Planning a summer camping trip?
How far ahead should you book?
Camping is a relatively pandemic & family-friendly activity.
Lots of Americans will be hitting the road; given the pandemic, even more so than usual this year.
The result is that Campgrounds are filling up fast (Memorial Day and July 4 holidays are already almost fully booked at many sites); so if you're looking for a healthy outdoors vacation this year, you really need to be be thinking about booking your spot now.
We'll be adding to this list over time to make sure that it's as comprehensive as possible, and covers every state, so be sure to check back for further updates!
Been somewhere really dog-friendly you'd like to share?
We'd really love to hear from you!
New to camping with dogs?
Check out our blog:
10 Tips & Tricks for Tent Camping with Dogs!
Check out our pick of dog-friendly Campgrounds & RV Parks:
California
Sequoia National Park and Three Rivers RV Campground at Lemon Cove RV Park CA
Nestled in the foothills of the western Sierra Nevada mountain range in central California, at the base of Sequoia National Park, the 55 sites at Lemon Cove RV Park include Pet-Friendly Camping, Fenced Dog Park, Tent Sites, Full & Partial Hook-ups, and Pull-Through Spaces.
The 11-acres Lemon Cove RV Park is the only RV Park with the Sequoia Shuttle Stop, which runs all summer starting the end of May.
Note: Check beforehand to confirm service is running/for Covid restrictions.
Lemon Cove RV Park is located 25 miles from the entrance to Sequoia National Park, and minutes from Three Rivers and the Kaweah River.
32075 Sierra Dr, Lemon Cove, CA 93244
Phone: 559-370-4152
Family & Pet Friendly Guide San Diego
Family & Pet Friendly Destination Guide San Diego:
Dog-Friendly Hotels, Beaches, Dog Parks, Public Transport, Visitor Info
Escondido RV Resort CA
Set in 30 acres in North County San Diego, and located just off I-15, Escondido RV Resort is 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego and 25 minutes east of Oceanside.
Facilities include 127 full hook-up sites, a year-round heated pool and spa. All spaces offer easy back-in access (note: no pull-thru spaces).
Escondido RV Resort Dog Park is a completely fenced, double gated entry, one-third-acre, off-leash dog park reserved for guests of Escondido RV Resort.
Guest facilities include Outdoor Heated Resort Pool, Spa and Clubhouse.
1740 Seven Oaks Road, Escondido, CA 92026
Phone: 619-648-8515
Dog-Friendly Stops
Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
Planning a Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip?
Make sure to check out our Blog first!
Top 13 Stops on Pet Friendly California Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Road Trip
Florida
Compass RV Park St. Augustine FL
Dog-friendly camping facilities at Compass RV Park, five miles west of St. Augustine, include three campground areas, with Dog Park, pull-through pitches, full or partial hook-up, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Clubhouse.
Pet-friendly vacation rentals also available (1 Bedroom | Sleeps 2-4).
Pet Policy
A maximum of two (2) pets are included in the rate.
Additional pets are charged at $3.00 per day.
Compass RV Park
1505 State Road 207, St. Augustine, FL 32086
Phone 877-394-6577
Shady Acres RV Travel Park Fort Myers FL
Offering 375 full hook-up sites on over 30 acres, Shady Acres RV Travel Park is located on US 41, the Tamiami Trail, between Fort Myers and Naples, Florida.
Facilities include two heated pools, hot tub, pavilion.
Pet Policy
Pet-friendly park: 3 dogs max per site.
Facilities include Dog Park with agility equipment and watering stations.
Note breed restrictions apply including: Rotweiller, Pitbull, Chow, Doberman (or any mix thereof).
Shady Acres RV Travel Park
19370 S. Tamiami Trail, Fort Myers, FL 33908-4803
Phone: 239-267-8448
Pet-Friendly Guide to Orlando, Florida
Pet-Friendly Hotels, Visitor Info, Public Transit
Check out 65 #dogfriendly hotels
(including 10 where dogs stay free!)
