Best dog-friendly campgrounds in North America

By Sam Adebayo

Some days, you just want to frolic on campgrounds, the wind billowing in your back and the sun striking your face. But for some of us, we want to enjoy these beautiful moments with our dogs. However, knowing where to find the right dog friendly campground in North America can be a struggle. So, we've helped you by curating some of the best dog-friendly campgrounds across the United States and Canada.

In the coming paragraphs, we'll delve into some of the best campgrounds for dogs you can find in the US and Canada, what they offer, any peculiarities, how the environment feels, and why it's smart to microchip your dog before you go.

So, let's get to it!

Best Dog-friendly campsites in the US

Here are some of the best dog-friendly campsites in the US.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Bay Lake, Florida

Take a walk into your childhood and enjoy the magic in the great outdoors. This campground brings forth beauty with rabbits, ducks, and deer. There are fully-equipped campsites, pools, waterside, and golf carts for rent. And, of course, there's a pet-friendly policy.

The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort will accept pets in your climate-controlled RV. Pets are allowed within the designated pet loops, based on availability, but pets are not permitted in Tent/Pop-Up campsites.

Delaware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA, East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

This beautiful Pennsylvania campground offers all you'll need for a very memorable stay. From flea markets to pools to tent sites and beautiful lodges, it is the perfect pet-friendly base camp for all your recreational plans for you and your pet.

When bringing your dog to Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA, be sure they are kept on a leash at most 6 feet at all times outside your vehicle. You won't be charged for having your dog at the tent sites, but you'll incur a $10 charge if you stay with your dog at your cabin.

Riverside Campground & Cabins, Big Sur, California

With beautiful beach access, hiking trails, picnic tables, and picturesque landscape, Riverside Campground & Cabins offer some of the best views in California. And if you come at the right time between November and February, you may have the chance to fish.

This Californian campground is dog-friendly. To bring your dog, they charge you $5 per night, and there's a $30 fee per night for dogs in the cabin and rooms. Also, you'll have to call them beforehand if you need to bring more than two dogs, and as always, all basic dog etiquette is expected to be adhered to when you bring your dog.

Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, Traverse City, Michigan

Located in Michigan, this all-season campground allows guests to enjoy camping in RVs, tents, or cabins. Whether you want to enjoy the great outdoors, do company retreats or weddings, Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort will serve you.

For customers with dogs, always keep them on a leash in general outdoor areas. You'll have to pay a $10 fee for your pets to stay in the cabins. However, before you come, be sure to call ahead and make sure your furry friend doesn't exceed the size restrictions.

Hodgdon Meadow Campground, Groveland, California

At an elevation of about 4,900 feet, Hodgdon Meadow Campground offers guests a much-needed break from city life. The lack of the Internet allows you to disconnect from social media and enjoy the great outdoors. The area is also pet-friendly.

You can have your pets at family campsites, including tents and RVs. However, pets aren't allowed at the group campsites.

Blue Spring State Park Campground, Orange City, Florida

Dive into the wonderful world of the Blue Spring State Park Campground in Florida and enjoy swimming, scuba diving, and snorkelling with your best friends. This pet-friendly campground is so popular that you may stay in long lines just to enjoy the area, but the service and amenities are worth the wait.

The spectacular Blue Springs would keep you and your dog connected to nature. However, you must respect their rules, such as always keeping your pet on a leash in public areas. But you, however, don't need to pay an extra fee for your dog.

Under Canvas Yellowstone, West Yellowstone, Montana

Recognized as one of the top 20 resorts in the US, Under Canvas Yellowstone serves as a gateway to the unique geologic and hydrothermal winners of Montana. From picturesque landscapes to diverse wildlife, this dog-friendly campground will more than deliver.

They welcome every type of dog, regardless of size, for a fee of $25 per pet per night. However, you should know that no food will be allowed in the tent because the area is bear country. Also, it's best to have a microchip on your pet, so you know where they are at all times.

Sun Outdoors Cape May, Cape May, New Jersey

Formerly known as Holly Shores Campground and RV Resort, Sun Outdoors Cape May provides a gateway into the beautiful forest. The parks will provide you with the pleasures of the beach and the forest. The rentals in the area come fully equipped with a bathroom, living room, sleeper sofa, and more.

The campground is pet-friendly, so that you can bring your dog. But know that you'll pay $12 per night for one dog of 80 pounds or two dogs of up to 80 pounds. As usual, you need to always leash your dog at all times on property grounds.

Best dog-friendly campgrounds in Canada

Here are some of the best dog-friendly campgrounds in Canada.

