Are you planning your visit to a camping unit and want to bring your best pal along? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the campsite you’re going to allow pets as well?
That’s exactly what we’re here to find out – Do campsites charge for dogs?
The answer is, several park campgrounds do but with different fees. It makes sense because these days, people charge fees for pretty much everything, literally!
But what are the reasons behind that?
Why Do Campsites Charge for Dogs?
There are many reasons why family campsites charge for dogs, but it is mainly to provide customers with the extra amenities like dog walks on grassy open spaces, off-leash play areas, or whatever you name it!
By paying these fees, you’re helping the owners to recuperate their paid cost for these amenities.
To be more specific, here are the reasons why park some campgrounds require an extra cost for dogs:
- To pay for the additional amenities
- Safety reasons
- Too much noise (some dogs can be very loud)
- To discourage you from bringing your dogs or other pets to the campsite
- Just because. They don’t need any particular to do so; it is their property, after all.
What Should You Do To Prepare for Campsites that Charge for Dogs?
First thing first, you need to do thorough research on the camping unit you’re planning to go to see if the fee is reasonable. If it is exorbitant, look for an alternative.
As trivial as it sounds, some family campsites charge ridiculous fees that will go beyond your expected budget. You can find all the information needed on the camp website, along with some helpful answers in the FAQ section.
Now here’s something you need to prepare for your dog if you don’t want to get you two in trouble when arriving at the campground.
A leash is a must-have, and your dog must be leashed at all time. What is more, you will be the one to clean up after the pets waste, so make sure you do it properly. After that, take the waste to any dump stations nearby.
Remember, the fees are applied per pet; you might want to consider again if you’re bringing more than one dog. The cost of an additional pet can be somewhat plenty to pay.
What Do Campsites That Charge for Dogs Cost?
The cost ranges from $1-20 per day, depending on where you’re going in. As for the more high-end campsites that offer dog-friendly beaches where your pal can have lots of fun, it can add up quickly.
For that reason, you must do in-depth research of the campsite you’re heading and find alternatives if that one doesn’t work out.
If you’re unclear about the information provided on the website, call straight to the camp hotline to find out if that information is legit, thus ask if you have any further questions.
If you’re a US citizen, here are the pet policies and amenities for camping parks of several states that you can take into consideration.
- Chewacla State Park (Alabama): the fees can be from $15-20/night for one dog (cabinet rental). Your dog must be leashed at all time unless he is left in a carrier or crate.
- Elijah State Park (Georgia): the cost for overnight staying at a cottage for one dog is $45.
- Kentucky Dam Village State Park (Kentucky): the fees range from $25 (lodge) to $50 (cottage) for one dog.
Should You Stay At These Campsites?
Many people think that charging fees for dogs at park campgrounds is ridiculous as it is not beneficial to them or the dog, which is true in some cases. If the campsite is not providing any additional amenities, then your concern is understandable.
For that reason, make sure the fee you’re paying is warranted and reasonable. If you find that extra fee to be too much for your budget, you can opt for those that don’t charge any fees at all. Of course, you can’t expect to get any amenities from these places; it’s free!
To be honest, unless it is too much, paying $10-15 isn’t a big deal when you and your little pooch can have the best time of your life together playing water-splashing at swim beaches or simply just walking and running around the campsite areas.
On top of everything, it only comes down to the matter of personal choice. If you don’t want to pay any extra fee, find alternative campsites. Here are some pet-friendly campgrounds that you can consult.
- Lake Fort Smith State Park (Arkansas)
- Heyburn State Park (Idaho)
- Nevada State Parks
- New Jersey State Parks
Note: Even though pets are allowed in theses state parks, there are certain areas like swim beaches or buildings that pets are prohibited, so do remember that and research for more information.
FAQs
Do most RV parks allow dogs?
Sadly, no. Many RV parks restrict dogs based on their size, breed, and number.
Can you take your dog camping?
Of course, you can. What is a better way to spend time with your dog than on an adventure in the great outdoors?
Can I bring my dog to a state park?
It depends on which state park you are going to. Some family campsites prohibit pets from entering places like buildings, swimming areas, playgrounds, or where posted.
However, there are places allowing pets. Yet, you should know that these park buildings have rules and regulations over how and where to keep your pets; for example, pets must not be left unattended and should be leashed at all time.
Also, you’ll be very much likely to pay a fee for extra amenities as well.
Are Pitbulls allowed in campgrounds?
It depends, as long as your dog meets the requirement for size, breed, and number. This varies for different campgrounds throughout the States.
Even though Pitbull is known as an aggressive dog breed, as long as your dog doesn’t show protective and unfriendly behaviors toward strangers, he is welcomed at most campgrounds.
Are dogs allowed in KOA cabins?
Yes. The KOA Campgrounds are pet-friendly, but you need to make sure your dog is qualified to be there. For more information, please read and abide by the KOA campgrounds regulations.
In Conclusion
Do campsites charge for dogs? – I hope this article gave you an in-depth answer to that question. Let’s be honest here; the fee range of $1-20 is not that bad when you and your pup can share a lot of fun times together.
I know people who would cross off places from the list of destinations they want to go simply because pets are not allowed in those places.
What about you? What do you prefer – no fee charged but entrance limited, or fee charged with extra amenities? Comment down below! Thank you for reading.
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