As the saying goes, dogs are a man's best friend. So it makes sense that many people want to take their beloved sidekicks along on vacation.
Instead of stressful long-haul flights with your pooch, consider taking an RV road trip. This offers you unmatched freedom and flexibility, and it's a wonderful way to very literally cover a lot of ground.
To help you plan your pup-friendly adventure, we compiled 18 of the best RV trips with dogs in North America. And, of course, we included the top dog-friendly campgrounds to go along with them!
Best RV Trips With Dogs in the US & Canada
Here are the best RV trips with dogs that you can take with your furry friends.
1. Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina
Where to stay: 4 Paws Kingdom Campground & Dog Retreat
Aside from boasting some of the best road-trip scenery in the country and fascinating history, this part of North Carolina is home to one of the best RV parks for dogs in North America!
The large campground is exceptionally “dog-centric,” with several off-leash dog parks, a swimming pond, an agility park, nearby hiking trails, and a doggie bathhouse complete with a grooming station.
2. Lake George, New York
Where to stay: Lake George RV Park
One of the best RV trips with dogs is to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. Just 3.5 hours north of NYC, you can trade in the hustle and bustle for tranquility and endless outdoor recreation.
Lake George is incredibly welcoming, with its famous Dog Beach, plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and lodging, and even a large dog-focused weekend festival, Adirondack Woof Stock!
3. Oregon Coast
Where to stay: Rovers RV Park
The Oregon coast is a fantastic road trip destination, especially with a pup! Head to the central and southern coast for iconic, moody Pacific Northwest scenery with sea stacks, fog, and old-growth forest.
At Rovers RV Park in Waldport, just south of Newport, dogs enjoy a huge off-leash play area and several trails. Nearby, don’t miss dog-friendly beaches like Seal Rock State Recreation Site and South Beach.
4. San Diego, California
Where to stay: Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort
Few places are as consistently dog-friendly as San Diego. No matter where you are in this massive city, you and your pup can enjoy restaurants, breweries, beaches, hiking trails, dog parks, and more.
Head to Dog Beach, technically in Del Mar, just north of San Diego, then cheer on the Padres from one of the “barkyards” at Petco Field downtown. Adventurous dog-owner duos may want to sign up for a paragliding flight at Torrey Pines Gliderport — and YES, dogs fly, too! Even if you want to stay on land, this makes a perfect people-watching outing.
5. Southern California - Inland
Where to stay: The Springs at Borrego RV Resort and Golf Course
With so much open land to explore and mild year-round weather, inland SoCal makes one of the best RV trips with dogs.
In one weekend, you can visit Palm Springs, Joshua Tree National Park, and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Joshua Tree and Anza-Borrego are two of the best stargazing destinations in the US, and both welcome dogs in picnic areas, campgrounds, and on paved roads (but not hiking trails).
In Palm Springs, give your pooch a taste of the high life by lounging together poolside at one of the many dog-friendly resorts or browsing for new treats at several pet boutiques.
6. Grand Canyon
Where to stay: Trailer Village RV Park (South Rim, open year-round)
Many people are surprised to learn that one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World is dog-friendly! Dogs are welcome on all trails above the rim, in campgrounds, and at Yavapai Lodge. The Grand Canyon even has a year-round kennel, so you can explore knowing your pup is in great hands!
Of course, Arizona is home to countless other spectacular attractions, making it one of the best RV trips with dogs overall. Do more exploring, including another dog-friendly natural stunner near the Grand Canyon — Horseshoe Bend.
7. Gulf Shores, Alabama
Where to stay: Sugar Sands RV Resort
With sugar-fine white sand, crystal-clear emerald waters, and very mild winters, Gulf Shores is a popular destination for many reasons. Welcoming pets, it’s one of the best RV trips with dogs, too!
While dogs aren’t allowed on beaches in Gulf Shores, they’re welcome on nearby Fort Morgan Beach and Dauphin Island Beach. In Gulf State Park, canines can enjoy the Dog Pond at Lake Shelby. Several of the park’s hiking trails are also dog-friendly, and Gulf Shores Dog Park is also popular.
8. St. Augustine, Florida
Where to stay: Compass RV Park
Best known as the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine offers history, Old Florida charm, and gorgeous beaches. They also happen to be extremely dog-friendly, with doggie waste stations and outdoor showers for pups!
When you’re ready to delve into St. Augustine’s rich history, your dog can tag along. Bring Fido to the Ponce de Leon Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park or on a tour of the Oldest Wooden School House or Spanish Military Hospital Museum.
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Where to stay: Sweetwater Forest Cape Cod Family Campground
It’s hard to top Cape Cod for a quintessential New England getaway. Start at the Cape Cod National Seashore, where you and your pup can enjoy miles of sandy beaches and trails. After getting your beach fix, explore the dog-friendly towns of Provincetown and Chatham.
