The best dog-friendly campgrounds near Ocala, Florida

Bringing your dog? Ocala welcomes pets at over 2,400 campsites, so you won’t need to leave your furry companion behind. Many sites sit under live oaks or near quiet lakes, with trails that wind through old-growth forests and open sandhills. Campers flock to Smokey Acres (800 reviews), known for its wide-open fields and friendly hosts, or North Shore Relic Ranch (409 reviews), where you’ll spot sandhill cranes near sunrise. For something quieter, Lucky U Ranch (263 reviews) lets dogs roam on leash and has shaded spots for afternoon naps. Most sites offer toilets and showers, so you’re covered for the basics. Prices start at just $10 per night, with an average around $50. Swimming holes, hiking trails, and wildlife-watching keep both humans and pets busy—just pack extra water and watch for gopher tortoises along the paths.

95% (5.9K) • 1,083 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ocala

Bringing your dog? Ocala welcomes pets at over 2,400 campsites, so you won’t need to leave your furry companion behind. Many sites sit under live oaks or near quiet lakes, with trails that wind through old-growth forests and open sandhills. Campers flock to Smokey Acres (800 reviews), known for its wide-open fields and friendly hosts, or North Shore Relic Ranch (409 reviews), where you’ll spot sandhill cranes near sunrise. For something quieter, Lucky U Ranch (263 reviews) lets dogs roam on leash and has shaded spots for afternoon naps. Most sites offer toilets and showers, so you’re covered for the basics. Prices start at just $10 per night, with an average around $50. Swimming holes, hiking trails, and wildlife-watching keep both humans and pets busy—just pack extra water and watch for gopher tortoises along the paths.

95% (5.9K) • 1,083 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Ocala

1. BearPaws Retreat 65

95%

(11)

27mi from Ocala · 1 site · Tent, RV

Paved shaded corner RV camp lot. 30amp ; 50amp, full hookup. (Sorry, tent camping not permitted). Direct access from resort to the Ocala North OHV Trail System. ATVs and SXS welcome in the resort. The Ocala North OHV Trail System offers 125 miles of trail which includes a 14-mile motorcycle-only trail; 35 miles of trail usable by motorcycles, all terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility vehicles (UTVs) less than 50 inches wide; and 76 miles classified as "mixed use," which means OHVs share the trail with licensed vehicles. (Must purchase trail pass from https://www.recreation.gov/vehiclepermits/74048 ) No Lake Swimming Advised. Small, shaded, & fenced dog walk area, sandy volleyball court and large activity lodge with pool table. Quiet hours 10pm-8am Monday- Thursday, 11pm-8am Friday & Saturday. No ATV or motorbike usage during these times. 5mph speed limit in resort. Both parental supervision and helmets are required for children under the age of 16 at all times while operating or as passenger’s of UTV. Operation of UTV after dusk strictly prohibited. Trash must not be left on your lot during or after check out. Trash attracts bears. There are multiple dumpster locations in resort. *this property is rural, nearest grocery & shopping is approx 35 minutes away.

2. Cabin Glamping

94%

(113)

32mi from Ocala · 3 sites · Lodging

Check in between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., unless prior arrangements with owners have been made. Known as the Nature Coast and one of Florida's greatest hidden secrets, this property is private, yet just minutes from civilization and manatees! Your cabin has a full bed for two and a comfy pull out couch that will accommodate two more. The cabin is located on private property with owners and security on site, yet plenty of privacy. During the day, paddle your way to the beautiful Three Sisters Springs for a swim. You may see some manatee, turtles, and dolphins along your way! Hunter Springs is a great little park with a beach area for swimming and kayak rentals too. There are also several Diving with the manatee tours available. This is all only a short drive from camp. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, kayaking, pontooning just five minutes away, or just relaxing back at the camp. Heritage Village is in town filled with many hometown eateries and shoppes. It's a great way to spend the afternoon and explore Crystal River. We have a variety of great one-of-a-kind eateries with many special events and festivals throughout the year. Conveniently located at the end of the street is a Publix, DG, Mexican restaurant, Brother's Pizza and Beef O'Brady's. Firewood is available on site. We also have brochures on all kinds of other great places you'll want to experience while staying in beautiful Crystal River! Oh, and don't forget to stop by Grandma's gift shop before you leave. We look forward to your stay!

3. Crystal River Pirate's Den

95%

(28)

32mi from Ocala · 2 sites · Lodging

Check in between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., unless prior arrangements with owners have been made. Only five minutes from the Nature Coast's Manatee tours, this two-person cabin with one Queen bed is a great nature get-away! Somewhat primitive glamping, with an outside hot shower, charcoal grill and fire pit. Property owners on site, yet plenty of privacy. The Pirate's Den has your usual camping vibes with the comfort of a bed at the end of your day of adventure! Limited electric in the cabin. There is A/C, a lamp, an outside light, plug for chargers, an electric blanket, and an infra red light in the winter chilly months. Bedding, plates, mugs & silverware provided. Firewood Available @ $10/bundle.

4. Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort

95%

(10)

33mi from Ocala · 61 sites · RVs

Discover Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort, tailored for adults seeking an active RV Lifestyle. Join our vibrant community for a home-away-from-home experience! Included in your stay, we provide your electricity, sewer, water, and premium Wi-Fi on your site. Our gated RV resort has a heated swimming pool and hot tub, pickleball courts, bocce ball, a fitness center, individual private bath/shower rooms, a large laundry facility, and a dog park. We also have a 7-acre catch & release spring-fed lake with a 1 ½ mile walking trail. Our 12,000 sq ft clubhouse, The Grove, has 7 big screen TVs, tables for games, a gift shop, and a full schedule of daily activities, PLUS a fully stocked bar. Sweet Citrus Acres is just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Crystal River and is close enough to bike to multiple shops, restaurants, and King’s Bay.