KOA Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

Take a trip to the beautiful Sault Ste. Marie KOA campgrounds and enjoy the true beauty of Northern Ontario. There are countless campground activities, such as fun bikes, mini golf, swimming in the pool, and hiking. There's also a designated area for your children to play and have fun.

This campground is full of dog-friendly amenities. They welcome dogs of every shape and size with a fee of $10 per stay. However, the dogs are only allowed in Rustic Cabins but must be crated if unattended. But the coolest add-ons are the full-size agility fields where your dog can roam free and just be.

Au Diable Vert, Sutton, Quebec

Take a trip to Au Diable Vert and enjoy the great outdoors. From campsites to tree houses, there is something for every family member. You can also visit the quaint local restaurants and shops or even ski if that's more your style.

This dog-friendly campground allows you to bring up to two dogs for your trip. The only caveat is that you must register them upon reservation and that they must be controlled at all times. It’s a good idea to ensure your dog is microchipped, especially because here, your dogs are welcome in the river, on the mountain brooks, and on the paddle boards.

Twin Shores Camping Area, Kensington, Prince Edward Island

With three beaches and about 4km of coastline, Twin Shore Camping Area is among the top pet friendly campsites in Canada. As a premier oceanfront campground, it has several modern facilities, spectacular scenery, and a perfect place for the family to vacation.

You can bring your dog to these campsites, but always make sure it is kept on a leash at all times. Also, your pets aren't allowed in any playground or park building, so always clean up after your dog. But don't worry, Twin Shores Camping Area has a Bark Park where your pets can run off-leash.

Canyon Alpine RV Park & Campground, Boston Bar, British Columbia

Located in British Columbia, Canada, this park has more than 30 fully serviced gorgeous tiered 15/30 amp sites, all surrounded by beautiful evergreens. There's stable Internet access, cable, fire pits, and picnic tables. Basically, anything you need to jump-start your picnic.

One of the best aspects of this park is the fully fenced area, so your pet can roam off-leash. Of course, don't forget that having a microchip is especially important when camping at these campsites.

Yurts at Riverside Resort, Whistler, British Columbia

No need to search "dog friendly camping near me" when Yurts at Riverside Resort exists. You can take up to two dogs of any kind with no extra fee. However, always ensure your dogs are attended to at all times, whether hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing with your dog.

This campground offers several amenities, such as free Wi-Fi, fire pits, picnic tables, RV hookups, camping cabins, outdoor grills, and even laundry rooms.

Jell-E-Bean Campground and Trailers, Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Located at Wasaga Beach, Canada, Jell-E-Bean offers some of the best outdoor parks. Your options at these campsites range from tent sites to trailer sites to even tent-trailer sites, each with enough amenities to serve you. There are hiking trails, basketball hoops, a playground for your children, a lathe swimming pool, and lots of games.

You can bring your pet to enjoy this opportunity for just $10 per night. But always obey all camp instructions, such as picking up after your dogs and ensuring they don't disturb other clients.

Gateway to the North RV Park, Reidville, Newfoundland and Labrador

Gateway to the North RV Park at Reidville, Canada, is one of the best campsites that allow dogs. Enjoy picturesque views away from the noise of the city. Just you, your friends or family, and your dog cruising and enjoying the clear air near the lake.

As part of the campground rules, always ensure your dogs are leashed up when outside. And as extra precautions, always make sure your dogs have microchips.

Conclusion

Few feelings are better than having your dog with you in the great outdoors. That's why from KOA Sault Ste. Marie in Canada to Riverside Campground & Cabins in the US, several areas allow you to bring your dog camping.

However, you need to be prepared beforehand to be sure wherever you're camping is pet-friendly and their rules. Also, adhere to the rules of whatever dog-friendly campground you choose, as well as basic etiquette like cleaning up after your dog and leashing them in public areas.

It’s also a good idea to have a physical pet tag with your pet’s unique microchip # and your contact details, such as our Lifetime Warranty ID tags.

Also, you can verify that the contact details connected to your pet’s microchip are up-to-date by logging into your Customer Portal on our platform.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about dog friendly parks.

Are dogs allowed in provincial / state parks?

Yes, dogs are allowed in provincial and state parks, but per provincial laws, they must be kept on leashes of no more than 2m at all times.

What are the best campgrounds to take my dog to?

Here are some of the best campgrounds to take your dog to:

Are dogs allowed in national parks in the US?

Yes, generally, dogs are allowed in national parks in the US. However, regulation may depend on the state.

How do I take my dog on a camping trip?

You take your dog camping by first making sure wherever you choose to be, your campground is pet-friendly. Then ensure you know almost all their regulations, fees, and rules regarding dogs on the ground.

Next, make sure you pack all the essentials, from food to pick-up bags to leashes. Finally, make sure your dog is healthy before you take them on a camping trip.