Your dog isn’t just a pet, oh no, not at all. They’re your co-pilot, hiking buddy, fur dispenser, and campfire companion. At RJourney, we believe every great camping trip should include the whole family, four-legged friends included.
This guide is for dog owners, RV travelers, and anyone planning a camping trip with their pet. Pet-friendly camping ensures your whole family, including your dog (or cat!), can enjoy the outdoors together.
Pet-friendly camping is defined as camping at sites that allow pets, often with specific rules, amenities, and restrictions. Some campgrounds may have restrictions on where pets are allowed, such as prohibiting them in certain buildings or areas, and many parks have specific pet policies that may limit pets to certain campsites or types of accommodations. Always check the campground’s pet policy before booking.
Pet friendly camping lets you and your four legged friend experience the great outdoors together, surrounded by scenic landscapes and endless adventure.
With over 340,000 pet-friendly campsites scattered across the United States and growing demand from RV travelers who refuse to leave their furry friends behind, pet friendly camping has become one of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor recreation. Whether you’re crossing state lines in a Class A motorhome or setting up a travel trailer for a long weekend, RJourney’s nationwide network of RV resorts and campgrounds offers welcoming destinations where tails wag just as much as the humans smile.
This guide covers everything you need to know about pet-friendly camping at RJourney parks — from coast to coast, season to season, and breed to breed. Get ready for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation with your four legged friend.
The numbers tell a compelling story. An estimated 78 million dogs live in American households, and surveys consistently show that more than half of pet owners consider their animals when planning vacations. The RV lifestyle is a natural fit: your vehicle is already home on wheels, and campgrounds offer the wide-open spaces dogs crave.
Pet friendly camping is no longer a niche preference — it’s a mainstream expectation. Campgrounds that invest in dog parks, off-leash zones, and pet-conscious amenities are seeing higher occupancy rates and stronger guest loyalty. Many travelers now specifically seek out dog friendly campgrounds, which often feature fenced areas, pet-specific rules, and off-leash zones to accommodate canine companions. RJourney has embraced this shift across its portfolio of parks spanning more than a dozen states.
Quick Fact: The average nightly rate for pet-friendly campsites in the United States hovers around $50, with budget-friendly options starting as low as $2 per night at basic public campgrounds.
If your dog thrives on desert trails, red-rock scenery, and high-altitude adventures, RJourney’s Western parks deliver. Surrounded by breathtaking natural features like evergreen forests, canyons, and scenic vistas, these parks offer extensive hiking trails that are perfect for leashed trail walks with panoramic views. Bryce Canyon RV Resort in Utah places you near some of the most dramatic hiking landscapes in North America. Nearby, Cedar City RV Resort and Dixie Forest RV Resort offer access to national forests where dogs and their owners can explore miles of wilderness together.
In Colorado, Cortez RV Resort sits near Mesa Verde country, while Dolores River RV Resort provides waterside sites where dogs can splash along the riverbank. Further north, Applewood RV Resort near Denver gives you a pet-friendly base camp for exploring the Front Range.
Wyoming travelers will find Cheyenne RV Resort, Laramie RV Resort, and Pine Bluffs RV Park ideally positioned along the I-80 corridor — making them excellent overnight stops for cross-country RV trips with pets, whether you’re staying in an RV, cabin, or tent.
The southern United States offers some of the longest pet-friendly camping seasons in the country, with mild temperatures from October through April that keep dogs comfortable outdoors. In Texas, Rockport RV Resort sits along the Gulf Coast where coastal breezes and birding trails make for delightful dog walks. Lake Conroe RV Campground, Sugar Valley RV Resort, and Willow Beach RV Park each offer lakeside and rural settings where pets have room to roam, opportunities to enjoy swimming, and fishing is a popular activity. Many of these Southern parks also feature dog friendly amenities such as off-leash areas and pet-focused facilities to enhance your stay.
Louisiana’s Lake Charles RV Resort and Lakeside RV Resort welcome pet owners to Cajun country, while Sunburst RV Resort in Florida provides a sunny winter escape. In Tennessee, Clarksville RV Resort offers proximity to both Nashville’s urban dog parks and the rolling countryside of middle Tennessee. South Carolina’s The Point at Lake Hartwell rounds out the Southern options with gorgeous lakefront camping.
The Midwest is home to some of RJourney’s most amenity-rich parks. Splash Magic RV Resort in Pennsylvania combines family water park fun with pet-friendly camping, picnic tables for outdoor meals, and a playground for kids — a rare combination that keeps every member of the family happy. These parks are also known as dog friendly campgrounds, welcoming pets with dedicated amenities and policies for a comfortable stay. Learn more about camping areas in Pennsylvania, including RV parks, campgrounds, and destinations across the state. James Creek RV Resort, also in Pennsylvania, offers a quieter, nature-focused alternative near the Appalachian countryside.
