The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Lake City, Florida

Bringing your pet along to Lake City? You’ll find over 860 pet-friendly campsites here, with grassy clearings, shady woods, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Most sites offer toilets and showers, so you can stay comfortable after a day spent swimming in the springs, riding horses through pine forests, or spotting deer at dawn. Prices average $45 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $15. Top picks include Glenn Farm (346 reviews), 4A River Camp (260 reviews), and Wildflower Pond and Woodlands (256 reviews). Locals know the Suwannee River’s swimming holes and the area’s horse trails draw campers who want more than just a place to sleep. Pack the leash—Lake City’s wide-open sites and pet-friendly policies make it easy to get outside with your four-legged companion.

96% (3K) • 583 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake City

Jewel’s Sink

1. Jewel’s Sink

100%

(59)

35mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV

Family owned and operated since 1853. Jewel’s sink has been a special place that the Blanton family has swam and celebrated things at for 7 generations. It’s a slice of paradise hidden away from the hardships of society’s rat race. You can see to the bottom when the sun hits the water at the right time of day. It’s crystal clear blue like the springs that feed the rivers. This is truly a foundation of youth! Learn more about this land: Jewel’s Sink is a private spring that you can swim in, share a Picnic with your friends or family. Has a nice fireplace to sit around and roast marshmallows as you listen to scary camp fire stories. Generators are allowed don’t pay attention to what is says below

Campfires

from

$80

/ night

Treehouse Cabin Retreat - Florida

2. Treehouse Cabin Retreat - Florida

98%

(185)

41mi from Lake City · 2 sites

Welcome to the Treehouse Cabin Retreat located near the Suwannee River in Old Town, Florida! If you like camping, you will love this getaway. Our unique Treehouse (one queen bed on main floor plus small single bed in the loft) plus Rustic Cabin rental (1 bedroom with 1 queen bed, loft with double bed) brings you back to nature for relaxation and unplugging. Located just minutes from the Suwannee River with wonderful, clear, freshwater springs that are great for paddling and swimming. Just escape and relax among the trees, play outdoor games and have a campfire, or visit nearby springs, parks and rivers. Enjoy an outdoor shower under the stars. Warm up next to the campfire and create new memories. Old Town is a small town, 20 minutes north of Chiefland, 45 minutes northeast of Cedar Key and 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville. We allow a maximum of 7 people and 2 cars. Our retreat is designed to bring peace and simplicity, it’s a place to disconnect and breathe again. It helps us to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature and as a family. We believe everyone needs time away to breathe, that’s why we are sharing our little piece of nature with you. Trade the cell phone for a book on insect ID (there are plenty of bugs, this is the woods!) Relax in the hammock and look at how bright the stars are. Sit on the deck of the treehouse and enjoy the view of the treetops. Enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower. Breathe.... So disconnect from your busy lifestyle and plan a stay at our Tree House Cabin Retreat where you can relax and leave it all behind. Featured on the DIY Network-Tree House Guys. Find us on Facebook and Instagram as well. Rewrite the "roots" of your life! PLEASE NOTE, we allow up to 2 dogs with fees paid. PLEASE ADD THIS AS AN EXTRA AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Be sure to read the Treehouse Retreat Rules and let us know if you have questions. This covers what's allowed, not allowed, expectations, things to be aware of, what you should plan to bring, etc. **Please note some of the photos are uploaded by past guests and some of the items pictured may have changed, been replaced, upgraded, etc. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions.

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$175

/ night

Downtown Nature Retreat

3. Downtown Nature Retreat

100%

(38)

43mi from Lake City · 1 site

Welcome to a slice of nature on the edge of downtown Gainesville! This fully fenced, dog friendly full RV hook up campsite is located on a quiet dead-end road just minutes from all of your favorite downtown entertainment. You’ll be a short walk from First Magnitude Brewery, local restaurants, Depot Park and a stones throw from the Gainesville-Hawthorne Multiuse Trail. This location is great for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts! You'll have access to two electric scooters during your stay. Please note that this site has a 30 amp outlet and the sewer hookup is 14 feet from the hose bib. This single RV site offers privacy that is unmatched this close to UF campus. Go Gators! 🐊

Full hookups

from

$56

/ night

Artists Nature Retreat

4. Artists Nature Retreat

98%

(123)

43mi from Lake City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Heartwood Soundstage, downtown Gainesville, "The Swamp" - Go Gators! and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. Enclosed dog park for off leash pups. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Showers

from

$41

/ night

Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

5. Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

100%

(28)

