Your furry companion is part of your family, and you likely want to bring them along on your camping trips. There are also many benefits of bringing your dog camping — you and your pet can:
- Have new experiences together: Your dog will enjoy the scenery of new places. Exposure to various smells, sights and sounds can help your dog’s development, especially if they are still a puppy.
- Get ample exercise: Camping gets your dog outside, where they will have lots of space to run around and get the exercise they need to stay healthy.
- Connect with nature: Most dogs love being outside and are happy to do anything with you in the great outdoors, whether you relax at the campground or head out on a hike.
RV manufacturers know that many camping enthusiasts are also pet owners, so they offer pet-friendly RVs. These RVs have features and layouts designed to keep dogs and cats comfortable, secure and safe when you are traveling down the road or kicking back at the campsite. Follow this guide on pet-friendly RV living to find an RV that allows you to bring your pet with you on your camping adventures.
Pet-Friendly Features to Look for in RVs
Many RVs have modifications for dogs and cats — features specifically designed for your pet’s comfort and safety. Some qualities of a pet-friendly RV include:
- Spacious layout: Open floor plans offer better mobility, especially if you have a large-breed dog or several pets. Spacious interiors can also help prevent your pet from feeling stressed while traveling.
- Outdoor showers: If your dog loves hiking and swimming with you, an outdoor shower can rinse the mud, sand and dirt off their fur so that they won’t track it in the RV.
- Kennels and beds: Pet-friendly RVs have built-in kennels under the corner of the bed or in another convenient area for your dog to sleep or be contained while your family is away from the RV.
- Claw-friendly vents: Vents should be flush with the floor or on the wall to keep your pet’s claws from getting stuck in the grate.
- Temperature control: Your RV should have temperature-control features to keep your pets comfortable in all weather, and ventilation is crucial if you leave your pets in the RV alone. Pet monitoring systems with temperature alerts also help keep your pets safe, notifying you on your phone if temperatures get too hot or too cold.
- Durable materials: RVs for pets have scratch-resistant surfaces to protect against claws and easy-to-clean upholstery you can wipe down. Look for flooring options like laminate and vinyl instead of carpet to sweep up your dog’s fur and easily clean up any accidents.
- Pet restraints: A pet restraint latches your dog’s leash to the side of your RV, so your furry companion can spend time outdoors and stay in the campsite.
- Built-in feeding drawer: The best RV for pets has kick-out feeding bowls — a drawer with water and food bowls you can slide out at mealtime and put away afterward to save space.
- Patios: Some RVs have fenced-in patios. These areas are ideal for your dog to get outside without leaving your RV.
- Large storage compartments: Your RV should have large exterior and interior storage compartments with room for your pet’s food, bedding and toys so that you can care for their needs during your vacation.
Top RV Brands for Pet Owners
Many popular RV manufacturers have pet-friendly RVs in their lineup, so campers can bring their furry companions on their travels. The top RV brands for pet owners include:
- Airstream: Airstream travel trailers and Class B motorhomes are good choices if you have small or medium dogs. Some designs have spill-proof feeding dish drawers, large sofas and stairs to the bed to make it easier for smaller pets to get onto the bed.
- Winnebago: Winnebago makes Class A motorhomes with pet-friendly features like leash tie-downs and open floor plans, giving your dog plenty of room to lounge and play.
- Jayco: Jayco manufactures Class C motorhomes with built-in pet beds and feeding bowls. The screen doors allow your pet to look outside and are durable enough to withstand scratching.
- Thor Motor Coach: Thor RVs — specifically the A.C.E. models — are designed for pets. The Bird’s Eye Window sits at the perfect height for your pet to look outside. These RVs also have leash latches, feeding drawers and a mudroom storage space for a litter box.
- Coachmen: Coachmen travel trailers are ideal for large dogs or multiple pets. The pet-friendly trailer designs have ample floor space, a built-in feeding drawer and an outdoor shower.
- Forest River: Forest River manufactures toy haulers and Class C motorhomes with lots of room for your pet, built-in feeding bowl drawers and leash clips.
- Keystone RV: Keystone travel trailers are known for spacious interiors and pet-friendly designs. The storage bays are big enough to haul pet beds and kennels.
Best RV Models for Pet Owners
The best RV layout for dogs has extra space, with built-in or separate living areas just for your companion. These RVs are available in various models, including:
- Class A motorhomes: Class A motorhomes have pet-friendly layouts, leash tie-downs and a lot of floor space.
- Class C motorhomes: The best Class C RV for dogs has enough storage for your dog’s needs and vinyl or laminate flooring that’s easy to clean. Many Class C motorhomes have slideouts that increase the floor space, ensuring you and your pet have plenty of room.
- Travel trailers: The best travel trailer for dogs has room for roaming, sleeping and playing. Choose a lightweight option for easy towing.
- Fifth wheels: Fifth wheels typically are bigger than trailers, so both you and your dog can enjoy the RV together. You can rest on the large bed and plush couch, and your pet will like the panoramic windows and open layout.
- Toy haulers: Toy haulers are versatile models that can accommodate pets. The garage gives your pet room to play and space for you to haul their bed or kennel. The patios out the back or side serve as a fenced-in area that lets your dog get some fresh air while staying contained.
Why Trust Kampgrounds of America for Information About RVs for Pets?
KOA is a trusted source for pet-friendly RVs. The KOA team has thoroughly researched the best RVs for pets, including the features pets need in an RV, pet-friendly layouts and other options. The meticulous research means KOA is knowledgeable about camping with pets and can offer recommendations for which RV to buy. KOA has considered the various options on the market and will recommend only the best RVs for you.
The KOA Blog is a source of helpful information about camping with pets. Explore these pet-related blog posts to learn more about:
- The best outdoor places to explore with your pet.
- How to keep your pet safe while camping.
- Keeping your RV clean with a pet.
- Camping gear recommendations for pets.
Enjoy Pet-Friendly RV Living at KOA
KOA Campgrounds have special sites and amenities for campers who want to bring their furry companion. Some campgrounds have fenced-in dog parks where your dog can play off-leash. Cleanup stations allow you to wash off any dirt your dog picked up during playtime, and water stations help them stay hydrated.
If you want to bring the dog park experience to your campsite, reserve a Paw Pen™ Site. These campsites have private fenced-in pet areas, shade and doggie bag dispensers. Your dog can play or rest in 50 square feet of space, with the fence keeping your companion safe at your site. Not all campgrounds have Paw Pen Sites, so be sure to check with the location you plan to stay at.
Camp in Your Pet-Friendly RV at a KOA Campground Today
RVs for pets allow you to bring your furry friend along on your excursion. You and your pet can sightsee, explore, camp and relax together while you have peace of mind that your dog or cat is safe and comfortable in your RV.
KOA has designated sites and amenities for pets at many of the more than 500 campgrounds across North America. Explore the RV Site options and reserve a site today!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.