Known for an abundance of public campgrounds, Florida welcomes campers with their dogs in all state parks and most private ones. There are dog-friendly campgrounds all across the state, in northern, central and southern Florida. Before you plan your Florida camping trip with Fido, review the state's pet guidelines and safety tips.
State Guidelines
Florida maintains rules for camping with animals in the state's parks. These rules, which you can find at the Florida State Parks website, include a requirement that animals visiting state parks be vaccinated for rabies, although you are not required to show proof, and that owners manage pets on 6-foot leashes everywhere in a park. You cannot tie your pet to a tree or table, or leave it unattended for any period of time. Florida maintains quiet hours in its state parks from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m., and all animals must be confined in camping tents or RVs during these hours.
Pet Safety
The Florida State Parks website, in Resources, also offers tips for keeping pets safe in the heat. Keep your pet cool even in winter, when temperatures can still be very warm. Carry enough water for your dog when you go hiking or exploring. And never leave your dog in a parked car, even with windows open.
Northern Florida
Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine allows pets on the half-mile nature trail and along an old quarry walkway, but animals are banned from beach, cabin, playground and other areas. Your pet must be on a 6-foot leash at all times and inside your tent or camper from 11 p.m. to 8 a.m. At Manatee Springs State Park in Chiefland, well-behaved dogs current on vaccinations are welcome for no additional fee. The park requires 6-foot leashes, and dogs are allowed in camping, tent and dog-walk areas. Animals may not visit beaches, boardwalks, foodservice, playground or swimming areas of the park.
Central Florida
Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is 12 miles northwest of Orlando outside the city of Apopka, welcomes dogs but prohibits them from playing on beaches or playgrounds or from visiting swimming and food service areas. There are no pet fees, and all camping, tent and dog-walk areas permit leashed dogs. If you're looking to combine a little Disney fun with your camping vacation, Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground at Lake Buena Vista permits dogs in RVs for a fee of $5 per night; proof of current vaccinations is required. You cannot leave your dog alone in your RV without air conditioning, but you can board your dog in the park's kennel so you can visit the theme park.
Southern Florida
Sebring is home of the Highlands Hammock State Park, where well-behaved dogs are welcome with no pet fee. Like other parks, Highlands Hammock requires current vaccinations, 6-foot leashes and prompt cleanup of pet waste. Dogs can enjoy the dog walk and all camping and tent areas, but animals are banned from some areas, including playgrounds and boardwalks. Managers warn pet owners that the wetland areas sometimes harbor alligators.
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