. We saw a security truck drive through several times and had no problems from our neighbors. The location near the water cannot be beat. We were located near the docks and I was able to launch my paddle board easily. The water was gorgeous and clear on the adjacent spring/pond. Our AT&T cell service was good.
My only(very minor) complaints are that there are very few trees or shaded areas at this location and it would have been nice to have the fire pits included at the site. We did not spend any time sitting outside our camper and we only did about ten minutes in the dog park because of the sun, but then again, it's Florida in July in an area that's still recovering from tornadoes and a major hurricane. And by the time we thought it had cooled off enough to enjoy s'mores in the evening, the office had long since closed so we couldn't rent a fire pit. We have family that we visit often in the area, so we will definitely stay here again! We camped at Florida Caverns RV Resort at Merritt's Mill Pond in a Travel Trailer.
Camping options near Vernon, Florida include both state parks and private campgrounds across Washington and Holmes counties. Campsites in this area range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with elevations typically below 200 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing.
Hiking the forested trails: Pine Log State Forest offers access to natural Florida with three primitive camping sites along Pine Log Creek. "There are only three primitive camping sites out here and they are very secluded. In site 3 we had a great view of the river and easy access to the hiking trails," shares Ben G. from Sand Pond Campground.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Most campgrounds in the area provide fishing opportunities, with some offering dedicated fishing areas. "They have a pond with a fishing dock and a camp host in site 1. I can't say enough good things about this little gem just 15 miles north of PCB," notes camper c S.
Swimming in natural springs: The region features several springs where campers can cool off during hot weather. At Blue Spring Recreation Area, "the spring is about a 5 min walk and one can swim whenever," according to Kathy D., who visited during May when temperatures reached the 90s.
Secluded campsites: Many visitors appreciate the privacy offered at certain campgrounds. Julie P. from Sand Pond Campground explains: "There are 2 different camps in the forest. Sand pond, which has hookups for water and electric, very nice, well maintained and enjoyable. Then there is Primitive camping- absolutely the best way to reconnect with nature."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forests and wetlands around Vernon provide habitat for various animals. "Lots of birds for birdwatching!" mentions Marianne P. about Falling Waters State Park Campground.
Quiet natural settings: The area offers peaceful camping experiences away from urban noise. At Cotton Landing, Gregg G. reports: "Real nice campground that is free by reservation only, book at camplife.com. Three small spots that are ideal for smaller setups or tents. The sites are pretty close together, but each has its own pavilion, fire ring, grill and trash can."
Weather considerations: Summer heat can be intense, and swimming areas provide relief. "We were here for the snow fall. The electric hook up was a saving grace," mentions Michael D. about winter camping at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the area require advance bookings. "Sheriff drove through on our second day and checked our reservation so be sure to make one," warns Laura M. about Blue Spring Recreation Area.
Seasonal concerns: Bug activity increases during warmer months. Laura also notes: "Very quiet but a bit buggy. We had a couple of ticks on us, though not embedded, but they are there and some flying pests as well. Probably worse in late spring and summer."
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with open spaces for play. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, one camper mentions: "We stayed with two small tents in T6, which had some shade but was also adjacent to an open field area, which would be great for kiddos who want room to spread out and play games."
Swimming safety: Natural water features require supervision. Jennifer D. notes about St. Andrews State Park Campground: "This park has waterfalls, which are beautiful, but not very big. The swimming area was very mucky."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe local animals. Matt M. shares: "A special treat for the kids each year is the white tailed deer walking through the sites and the bike ride over to the 'Kiddie Pool' at the jetties."
Site selection: RV spaces vary significantly between campgrounds. Christina from Falling Waters State Park advises: "Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. Stayed 2 nights in 35 foot RV+tow car in 2 different sites at $27/night. This campground was alright, nothing wrong with it, just nothing too exciting."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger vehicles. At Outback Springs RV Resort, Ian R. reports: "There are some nice sites and some really narrow ones. There is enough to do and enough room in the park that the size of your site really doesn't matter in the long run."
Pet friendly amenities: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific facilities. "They have a nice sized enclosed dog run, complete with a bucket of toys and balls, fresh water (continuously filled), and a poop scoop," notes Laura M. about Southern Grace Lavender Farm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Vernon, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Vernon, FL is Falling Waters State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Vernon, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 82 dog-friendly camping locations near Vernon, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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