5. Downtown Nature Retreat

100%

(30)

33mi from Ocala · 1 site · RV

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! 🐊

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Mark

1 week ago

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

2 weeks ago

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

E

Emily

2 weeks ago

24 ft Class B

2 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

What a pleasant surprise! We loved everything about our stay. Betsy was such a kind and wonderful host. The setting couldn’t be more beautiful. The deer that visited were an added bonus. The location was also perfect, right around the the corner from a fabulous coffee shop (Afternoon Coffee), wood fired pizza, a brewery and more! Couldn’t recommend Betsy’s place enough. We will be back!

S

Scott

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

Great spot very close to everything. Lots of space and very private.

C

Cara

November 2025

25 ft Class C

With kids

Weekend Trip to Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort

Easy check in. Nice grounds. Would definitely recommend

K

Kimberley

November 2025

24 ft Class C

1 night at Downtown Nature Retreat

Private, quiet oasis on dead-end road adjacent to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail and within walking distance to Depot Park, Cade Museum, and downtown Gainesville. Shared the site with deer frolicking and birds singing each day. Excellent communication with host before arrival. Host is available on site, if necessary, Greeted with six-pack of beer from First Magnitude Brewing Company. Host also offered electric scooters for transportation. Stayed at Downtown Nature Retreat twice in the past month....and would say again whenever in Gainesville! Highly recommend! Check out Paynes Prairie Preserve. Visit Humble Pie, Grand Scheme Brewing, Lynx Bookstore, 4th Street Food Court, and Karma Cream.

v

victoria

October 2025

36 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

Great place, great host. Close to downtown. We came for The Fest and have stayed 2 years in a row.

J

Jason

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Cabin Glamping

Everything was as advertised and the night went really well.

K

Kim

October 2025

27 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

Great accommodations Scenery and saw deer this am

k

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Cabin Glamping

Cute little cabin nestled amongst the beauty berries. Close to great food and outdoor activities. Definitely will stay again!

B

Betsey

October 2025

21 ft Class B

1 night at Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort

Great luxury RV park. Fantastic staff, great pool and spotless shower rooms.

A

Aron

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Cabin Glamping

We had a very excellent time here and would recommend it Very peaceful

R

Regina

September 2025

23 ft toy hauler

With pets

3 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

This is an absolutely wonderful place to stay. The grounds are stunning, dogs loves the fenced in yard, and Elizabeth is a wonderful host. The location is great, walked the dogs as long as they would walk, there are several parks along the path. There are great restaurants close by, and close to everything in Gainesville we needed to be at. Looking forward to our next stay!

S

S.T.

July 2025

26 ft fifth wheel

With pets

2 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

Once again…a very nice stay at the Downtown Nature Retreat. Greeted by two black bellied whistling ducks who quietly observed our settling in. Close to the Vet school which was the purpose of our trip…easy in and easy out! Also..close to the trail that you can just walk to town if you like or just a quiet excursion in the woods. A great stay and wonderful host. Thanks again!

S

S.T.

June 2025

26 ft fifth wheel

With pets

3 nights at Downtown Nature Retreat

So peaceful! Perfect for closeness to downtown as well as Rails to Trail. Saw deer when I drove in and the hostess was very welcoming. Highly recommend.

C

Cynthia

June 2025

26 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

Beautiful peaceful campsite and so close to so many fun things to do and amazing restaurants

Gary

June 2025

27 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

This is my second trip to Elizabeth's spot in Gainesville and it was fantastic as usual! The location is secluded, had deer feeding through the yard each morning, a bunch of birds under the bird feeder and just a really nice peaceful setting for a camp. Full hookups are perfect, no issues. Good water pressure and a nice place to park. Really convenient to all the places we like to go like the Depot Park area where First Magnitude Brewing is at, Boxcar Beer Garden, and Grand Scheme Brewery. Although I have yet to take her up on the generous offer of the scooters she has those available as well. But this time we brought our bikes and peddled all over campus since college was out for the summer and that was fun to explore. As far as non-brewery things to do it's not far from Paynes prairie, a few great city parks in Gainesville, and devil's Mill Hopper Park is about 20 minute drive. Really great place to stay if you want to be active and explore the surrounding area. Even better, is Elizabeth's place and her letting us experience it. If you need a place to stay in the area it is well worth the stop!

L

Laura

April 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Downtown Nature Retreat

This lovely quiet site is close to Depot Park and the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail. Bring your bikes or you walking shoes as you are close to restaurants and First Magnitude Brewing (a 3 minute bike ride to food trucks and live music) as well as a sort ride to the northern part of Paynes Prairie Preserve. The host is very responsive and we enjoyed meeting her upon arrival. We loved this quiet spot with lots of bird song in the morning.

K

Kim

April 2025

With pets

2 nights at Cabin Glamping

We wanted to stay in the woods and that is exactly what it was. My first time "glamping" and I recommend it. Nice to sleep in a real bed, have AC, heat and protection from the elements. We made a fire every night and enjoyed the trees, birds and squirrels running around. It is close to the main house, but we were unbothered and it felt private. Definitely a thumbs up! Very quiet yet close to town.