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Finding dog-friendly campgrounds isn’t too hard, but it does require reading the fine print to make sure Fido is welcome — especially if you’re looking for beachfront campgrounds where your pup can get the “zoomies” in the sand and enjoy the sunset. With a record number of families camping recently (in 2021, 57 million households in the U.S. went camping) you can bet that many are wondering how their dog can come camping too.
I’ve put together this list as a shortcut for you to see what’s available at many popular beaches across the U.S. I included tent camping prices, since that’s the most affordable way to go, as well as any additional fees that pop up. I also threw in a few prices for cabins if they were available and were dog-friendly. Camping with your dog is a great way to vacation without paying for dog sitting or doggy daycare (on average, that bill can be between $30 – $60 a day, depending on your dog’s needs and where you live). So what are you waiting for? Shop for your camping gear at these pet-friendly stores, and let’s plan your trip.
Before we get to the campgrounds, here are a couple things that seem true across the board.
Most dog-friendly beachfront campgrounds will require you to leash your dog.
Definitely when you’re in the campground, but some even require them to be leashed on the beach. In general, most campgrounds request a leash that’s no longer than six feet long. Heads up, some campgrounds have rules about pet sizes, too.
KOAs are a great option if you’re bringing your dog camping.
via KOA
I’ve included a few dog-friendly beachfront KOAs in this list, but in general, most KOAs are dog-friendly. It’s nice to have a go-to if another campground doesn’t pan out.
Top Dog-Friendly Beachfront Campgrounds
1. San Simeon Creek Campground: Cambria, CA
- Cost: $35 per night
- Extra fees: None
San Simeon Creek Campground is a short walk from Moonstone Beach, and dogs are welcome as long as they’re on-leash and attended to at all times. The campground is open year-round, and you can make reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com.
2. Assateague Island Campground: Berlin, MD
- Cost: $30 per night
- Extra fees: $25 entrance fee
Make reservations online if you plan to visit Assateague Island Campground during peak season (between March and November). Off-season is first come, first served. Another cool feature Assateague Island offers is wild horses — they’re seen walking freely on the beach, the road, in the water, name it. Also something to keep in mind if your dog is more sensitive to other animals.
3. St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA: St. Petersburg, FL
- Cost: $54.22 per night
- Extra fees: None
The St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA is a bit pricier than your average dog friendly beachfront campground, but it has more amenities. There’s a pet play area for your dog, two hot tubs, an outdoor swimming pool, kayaks, and more.
These prices are for tent sites. If you want to rent a pet-friendly Deluxe Cabin, it’s an extra $25 per pet per stay (one-time fee), and Rustic Cabins charge $10 per pet per stay.
4. Grayton Beach State Park Campground: Santa Rosa Beach, FL
- Cost: $30 per night
- Extra fees: $6.70 reservation fee
You can bring up to four dogs with you to most campsites at Grayton Beach State Campground, but there are no extra fees for pets. However, if you’re RV camping, you’ll pay an additional $7 utility fee per night.
5. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground: Malibu, CA
- Cost: $45 per night
- Extra fees: None
Dogs must be leashed, but they’re allowed in the campground and North Beach, which is north of Lifeguard Tower 3. You can’t bring your dog on the backcountry trails or South Beach. They’re welcome in the day use areas though! Make sure to reserve your spot at Leo Carrillo State Park Campground as soon as you can. It’s open year-round, but peak season spots go quickly.
Learn a few beach hacks before you hit the sun and sand.
6. Seawall Campground: Southwest Harbor, ME
- Cost: $30 per night
- Extra fees: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $25 per person entrance fee
Since Seawall Campground is part of Acadia National Park — which is known for being incredibly dog-friendly — you’ll pay a National Park entrance fee on top of what it costs to camp. The ocean is so close you’ll be able to hear it from many of the campsites. After you take in the views, hop on the free transportation shuttles where your dog is allowed to ride, plan a walk on Cadillac Mountain, or enjoy Blueberry lemonade and a popover at Jordan Pond House. Local ice cream places offer a scoop of ice cream for your pup, and I have yet to find a better dog park than the one in Bar Harbor.
