Without even knowing your dog, we’re going to say that your good boy or girl loves to be right by your side. Dogs are pack animals after all and never want to miss a moment with their humans. Double that if their people are doing something super fun like camping. So many sights, sounds and of course smells to be had on Fido’s camping trip. Do yourself and your fur baby a favor and take him on your next outdoor adventure.
Rule one when taking your dog on a camping trip is making sure they are allowed at the site. Some parks give dogs free rein, while other campsites restrict areas where dogs are permitted or don’t allow them to enter altogether.
Below are campgrounds near you that give your dog the green light for a full family camping getaway.
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1. Heyburn State Park, Idaho
Recreational opportunities abound for you and your pupper at Heyburn State Park. Take Fido out on the boat, sail, canoe, swim, fish, hike or spot wildlife together. This is the oldest state park in the entire Northwest and is famed for its gorgeous Ponderosa Pine. You’ve got your choice of cottages, cabins or traditional campgrounds as sleeping arrangements. We’re guessing your dog would be happy with all of them.
2. Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Georgia
Chattahoochee Bend State Park is nestled along a graceful bend of the Chattahoochee River, and is a haven for paddlers, campers, and anglers. The park is one of the state’s largest at nearly 3,000 acres and protects five miles of river frontage, a true paradise for human and dog to roam. A boat ramp provides easy river access for water activities for you and your fur companion, or you can hike together along the wooded trails. There are 71 campsites ranging from cottages to primitive camping.
3. Pedernales Falls State Park, Texas
You and your dog can cool off from the Texas heat in the Pedernales River that runs through the heart of this park. Situated in beautiful Texas Hill Country, the park is a chill water-lover’s reprieve, great for swimming, tubing, kayaking, or canoeing. Your dog also doesn’t want you to forget about throwing sticks along the river banks. With 81 campsites – 60 electric and 20 primitive – you can likely sneak in a last-minute camping trip.
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4. Brown County State Park, Indiana
A majestic park of nearly 16,000 acres of rugged hills, ridgelines and ravines, Brown County State Park is nicknamed the “Little Smokies” due to its resemblance to the legendary Great Smoky Mountains. Your dog will love exploring the trails and roads bisecting the park, or possibly jumping in a canoe to navigate the calm lake waters. With over 600 campsites and sleeping accommodations – including the rustic Abe Martin Lodge, motel rooms, cabins, and RV electric hookups – you can’t use the excuse to Fido that the place was all booked-up.
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5. Green Falls Campground, Connecticut
Many miles of trails cut through this park, but the area is most notable for its two ponds with outstanding fishing. If you like fishing, and more importantly, if your dog is a great fishing companion, he wants us to tell you to book a spot now and just take him already! Green Falls Pond is the primary fishing site for Green Falls Campground and is stocked with trout, bass, pickerel, and bullhead. Beachdale Pond is nearby and also regularly stocked. It’s an exclusive spot for camping with only 18 standard, non-electric sites, but if you and your puppers like to ruff it, then it’s got your name on it.
6. Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado
Not too many public lands allow your dog to roam off-leash, but count Cherry Creek State Park as one of them that does. The park contains the largest fenced dog parks in the region. There are also 35 miles of hiking trails to explore together, as well as plenty of water activities. Maybe your dog wants to try boating, sailing or fishing for walleye, muskie, pike, and bass on the lake?
The park comprises 107 acres of picturesque rolling prairie country and has nearly 150 campsites with mostly basic or full hook-up options.
7. Clarence Fahnestock State Park, New York
Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park boasts plenty of recreation opportunities with your pup. Hike, hunt or fish for bass, pickerel, perch, brook, or rainbow trout together. Rowboats and kayaks are available for rent. There are also 15 kilometers of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing for the pup that’s a winter athlete. There are 75 campsites and all are dog-friendly.
Are you ready for your adventure? Plan your camping trip
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.