Pets are beloved family members, and for many people it's unthinkable to leave a member of the family behind to go on vacation. Florida has many pet-friendly parks, recreation areas and campgrounds available so your favorite furry friend can join you on your next camping adventure.
Pets at State Parks
Well-behaved pets are welcome in all of Florida's state parks. Pets must be confined on a hand-held leash no longer than 6 feet long. Be sure to clean up after your pet, never leave your pet unattended and observe the campground quiet hours. Non-fur pets such as birds, fish and reptiles must be confined and under owner's control at all times. Captive wild species and barnyard animals, except horses, are not allowed in state park campgrounds.
Pets in National Forests
Well-behaved pets are also welcome in the Apalachicola, Ocala, and Osceola national forests. Pets must be restrained or leashed while in developed recreation sites and are not allowed in designated swimming area. Owners must clean up after their pets and must observe camping area quiet hours. Horse owners must be able to provide proof of a negative Coggins test. As a precaution, keep your pet up to date on its vaccines.
Pet-Friendly Fort
While dogs are welcome in most of the parks and campgrounds across Florida, Fort DeSoto Park, located at the southern tip of Pinellas County, caters specifically to dog lovers. Not only are restrained dogs welcome in the campground, but dogs can also run off-leash at the fenced-in dog park or swim in the surf at a section of beach reserved for dogs and their owners. Dogs must be under voice control at all times both in the park and on the beach. The dog park has a water fountain for dogs and showers to spray off the saltwater and sand from the beach.
Horses
Several parks and campgrounds provide amenities for horse lovers, including special trails just for horses and equestrian camping areas. Little Manatee River State Park in Wimauma offer full-facility camping with several site designated for horse. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy riders and their horses can take a two-mile trail ride to a primitive group camping area. The Ocala National Forest located in Lake, Alachua and Marion counties gives horseback riders more than 100 miles of trails to choose from along with secluded, "pack-it-in, pack-it-out camping opportunities." Bring proof of a negative Coggins test with you.
Vaccines
While camping, hiking and exploring the woods, pets can com in contact with many types of wildlife. For your pet's and the native wildlife's protection, be sure to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date. Most campgrounds do not require proof of vaccination, except for horses, but having your pets vaccination records handy could save you time at the vet's office if something unforeseen happens.
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