How can I find the best pet friendly campgrounds?
On February 26th, 2026
With a taste of spring this past week, temps 20 degrees above average, it’s giving me spring fever! How about unplugging from the daily hustle and reconnecting with nature (and your pets) on a relaxing weekend camping trip…are you with me? With less than 4 weeks from the first day of spring – now’s the time to gather your camping gear and make plans.
Vetting potential sites: Read reviews (I can’t stress this enough – had I only read the reviews – not just on camping sites but on many other topics, as well). Look for comments from other dog owners regarding leash rules and site space. Verify if there are limits on the number of dogs, weight, or breed restrictions. Call ahead – confirm if pets can be left unattended (usually restricted) and ask about the best spots for pet owners. Look for key amenities such as fenced-in areas with shade and water access. Pet washing stations which are essential for cleaning off dirt after hiking. And proximity to hiking trails is a top feature for active dogs. And find if they have a pet fee.
Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines and, for dogs, consider an anti-rattlesnake vaccine and flea/tick prevention. Use a collar with an ID tag containing your current cell number, and ensure your pet is microchipped. Pack a kit with antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks), bandages, and necessary medications. Keep your dog on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) in campgrounds to prevent them from running off or encountering wildlife.
Although I’ve never used a camping app or website, Hipcamp is a popular one for booking unique outdoor stays, including tent camping, RV sites, and glamping on private land (in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK). Users can easily filter for “Pets allowed” to find pet-friendly camping. The app includes a specific ‘off-leash pets allowed’ collection. Many listings specify if pets are allowed in the description, and some hosts may charge a fee for pets. The app is free to use and provides, among other things, maps for finding dispersed camping and other amenities.
Popular dog-friendly options are national parks/forests, like Hot Spring National Park, in my home state of Arkansas. It’s one of my favorite weekend destinations! While I’ve never taken my dogs to Hot Springs, I’ve learned that it’s a very dog-friendly park. Here’s some great info Pet Friendly Guide to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas highlighting places to stay, dine, visit, boarding & daycare and vet care. And check out this link for important things to know before your visit our beautiful park Hot Springs National Park Is Pet Friendly . Be sure to bring your own containers to take home a taste of history—the 4,000-year-old natural thermal water that gives Hot Springs National Park its name. This ancient, mineral-rich water is safe to drink and flows directly from the springs, offering a unique, historic experience.
And don’t forget to take your ‘Pet’s Most Comfortable Place’ 4Legs4Pets pet cot bed. Ordering 2 to 3 weeks ahead of a trip is a recommended, safe timeframe to ensure items are delivered before you leave for your trip. And check out What’s the Right Size if you need help deciding on the right size for your pet. Designed to be lightweight and portable, these cot beds can be packed without needing to be disassembled, making them ideal for camping and trips. Here’s to happy camping and fun!
With a taste of spring this past week, temps 20 degrees above average, it’s giving me spring fever! How about unplugging from the daily hustle and reconnecting with nature (and your pets) on a relaxing weekend camping trip…are you with me? With less than 4 weeks from the first day of spring – now’s the time to gather your camping gear and make plans.
Vetting potential sites: Read reviews (I can’t stress this enough – had I only read the reviews – not just on camping sites but on many other topics, as well). Look for comments from other dog owners regarding leash rules and site space. Verify if there are limits on the number of dogs, weight, or breed restrictions. Call ahead – confirm if pets can be left unattended (usually restricted) and ask about the best spots for pet owners. Look for key amenities such as fenced-in areas with shade and water access. Pet washing stations which are essential for cleaning off dirt after hiking. And proximity to hiking trails is a top feature for active dogs. And find if they have a pet fee.
Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccines and, for dogs, consider an anti-rattlesnake vaccine and flea/tick prevention. Use a collar with an ID tag containing your current cell number, and ensure your pet is microchipped. Pack a kit with antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for ticks), bandages, and necessary medications. Keep your dog on a leash (no longer than 6 feet) in campgrounds to prevent them from running off or encountering wildlife.
Although I’ve never used a camping app or website, Hipcamp is a popular one for booking unique outdoor stays, including tent camping, RV sites, and glamping on private land (in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK). Users can easily filter for “Pets allowed” to find pet-friendly camping. The app includes a specific ‘off-leash pets allowed’ collection. Many listings specify if pets are allowed in the description, and some hosts may charge a fee for pets. The app is free to use and provides, among other things, maps for finding dispersed camping and other amenities.
Popular dog-friendly options are national parks/forests, like Hot Spring National Park, in my home state of Arkansas. It’s one of my favorite weekend destinations! While I’ve never taken my dogs to Hot Springs, I’ve learned that it’s a very dog-friendly park. Here’s some great info Pet Friendly Guide to Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas highlighting places to stay, dine, visit, boarding & daycare and vet care. And check out this link for important things to know before your visit our beautiful park Hot Springs National Park Is Pet Friendly . Be sure to bring your own containers to take home a taste of history—the 4,000-year-old natural thermal water that gives Hot Springs National Park its name. This ancient, mineral-rich water is safe to drink and flows directly from the springs, offering a unique, historic experience.
And don’t forget to take your ‘Pet’s Most Comfortable Place’ 4Legs4Pets pet cot bed. Ordering 2 to 3 weeks ahead of a trip is a recommended, safe timeframe to ensure items are delivered before you leave for your trip. And check out What’s the Right Size if you need help deciding on the right size for your pet. Designed to be lightweight and portable, these cot beds can be packed without needing to be disassembled, making them ideal for camping and trips. Here’s to happy camping and fun!
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