Orlando - Lake Buena Vista - Kissimmee - Bay Lake - Celebration - Disney World - International Drive
Did you know?
4 Walt Disney World Resort Hotels are dog-friendly!
Visiting Disney World
Need a dog sitter, doggy daycare, pet boarding?
Best Friends Pet Care at Walt Disney World® Resort:
Day and Overnight Pet Boarding and Grooming Salon
17,000 square feet air-conditioned indoor space
10,000 square feet covered outdoor runs/play areas
25,000-square-foot dog park
Check out full details here:
Family & Pet-Friendly Destination Guide – Orlando
New York State
Lake George RV Park NY
Lake George RV Park is located at the southern-most perimeter of the Adirondack Mountains, on Route 149, 1 mile from exit 20 of I-87 (the Adirondack Northway).
Note: No tent sites.
Dog-Friendly RV Park
Facilities at Lake George RV Park include Charlie’s Bark Park, a 2-acre off-leash recreation area and pavilion, featuring designated large and small dog areas.
Lake George RV Park
74 State Route 149, Lake George, New York 12845
Phone: 518-792-3775
GPS coordinates: 43.37073, -73.69116
Visiting New York City?
Check out our detailed guides
Family & Pet Friendly Guides for New York City:
> Pet Policy for ALL Public Transport Systems
> Central Park Dog-Friendly Areas & Rules
> Off-leash Parks & Dog Runs New York City
> 100+ Pet-Friendly Hotels
> 29 Hotels Where Dogs Stay Free!
> Dog Friendly Cafes, Restaurants & Bars
> Dog Facilities & Pet Relief Areas at New York Airports
You can check out these guides in detail here:
Family & Pet Friendly Guide New York City
Maine
Sagadahoc Bay Campground ME
Located in Mid Coast Maine, at the southern tip of Georgetown Island, Sagadahoc Bay Campground provides ocean-front camping in Maine.
Sagadahoc Bay Campground is located near Bath, on the southern tip of Georgetown Island (approximately 20 miles east of Brunswick, 40 miles south of Augusta, and 150 miles north of Boston).
Accommodation options at Sagadahoc Bay Campground include small travel trailers and tents, cabins/park models, waterfront RV & Tent Sites, and wooded sites for pop-ups.
Pet Policy
All site reservations, except cabins, are inclusive of 4 people and 2 pets for the nightly rate. If you are traveling with more people or more pets, there is a cost of $5.00 for each person or pet per day for the length of your stay. Pets are allowed in the cabins. There is a cost of $5.00 per pet per night.
9 Molly Point Lane, Georgetown, ME 04548
Phone: 207-371-2014
Latitude and longitude: 43 46 00.0 N; 69 44 00.0 W.
Visiting Acadia National Park with your Dog
Check out our Blog:
Top 11 destinations in Acadia National Park & surrounding areas!
Planning on visiting Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument with your Dog?
We've got that covered as well:
Dog-Friendly Guide to Katahdin Woods & Waters
Massachusetts
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort MA
Situated in a forest setting between Boston (30 miles) & Cape Cod, Normandy Farms offers a wide range of accommodation choices including RV, Tent, deluxe Cabin, YURT, Safari Tent, or pop-up trailers.
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome in a number of designated Cabins, Yurts, and Pop-up Rentals.
Facilities at Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort include the 1.5-acre Freedom Tail Dog Park (including small dog area, agility equipment, dog wash), Nature Trails, Fitness Center, Wellness Center, indoor Swimming Pool, two outdoor Olympic size Swimming Pools, double Jacuzzi and Sauna, Bike Park, 20,000 square foot Recreation Lodge and more.
Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort
72 West Street, Foxboro, MA 02035
Phone: 866-67FARMS or 866-673-2767
GPS Coordinates: N42˚02’29.04″ W71˚16’52.14″
Dog-friendly guide: Cape Cod
Visiting Cape Cod, Massachusetts with your Dog?
Check out our blog:
10 destinations to visit in Cape Cod with your dog
Visiting Boston?
