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For RV pet owners, traveling with your furry companion can make your summer adventures even more special. From sandy beaches to mountain treks, the U.S. offers a diverse range of destinations where both you and your pet can enjoy the great outdoors. Here’s a detailed guide to the best places for RV pet owners to visit in 2024, covering beach destinations, treks, and scenic road trips.
Outer Banks, North Carolina (Beach)
The Outer Banks is a haven for pet owners, offering miles of pet-friendly beaches and campgrounds.
- Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Pristine pet-friendly beaches where leashed pets can roam freely.
- Jockey’s Ridge State Park: The largest sand dune system on the East Coast, where pets are allowed on trails and dunes.
Campgrounds: Camp Hatteras, Ocean Waves Campground, and Sands of Time Campground.
Activities: Surf fishing, sunbathing, and kite flying are popular on the beach. Visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Take scenic drives along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway.
Pacific Coast Highway, California (Road Trip)
This iconic highway offers some of the most stunning coastal views. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, stop at dog-friendly beaches like Carmel Beach, stroll through the redwoods, and stay at pet-friendly campgrounds along the way.
Route Highlights: The journey includes Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Malibu.
- Beaches: Carmel Beach and Huntington Dog Beach.
- Campgrounds: Big Sur Campground & Cabins, San Simeon State Park, and Malibu RV Park.
Activities: Explore redwood forests, surf in Santa Cruz, and visit Hearst Castle. Drive across the iconic Bixby Creek Bridge. Enjoy wine tasting at pet-friendly vineyards in the region.
Acadia National Park, Maine (Trek)
A fantastic destination for RV pet owners who love hiking.
- Pet-Friendly Trails: Ocean Path, Cadillac Summit Loop, and Gorham Mountain Trail.
- Campgrounds: Bar Harbor Campground and Blackwoods Campground.
Town of Bar Harbor: Offers dog-friendly boat tours and restaurants.
Activities: Hike trails that offer coastal views, forests, and granite peaks. Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse. Kayak with your pet around the Porcupine Islands.
Florida Keys (Beach/Road Trip)
A journey through the Florida Keys offers incredible ocean views, sunny beaches, and plenty of pet-friendly RV parks.
- Beaches: Higgs Beach Dog Park in Key West and Anne’s Beach on Islamorada.
- RV Parks: Boyd’s Key West Campground, Bluewater Key RV Resort, and Sunshine Key RV Resort & Marina.
Activities: Snorkel in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. Visit the Dolphin Research Center. Explore Duval Street with its pet-friendly shops and bars.
Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee/North Carolina (Trek/Road Trip)
Explore the scenic drives, hiking trails, and lush forests of the Smoky Mountains.
- Pet-Friendly Trails: Oconaluftee River Trail and Gatlinburg Trail.
- Campgrounds: Elkmont Campground, Smokemont Campground, and Pigeon Forge RV Resort.
Nearby Towns: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have pet-friendly attractions and dining.
Activities: Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Explore Cades Cove, a popular spot for wildlife viewing. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Olympic Peninsula, Washington (Beach/Trek/Road Trip)
The Olympic Peninsula offers a mix of beaches, forests, and mountains.
- Beaches: Kalaloch Beach and Rialto Beach are pet-friendly.
- Hiking: Hoh Rainforest and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
- Campgrounds: Kalaloch Campground, Fairholme Campground, and Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Campground.
Activities: Visit the scenic Lake Crescent. Tour the Olympic Game Farm, where pets can view wildlife from the car. Drive along the coast to the Cape Flattery Trail.
Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Beach)
Cape Cod boasts beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns.
- Beaches: Herring Cove Beach and Race Point Beach allow leashed pets during specific times.
- Hiking: Cape Cod Rail Trail and the Provincetown Causeway.
- Campgrounds: Atlantic Oaks RV Resort and Sweetwater Forest Campground.
Activities: Visit the historic Pilgrim Monument. Take a whale-watching cruise out of Provincetown. Bike or walk the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail with your pet.
Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia/North Carolina (Road Trip)
This scenic drive stretches through the Appalachian Mountains and offers stunning views.
Scenic Drives: Offers 469 miles of scenic views through the Appalachian Mountains.
- Hiking: Pet-friendly trails like Humpback Rocks and Linville Falls.
- Campgrounds: Julian Price Campground and Rocky Knob Campground.
Activities: Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center for live music. Tour historic landmarks like Mabry Mill. Drive through Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive.
Gulf Shores, Alabama (Beach)
Gulf Shores is a hidden gem for RV pet owners.
- Beaches: Fort Morgan Beach allows leashed pets.
- Parks: Gulf State Park has pet-friendly trails and picnic areas.
- Campgrounds: Gulf State Park Campground and Doc’s RV Park.
Activities: Visit the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. Explore the Gulf State Park pier. Kayak along the Bon Secour River.
Zion National Park, Utah (Trek/Road Trip)
While pets are restricted on many trails in Zion, the scenic Pa'rus Trail allows them to enjoy stunning canyon views.
- Nearby RV Parks: Zion River Resort and Zion Canyon Campground.
- Nearby Towns: Springdale offers pet-friendly restaurants and shops.
Activities: Drive through the scenic Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. Hike the East Rim Trail for breathtaking views. Visit the Zion Human History Museum.
These must-visit destinations provide unforgettable experiences for RV pet owners, offering diverse landscapes, activities, and pet-friendly accommodations. Make your summer adventure memorable and safe by exploring these places with your furry friend and keeping them safe from heat stroke by using a pet temperature monitor!
