Roadtripping With Dogs: Best Camping Spots

Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful bonding experience and one you’ll never forget. With a little planning, it’s easy to take a roadtrip with your furry best friend. Travel photographer Alison Turner shares her favorite dog-friendly camping spots.

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Photo By: Alison Turner

Camping With Dogs

Not all state and National Parks campgrounds allow dogs but many do. It's not covered in standard park admission, but, for an additional fee, you can pitch a tent and cuddle up with your best furry friend.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

This is one of the few National Monuments that allow dogs to backcountry camp with you. For just $3, Max and I snuggled in our tent and watched the sunset.

Tahoe National Forest, California

The William Kent Campground ($28 per night) in Tahoe National Forest is a great camping spot for dogs. After a long day of traveling, Max and I took a hammock break to swing between the trees.

Death Valley National Park, California

Death Valley is a magical place. It's even more magical since camping with your dog is free at the Wildrose Campground.

California Coast

Kirk Creek campsite in Big Sur is situated over a bluff. Camping along the California coast is pricey (around $35) but the views are worth it. Max checked out the view here from the pop top.

Hot Springs in California

Along Highway 395 in Northern California, you can ﬁnd many hot springs that are free and open to the public. The hunt to ﬁnd them is worth the reward of lounging in the natural hot tub.

The Wave, Arizona

Some parks and attractions are so popular they offer camping permits through a lottery system. Max and I went to the ranger station early one morning at The Wave and were lucky enough to win one of 10 permits given out that day. Dogs are welcome at The Wave with an additional fee. The three-mile hike each way was completely worth taking the chance on the lottery.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

For a $10 entrance fee and $20 camping fee, we got to wake up with this sunrise at the Valley of Fire. Max prefered watching comfortably inside of the pop top while I got a better view outside perched up on a red rock.

Alvord Dessert, Oregon

Max loves wide open spaces with sand. When we're traveling, I will seek out these types of places so he can run around and I don’t have to worry about coyotes or cars. This was the case here at the Alvord Desert in Southeast Oregon. Even better: It's free to camp with a dog.

Jasper National Park, Canada

I have a life jacket in the van at all times for Max in case we are able to rent a boat or go swimming. At Honeymoon Lake, you can rent canoes and your dog can ride with you. For $15.70 plus entrance fee, it's worth it. Life jackets for humans are provided for free. Jackets for dogs are not mandatory but it's always a good idea for your pup, especially if they're not a good swimmer.

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Roadtripping With Dogs: Best Camping Spots

Shop This Look

Camping With Dogs

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

Tahoe National Forest, California

Death Valley National Park, California

California Coast

Hot Springs in California

The Wave, Arizona

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

Alvord Dessert, Oregon

Jasper National Park, Canada

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