The Happiness Function

According to a recent report, 29% of campers consider being pet-friendly a top consideration before booking. Pets are an extension of the family, so many travelers look for places that offer a welcoming environment where they can also have fun.

Last year, 58 million households camped at least once in 2022, according to the same report. Since 2014, the number of households who camp three or more times annually has grown by 174%.

Fortunately, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) has many popular campgrounds catering to furry friends, with KampK9 dog parks providing a secure space for pets to frolic. Of all the pet-friendly KOAs, these five locations have some of the highest ratings. Here’s what they offer for the perfect getaway.

1. Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA – Pigeon Forge Tennessee

Image Credit: Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA Holiday.

Open year-round, Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg KOA houses a KampK9 park and Paw Pen sites for furry frolicking.

For those who like to have options when vacationing, this campground offers tent and RV sites and deluxe camping cabins. Some RV sites have Paw Pen patios, giving road trippers their own enclosed space for off-leash space. These are spacious, feature a dog house and waste station, and have a charming (and hilarious) fire hydrant.

2. Tucson/Lazydays KOA – Tuscon, Arizona

Image Credit: Tucson/Lazydays KOA Resort.

In the middle of the majestic Sonora Desert, Tucson is a pet-friendly city near hiking trails, mountains, and monuments. Tucson/Lazydays KOA campground is only 10 minutes from Downtown, but there is plenty to enjoy on the grounds, including pools, an activity park, a playground, and a nine-hole chip and putt course.

Dogs can release pent-up energy in a fenced area with agility equipment, while the scenic nature walk will let them wander along the putting green and nature pond. This campground has a pet wash for the messiest pups, and several sites have a grassy Paw Pen.

Though many spots are designated for RVs and motorhomes, Tucson/Lazydays also has spaces for tent camping and several cabins for rent.

3. Wilmington KOA Holiday – Wilmington, North Carolina

Image Credit: Wilmington KOA Holiday.

If you want to mix rich history with sun-kissed beaches, visiting Wilmington, North Carolina, is a must. KOA’s campground is six miles from Wrightsville Beach or 30 minutes from Carolina Beach. According to guest Duane Phillips, the Wilmington KOA has “excellent service, and the cabins are perfect.”

Active pets will appreciate the Bark Park with agility features. This peaceful spot has a charming wooden swing, ideal for relaxing should your pooch tire you out on a hot summer’s day.

4. Moab KOA Holiday – Moab, Utah

Image Credit: Moab KOA Holiday.

Moab is well-known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. While Moab KOA exudes rustic charm, it also features the largest pool in Moab and a charming playground! Like other pet-friendly KOA campgrounds, the Moab site offers a dog-walking area and a fenced-off KampK9 for off-leash fun.

Pet-friendly RV, tent, and cabin accommodation spots are available, with some deluxe cabins featuring a full bathroom and kitchen. If you’re looking to explore off-site, the surrounding area has several scenic hiking trails to enjoy the contrasting colors of the landscape.

Keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on hiking trails in Arches or Canyonlands National Park, but they are permitted on BLM land.

5. Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA – Leavenworth, Washington

Image Credit: Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday.

For those who want to retreat out west with their pets, a visit to the KOA campground in Leavenworth, Washington, is in order. Located on the Wenatchee River, this KOA spot offers abundant natural beauty and a safe fenced-in space to play and meet other pets at the KampK9 dog park. If your pup is craving a stick, they won’t do without at Leavenworth, as there’s a stack of them available at the “dog library.”

Guests have been highly positive about Leavenworth, with one traveler, Cathy Bourm, noting that she and her family “can’t wait to return to Leavenworth KOA! The deluxe cabin had everything we needed.” The site offers RV and tent sites and deluxe and camping cabins.

Remember that KOA campgrounds require dogs to be on a six-foot minimum leash outside of KampK9.

Enjoy Pet-Friendly KOA Campgrounds This Summer

Image Credit: The Happiness Function

Camping and outdoor recreation are enduringly popular; taking the family pet along for the ride is the icing on the cake. With one KOA survey revealing about seven out of ten campers bringing their dogs, campgrounds are more important than ever to offer high-quality, pet-friendly spaces.

As a brand, KOA has always been pet-friendly. However, these five locations go above and beyond to make four-legged travelers feel right at home.