The best dog-friendly RV campgrounds go beyond allowing dogs: they offer fenced dog parks, wash stations, walking trails, and a clear written pet policy. But "pet friendly" can still come with breed bans, leash rules, and limits on leaving your dog alone. Below are eight standout campgrounds across the country, each with its pet policy checked on the park's own website, plus how to vet any campground before you book.
At a Glance
- Many RV parks allow dogs, but some restrict breeds, often because of insurance.
- Check two policies: your RV rental's pet rules and the campground's.
- Our picks cover the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Mountain West, Southwest, and West Coast.
- Don't plan on leaving your dog alone: many parks forbid leaving pets unattended at the site or in the RV.
- National parks welcome pets in developed areas, on many trails, and in campgrounds, but rules vary from park to park.
All campground policies below were checked on each park's official website on October 20, 2026. Policies change, confirm before you book.
What makes an RV campground truly dog-friendly?
A truly dog-friendly RV campground has a fenced off-leash dog park, a pet wash station, nearby walking trails, and a clear written pet policy that spells out leash rules, fees, and any breed limits. The best parks treat dogs as guests, not just tolerated extras, and post their rules before you book.
Look for amenities like these:
- A fenced dog park, ideally with shade, water, and agility equipment — the place for post-drive zoomies.
- A dog wash station for muddy paws after hikes and beach days.
- Walking trails within the campground.
- A written pet policy on the website, including the number of pets allowed and any breed list.
In our experience, the parks with a written breed list are easier to deal with than the ones that decide at check-in. For gear to bring, see our list of the best camping gear for dogs.
Best dog-friendly RV campgrounds by region
These eight campgrounds stand out for their dog amenities and clear, published pet policies.
- Lake George RV Park — Location: Lake George, NY; Dog amenity: 2-acre off-leash Bark Park; Key pet rule: Up to 6 pets per site.
- Normandy Farms — Location: Foxboro, MA; Dog amenity: 1.5-acre dog park, dog wash, day kennels; Key pet rule: Max 3 dogs per person in the dog park.
- Ocean Lakes Family Campground — Location: Myrtle Beach, SC; Dog amenity: 1-acre dog park; Key pet rule: No pit bulls or Rottweilers.
- Jekyll Island Campground — Location: Jekyll Island, GA; Dog amenity: Pet-friendly island campground; Key pet rule: One-time $4 per-pet fee.
- Elkhart Campground — Location: Elkhart, IN; Dog amenity: Large fenced dog park; Key pet rule: Leash at all times.
- Missoula KOA Holiday — Location: Missoula, MT; Dog amenity: KOA pet rules; Key pet rule: 6-ft leash outside the RV.
- Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway — Location: Moab, UT; Dog amenity: Dog park; Key pet rule: No pets unattended outside the RV.
- Pismo Coast Village RV Resort — Location: Pismo Beach, CA; Dog amenity: Pet-friendly sites on the Central Coast; Key pet rule: 3 pets per site; inside at night.
Lake George RV Park — Lake George, New York
Lake George RV Park's Charlie's Bark Park is a 2-acre off-leash area with a pavilion, open to registered guests from dawn to dusk, with a limit of three dogs per person. The park's policies allow up to six domestic pets per campsite but say pets must "never be left alone at your site, in your RV or any other area of the park."
Normandy Farms — Foxboro, Massachusetts
Normandy Farms' dog park covers 1.5 acres "complete with agility equipment, a dog wash and drinking fountain," and the resort offers day kennels for $20 a day. Its FAQ asks guests to keep pets leashed, pick up after them, and not leave them unattended.
Ocean Lakes Family Campground — Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Ocean Lakes has a 1-acre dog park beside Magnolia Lake, and its pet policy allows pets at all campsites — except pit bulls, Rottweilers, and exotic animals. Leashes can't exceed 6 feet, and there's a $100 fine for not cleaning up after your dog.
Jekyll Island Campground — Jekyll Island, Georgia
Run by the Jekyll Island Authority, which manages Jekyll Island State Park for the State of Georgia, Jekyll Island Campground is pet-friendly, with a one-time $4 fee per pet for tent and RV sites. It's a great base for exploring the island with your dog — check local leash and beach rules before you head out. Hosts in coastal Georgia tell us it's a favorite with renters traveling with dogs.
Elkhart Campground — Elkhart, Indiana
In the heart of RV country, Elkhart Campground offers "a large fenced in dog park for your furry friend!" Pets must be leashed at all times. Call ahead for fees and any breed rules.
