Dog-friendly Campgrounds You Can Visit With Fido
Nothing beats camping and exploring the outdoors with family and friends—what more if you can include Fido in the trip? Luckily, there are several dog-friendly campgrounds in the country with everything you and your dog will need. Check out the list below:
1) Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™
2250 US-211, Luray, VA 22835
There’s something for every member of the family at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park™—even for Fido!
The off-leash bark park on-site features plenty of space where your canine can play. You can also let your dog have fun and make new canine friends in the securely fenced area with obstacle courses.
If you’re feeling up for a hike, don’t miss a chance to complete part of the Appalachian Trail through Tanners Ridge Road. It’s a pet-friendly trail where Fido can hike while wearing a leash.
2) Riverside Campground & Cabins
47020 CA-1, Big Sur, CA 93920
More than 30 campsites and several cabins and rooms are available at Riverside Campground & Cabins. Locals love it here as the campground is spread over 10 acres of mixed forest with beautiful coastal redwood, maple, oak, and more.
The Big Sur River is also excellent for swimming, inner-tubing, and wading. During fishing season, enthusiasts come to enjoy catch and release.
You can also hike with your dog along the pet-friendly trails on-site or visit the beautiful Pfeiffer Beach. Fido can also stay with you in your cabin, tent, or RV for a minimal fee.
3) 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat
335 Lazy Creek Dr, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
You’ll find 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat in the scenic foothill of North Carolina’s the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s one of the first dog-dedicated campgrounds in the country.
It has fenced off-leash areas called the Small Dog Playground, The Big Yard, and Private Escape. There’s also an agility park on-site with weave poles, jumps, and a dog walk that will test your dog’s skills.
You can also let Fido practice his padding skills in the private pond on-site. The park also has a doggy bathhouse and a pet grooming station.
4) Sagadahoc Bay Campground
9 Molly Point Ln, Georgetown, ME 04548
Whether you’re looking for a place to pitch your tent or you need a place to hook up your RV, there’s a spot for you at the Sagadahoc Bay Campground.
This pet-friendly Maine destination understands that pets are also part of the family. You’ll find it on the southern tip of Georgetown Island. It’s home to sandy beaches and rocky ledges where you can go swimming, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
It’s also one of the best spots to enjoy breathtaking views of the Seguin Island Light.
5) Lost River Valley Campground
951 Lost River Rd, North Woodstock, NH 03262
Lost River Valley Campground is nestled between the banks of Lost River and Walker Brook. The area is known for its beautiful hiking trails and best fishing spots. There are also a couple of attractions nearby that you can check out, including Santa’s Village, North Conway, and the Mt. Washington Cog Railroad.
There are more than 100 campsites at Lost River Valley Campground—some with a view of the woods, some with a mountain view, while some are by the brook.
Fur parents are allowed to bring two dogs per site. Fido also needs to be on a leash.
6) Elkamp Eastcreek Campground
184 Naugle Rd, Mineral, WA 98355
Elkamp Eastcreek Campground used to be known as the Eastcreek Campground. It’s just a short drive from Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.
The campgrounds on-site are set amidst lush trees by the foot of Mt. Rainer. Most sites include a fire ring and a picnic table. There are also dump stations for RVs. Wi-Fi access, clean restrooms and showers, and campfires and firewoods are also available.
You’ll find beautiful dog-friendly trails on-site and plenty of open spaces where your canine can run around and play freely.
Dog camping gears you need to prepare
Make sure you make the necessary preparations before you go camping with Fido. For one, you need to ensure he has all the camping gear he needs.
Most pet-friendly campgrounds will require you to keep your dog on a leash. Ensure you have a good-quality harness that will not break while you’re exploring with your dog. If your canine can carry a pack, get him one that can store poop bags and a small medical kit.
You may also need to get your fur baby a rechargeable collar light or a LED safety necklace that will allow you to see your canine in the dark—this comes in handy if you plan to go out at night.
A collapsible dog bowl will also come in handy when you need to feed your dog or give him water to drink. You’ll also need a campsite dog-hitching system where you can attach your dog’s leash.
Remember to get your dog his own sleeping bag, especially if you’re staying overnight somewhere cold.
All in all
It takes great preparation before you can go camping with your dog. Apart from researching and finding the right campsite, you also need to ensure your dog is trained for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.
Remember to do your part in keeping pet-friendly campsites clean. Pack poop bags and dispose of used ones only in designated waste bins. Leave no trace when you go hiking, and try your best to ensure your dog doesn’t disturb the local wildlife. Ultimately, be considerate of fellow campers, and don’t forget your dog park etiquette.