Check out our Family & Pet-Friendly Boston Guide:
40+ pet-friendly hotels, Visitor Info, Public Transport
New Hampshire
Wakeda Campground Hampton Falls NH
Located a mile off the road, surrounded by woods, Wakeda Campground is an hour north of Boston, and 8 miles from Hamilton Beach.
This pet-friendly campground is located eight miles from Hamilton Beach, on New Hampshire’s Atlantic Coast.
Facilities at Wakeda Campground include the large fenced-in Mike Hambleton Memorial Dog Park with agility obstacles, and a fire hydrant/drinking fountain; 18 Hole Miniature Golf, Playground, Trading Post
The 400 sites at Wakeda Campground offer a wide variety of camping options, including Cabins, Rustic Tent sites, pull-thrus, and trailer sites with full hook-up (able to accommodate 45'+ trailers).
Pet Policy: Well-behaved pets are welcome (no more than 2 dogs per site, please!). There is a new fenced in dog park available.
294 Exeter Road (Rt88), Hampton Falls, NH 03844
Phone: 603-772-5274
New Jersey
Holly Shores Camping Resort NJ
The 38 -acre Holly Shores Camping Resort is located in Cape May County, four miles from Wildwood and Cape May beaches, and 30 miles south of Ocean City.
Facilities include enclosed dog park, heated pool, baby pool, two hot tubs, playgrounds, Volleyball & Basketball courts, and a 10.9 mile bike path and nature trail leading the from Holly Shores Camping Resort to historic Cold Spring Village, Cape May Zoo, and Zip Line Village. Three lakes operated by the New Jersey Dept. of Fishery offer a place to swim, fish, kayak.
Accommodation choices at Holly Shores Camping Resort include 300 full hook-up campsites (up to 42 feet), and 48 Deluxe Rentals, Tiny Houses, and Safari Glamping Tents.
Note: dogs are not allowed in Safari Tents.
Pet Policy
Dogs welcome in designated dog-friendly rentals (excluding Safari Tents), fees apply. Limit one dog (1 year old +), up to 80 lbs, or two dogs totalling up to 80 lbs.
491 US Route 9 South, Cape May, NJ 08204
Phone: 877-494-6559
Washington
Kalaloch Campground Olympic National Park WA
Open year-round, Kalaloch Campground is located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park, on a high bluff adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. The campgrounds at Kalaloch and South Beach are the only places to camp on the southern coast of Olympic National Park.
Although campsites are not directly on the beach, several of them overlook the water and there is beach access within the facility (a number of trails and steps descend about 40 ft. to the beach).
Accommodation at Kalaloch Campground includes 168 campsites, including one group site and four accessible sites. Note: most campsites in Kalaloch cannot accommodate large RVs or Trailers, so check before booking.
The Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail is a mile-long walk through the forest along Kalaloch Creek, with accessible lookout points at Ruby Beach and Beach Trail 4. The Hoh Rain Forest, and the towns of Queets, Quinault and Forks are within a 45-minute drive.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed on the following trails:
Peabody Creek Trail (Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles)
Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (1/2 mile)
The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch area)
Madison Falls Trail (Elwha)
Spruce Railroad Trail (North shore of Lake Crescent)
July Creek Loop Trail (North shore of Lake Quinault)
Pets are not permitted - on any trails not listed above, in public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in the wilderness.
Pet Policy - Olympic National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Location / Directions
Latitude 47° 36' 47.0002" N Longitude 124° 22' 28.9999" W
Kalaloch Campground is on Highway 101, 34 miles south of Forks, Washington, and 73 miles north of Aberdeen, Washington.
You can reach Olympic National Park via the I-5 corridor; once you arrive on the Olympic Peninsula, connect to Hwy 101 to reach any destinations in and around Olympic National Park.
Phone number for campground inquiries: 360-565-3130
Kalaloch and Ruby Beach
Kalaloch and Ruby Beach are located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula. If planning on visiting Kalaloch and Ruby Beach check here.