Check out these National Parks discount tips before you go to Seawall.
7. Cape Lookout State Park Campground: Tillamook, OR
- Cost: $21 per night for residents, $26.25 for nonresidents
- Extra fees: $5 parking permit
Cape Lookout State Park Campground offers year-round camping, tent sites, and a few pet-friendly cabins. You can make reservations up to six months in advance, and if you plan to go during peak season (summer), I recommend you get a reservation as soon as the window to book opens.
Ready to spoil your dog with treats and toys? Find out how to save money at PetSmart, Petco, and Chewy.com.
8. Hamlin Beach State Park Campground: Monroe County, NY
- Cost: $29 per night
- Extra fees: None
At Hamlin Beach State Park Campground, up to two dogs are allowed on each campsite and must be on a 6-foot leash. Also, plan to show proof of rabies vaccination (metal tags will not work).
The A, B, and C Loops (sites 1 – 137) are dog-friendly, but the rest are not.
9. Wright’s Beach Campground: Bodega Bay, CA
- Cost: $35 per night
- Extra fees: None
Dogs must be on-leash at Wright’s Beach Campground. Like with other campgrounds, plan to reserve your spot up to six months in advance for the best chance at getting one.
Other dog-friendly beaches surround Wright’s Beach if you want to explore: Marshall Gulch, Carmet Beach, Schoolhouse Beach, Portuguese Beach, Duncan’s Cover, Wright’s Beach, Furlong Gulch, Shell Beach, Blind Beach, Russian Gulch. Two beaches are not dog-friendly because of conservation efforts: Pomo Canyon and Willow Creek.
10. San Juan County Park Campground: Friday Harbor, WA
- Cost: $38
- Extra fees: $9 reservation fee
Reserve a campsite on North Beach in San Juan County Park Campground if you want to see some of the ocean from your site. Added perk: the campground offers dog bags in case you run out.
11. Myrtle Beach KOA: Myrtle Beach, SC
- Cost: $49
- Extra fees: None
Typical KOA amenities apply at Myrtle Beach KOA, including a dog play park, pool, and free beach shuttle. The beach is three minutes away. Dogs must be attended and leashed at all times in the campground.
Get cheap leashes and more with PetSmart coupons and Petco coupons.
12. South Padre Island KOA: South Padre Island, TX
- Cost: $68.67
- Extra fees: None
The South Padre Island KOA has a dog play park, pool, and a hot tub. If you really want to be on the water, consider splurging on a Waterfront Deluxe Cabin ($255 per night). Some of these cabins are dog-friendly, so book early to grab one.
13. Kalaloch Campground: Forks, WA
- Cost: $40 per night
- Extra fees: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $25 per person entrance fee
Kalaloch Campground in the Olympic National Park is one of the most beloved spots in the park. This means booking early is an absolute must. Booking windows open six months in advance, so make your plan! Walk-up sites are more realistic during non-peak season, but I’d reserve a spot to avoid disappointment.
Like other dog-friendly beachfront campgrounds inside National Parks, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee in addition to your site fees.
14. Waldport/Newport KOA: Waldpart, OR
- Cost: $45.50 per night
- Extra fees: None
Reserve America has awarded the Waldport/Newport KOA “America’s Top 50 Views” award twice. Pair that with KOA’s hard bent toward creating dog-friendly beachfront campgrounds and this one is a no-brainer.
15. Gulf State Park Campground: Gulf Shores, AL
- Cost: $20 per night
- Extra fees: $5 reservation fee
Gulf State Park Campground requires pets to be on a leash no longer than six feet long. Note that while pets are welcome at the campground, they aren’t allowed on the beach itself. There is a dog park and a lake and all kinds of trails to roam.
