RVing With Pets: How to Find a Campground Your Dog Will Love

From dog-friendly RV parks to off-leash parks, discover what to look for as you plan your next trip

Ready to hit the road in your RV? Grab your furry friend and head to a campsite with all the amenities to keep your pet comfortable.

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Erin Gifford,

AARP

Published October 10, 2024

As RV travel continues to boom, campgrounds that cater to pets are becoming more important to travelers of all ages, but especially to those over 50. According to Kampgrounds of America (KOA), 58 percent of campers 50-plus bring their pets along on trips. Of those, 62 percent prioritize campgrounds with pet-friendly amenities, such as dog parks and pet wash stations.

“The pets are a member of their family,” says Kelly Self, a KOA spokesperson. “They want to get outside and make memories and share some quality time with family, including their pets.” As you plan your next RV adventure, keep these tips in mind to help you choose a campground that’s just right for you and your furry companions.

Start with the campsite

When RVing with your dog, the right campsite can be critical. Erin Kirkland, 55, an avid RVer from Agnew, Washington, who frequently travels with her dogs Riley, Frida and Pippa, encourages pet owners to opt for a larger site. Such a spot has space for your dog to safely sniff and explore on a leash or tether, reducing any anxiety from being in a small, cramped space.

Look for spots that back up to natural areas such as a meadow, beach or forest. These sites can offer added privacy, limit foot traffic and create a quieter environment where your pup can relax. Tight, crowded sites can feel too confined for you and your dog, so extra space is always a plus.

Make sure there are dog-friendly walking trails near your campsite so you and your pup can easily get some exercise.

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Dog-friendly walking trails

A campground or RV park with easy access to dog-friendly walking trails is essential for keeping your dog active. Before you book a campsite, check the campground map and call ahead to ensure trails are close to the RV sites.

Kirkland suggests campers consider convenience. Or, rather, inconvenience. “We don’t [want] to unhitch [our trailer] and drive the dog somewhere else to go exercise. We like to stay at parks and places that have trails right there.”

For national parkgoers, she points out that not all parks allow dogs on hiking trails. Olympic National Park in western Washington allows dogs on just four of its hiking trails. At Alaska’s Denali National Park, dogs are not permitted on most hiking trails, only on park roads, in parking lots and in campgrounds. Confirm dog-friendly trails before you set off on your adventure.

Off-leash dog parks give pups space to move and socialize.

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Off-leash dog parks

Off-leash dog parks offer pups space to stretch and play after long hours on the road. These enclosed areas let dogs socialize and burn off energy. Some campgrounds separate big and small dogs, which helps ensure the comfort and safety of all dogs. All KOA campgrounds have the brand’s signature dog park called KampK9.

Not all campground dog parks are created equal. Some are simple grassy patches, while others go all out with features such as splash pads, tunnels, ramps and shade structures. Waggin’ Tail Ranch RV Resort in Texas has two dog parks as well as an agility course and a dog swimming pond, while Lake George RV Park in New York boasts a 2-acre off-leash dog park with sections for big and small dogs as well as synthetic turf, a fire hydrant spray fountain and a large agility course.

Campgrounds with dog parks can make RV travel more enjoyable for dogs and their owners by giving pups spaces to move and socialize. Having a safe space to let your dog run and get to know other pups can make a big difference in the camping experience.

Look for a campground with easy access to water to keep your dog cool.

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Water play

If your doggo loves to swim or splash, look for a campground or RV park with easy access to water. Some campgrounds are on or near rivers, lakes or beaches, which can provide perfect spots for water-loving pups to release pent-up energy and cool off.

Thousand Trails Lake Gaston in North Carolina sits on a lake and has a soft dog-friendly beach. At Myrtle Beach State Park in South Carolina, which has a large campground with easy beach access, leashed pups can play in the sand and surf before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. during high season.

Pet washing stations at campsites ensure your pet and RV stay clean.

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Pet amenities

Some campgrounds have added water features, such as splash pads and fountains, pet washing stations, even branded camp store merchandise such as dog bowls and bandannas. Before you finalize your booking, check to see where amenities are situated within the campground. “Close proximity to these amenities can be a game changer [when] traveling with a dog,” says Maddi Bourgerie, a spokesperson for RVshare, the largest RV rental site in the U.S.

Some campgrounds are upgrading their dog parks and building agility courses, even adding “Paw Pens” at KOA campgrounds. These fenced-in patio areas — at least 50 square feet — are included with select RV sites. Nearly 80 KOAs have RV sites with Paw Pens, which are equipped with waste bag dispensers, trash receptacles and shaded areas to keep your furry friend cool. “They’re designed to keep your pet safe … so you can relax and enjoy yourself,” Self says.

A dog wash station is another sought-out feature. These facilities allow you to quickly rinse mud and sand off your pup after a day of outdoor fun, ensuring your pet stays clean and comfortable. This helps keep the RV clean, so it’s a win-win for everyone. “The dog washes have been really … popular, so a lot of our campgrounds have been putting those in,” Self says.

Know before you go

Before booking your campsite, review the campground’s pet policies, Bourgerie says, suggesting that campers “look for campgrounds specifically labeled as dog-friendly.” Many places welcome dogs but have specific rules, including leash requirements, breed restrictions and limits on the size or number of pets allowed per site. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for you and your four-legged friend.

Kirkland notes the importance of clear and enforced rules for leashed dogs. “The most angst-producing issue is off-leash dogs on trails, public lands and parks,” Kirkland says. “They are away from their home environment, finding new sensory experiences, and leashing makes sense for so many reasons.” It also can be unsafe to have your pup off-leash. Your dog may chase other animals or ingest toxic plants. Plus, not all dogs or campers are comfortable with off-leash pets.

As more campgrounds and RV parks add and elevate dog-friendly features and amenities, the future of RV travel with pups looks brighter. Pack up the RV, grab a few dog toys and get ready for your next great adventure with your favorite furry friend.

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Erin Gifford is a travel and outdoor writer based in northern Virginia. She has written for The Washington Post, Parents, Thrillist and The Wall Street Journal.

RVing With Pets: How to Find a Campground Your Dog Will Love