Visiting the Pacific Northwest (PNW) with your Dog
Visiting the Pacific Northwest (PNW) with your Dog
Check out our Blog:
Top 8 destinations in PNW and surrounding areas!
Oregon
Rovers RV Park OR
Note - as of April 9th 2021:
Rovers RV Park remains closed for seasonal (nightly/weekly) visitors.
Rovers will consider long-term guests (30+ days) on a very select case-by-case basis.
Located on the Alsea Bay and River, just over 3 miles from Hwy 101 and some of the Pacific North West’s spectacular ocean beaches, Rovers RV Park offers 22 large (30 ft wide) full hook-up sites with ample parking for your toad or boat. In addition, there are 12 grassy, water/electric only sites for smaller RVs. There is no tent camping.
Facilities include off-leash dog area.
3299 East Alsea Hwy, Waldport, OR 97394
Phone: 541-563-3485
Illinois
Shawnee National Forest Recreation Sites
Nestled between the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, and between the Ozark and Shawnee Hills, in southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest is a 280,000 acre National Forest that offers primitive backpacking or developed campsites, solely on a first-come, first-served basis. Most campgrounds & picnic areas are located near lakes or areas of exceptional beauty. Note: there are no cabins in Shawnee National Forest.
One of the Forest's main attractions is the Garden of the Gods, home to the Rim Rock Recreational Trail (the forest boasts 403 miles of hiking trails).
Pet Policy
Dogs are welcome in the Shawnee National Forest; however, they must
be leashed or restrained in developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas and on developed trails.
Driving Directions
You can check out detailed Driving Directions here.
Shawnee National Forest Map
Click here for a detailed pdf map of Shawnee National Forest.
Shawnee National Forest headquarters are located in Harrisburg, with local ranger district offices in Jonesboro and Vienna.
50 Highway 145 South, Harrisburg IL 62946
Phone: 618-253-7114
Family & Pet Friendly Destination Guide Chicago
Dog-friendly Hotels, Parks, Beaches, Visitor Info
Check out our in-depth visitor guide:
Family & Pet-Friendly Guide: Chicago
Colorado
Garden of the Gods RV Resort CO
Located in the foothills of Pikes Peak, America’s most visited mountain, Garden of the Gods RV Resort shares its location with Old Colorado City (2 miles) and Manitou Springs 3 miles), Colorado’s first Capitol City. It is approximately 70 miles south of Denver.
Pet Policy
The resort is dog-friendly; facilities include a gated “Bark Park”.
Pets are allowed in accommodations designated as being pet-friendly (accommodation type name will include “Pet” as part of label, and pet friendliness will be specifically included in the description).
All RV sites are pet friendly and there is no fee. Limit of two dogs per site.
Guest accommodation at Garden of the Gods RV Resort includes RV sites, Cottages, Bunkhouses, Studios, Suites, and Tent sites.
Facilities include two heated swimming pools, children's playground, and game room.
Garden of the Gods RV Resort
3704 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904
Phone: 719-475-9450
Missouri
Cottonwoods RV Park MO
Cottonwoods RV Park is a family and pet-friendly RV Park and Campground located in the heart of the Missouri off of US Highway 63 in Columbia, Missouri, 4 miles north of I-70, and just minutes from the University of Missouri, and many local attractions including Warm Springs Ranch: The Budweiser Clydesdales Breeding Ranch.
Pet Policy
Well-behaved, currently vaccinated dogs welcome.
Cottonwoods RV Park and Campground
5170 N. Oakland Gravel Road, Columbia, MO 65202
Phone: 573-474-2747
Latitude: 39.00736 Longitude: -92.30191
Virginia
Campgrounds at Shenandoah National Park, Luray, Virginia
The 200,000-acre Shenandoah National Park is located 75 miles from Washington D.C.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed on leash on most trails (all but 20 miles of 500+ miles of trails); see here for 12 trails where dogs are not allowed.
