Top 10 Dog Friendly Campsites In The US

Camping is a great activity, and an all-American pastime. According to statistics, approximately 60 million households in the US own a dog. Many dog owners enjoy the outdoors and getting close to nature, and taking the family pet along is common. However, not all campsites allow dogs or are pet friendly. That's why we've done some research for you, and all you have to do is pick where you want to go.

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, California

Big Sur is one of Northern California's gems. A majestic and scenic park, Big Sur has developed campgrounds and day use areas, where dogs on a leash are allowed. There are many campsites along the Big Sur River, and the park has a variety of trees such as redwoods, oaks, sycamores, maples and willows to name but a few, so your dog will have plenty of things to sniff and large spaces to run around.

Jellystone Park, Pennsylvania

An hour away from Philadelphia, this nationally renowned park is a 63 acre campground. It caters to dogs with a fenced in 'bark park' containing fun obstacles for your pooch to enjoy. There are human activities too, like mini golf and laser tag, to keep both of you occupied. Any dogs staying with families in cabins are required to be crated and any in tents cannot be left alone. Leashes are a must outside.

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

If you plan to visit this park, then your dog must be kept on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet long, whether it's in the campground or the picnic areas. At over 400 square miles, the park is huge and has gorgeous mountain views and spectacular water formations. You and your dog will love the campground, forests, wildflowers, wildlife and much more that is part of Rocky Mountain.

Zion River Resort, Utah

This campground is located near the Zion National Park and has an off leash dog area, where your puppy will have access to the Virgin River. You can only bring your dog if you'll be staying in an RV or a travel trailer, as unattended dogs are not allowed in cabins or tents. However, there is no pet fee, which makes it even more attractive.

Foxboro: Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort, Massachusetts

Normandy Farms is a luxurious camping destination nestled between Boston and Cape Cod, and dogs are always welcome. You can bring your dog with you whether you're staying in a tent, an RV or a cabin. The resort has heated pools and nature trails that your dog will love to explore.

Olympic Peninsula/Port Angeles KOA, Washington

Are you looking for a camping getaway close to the Pacific Ocean and the Olympic National Park? Look no further. This campground has a free dog park for your puppy, and you can have wagon rides and attend ice cream socials. Remember to keep your dog on a leash that is 6 feet or shorter in length, when you're both enjoying the outdoors.

Assateague State Park, Maryland

The state's only oceanfront park, it's located on Assateague Island which has the Atlantic Ocean on the East and Sinepuxent Bay on the West. There are several campsites within the park which allow dogs, but not all campsites do, so be sure to check before you set out. There is a variety of wildlife to see, plus ocean beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing and more, and your dog can enjoy a ton of activities by the water.  

Sunshine Holiday Daytona, Florida

There is no pet fee in this campground, which has both a canal as well as a pond on the premises. There are 602 campsites, plus a dog park for your favorite pooch to run around in, while you can play bocce ball or horseshoes, or some other activity. Keep in mind that your dog can't stay in a cabin, so you'll have to make other staying arrangements.

Glacier National Park, Montana

This is a stunning national park, filled with things to see and do. Take your dog with you as you experience pristine forests, alpine meadows and lovely lakes. There are also over 700 miles of trails, for those pooches who are trail runners. Keep your dog on his leash, measuring no longer than 6 feet in all the developed areas like picnic spots, roads, parking areas and in boats where motorized watercraft are allowed.

Crow Wing Lake Campground, Minnesota

Situated two hours away from the hub of Minneapolis, this is a campground offering an off-leash dog park where your dog is sure to have fun playing and when he gets dirty, a pet wash station to clean him. You are not allowed to leave your dog unattended at any time in the campground. There is no pet fee.

These are just a few options in the US that you can enjoy with your dog. As long as you follow the rules, which are simple and common sense, like keeping him on a leash, and cleaning up after him and not leaving him unattended, camping with your dog can be and will be a rewarding experience for you both.