Wisconsin’s trio of parks — Baraboo RV Resort, Coconut Cove RV Resort, and Pearl Lake RV Campground — are summer favorites where dogs can enjoy cool lake breezes and shaded campsites. In Indiana, Elkhart RV Resort and Muncie RV Resort offer convenient Midwestern stopovers.
Minnesota’s Canary Beach Resort and Illinois’ Fish Lake Beach Resort both feature waterfront settings that dogs absolutely love, while Missouri’s Perryville RV Resort and Pin Oak RV Resort anchor the heartland corridor.
New York State earned national attention in 2025 when Lake George RV Park was named Best Pet-Friendly Campground in the state. RJourney’s New York parks carry that same spirit: Blue Haven Campground, Interlake RV Resort, Fair Point Marina, and Shady Shores Campground each offer access to the Empire State’s lakes, forests, and charming small towns. Many of these locations are situated near a state park, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and scenic exploration. For those seeking comfort, pet-friendly cabins are available at select campgrounds, and dog friendly campsites ensure your furry companions are welcome with amenities and policies designed for pets.
On the West Coast, Kenanna RV Resort in Washington State, as well as Klamath Falls RV Resort and the Vintages/Willamette Wine Country RV Park in Oregon, bring Pacific Northwest beauty to your pet-friendly camping experience. California’s Snug Harbor RV Park in the Sacramento Delta region offers waterfront relaxation where dogs can enjoy the breeze right alongside you. Big Sur is also a notable destination in California, known for its breathtaking views, hiking trails, and pet-friendly camping options.
Choosing the right season for pet-friendly camping is as much about your dog’s comfort as your own. When planning a dog camping trip, selecting the right time of year is crucial to ensure your dog’s safety and enjoyment, as extreme temperatures can affect their well-being. Here’s a seasonal breakdown:
Pro Tip: Shoulder seasons — late spring and early fall — offer fewer crowds, cooler temperatures for dogs, and often lower campsite rates.
Responsible pet ownership at a campground means keeping your dog under control at all times, cleaning up waste immediately, being considerate of other campers by supervising your pet closely, and being mindful of neighboring campers who may be cautious around animals. Always keep your pet on a leash while on property grounds to comply with campground rules and prevent your dog from bothering or startling fellow campers. Never leave a dog tied up unattended outside your RV, and keep barking to a minimum — especially during quiet hours.
Quotable: “The golden rule of pet-friendly camping is simple: leave your campsite cleaner than you found it, and ensure your pet is a welcome neighbor — not a nuisance.”
RJourney parks are pet-friendly across the network, but specific policies — including breed restrictions, size limits, and fees — can vary by location. Always contact your chosen park directly before booking to confirm current pet rules and any associated charges.
Many RJourney parks feature open green spaces and pet-friendly grounds. Dedicated fenced dog parks and off-leash zones vary by property. Check with individual parks for specific amenities. Parks like Splash Magic RV Resort and Baraboo RV Resort are known for their family- and pet-forward amenities.
Remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers, grasping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Veterinarians recommend applying tick preventative medication before any camping trip, especially in wooded or grassy campground environments.
Most campgrounds — including RJourney parks — require that pets not be left unattended outside. If you need to leave your RV briefly, crate your pet inside the climate-controlled vehicle. Never leave a pet in a closed vehicle without air conditioning in warm weather.
Visit rjourney.com to browse the full list of parks by state. With locations from California to New York, Utah, and Florida to Washington, there’s likely an RJourney park within a day’s drive of your starting point. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out the RJourney blog. If you’re planning a trip, learn about the best time to visit Utah’s National Parks.
Pet friendly camping isn’t just a trend — it’s a reflection of how we travel now. Our dogs are family, and our furry family members belong on the adventure. RJourney’s growing network of RV resorts and campgrounds across the USA makes it easy to find a welcoming home base no matter where the road takes you.
Ready to plan your next pet-friendly getaway? Explore all RJourney parks at rjourney.com, pick your destination, and bring the whole pack along. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out our blog. The open road — and an open campsite — are waiting.
Pet-friendly RV travel is here to stay, and planning the right trip means choosing destinations that welcome your dog as a true member of the crew. Across RJourney’s nationwide network, you can find parks near desert trails, mountain lakes, Gulf Coast beaches, Midwestern waterfronts, and Northeast forest escapes—without compromising on comfort or convenience. Wherever you roam, remember to confirm each park’s pet policy, pack the essentials, and follow campground etiquette so every guest (two- and four-legged) has a great stay. As you relax at your campsite, don’t miss the chance to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your furry companion, soaking in the scenic beauty that pet friendly camping offers. When you’re ready to map your next route, browse destinations, compare locations by state, and book your site directly at rjourney.com—then hit the road with your best friend and enjoy every moment along the course of your camping adventure.