Pets are allowed in campgrounds; pet-friendly lodging is also available.
Campgrounds
Campgrounds are available on a mix of first come or Reservation basis.
There are 4 campgrounds in Shenandoah National Park:
Mathews Arms Campground (Northern Section of Park); 165 sites: Tent or RV.
Big Meadows Campground (centrally located in Park); 221 sites; Tents or RV (51 Tent only).
Lewis Mountain Campground; 30 sites; Tents or RV.
Loft Mountain Campground (sits atop Big Flat Mountain in southern part of Park); 207 sites; Tents or RV (50 tents only).
Kentucky
Campgrounds at Mammoth Cave National Park
Located in the heart of Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park has 84 miles of trails, as well as three Campgrounds, two of which facilitate RVs.
Camping
Camping is only possible either in designated campgrounds or backcountry campsites with a valid reservation or permit.
Designated Campgrounds
Maple Springs Group Campground
Maple Springs Loop Road, KY 42259
8 sites; located on the park's north side, six miles from the visitor center and three miles north of Green River Ferry.
Mammoth Cave Campground
2811 Mammoth Cave Parkway, KY 42259
111 campsites; located within ¼ mile from the visitor center; mixture of tent only sites, group sites, tent or RV sites, and accessible sites.
Houchin Ferry Campground
Houchins Ferry Road, Brownsville, KY 42210
12 tent-only sites; located next to the Green River at the former location of the Houchin Ferry.
Mammoth Cave National Park Camping Reservations
Directions to Mammoth Cave National Park
DO NOT FOLLOW YOUR GPS!
From the North: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 53 (Cave City Exit).
Turn right onto KY-70. Follow 70/255 as it becomes the Mammoth Cave Parkway in the park. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center. From the South: Take Interstate 65 to Exit 48 (Park City Exit).
Turn left onto KY-255 and follow 255 as it becomes the Park City Road into the park. Follow Park City Road until it joins the Mammoth Cave Parkway; turn left. Follow the Mammoth Cave Parkway to the Visitor Center.
1 Visitor Center Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259-0007
Phone: 270-758-2424
North Carolina
4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat NC
Located in the scenic Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, 4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat claims to be "the first and only dog dedicated campground in the US."
Note
"We exclusively cater to canines and their adult human companions. Four Paws Kingdom is dedicated to adults 18 and over and their canine companions. All our events and activities are geared toward adults and all open space is dedicated to off-leash dog areas. Therefore, all human campers and guests must be at least 18 years old."
On-site doggy facilities include multiple enclosed, large dog parks: Small Dog Playground, Tiny Tot Park, The Big Yard and Private Escape; Agility Park, Private Swimming Pond, Hiking Trails, and Doggy Bathhouse and Pet Grooming Station.
4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat is located in a remote area of the county in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.
Facilities include deluxe Cabins & Yurts (sleep 2-4 dogs, 2-4 humans), and RV sites (back-in, pull-through, full hook-up) - all RV Site rates include up to 4 dogs and 2 human companions.
335 Lazy Creek Drive - Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Phone: 828-287-7324
Texas
Padre Island National Seashore Texas
The National Seashore is located on North Padre Island, southeast of the city of Corpus Christi, Texas.
Visitors to the area should head east through Corpus Christi on Highway 358. After crossing the JFK Causeway onto Padre Island, Highway 358 changes to Park Road 22. Continue about 10 miles south on Park Road 22 to reach the park entrance.
All campgrounds are open year-round.
No reservations are accepted, as camping is first-come, first-served.
Campers, including beach campers, must have a camping permit, which is available from the kiosks at the entrances of each campground.
Pet Friendly
Padre Island National Seashore is pet friendly!
Pets are welcome almost everywhere in the park as long as they are on a leash at all times. Leashed pets are permitted in all camping areas and on over 60 miles of beach in the park, including all areas where you can drive on the beach.
Camping is permitted only in the five following areas:
Malaquite Campground
Located on the gulf side of the island just north of the visitor center, just a short walk from this campground to the beach.
