If you like camping, you probably know that this is one of the more pet-friendly tours that you can do with your pet. You don’t have to worry about finding a hotel that allows animals, and the outdoor environment can also be comfortable and enriching for many pets.
Since spring offers some of the best camping weather of the year – mild days aren’t too hot and nights are chilly, perfect for sitting around a fire – it’s a great time to refresh your knowledge of pet-friendly campsites.
What Is a Pet-Friendly Campsite?
Pet-friendly campgrounds allow visitors to keep pets at the campgrounds. These campgrounds often have specific pet policies that campers need to follow, most commonly leash or restraint policies. Campsites usually have owners who stay on site to enforce the rules.
Since pets usually need to be kept on a leash, many campers will bring wooden stakes in order to give the pet some range of movement at the campsite. Some people may also bring in a door or fence to confine pets to specific areas.
Other common regulations include picking up and dropping off pets, following noise limits, or quiet times, as campsites are often in close proximity to each other and continuous barking may disturb other visitors. Although uncommon, some campsites may also enforce breed restrictions or require pet fees.
Many of the policies are for dogs, as they are the most common pets you will find at a campsite. However, some campgrounds may welcome all pets, especially for campers who keep their cats or other pets inside a recreational vehicle (RV).
Benefits of Camping with Pets
Camping with a pet has many benefits, including:
- Spend quality time together
- Outdoor activities are more abundant for animals
- With pets around, sleeping outdoors may feel safer
- You don’t have to worry about boarding your pet or finding a babysitter when you’re away
- There are often hiking trails near the campsite, so you and your pet can work out together in a new, exciting place
Types of Pet-Friendly Campsites
There are many different types of campsites, from tent-only camping, to RV parks designed for longer stays, to campsites that focus on ambiance and nearby natural attractions. Some campgrounds may offer some more comfortable options, such as cabins or glamping-style tents and accommodation.
Any of these options may or may not allow pets, so your best bet is to look up a pet-friendly campsite in your area or research the pet policy of the campsite you’re considering visiting. In general, it’s a good idea to think about what you’re looking for at a campsite before booking. Some questions to ask yourself include: Am I camping in a tent or in an RV? Do I need to be connected to water and electricity on my site? Do I want to have a bathroom with running water or shower? What other amenities are important to me?
Some of the best campgrounds are located in state and national parks, often with scenic hikes and other attractions. When camping in these parks, be aware that there may be stricter rules than other campgrounds, such as pets are not allowed in some parks.
Private campgrounds can offer unique experiences, such as a single campsite on a farm, lake, or private property. The Hipcamp website can help find these types of niche campsites. You can include pets in your search criteria to make sure they’re pet-friendly.
It’s worth noting that the campsite’s website can be very unuser-friendly. If you’re looking for a campsite that doesn’t seem to have much information online, you may want to call and ask about their pet policy.
Tips for Camping with Pets
It’s always important to be prepared when traveling with pets. Here are some tips to consider when planning your next camping trip:
- Know the rules. Being caught off guard without understanding the campsite’s pet policy can end up ruining your stay. Check the policies in advance so you can be prepared and follow them during your stay.
- Pack for your pet. When packing up your camping gear, don’t forget to bring enough food and water for your pet, as well as bowls, toys, beds, and anything else they need for their overnight stay.
- Be prepared for the weather. Time spent outdoors can mean exposure to cold, heat, rain, and other factors. Depending on the weather, your pet may need a coat, blanket, umbrella, or other supplies to keep it safe and comfortable.
- Watch out for ticks, fleas, and other parasites. Ticks prefer tall grass and wooded places, so make sure your pet is up to date on flea and tick medication before camping. Also keep an eye out for standing water at the campsite, which can cause parasites for your pet.
- Be responsible. At the end of the day, you’re responsible for your pet’s actions, so controlling them and following the rules will ensure that your trip goes smoothly.