Camping with a pet can provide countless opportunities for outdoor fitness activities, including morning jogs on the beach and afternoon hikes in the woods. For many pet owners, the opportunity to bring their pets along reduces stress on both the owner and pet, as well as boarding costs. However, planning is essential when vacationing with a pet, in order to locate pet-friendly lodging.
State Park Campgrounds near Venice
Two state parks in the vicinity of Venice, Florida, offer pet-friendly camping and a variety of activities. Oscar Scherer State Park and Myakka River State Park offer full-facility sites for RVs or tents and Myakka River State Park also offers cabin rentals. Pets must be leashed at all times, and cannot be left outdoors or in vehicles (other than RVs) unattended. Pets are not allowed in restroom facilities, rental canoes, or swimming areas at Oscar Scherer State Park. Both of these parks offer a wide variety of outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing and cycling.
Other Pet-Friendly State Parks near Venice
Don Pedro Island State Park and Stump Pass Beach State Park are both pet-friendly state parks in the area that offer outdoor activities, but not camping. However, pets are only allowed on hiking trails and in picnic and parking areas, and are not permitted on beaches.
Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is an established, well-known provider of camping opportunities across the country. The KOA Venice/Myakka River site (see references) offers a wide variety of pet-friendly camping options from tent sites and cabin rentals to full-facility RV lots. Pets must be leashed at all times, and may not be left unattended outdoors, in tents or in vehicles.
Recreational Vehicle Resorts
The Venice area offers a wide variety of RV resort campgrounds, many of which are pet-friendly. These resorts may require advance reservations, and pet policies may vary greatly among sites. Some may even have breed restrictions, so it is important to fully understand the pet policy before arriving.
Special Considerations for Pets
Pets require special considerations for camping trips, especially at state parks and other natural areas. If the pet will accompany the owner on hikes and other outdoor activities, topical flea and tick preventative medication should be applied in advance. In addition, owners should check their pets' coats and feet thoroughly for ticks, sand spurs and burrs after each outing. Adequate, cool water is especially important for pets in Florida's hot, humid environment, and travelers from other areas should be sure to be prepared.
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