Dog-Friendly RV Vacations to America’s Best National Parks

Leaving your pet at home or at a kennel while you vacation can be both expensive and disheartening. They’re a member of the family, right? The best vacations are those where your dog can join you and everyone can enjoy time away from home together. We have some great vacation destinations in our national parks, but only some are truly dog-friendly. Following are the best parks where you can bring your best friend on your next vacation.

In the great majority of national parks, you can only have your pet in your vehicle, in parking lots or within campgrounds, and usually on a leash the whole time. You may not be able to get away from the leash rule, but there are parks that allow dogs on hiking trails, beaches and in the backcountry. For many of those on an RV vacation, hiking and getting out into the wilderness is what a vacation is all about.

Grand Canyon National Park is known as a very dog-friendly park. The South Rim, one of the most popular spots in the park and where you get a huge amount of scenery, allows dogs on the trails in this area. Walk your pooch along the rim for more than two miles while you take in the glorious colors of the canyon. Your doggie will also enjoy the Geology Walk along with you and the ranger guide.

Travel north to Zion National Park in Utah for a chance to see amazing rock formations and the colorful red rock canyons. Of course, you can keep your pet with you in your RV as you drive the Zion-Mount Carmel Highway. When you want to park and get out for some hiking, your pet is allowed on the Pa’rus Trail, the trailhead of which is at the South Campground. Besides incredible sandstone cliffs and a wide array of plants and animals here, you will love learning some of the history of this region.

Heading west now! Another favorite American national park which allows dogs to hike with you is Yosemite National Park in California. Take your best friend on any paved trail in the valley, where you will view waterfalls, towering cliffs and clear, blue skies above. This is where most of the most amazing landmarks exist and you can marvel at these wonders without worrying where your pet is and if he or she is getting into mischief.

In Washington State there are two marvelous pet-friendly parks. One is the North Cascades National Park. The Pacific Crest Trail invites you and your pet to hike this moderate to difficult trail with some of the best scenery in the state. If you want to get out into the wilderness a lot more, you can also go right next door to the Ross Lake National Recreation Area where dogs are allowed on the trails.

Not as dog-friendly as some, Olympic National Park in Washington does allow your pet on Kalaloch Beach during the day if on a leash. This is acceptable since this beach is a lot of fun for the whole family. And again, if you wish to get more wilderness experience and see some incredible views, try the adjacent Olympic National Forest where pets are allowed on the forest trails.

Now if you are traveling on the East Coast, there are some parks that will be your top choice of RV vacation destinations. Acadia National Park in the beautiful state of Maine is a great pick for doggie fun. You can take your pet on most of the hiking trails and on the carriage roads as long as he or she is on a leash. If you want your pooch to have a little time off-leash, you can visit Little Long Pond. There are only a few exceptions (steep trails and sand beaches).

Discover one of the best dog-friendly parks in the United States. At Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, your pooch can hit the trail with you on any number of paths in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Take your exercise and give your dog exercise as well on miles and miles of fabulous hiking trails.

And finally, if you have never visited Kentucky, now is your chance. Take your pet with you to Mammoth Cave National Park. Here leashed dogs can enjoy the hiking trails and stay with you in the campgrounds. When you want to visit Mammoth Cave, you can put your pet for a short time in one of the kennels offered for convenience. They are inexpensive and will give you a chance to see the main attraction in this park.

There you have it, a choice of many wonderful parks where you can delight in an exciting RV vacation along with your very best friend.

About the Author

Joe Laing is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV, your nationwide source for RV rentals. El Monte RV also sells used motorhomes through eight different locations across the United States. For more information on purchasing a used motorhome see http://www.elmontervsales.com/home/.

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Easter Contest Winners!

In no particular order, (except for 1-3), here are the winners of the Easter Contest for Dogs courtesy ThoughtsFurPaws.com and Frosty Paws:

1. Bailey

2. Francie

3. Akira

4. Athena

5. Boss

6. Louis

7. Karma

8. Molly

9. Jester

10. Benson

CONGRATS TO ALL! I will be contacting you shortly to get your mailing address so you can receive your prizes!

