Central Florida, also known as Greater Orlando, offers a variety of campgrounds for owners and their pets. Within Central Florida you can find a dozen pet-welcoming facilities in and outside such cities as Apopka, Davenport, Lake Buena Vista and Orange City, according to Dogfriendly.com. Florida's pet camping rules apply to all animal visitors, and different campgrounds have their own regulations regarding pet management while on site.
State Rules
Florida State Parks maintains a list of pet camping rules at its website that includes requirements for rabies vaccinations, although owners are not required to show proof of those vaccinations at all facilities, as well as keeping pets on 6-foot leashes at all times. Pets cannot be tied to trees, benches, tables or other objects at any time. Owners must clean up after pets promptly, and animals must be confined within the campers' facilities from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. These rules apply to all Florida state campgrounds, including those in Greater Orlando.
Florida pet camping rules apply to dogs and cats, as well as horses, birds, reptiles and fish. Wild species and farm animals are prohibited in state parks. Most rules apply specifically to dogs.
Apopka
Outside the city of Apopka, about 20 miles northwest of Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park welcomes dogs but prohibits them from visiting beaches, playgrounds, swimming areas and food-service areas. All camping and tent areas allow dogs on leash, and Wekiwa offers a dog-walk area. No pet fees are required.
Davenport
Florida Camp Inn, outside Davenport, admits dogs of all sizes, but this park imposes some breed restrictions. The dog walk area and all camping and tent areas allow dogs, and you do not have to pay any fees to bring your pets. Davenport lies roughly 30 miles south of Orlando.
Lake Buena Vista
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground offers 784 campsites as well as an off-leash dog park. The campground requires a $5 per-pet nightly fee as of 2010, and you must provide proof of current vaccinations. For safety's sake, pets are not allowed in tents or vehicles without air conditioning. In addition, kennel services allow campers to take some time to visit Disney properties that do not admit dogs.
Orange City
Located on St. Johns River in Orange City, Blue Spring State Park allows dogs that are current on vaccinations, and this park requires proof of those vaccinations. Dogs are banned from beaches, swimming areas, playgrounds and food-service areas, and they cannot be left unattended for more than 30 minutes at a time. As a bonus for humans, Blue Spring is a designated manatee refuge; you can spot these sea creatures most often during Florida's winter season.
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