The Best Places to Go When RVing with Pets

Traveling with pets can be a challenge when you don’t know where to go. Sure there are restaurants and hotels that allow your dogs, but what if you want to explore with them, too?

We know that doing the research before every trip can take a lot of time, so we’ve listed a few places that are dog-friendly along your travels to make it easier for both them and you. Some may be relatively obvious, but there are a few hidden gems in here that you might not know about it.

Without further ado, let’s get into the best places to go when you RV with your pets!

Outdoor Places
We all know that the outdoors is a great place to be with your dog. Whether you’re hiking, playing, or just lounging around next to the rig, there’s nothing quite like being in nature with your best friend. Here are a few outdoor places to consider on your next adventure!

National Forests
All over the U.S., you’ll find National Forests that are considered to be a dog-friendlier version of their neighboring National Parks. In most of these forests, you can hike with your pet on a leash, and sometimes under voice control. You can camp without being bombarded by tourists and spend time out in the woods with your dog, which is the best part about these less traveled National Forests. If you enjoy quiet time and your dog enjoys being wild and free, a National Forest is probably your best bet.

Here is a list of all the National Forests in the U.S. for you to browse before you hit the road.

Related Read: RV Travel with Pets

National Monuments
National Monuments are also known to be much more dog-friendly than National Parks. These smaller areas of public land give you more options to explore the culture, people, and structures of the area you are visiting all with your dog by your side. These areas may have leash rules or require that you keep your pet out of certain areas of the monument, but many are relatively dog-friendly and allow you a lot of access to the site. A great National Monument for pets is White Sands National Monument in New Mexico.
Here is a list of all National Park Sites and National Monuments for you to use when planning your next trip.

National Parks
Some National Parks are very open to pets. If you choose to take your pet to a National Park, be sure to talk to a Park Ranger for all the rules and regulations before hopping on a trail in Yosemite or Yellowstone. Parks with large predators or scarce prey may require you to stick to certain trails or areas within the park itself. Park Rangers will also be able to assist you with the BARK Ranger program for a little extra fun with your pet. You can even pick up a cute Bark Ranger tag for your dog on the way out. Petrified Forest National Park is considered to be one of the most dog friendly parks in the U.S.

To find out the rules and regulations for each National Park, check out Find Your Park website to learn more

Off-Leash Dog Parks & Beaches
Throughout the country, you’ll find hundreds and thousands of dog parks. It goes without saying that these parks are made specifically for your pup, but it’s a great way for your pet to run off some steam after a long day in the RV. Some off-leash dog parks are beaches that give your dog access to both the ocean and the sand. Some of the best dog beaches are located on the West Coast and give your high energy pup room to run and play.

Bring Fido has an excellent list of dog beaches for you to use as a guide when you head for the coasts.

Related Read: Should Pets Camp? Can You Keep Everyone Happy?

Best Wacky Places to Visit
If you’re interested in the weird and wacky, there are several places across the country that offer admission to your pup when you’re passing through. Here are a few places that you wouldn’t think your pet would be allowed to visit.

The International UFO Museum
In Roswell, New Mexico, you’ll find that every building downtown has an affinity for aliens. The most dog-friendly of them being the International UFO Museum. This museum is housed inside an old movie theater and gives you the full story behind all of the Roswell alien encounters. Your pup is free to join you inside, as long as they’re on a leash. Together you can read all about Area 51 and the commotion that went down when the aliens landed. It’s a little kitschy, but how many people can say they’ve seen aliens with their dog?

Learn more about the International UFO Museum to double check their hours and admission prices.

Seven Magic Mountains
Near Las Vegas, Nevada, you’ll find a colorful installation of rocks alongside the highway. This artwork was created by Ugo Rondinone and was originally made to be in the area for only two years, but with such success, they are working to keep it for the long term. This little stop along the road is pet-friendly and is a great spot to take photos along your travels. It is very touristy, but I think you’ll find that you won’t find anything else like it along the road. So why not stop and see?

Here’s how you can find Seven Magic Mountains and learn all about its backstory

Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise
The ferry in Seattle is open to friendly pups who love a scoop. This little ferry ride includes a tour around Lake Union and a scoop or two of ice cream to share. If your dog loves the water or you’re looking for something a little different to do together, there’s nothing like a boat ride around the bend to make your day a little brighter.

Find out more about the Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise and what they have to offer before heading to the docks.

Now that you know all of the best places to visit with your pet, it’s time to figure out where you’re off to next! Grab the pups and hit the road. It’s time to see the world together!