44mi from Lake City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to Firefly Farms—a 20-acre paradise where you can eat free farm-fresh eggs, explore fairy gardens, and spot deer, hawks, and even panthers in the surrounding woods. Once a Buffalo Ranch and animal sanctuary, this magical property is your gateway to adventure and relaxation. What Makes Firefly Farms Special:  🥚 Free Farm-Fresh Eggs: As part of your stay, enjoy free eggs—gather them yourself each morning! With egg prices soaring nationwide, this is a rare and delicious perk. Try duck eggs, too, especially if you’re a baker!  🐓 Meet the Animals: Our free-ranging geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, goats, and friendly barn cats are always ready to greet you. Kids (and adults!) will love feeding the animals and meeting the adorable babies.  🧚 Magic Abounds: Discover fairy doors, fairy gardens, and whimsical points of interest scattered across the property. Every corner feels like a storybook come to life.  🛍️ The Fairy Shop: Step into our enchanting fairy shop, where magic and whimsy come alive. Browse garden decorations, fairy doors, fairy wings, flower crowns, and our Legacy Stoneware Collection—the Fairy Garden Tea Party. You’ll also find keychains, bookmarks, necklaces, earrings, + more. Whether you’re looking for a pocket hug, a garden marker, or a tooth fairy’s treasure, you’ll find something to spark joy! 🎨 Creative Studio: Visit our on-site pottery and art studio, where you can try your hand at clay work, bisque painting, mosaics, and more. If you’re feeling inspired, join us in gardening projects, farm improvements, or landscaping—there’s always something to create or nurture here. 🦌 Nature & Wildlife: Explore the woods, spot deer grazing, or watch for migrating birds. The neighboring acres are home to coyotes, bears, foxes, and even panthers—though they’re shy and keep their distance. 📍 Convenient Location: Located just off Highway 301, Firefly Farms is an easy drive to Gainesville, Melrose, Hawthorne, Micanopy, Palatka, and Ocala. Enjoy local lakes for kayaking, swimming, and fishing, or take a day trip to Florida’s east coast beaches (60 miles away). 🌟 Whether you’re here for solitude, creativity, or farm adventures, Firefly Farms offers a one-of-a-kind escape. Book your stay and experience the magic for yourself!

Campfires

from

$22

/ night

Bringing your pet along to Lake City? You’ll find over 860 pet-friendly campsites here, with grassy clearings, shady woods, and plenty of space for your dog to roam. Most sites offer toilets and showers, so you can stay comfortable after a day spent swimming in the springs, riding horses through pine forests, or spotting deer at dawn. Prices average $45 a night, but you can snag a spot for as little as $15. Top picks include Glenn Farm (346 reviews), 4A River Camp (260 reviews), and Wildflower Pond and Woodlands (256 reviews). Locals know the Suwannee River’s swimming holes and the area’s horse trails draw campers who want more than just a place to sleep. Pack the leash—Lake City’s wide-open sites and pet-friendly policies make it easy to get outside with your four-legged companion.

96% (3K) • 583 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake City

Jewel’s Sink

1. Jewel’s Sink

100%

(59)

35mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV

Family owned and operated since 1853. Jewel’s sink has been a special place that the Blanton family has swam and celebrated things at for 7 generations. It’s a slice of paradise hidden away from the hardships of society’s rat race. You can see to the bottom when the sun hits the water at the right time of day. It’s crystal clear blue like the springs that feed the rivers. This is truly a foundation of youth! Learn more about this land: Jewel’s Sink is a private spring that you can swim in, share a Picnic with your friends or family. Has a nice fireplace to sit around and roast marshmallows as you listen to scary camp fire stories. Generators are allowed don’t pay attention to what is says below

Campfires

from

$80

/ night

Treehouse Cabin Retreat - Florida

2. Treehouse Cabin Retreat - Florida

98%

(185)

41mi from Lake City · 2 sites

Welcome to the Treehouse Cabin Retreat located near the Suwannee River in Old Town, Florida! If you like camping, you will love this getaway. Our unique Treehouse (one queen bed on main floor plus small single bed in the loft) plus Rustic Cabin rental (1 bedroom with 1 queen bed, loft with double bed) brings you back to nature for relaxation and unplugging. Located just minutes from the Suwannee River with wonderful, clear, freshwater springs that are great for paddling and swimming. Just escape and relax among the trees, play outdoor games and have a campfire, or visit nearby springs, parks and rivers. Enjoy an outdoor shower under the stars. Warm up next to the campfire and create new memories. Old Town is a small town, 20 minutes north of Chiefland, 45 minutes northeast of Cedar Key and 45 minutes northwest of Gainesville. We allow a maximum of 7 people and 2 cars. Our retreat is designed to bring peace and simplicity, it’s a place to disconnect and breathe again. It helps us to rejuvenate and reconnect with nature and as a family. We believe everyone needs time away to breathe, that’s why we are sharing our little piece of nature with you. Trade the cell phone for a book on insect ID (there are plenty of bugs, this is the woods!) Relax in the hammock and look at how bright the stars are. Sit on the deck of the treehouse and enjoy the view of the treetops. Enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower. Breathe.... So disconnect from your busy lifestyle and plan a stay at our Tree House Cabin Retreat where you can relax and leave it all behind. Featured on the DIY Network-Tree House Guys. Find us on Facebook and Instagram as well. Rewrite the "roots" of your life! PLEASE NOTE, we allow up to 2 dogs with fees paid. PLEASE ADD THIS AS AN EXTRA AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. Be sure to read the Treehouse Retreat Rules and let us know if you have questions. This covers what's allowed, not allowed, expectations, things to be aware of, what you should plan to bring, etc. **Please note some of the photos are uploaded by past guests and some of the items pictured may have changed, been replaced, upgraded, etc. Feel free to reach out with any specific questions.

