12 dog friendly campgrounds in the US

The US has a bounty of beautiful and diverse campgrounds—so, how do you pick the best one for you and your pup? We’ve rounded up a list of twelve favorites, that welcome dogs and wow us with their landscape and exploration opportunities. Reviews and praise from travelers helped us determine this top-notch list of outdoor getaways throughout the US.

1. Ashville, North Carolina

Cabins of Asheville. A number of cozy, simple, rustic cabins and cottages are scattered in Pisgah National Forest, between the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. Truly an escape from it all, cabins are equipped with everything you need to make a home cooked meal, a washer and dryer, fireplace, grill, and everyone’s favorite, a hot tub. While not technically a campground, we think these pet friendly, minimalistic dwellings in the woods deserve a mention. Asheville is a skip away, and is widely accepting of furry friends. Phone: (828)768-7368

2. Dandridge, Tennessee

Anchor Down RV Resort. With Douglas Lake steps from the camp sites, this RV resort is packed with water fun and amenities. But if the lake isn’t your thing, the views actually make this spot anyway. Mountains peak over the water, and stretch for days over this beautiful portion of Tennessee. Along with many human conveniences like a bath house, camping store and television hookups, there are doggy stations designed to make camping with your pet easy. Phone: (877)784-4446

3. Galveston, Texas

Stella Mare RV Resort. Along the Texas Gulf Coast resides a large, modern RV resort with pull through, concrete sites, pools, hot tubs and an impressive splash pad. Multiple off leash parks surround the expansive greenspace, which overlooks the coastline. The landscaping is clean cut, with some sites featuring their own private yard, leaving plenty of space to roam. Galveston, Texas undoubtedly houses one of the best camping sites in the US. Phone: (409) 632-7017

4. Escalante, Utah

Escalante Outfitters Inc. Imagine sitting by the campfire and gazing at the stars with your best friend. Escalante Outfitters is a multipurposed stop in striking southern Utah, with views of desert mountains, and alluring hikes nearby. Here, you can stock up on gear, pitch your tent on a smoothly prepared surface, take a tour of surrounding areas, and munch on organic, local pastries, pizza and sandwiches. Even the coffee comes from a local roaster, and it hits the spot on those chillier days. Phone: (866)455-0041

5. Buellton, California

Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground. With an optimal southern California location, Flying Flags is in the midst of outstanding restaurants, and wine country of course. So much is within walking distance, meaning those with big motor-homes don’t have to worry about towing a vehicle. Along with an off-leash dog park, there are trails and lots of biking opportunities nearby—a pool and fitness room are also on site. While the lots here can lack in space, the overall location is the selling point, and there’s just about everything you could need in one spot, from a cafe to showers. Phone: (805)688-3716

6. Ouray, Colorado

Ouray RV Park and Cabins. With incomparable views of the Uncompaghre River, this park in the Ouray Mountains sets amongst mountain canyons and lush foliage. With all of the expected amenities, and then some, like a café and game room, RV owners and those just wanting to rent a little cabin will find this to be the ultimate human and doggy refuge. Phone: (970)325-4523

7. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Jumbo Rocks Campground. Located in California’s Joshua Tree National Park, this site is a bit more primitive. But what it lacks in modern convenience, it makes up for in beauty and tranquility. Junipers and other foliage add an interesting appeal to the desert surroundings, and it’s a great place to unplug. There are some rules that are crucial to follow, like only making fires in designated areas, because the wildfire risk is high. Phone: (760) 367-5500

8. Swanannoa, North Carolina

Mama Gerties Hideaway Campground. Here you’ll find three lodging options, traditional tent sites, RV spaces and cabins—keep in mind the cabins are not pet-friendly. The versatility is ideal, and the location amongst the Blue Ridge Mountains is not only lovely, but proximal to major attractions like the Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Scenic Byway. But the mountain top RV sites are where it’s at—the views span for miles and it just doesn’t get better. Phone: (877)686-4258

9. Kenai, Alaska

Diamond M. Ranch Resort. From baked salmon socials to fishing Alaska’s pristine waters, this three generation resort is what dreams are made of. Even if you’re roughing it at the gorgeous tent camping sites, there’s access to showers, fish cleaning stations and countless amenities. In Alaska, there are many trails and other scenic areas to traverse with your four-legged buddy. Phone (907) 283-9424

10. Grand Island, New York

Branches of Niagara Campground and Resort. Probably given away by its name, Niagara Falls is right next door, so this is a great place to stay when visiting the iconic water feature. Dogs are allowed to stay in pet friendly cabins, or at RV and tent sites, but they’ll have to stay on a leash. This is an unusual, special part of New York, with kayaking, fishing, swimming and ziplining adventures. Phone: 716-773-7600

11. Dayton, Oregon

The Vintages Trailer Resort. In Willamette Valley, a premier spot in Oregon’s booming wine country, is a “blast from the past” kind of resort featuring a multitude of retro campers with an upscale twist. Guests enjoy luxurious linens, cruiser bikes, local pour over coffee, and access to the some of the best wine in the west. Dogs and their owners get to choose from 9 pet friendly Shasta trailers situated on the perfectly manicured grounds. Phone: (971) 267-2130

12. Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor Campground. Acadia National Park ranks with the most stunning parks in the United States—mountains meet the vibrant blue ocean water, and if you are up for a hike, some pretty astounding views await. Bar Harbor Campground is the most convenient around, because it’s not far from downtown, where there are shops, amazing seafood and water excursions. With an ocean view swimming pool, and plenty of RV and tent spaces, this place is pretty hard to beat. Phone: 207-288-5185

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.