Bird Island Basin Campground
Located next to the calm waters of the laguna, this campground is a great place for tent or RV camping.
South Beach Primitive Camping
60 miles of primitive beach is available for camping with 4WD access. It is recommended that vehicles without 4WD stay in the first 5 miles.
North Beach Primitive Camping
The northern-most area of the park. Approximately a mile of the beach is available for camping before the beach is blocked off for driving.
Yarborough Pass Primitive Camping
Located 15 miles down South Beach, Yarborough Pass provides access to the laguna for 4WD vehicles.
Physical address: 20420 Park Road 22 Corpus Christi, TX 78418
Nevada
Red Rock Campground
Located a few miles west of Las Vegas, the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (RRCNCA) encompasses 195,819 acres within the Mojave Desert.
Pets are allowed in the Conservation Area and along trails. Pets must be kept on a leash at all times and they must never be left unattended - not even in a vehicle.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area has one developed campground offering Standard, RV, and Group Campsites: the Red Rock Canyon Campground [formerly 13-Mile Campground] is located two miles east of the Visitor Center on W. Charleston Blvd (State Route 159) / one mile south on Moenkopi Road from the junction with W. Charleston Blvd.
For Campground Information check out:
Red Rock Canyon Campground.
For scenic drives, trails etc., check out:
Red Rock Canyon Visitor Guide.
The physical address is 3293 Moenkopi Road, Las Vegas, NV 89161.
Utah
Campgrounds at Zion National Park UT
There are two designated Campgrounds in Zion National Park:
South Campground
Reservations only; located ½ mile from the South Entrance; 117 sites, mix of tent-only and RV. Check here for full details.
Watchman Campground
Watchman Campground is located ¼ mile from the South Entrance. Tent and electric campsites available year-round; group campsites available by reservation.
190 regular sites, 7 wheelchair accessible sites and 6 group sites.
Camping Reservations at Zion National Park.
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on maximum 6 foot leash.
Hiking with pets allowed only on park roads and the Pa’rus Trail.
Do not leave pets unattended.
New Mexico
White Sands National Park
Camping at White Sands National Park
White Sands doesn't offer accommodations or RV/car camping within the monument.
The park would normally allow Backcountry Camping, but as of 23rd April, the park website states: "Due to current public health conditions, backcountry camping has been cancelled until further notice."
Directions to White Sands National Park
The visitor center and Dunes Drive is located directly off of Highway US-70 between the cities of Alamogordo and Las Cruces. The entrance to the park can be found between mile markers 199 and 200 on Highway US-70.
GPS Coordinates
32° 46' 45" North, 106° 10' 19" West
For map software and directions
When using GPS if you only enter “white sands” you may be routed to White Sands Missile Range, which is approximately 25 miles (40 km) west of the park. The official advice is: "GPS signals can be unreliable in the park. Please make sure to have an alternative form of navigation on you and don’t solely rely on your GPS."
Ohio
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Located a short distance from the urban areas of Cleveland and Akron, Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides a wide choice of recreational opportunities along the winding Cuyahoga River. Visitors can enjoy 125 miles of hiking trails (varying from easy / family to more challenging trails), or walk or ride the Towpath Trail to follow the historic route of the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Notice (23rd April 2021) on official NPS website:
"Cuyahoga Valley no longer offers camping within the park.
Camping or staying overnight in parking lots is prohibited.
Recreational Vehicle Day Parking in the Park
CVNP does not have parking spaces designated for recreational vehicles but they can be parked in the RV and Trailer Parking area across from Boston Mill Visitor Center, or in the larger parking spaces at Canal Exploration Center, Station Road Trailhead, Pine Hollow, Wetmore, Everett Covered Bridge, and Ira Trailhead parking lots. This parking is for day use only. Overnight RV parking is not allowed anywhere in CVNP.
Backcountry camping is prohibited.
Campgrounds Near the Park
There are state parks and other campgrounds within driving distance from your national park. Click the links below to learn more."
