There's nothing better than hitting the open road with 'man's best friend'. We went in search of great parks where pets are not only allowed, but are welcomed and included in the fun! We've included each park's pet policy in their listing. Here are our top picks.
Nestled in the beautiful and majestic redwoods on the Northern California coast, Big Sur Riverside Campground & Cabins is the perfect place to bring your furry friend. Situated right next to a bubbling river, your pup can play in the water while you swim or go tubing nearby. Beach access and hiking trails are just 10 minutes away.
How does Dog Beach sound for your furry friend? Fort De Soto is the only Florida dog park where dogs are allowed on the beach (in their own special area.) There are also two fenced in areas near the beach for large and small dogs with water stations. And it's no surprise that Fort De Soto was named America’s Top Beach for 2009 by Trip Advisor.
Four Paws Kingdom is the first and only dog-dedicated campground in the U.S. exclusively catering to people and their canine companions. They will provide you with all the amenities dogs (and their humans) could wish for. Hiking trails, a dog pond, play parks, agility, Rally-O, a dog bathhouse with grooming station - and more... this full-service campground is the perfect place to enjoy a trip with your pup. They even have dog handling workshops and training classes!
Harpers Ferry KOA is located in historic Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Located just 60 miles from Washington DC, it's the perfect place to set up camp and visit the nation's capitol or spend time exploring the area: biking the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, hiking the Appalachian Trail, or rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Harpers Ferry KOA has a K9 Camp, so your dog is sure to have his best vacation, too -- activities include dog olympics, special swim days in the pool, and even a doggie Halloween costume contest! Spend some quality "off-leash" time with your four-legged family friend. Fenced in, complete with a doggie teeter-totter, a little dog club house, weave poles and plenty of room to play ball or fetch.
If you love dogs, you're going to LOVE Glen Highland Farm in Morris, New York. This vacation spot caters to the dog and the dog-loving human. With 175 acres of open space, you and Fido will have plenty of space to run and hike, almost all of it off-leash. The park offers agility classes, frisbee training and a pond for the pups to swim in. They even put benches and chairs creekside so the humans can relax while the dogs play in the creek. Too far to drive your RV? They even rent RVs for use during your stay!
Normandy Farms Campground is another great place for dogs. This park has its own dog park, allowing pups the freedom to roam and romp and play. There is a dog washing station and agility equipment. The resort offers dog services like potty breaks and dog walking, as well as day kennels, so that you can enjoy a little time by the pool or perhaps an afternoon of sightseeing. Allow your dog to hang outside in the comfort of his or her very own custom Canine Coop, which is totally enclosed and complete with a dog house.
Sand Hollow is one of the most popular parks in Utah. Its very scenic vistas offer a warm-water reservoir, sandy beaches and red rocks. The plentiful ATV trails allow access to Sand Mountain through the sand dunes. This is a great place to camp with Spot -- complete with a reservoir for boating and fishing! The warm water of the reservoir makes it ideal for skiing and other water sports. St. George City, Quail Creek State Park and Red Cliffs BLM Recreation area are nearby and Zion National Park is within easy driving distance.
Golden Village Palms RV Resort in Hemet, California boasts lots of fun dog-centric activities, and offers two fenced dog runs. They host special pet-inspired events, like photos with Santa, a pet parade and a Halloween costume contest. The weekly bark and wine brings dog owners (and dogs) together for some fun, fresh air and refreshments. In 2013, GVP raised over $7000 for the Hemet Police Department’s K9 Unit. With those funds, the PD was able to purchase a new K9, Jack!
Chatfield SRA, just 20 miles south of Denver, is a favorite for Colorado pups. This State Recreation Area allows off-leash play and hiking for miles and miles. The park is almost 70 acres and dogs are allowed off-lease (assuming they are under voice control). The open area includes two ponds, and both paved and unpaved trails.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes love running, digging, and exploring the beach so bring them along and head to The Islander in Westport, Washington! While in Westport, you can have fun exploring the local area - locat attractions include the Westport Marina, the South Beach Maritime Museum, and Grey's Harbor Lighthouse, Washington’s tallest lighthouse. There is plenty of beach for surfing, strolling and beach combing. If you have time to see more, Seattle and Portland are a few hours drive away.