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

from

$175

/ night

Downtown Nature Retreat

3. Downtown Nature Retreat

100%

(38)

43mi from Lake City · 1 site

Welcome to a slice of nature on the edge of downtown Gainesville! This fully fenced, dog friendly full RV hook up campsite is located on a quiet dead-end road just minutes from all of your favorite downtown entertainment. You’ll be a short walk from First Magnitude Brewery, local restaurants, Depot Park and a stones throw from the Gainesville-Hawthorne Multiuse Trail. This location is great for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts! You'll have access to two electric scooters during your stay. Please note that this site has a 30 amp outlet and the sewer hookup is 14 feet from the hose bib. This single RV site offers privacy that is unmatched this close to UF campus. Go Gators! 🐊

Full hookups

from

$56

/ night

Artists Nature Retreat

4. Artists Nature Retreat

98%

(123)

43mi from Lake City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Heartwood Soundstage, downtown Gainesville, "The Swamp" - Go Gators! and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. Enclosed dog park for off leash pups. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Showers

from

$41

/ night

Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

5. Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

100%

(28)

44mi from Lake City · 20 sites · Tents, RVs

Escape to Firefly Farms—a 20-acre paradise where you can eat free farm-fresh eggs, explore fairy gardens, and spot deer, hawks, and even panthers in the surrounding woods. Once a Buffalo Ranch and animal sanctuary, this magical property is your gateway to adventure and relaxation. What Makes Firefly Farms Special:  🥚 Free Farm-Fresh Eggs: As part of your stay, enjoy free eggs—gather them yourself each morning! With egg prices soaring nationwide, this is a rare and delicious perk. Try duck eggs, too, especially if you’re a baker!  🐓 Meet the Animals: Our free-ranging geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys, rabbits, goats, and friendly barn cats are always ready to greet you. Kids (and adults!) will love feeding the animals and meeting the adorable babies.  🧚 Magic Abounds: Discover fairy doors, fairy gardens, and whimsical points of interest scattered across the property. Every corner feels like a storybook come to life.  🛍️ The Fairy Shop: Step into our enchanting fairy shop, where magic and whimsy come alive. Browse garden decorations, fairy doors, fairy wings, flower crowns, and our Legacy Stoneware Collection—the Fairy Garden Tea Party. You’ll also find keychains, bookmarks, necklaces, earrings, + more. Whether you’re looking for a pocket hug, a garden marker, or a tooth fairy’s treasure, you’ll find something to spark joy! 🎨 Creative Studio: Visit our on-site pottery and art studio, where you can try your hand at clay work, bisque painting, mosaics, and more. If you’re feeling inspired, join us in gardening projects, farm improvements, or landscaping—there’s always something to create or nurture here. 🦌 Nature & Wildlife: Explore the woods, spot deer grazing, or watch for migrating birds. The neighboring acres are home to coyotes, bears, foxes, and even panthers—though they’re shy and keep their distance. 📍 Convenient Location: Located just off Highway 301, Firefly Farms is an easy drive to Gainesville, Melrose, Hawthorne, Micanopy, Palatka, and Ocala. Enjoy local lakes for kayaking, swimming, and fishing, or take a day trip to Florida’s east coast beaches (60 miles away). 🌟 Whether you’re here for solitude, creativity, or farm adventures, Firefly Farms offers a one-of-a-kind escape. Book your stay and experience the magic for yourself!

Campfires

from

$22

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

C

Christopher

4 days ago

45 ft Class A

With pets

5 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Awesome property! Great location and better than expected. Our two medium size dogs loved the open area. Betsy is a wonderful host! Attention to all our needs!

b

bonnie

1 week ago

27 ft Class B

With pets

4 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Peaceful, clean and convenient location. It is a private location. Hosts are welcoming and knowledgeable and are well organized. Everything a hipcam should be.

