Out of all vacation destinations, campgrounds are one of the most pet-friendly locations. You can find hundreds of pet-friendly campgrounds close to home or at your ideal location. You can choose from various accommodations, including tent and RV sites as well as fully furnished cabins. This chapter covers pet-friendly locations you can go camping with your canine companion and how to go camping with a dog.
Where Can You Camp With Your Dog?
Many campgrounds welcome dogs, but this isn’t always the case. Certain locations are more dog-friendly than others. Finding the ideal campground is crucial to ensure the best experience for you and your pet. A little research and planning can go a long way and point you in the right direction. If you’re wondering where to camp with your dog, consider these pet-friendly destinations:
National Parks
Many national parks across the United States allow dogs. However, the wildlife and terrain might be more pet-friendly in some locations and less so in others, depending on the national park. Be sure you do some research when choosing a national park. Some of the best national parks to visit with your dog include:
- Shenandoah
- Grand Canyon
- Acadia
- Great Sand Dunes
- Petrified Forest
- Mammoth Cave
Rules and regulations for pets are posted on the specific park’s website. Some national parks don’t allow dogs to protect the natural wildlife and plant growth, such as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park’s Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Check beforehand to ensure your pet will be allowed into the park.
State and Local Parks
State and local parks are convenient locations for a quick camping getaway with your pet. Most of these locations allow dogs, but it’s always a good idea to check online or call ahead before making a reservation. They may also have specific rules or regulations you’ll need to follow at the park, so it’s good to know these in advance.
Most state and local parks will allow a dog to go anywhere a vehicle can go, so established campgrounds are usually dog-friendly. Many state and local parks also offer canine-friendly trails so you can enjoy a scenic walk with your furry friend.
Public Lands
Public lands belong to every U.S. citizen and are managed by the government. There are over 640 million acres of historic sites, parks, forests and preserves across the country that people are welcome to visit and enjoy. Most public lands are dog-friendly with minimal guidelines and regulations. Some even allow off-leash camping, which is ideal for dogs who enjoy running around freely.
Following the Rules and Regulations
Depending on the location you choose to camp, there will be various rules and regulations you and your pet may need to follow. Honoring these rules and regulations ensures that you and your dog can continue to return to this location for years to come. These policies are also enforced for a reason, often for your safety and preservation of the area. Following the posted rules and regulations will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pet.
Here’s some basic pet-camper etiquette to keep in mind and how to camp with a dog:
- Cleanliness: Pack plenty of dog waste bags to clean up after your pet. This is a courtesy to other pet owners and campers at the campsite. It’s also essential to reduce soil and water contamination from common parasites, as well as prevent the growth of noxious weeds.
- Training: Good behavior is required. Aggressive dogs are potentially dangerous to other campers and pets at the campground, so if you have an aggressive dog, consider having them adequately trained before going camping.
- Vaccinations: Make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccinations before letting them play with other dogs for the safety of your pet and others. Unvaccinated dogs can spread illnesses, such as canine parvovirus, which can be fatal for puppies.
- Leashing: Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash when they’re outside of your tent, cabin or RV. You can remove the leash in authorized dog parks and designated pet areas. Some destinations may allow off-leash camping, but ensure that your pet is properly trained and has good recall.
- Barking: Try to keep your dog’s barking to a minimum, especially at night when other campers are trying to sleep. If your dog barks a lot, invest in training to help them overcome this challenge and stop once you’ve made a command.
- Co-sleeping: Many campgrounds require that your pet sleeps with you, whether that’s inside your tent, RV or cabin. Your pet will be protected from wildlife that might enter your campground while you’re sleeping, and you’ll be warmed and comforted by their company.
- Additional policies: Call ahead to see if your camping destination has specific pet policies in place. The pet policies will vary by location and researching these rules and regulations ahead of time will allow you to prepare and pack the proper provisions.
Find Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Across North America
Finding a campground for you can your dog is pretty straightforward. Many resources online will let you know what campgrounds are pet friendly. KOA has over 500 pet-friendly campgrounds across the U.S. and Canada, so you can find a convenient campground close to home or at your ideal location. The KOA Camping App makes it easy to filter through hundreds of campgrounds to find one that meets your and your pets’ needs. Download the app to find your dream destination today!
