The 10 Best Dog-friendly Campsites in the U.S.

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When you need a dose of nature, camping is an easy go-to option — it provides a change of scenery, a refreshed perspective, and, for many of us, a little nostalgia. But even though bringing your pup may seem like a no-brainer, finding nearby dog-friendly camping is a bit more complicated than you might think.

Many campgrounds sit within protected areas or near wildlife preserves, while others just don't want to deal with the added hassle of throwing multiple dogs in a relatively close space and hoping everyone gets along. The result is that some campgrounds — and surrounding trails — have a no-dog policy. And while you could leave Fido at home, is camping ever as fun if your stick-loving, four-legged pal can't come along?

To keep you from spending hours searching for pet-friendly campsites, we've pulled together a list of the best dog-friendly campgrounds across the U.S. with a little help from Campspot, a campground booking platform that has a handy "pet-friendly" filter.

1. 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat in Rutherfordton, North Carolina

If you're kid-free and want to pamper your pooch, head to 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat, the first and only campground dedicated solely to dogs and their owners (who must be 18 or older) in the U.S. The campground has RV sites, cabins, and yurts, but the real draw is the pet-focused amenities. Your pup can enjoy a day of grooming at the puppy spa, meet new friends in spacious off-leash dog parks, or hop in the campground's private pond (don't forget to pack a few floating toys).

2. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Luray, Virginia

If you've got dogs and kids to consider, it doesn't get much better than Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Luray, Virginia. Located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, this pet-friendly campground offers the perfect mix of nature and Disneyland-esque features, including a water park, mini-golf, and an outdoor movie theater. Once the kids get their fill of on-site activities, challenge them to complete part of the Appalachian Trail via the pet-friendly Tanners Ridge Road. The reward: Cones at Main St Flavors for the kids and a couple of deceptively delicious hip and joint recovery treats for Fido from Finn, a pet supplement and nutrition company that loves your dog almost as much as you do.

3. Riverside Campground & Cabins in Big Sur, California

You can pull up your RV, pop up a tent, or book a dog-friendly cabin during your stay at Riverside Campground & Cabins, a magical campground nestled under giant redwoods alongside the Big Sur River. With dog-friendly beaches and hiking just 10 minutes away, there's plenty to do and see in the area. Just don't miss a trip to the pup-approved Pfeiffer Beach where you can watch for whales and dolphins. If you're expecting sunny weather, protect your pooch's eyes from the ocean glare with a pair of sunglasses built to stay put.

4. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown in Moab, Utah

With massive rock arches bridging red rock cliffs and towering rock pinnacles, it doesn't get more scenic than Moab, Utah, the basecamp for visitors looking to explore Canyonlands and Arches national parks. The central (and, more importantly, dog-friendly) Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown has tent sites, RV hookups, and quaint cabins alongside amenities like laundry, showers, a pool, and an on-site general store, and gas station. A word of warning: Moab is hot and dry, so make sure you always have a dog bowl on hand. We love this lightweight and collapsible option from Ruffwear.

5. Sagadahoc Bay Campground in Georgetown, Maine

Open from May to October, this campground was established by dog-lovers, for dog-lovers, so they get that your camping trip is just as much about providing your pooch with an escape as it is about giving yourself a break from the daily grind. Located on the southern tip of Georgetown Island, the Sagadahoc Bay Campground has plenty of cozy tent sites where you can kick back and enjoy ocean views. If tent camping isn't your style — or your pup's — the campground also has RV sites and cabin rentals. It can get cold in Maine, so you may want to consider getting your dog their own sleeping bag so you know they're cozy.

6. Sun Outdoors Texas Hill Country in New Braunfels, Texas

This spacious property sits on 32 acres in Texas' beautiful Hill Country. There's plenty to keep humans entertained — pools, a game room, a playground — and Sun Outdoors Texas Hill Country has lots of pet-friendly RV and vacation rentals as well as a dog park. When you and your pup tire of the resort life, San Antonio is about 30 minutes away and Austin is less than an hour. Just make sure to pack a backseat cover for your car, so your dog doesn't bring their muddy tracks along for the ride.

7. Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby, Colorado

With an alluring mix of clean, new development, mountain views, and an Old West feel, the Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains in Granby, Colorado, offers up RV sites, quaint mountain cottages, and a one-of-a-kind stay in a luxurious covered wagon with plenty of Western charm — some of which are pet friendly. In under 30 minutes, you can find yourself on a hiking trail in Rocky Mountain National Park or starting a snowshoeing adventure with your pup in Winter Park. For the latter, just make sure you protect those soft puppy pads from the snow with a set of winter dog boots — Ruffwear makes a product dog-lovers swear by.

8. Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, Utah

Cuddle up with your pup for a night under the stars at the Dark Sky RV Campground in Kanab, Utah. This boutique, 40-acre campsite is far away from any light pollution, but close to national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon — plus, you'll have a view of the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument and the Kaibab Plateau. Tent camping isn't allowed, but in addition to RV sites, there are pet-friendly van and truck locations with the option to splurge for a patio with a hammock, chairs, and propane fire pit. Other amenities include a laundry room, spa-like bath suites with outdoor showers, and a covered terrace that serves as a socializing space. All dogs will need to stay on-leash at this site, but if you're worried about them getting lost, consider investing in a GPS-enabled collar.

9. Elkamp Eastcreek in Mineral, Washington

In between Portland and Seattle, Elkamp Eastcreek is a stunning location for pups exploring the Pacific Northwest. Just 15 minutes away from the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park, there's plenty of beauty to see and lots of pet-friendly RV and tent sites to go around. There are many dog-friendly trails in the area, but a summertime trip will offer the most variety, as this is when the Crystal Mountain Trail System becomes pet-friendly and dogs are also allowed to ride the Mount Rainier Gondola. Rain is no stranger to Washington, but you can keep those paws relatively clear of mud with these super-secure booties from Canada Pooch.

10. Lost River Valley Campground in North Woodstock, New Hampshire

The Lost River Valley Campground is surrounded by a national forest in North Woodstock, New Hampshire, and offers dog-friendly glamping sites perfect for pups who are used to the pampered life. Cabins sleep up to six people and come with air-conditioning, heating, plus a kitchen with a fridge, grill, and stovetop. Tent sites are also available if you prefer to sleep alongside a babbling brook, and you can get a shower and fill up your water bottle on-site near the office. There's also a beach for swimming, as well as courts for volleyball, tennis, and basketball. If you're just hanging around the fire, it's wise to keep your dog on a tie-down leash, especially one with a swivel clip that helps them avoid getting tangled.