Thanks all for entering and making it such a fun contest!

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Last of the Easter Dog Photo Contest Entries

Today is the last day I will be accepting and posting entries for the Easter Dog Photo Contest. You have until 6 pm EST to get your photos in for submission into the Frosty Paws/PetSmart contest.

Here are some more entries, and don’t forget to check out previous entries and contest details here and here and here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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More Dog Photo Entries for the Doggie Easter Contest!

Here are the second round of entries for the Easter Frosty Paws Contest.

What Easter contest, you say?

The one being hosted by Frosty Paws and ThoughtsFurPaws.com. You could win (the coolest pet treats around) Frosty Paws loot courtesy Purina (think stuffed animals and ice cream for dogs!), and PetSmart prizes (treats, toys, etc.) courtesy ThoughtsFurPaws.com!!!!

Please send up to three photos (AT ONE TIME) to thoughtsfurpaws@gmail.com with “Easter Contest” in the Subject Line. Pictures will be posted for viewing only; Administrators will make the final call on winners for this contest.

You are welcome to leave your votes in the comments; READER VOTES WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION.

You have until the day before Easter at 6 pm to enter photos.

Winners, due to a delay in posting photos, will be announced WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3.

And without further delay, here are more cute Easter pup photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Adopting a Dog? Here’s How to Prepare

Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, especially if you have a family. Caring for a pet involves a lot of commitment, and that’s especially true for dogs. They generally need more space and attention than cats, and most will need to go outside to relieve themselves a couple times per day. If you’ve decided to adopt a dog, prepare your home and vehicle before picking up the pooch. Use this checklist to ensure that your pet has a safe and smooth transition to its new home.

• Crate or cage – While it’s not a good idea to cage your animal for extended periods of time, having a place where it’s safe and secure while you’re cleaning the house or bringing in loads of groceries can be helpful. Make the crate a safe and comfortable place with bedding, and keep the door open whenever possible so your new pet can come and go as it pleases.
• Bed – If your dog won’t be sleeping in its crate, make sure it has a place to lie down. Designating a comfortable sleeping area will make it easier to keep your pet off the furniture and out of your bed.
• Grooming supplies – While you may prefer to have most grooming done professionally, it’s still a good idea to have dog shampoo, a brush and nail clippers on-hand just in case.
• Lint rollers – If you get a breed of dog that is prone to shedding, a lint roller can help keep your clothes fur-free.
• Vet – Before adopting a dog, it’s a good idea to find a vet in the area, especially if you need advice choosing a breed or finding a place to get your pup.
• Food – Ask your vet what kind and how much food your dog should get daily, and stick to his or her recommendation. Many dogs will eat well past the point of being full, so you have to help enforce portion control. It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of food your dog has been eating, and if you transition to a new one, do so slowly to avoid an upset stomach.
• Dishes – Get food and water dishes for your pup, plus a couple spares to keep in the car for when you travel or go to the park.
• Toys – Get a couple toys before you bring your dog home, then buy more based on what your pup likes. Having toys to play with will reduce the chance that your dog will start playing with your shoes or the furniture. A few good chew toys are essential when adopting a dog.
• Vaccines – Ask the shelter or breeder whether your dog has been vaccinated, and be sure to get documentation. If your pet needs additional shots, arrange a vaccination schedule with your vet.
• Spay and neuter – Unless you have a show dog, or plan to stud or breed your new pet, you should consider spaying or neutering. According the Animal Protective League, companion animal overpopulation is a problem, and reducing the risk of unexpected puppies is the responsible thing to do.
• I.D. tags and microchip – After picking up your new companion, make sure it gets an I.D. tag, or even better, a microchip implant.

When taking your new pet home for the first time, keep in mind that animals can cause a distraction in the car, especially if they’re in a new environment. Make sure you’re covered by affordable auto insurance, and if you’re looking for a provider, compare auto insurance ratings between companies before choosing a policy.

Dale Cooper has been blogging about financial services, insurance and education for more than three years. He holds a B.A. in English and lives in Cleveland. In his spare time, Dale enjoys cooking and traveling.

Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.

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