Tiffany

2 weeks ago

25 ft Class C

1 night at Downtown Nature Retreat

Betsy's place was very convenient to where we wanted to be in Gainesville. There's plenty of room for any size RV and she recently made improvements to the parking pad and hookups. We had a great stay!

D

Dave

2 weeks ago

23 ft campervan

3 nights at Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

We had a great time being there this week, dawn is an amazing host and even better person

Gregory

3 weeks ago

25 ft Class C

7 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Betsy is an above and beyond host. She provides an RV site with full hook ups. The site is in a large fenced in field. The Gainesville Hawthorne multi purpose trail access is only a block away. Drivers at most road crossings are very attentive and slow down when they see people at the crossings, getting ready to cross.

M

Matthew

3 weeks ago

13 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Artists Nature Retreat

Thank you to Lynn and David for making us feel welcome on the property. We spent 3 nights camped at Artists Nature Retreat. The property was quiet from road noise but alive with sounds of birds, chickens and roosters. The campsites were spaced apart for privacy. Lynn and David greeted us on arrival and showed us the campsite, bathroom , walking paths, etc. They borrowed us a longer extension cord to reach our camper. Lynn and David were both very kind and shared stories about life in the circus with us. We're looking forward to another visit in the future.

L

Linde

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Jewel’s Sink

We had the best time tent camping at Jewel’s Sink. There was a drought causing low water levels and we had overcast skies during our stay, but despite having subpar weather conditions the sink was still turquoise blue and stunning! The surrounding land the sink sits on is open and gorgeous as well. We woke up to deer in the field which was an extra treat! The owner was very kind and responsive. Already planning my next trip back!!

Bonnie

3 weeks ago

15 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Artists Nature Retreat

Fun place to stay. Nice bath house, fire pit and dog park.

R

Rachel

February 2026

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Artists Nature Retreat

Great hosts and beautiful surroundings. Very peaceful and the art added a unique appeal. We would definitely stay again!

Tiffany

February 2026

25 ft Class C

5 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

This was our second visit, and it was as great as the first. Betsy is super welcoming and the location is amazing, both for the quiet atmosphere and the easy access to downtown. Highly recommend!

W

William

February 2026

29 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Magical and Artsy Firefly Farms

Very relaxing. Dawn is an amazing host and cannot wait to stay again.

H

Houston

February 2026

36 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Jewel’s Sink

Awesome spot! We love the sink! Definitely will be back very soon

I

Ian

January 2026

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Treehouse Cabin Retreat - Florida

We had an amazing stay at Jamil’s cabin/treehouse and couldn’t recommend it more. Jamil was an incredibly responsive host, and the accommodations were comfortable, thoughtful, and beautifully set up. We especially loved the well-curated games and activities, which made it perfect for spending quality time with friends. We truly enjoyed our stay and would absolutely love to come back

Gary

January 2026

27 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

Betsy's property is fantastic! This is our third stay here and we love it. So close to all the places we want to go. City Parks, Paynes Prairie, and breweries! It's a great place to spend a weekend or a week! The property is a beautiful little slice of nature on the edge of the city. 30amp service, good water pressure, and sewer are easy to locate and connect to. Oh, and Betsy is an absolute treat, so nice and pleasant! You won't regret booking here, I am already planning our fourth trip!

Tiffany

January 2026

25 ft Class C

5 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

This was a nice, quiet spot very close to lots of interesting shops and restaurants. There was easy access to the Gainesville-Hawthorne trail, which we really enjoyed and made use of. Great host, great stay!

Z

Zachary

January 2026

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Artists Nature Retreat

The property was awesome and the hosts were incredibly helpful. We would 100% stay here again!

S

Shelley

January 2026

27 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Artists Nature Retreat

Cute property with hookups! Quiet and woodsy. Down unpaved road but taken slowly in day light it’s no issue.

Mark

December 2025

26 ft Class A

2 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Absolutely beautiful place. Betsy the host is super welcoming and it could not have been nicer.

M

Mike

December 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

5 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Beautiful spot with a huge yard right on a tiny stream, walking distance to downtown and the brewery and feet from a beautiful trail that goes downtown amd into Paynes Prairie Preserve

H

Haley

December 2025

33 ft fifth wheel

8 nights at Artists Nature Retreat

Lynn’s land was perfect for our week long stay to visit family in Gainesville. The property was so quiet and peaceful. It was far enough from the city that we could see so many stars at night but close enough that it was just a 15-20 minute commute in and out of town. Lynn and David were also incredibly nice when we crossed paths. We will definitely be returning here for our next Gainesville visit. 10/10 would recommend!