Missoula KOA Holiday — Missoula, Montana
The Missoula KOA's pet policy requires a 6-foot leash whenever your dog is outside the RV, charges a $20 pet fee in Camping Cabins and Teepees, and states that "Aggressive dogs of any breed are not welcome at any KOA."
Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway — Moab, Utah
Near Arches and Canyonlands, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway calls itself "a pet-friendly resort" with a dog park. Pets must be leashed, and "no pet may be left unattended outside of an RV, even on the site or if restrained."
Pismo Coast Village RV Resort — Pismo Beach, California
Pismo Coast Village's rules allow "Three (3) quiet, well-mannered pets" per site on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Pets must stay inside at night and are never to be left unattended.
Do RV parks restrict dog breeds or sizes?
Some do. Many RV parks welcome dogs but refuse certain breeds, often because their insurance providers flag those breeds. Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and Dobermans are among the breeds named in campground policies. Where size or number limits appear, they often apply to cabins and rentals — the Missoula KOA, for example, has a two-dog limit in its Camping Cabins and Teepees. Always check the written policy for your specific campground.
KOA's pet policy page notes that policies vary by campground — some don't allow pets in cabins — and "Others don't accept particular breeds that insurance providers have identified as having a history of aggression." The Missoula KOA's policy says KOA "does not explicitly prohibit any breed of dogs," but names "Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes, Rottweilers and Dobermans" as breeds insurers have flagged that some campgrounds may not accept. Ocean Lakes in Myrtle Beach bans pit bulls and Rottweilers outright.
We've heard from more than one family turned away at the gate after a "pet friendly" booking. RVers we talk to who travel with big dogs keep a short list of campgrounds with no breed restrictions and book those first.
How do you check a campground's pet policy before you book?
Read the campground's written pet policy first, then call and confirm the details that matter for your dog: breed and weight limits, number of pets, fees, leash rules, whether pets can be left alone, and vaccination requirements. Get the answers in writing if possible, and keep vaccine records handy.
KOA's own advice is to "Call ahead. Check with the campground about its' specific pet policies," since some limit pets in cabins or have limited pet units. Use this six-question script:
- Breeds: Do you restrict any breeds or mixes?
- Size: Is there a weight or size limit?
- Number: How many dogs are allowed per site?
- Fees: Is there a pet fee, and is it per pet or per stay?
- Unattended: Can my dog stay in the RV while I'm away, and under what conditions?
- Paperwork: Do you need proof of rabies or other vaccinations?
Never misstate your dog's breed to get a booking. If a park says no, move on to one that welcomes your dog. Our guide to eight things to know before taking your dog camping covers more prep.
How do you book a pet-friendly RV rental?
Filter for pet-friendly RV rentals, read each host's pet rules, and confirm the pet fee, number of pets, and any cleaning requirements in writing before you book. Then check that your campground allows your dog too. Both policies need to say yes.
Start with Outdoorsy's pet-friendly RV rentals, then message the host with your dog's size and breed. Hosts tell us renters who share their dog's size and habits upfront get the smoothest bookings — and a sheet or seat cover for the furniture never hurts. For trip ideas, see our list of places to travel with your pet.
If you're heading to national parks, the NPS says parks welcome pets in developed areas, on many trails and campgrounds, and the agency tells campers to "check your park for specific rules." Our guide to dog-friendly national parks goes park by park.
Is it safe to leave your dog in the RV?
Check the campground's rules first — many parks forbid leaving pets unattended at the site or in the RV. Veterinary groups warn never to leave a pet in a parked vehicle, because temperatures can climb to dangerous levels quickly. If your park allows it, keep it brief and make sure air conditioning is running on reliable power.
The American Veterinary Medical Association says to "Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked," because vehicles can overheat quickly. The ASPCA warns that flat-faced breeds are more susceptible to heatstroke and lists signs like excessive panting, difficulty breathing, and drooling. The NPS's camping with pets guidance adds: "Never leave your dog unattended, especially in a hot vehicle."
If you must step away and your park permits it, RVers often use a remote temperature monitor that sends alerts to their phone, keep the A/C on shore power, and tell the camp host. Our guide to keeping pets safe in the RV when you're away has more tips.
Ready to hit the road with your best friend? Browse pet-friendly RV rentals near you and start planning a trip the whole pack will love. Find what moves you.
About this guide
This guide was researched and written by the Outdoorsy editorial team. Each campground's pet policy was checked on its official website on October 20, 2026. We also drew on KOA's published pet policy, National Park Service pet guidance, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the ASPCA, and conversations with Outdoorsy hosts and renters who travel with dogs. We have no commercial relationship with the businesses mentioned unless explicitly noted.