Perhaps the biggest reason to head to Cape Cod with Fido is Dog Gone Sailing Charters, where you can take your dog on a whale-watching or sunset sail!
10. Austin & San Antonio, Texas
Where to stay: San Antonio / Alamo KOA Holiday
80 miles apart and each with its own distinct vibe, Austin and San Antonio make one of the best RV trips with dogs. Austin is frequently touted as being one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US, with most restaurants and breweries catering to four-legged patrons.
In San Antonio, some of the city’s most popular attractions are dog-friendly: the 15-mile-long River Walk, Historic Market Square, and King William Historic District.
11. Acadia National Park & the Maine Coast
Where to stay: Camden Hills State Park
Acadia National Park may very well be THE most dog-friendly national park! The park welcomes dogs on nearly all of its trails (the exception is the ladder trails), which is highly unusual, and also has a fun “Bark Ranger” program.
Beyond the park, the Maine coast in general is a fantastic destination with dogs. Many of Maine’s iconic beaches are dog-friendly, and plenty of walk-up lobster shacks dot the coast.
12. Pikes Peak Region, Colorado
Where to stay: Garden of the Gods RV Resort
Let’s be honest; anywhere in Colorado makes for a great road trip! However, the Pikes Peak Region, anchored by Colorado Springs, is one of the best RV trips with dogs.
In Colorado Springs, dogs are welcome to explore the jaw-droppingly beautiful Garden of the Gods, Seven Falls, and the Manitou Cliff Dwellings. An hour away, the Royal Gorge (AKA the highest suspension bridge in North America!) is perhaps the most dog-friendly attraction anywhere. Dogs are welcome to cross the bridge and even ride in the aerial gondola!
Fun fact: the gondola in Telluride, another picture-perfect Colorado mountain town, is also dog-friendly!
13. Finger Lakes, New York
Where to stay: Taughannock Falls State Park
Upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region truly has something for everyone, with world-class wineries, beautiful scenery, and endless outdoor recreation. Ithaca makes a great homebase, with easy access to many of the best dog-friendly state parks, including Buttermilk Falls and Taughannock Falls.
Dogs can join their owners at several Finger Lakes wineries, also!
14. Needles Highway, Custer State Park, South Dakota
Where to stay: Custer State Park campgrounds (10 to choose from, all dog-friendly)
South Dakota is another place with countless road trip-worthy gems. The 38-mile Needles Highway inside Custer State Park, which easily competes with any national park, is arguably one of the best RV trips with dogs.
The scenery is spectacular, and the park itself has over 60 miles of pet-friendly trails. Plus, you can also visit Badlands and Wind Cave National Parks, as well as Mount Rushmore.
15. Natchez Trace Parkway
Where to stay: Piney Grove Campground
This 444-mile road trip spans from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi, on the eponymous river. It showcases fascinating American history (and scenery!), and dogs are welcome on its trails and campgrounds. And because it’s an official National Parkway, dogs can also become Bark Rangers!
16. Lake Michigan - Chicago, Illinois and Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Where to stay: Cliffside Campground, between the two
With offerings for foodies, craft beer enthusiasts, sports fans, history buffs, families, and, well, everyone else, Lake Michigan is one of the best RV trips with dogs. Stick to the southern end of the lake, where you can hit Chicago and Milwaukee, just 1.5 hours apart.
Some of the Windy City’s most iconic attractions are dog-friendly, including Navy Pier and Buckingham Fountain. In Milwaukee, drink and eat to your heart’s content at dozens of dog-centric breweries and lakefront patios. Some are even dog-themed, like Black Husky Brewing.
17. Banff, Alberta, Canada
Where to stay: Rundle Mountain RV Park
Stunningly beautiful scenery and one of the most famous national parks in the world make for a perfect RV trip with dogs.
On this trip, you’ll do lots of oohing and ahhing from your vehicle, hike to waterfalls and glacial lakes in Banff National Park, and sample local bites and brews in the quaint town of Banff itself. Don’t miss the fresh-baked dog treats at Wild Flour Bakery!
Bonus: take the world-renowned Icefields Parkway to nearby (equally stunning) Jasper National Park!
18. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Where to stay: Capilano River RV Park
There are endless reasons to visit Vancouver: world-class skiing, great beaches, buzzy nightlife, Stanley Park, and an amazing foodie scene, to name just a few. Vancouver also really loves dogs! In fact, some of the city’s best attractions are dog-friendly!
Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, splash around at eight dog-friendly beaches, stroll the Seawall, hit the trails, or take a day trip to uber dog-friendly Whistler.
See North America With Your Pups and Cruise America
If you’re ready to start planning your next road trip, it’s time to reserve an RV rental from Cruise America. Get in contact with us today to get started!
