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Take Your Collared Campers To These 5 Amazing Dog Parks

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Road trips wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t bring our dogs along with us. Their endless enthusiasm for new adventures, love for sticking their heads out the car window and excitement for new smells is contagious.

But after a long day of driving, our dogs need the freedom to just be dogs. There’s no better place than a dog park for them to chase a tennis ball, swim in a lake, and wrestle with fellow four-legged friends. If you love traveling with your pet, check out some of these amazing dog parks in the U.S. and their highly rated nearby campgrounds.

1. Bea Arthur Dog Park, Norfolk, Virginia

dog parks
Photo by Doggoes

This 1-acre dog park is located right next door to PETA’s headquarters and owned by the animal advocacy organization. The park features a water station, ramp to access the Elizabeth River, large grassy field, a toy bin, shaded picnic area, and is only a short walk to downtown. It’s open 24/7 and free of charge.

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Plus, Little Creek MWR RV Park provides great camping sites only about 20 minutes away.

2. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline, Richmond California

dog parks
Photo by East Bay Parks

Point Isabel is unique because it allows dogs to be off-leash throughout the entire 23-acre park. Dogs do have to be under voice control and owners must have a leash with them.

A popular feature of the park for dog owners are the Mudpuppy’s Tub and Scrub and the Sit and Stay Café. The Mudpuppy’s Tub and Scrub is a dog washing (do-it-yourself dog baths also available) and dog specific retail store. While the Sit and Stay Café, located next door, offers treats for 4-legged and human friends alike. The park is open until 10 PM everyday with no admission fees.

Just north, Marin RV Park offers a quiet place to park for the night across the San Francisco Bay.

3. Bear Creek Dog Park, Colorado Springs, Colorado

dog parks
Photo by Bear Creek

Bear Creek Dog Park is a sprawling 25-acre playground for dogs of all sizes. The park includes a 1/3 mile long creek for dogs to cool off in, prairie hills to roam, agility obstacles to test their skills, along with drinking water and several walking trails that run the length of the park.

There’s also a 2-acre area for small or senior dogs, dog washing area, and public restroom. It’s open everyday from 5 AM-11 PM and free of charge. Less than 10 miles away, there’s a beautiful, big rig friendly RV campground located in Cheyenne Mountain State Park.

4. Warren G. Magnuson Park Off-Leash Area, Seattle, Washington

dog parks
Photo by Live Small | Ride Free

Magnuson Park’s off-leash area is the largest playground for dogs in Seattle with 8.6 acres for dogs to romp around. There’s a large flat play area, winding trails, and best of all—access to Lake Washington.

The park also includes a separately fenced-in area for small and shy dogs. It’s free to the public everyday from 4:30 AM-11:30 PM. Across Lake Washington, Vasa Park Resort has 22 RV sites with lake and mountain scenery, access to Lake Sammamish and walking trails.

5. Cosmos Dog Park, Gilbert, Arizona

dog parks
Photo by Discover Gilbert

This dog park is named after Cosmos, the first police dog of the town of Gilbert. The 14-acre dog oasis includes a lake for swimming, lighting for night use, separate areas for active and timid dogs, pet and people drinking fountains, 2 dog washing stations, multi-use trails and restrooms.

There are also several picnic shelters available with tables, grills and power that can be reserved for use. Cosmos Dog Park is open daily from 5:30 AM-10 PM, free of charge. Spend a night at the nearby Twin Palms RV Park, open to all ages, before heading to your next destination.

Do you travel with your dog(s)? What type of breed are they? Let us know in the comments below.

Read more about traveling with pets in your RV.




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