It’s no secret that Californians love their furry friends. With a plethora of dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, and an outdoor culture that often includes pets in activities, it seems fitting that the Golden State would be the perfect spot for pet-friendly camping.
However, according to the recent list released by The Dyrt, the leading camping information and booking app, not a single campground from California has made it to the “Top 9 for K-9s: The Most Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in The U.S.”
The Dyrt’s Tail-Wagging List
After applying AI to analyze its massive collection of 9 million photos, reviews, and tips, The Dyrt has concluded the following nine campgrounds as the ultimate canine havens in the nation:
- Lake George RV Park — New York
- Alum Creek State Park — Ohio
- Fort De Soto Campground — Florida
- Campground at James Island County Park — South Carolina
- Silver Springs Campground — Ohio
- First Landing State Park — Virginia
- Tucson – Lazydays KOA — Arizona
- Fall Creek Falls State Park — Tennessee
- Chatfield State Park — Colorado
These campgrounds have received stellar reviews from The Dyrt’s community, emphasizing the top-notch facilities and experiences created with dogs in mind.
The Importance of Furry Friends in Camping
The 2023 Camping Report reveals that pets are a substantial part of the camping scene. In 2022, about 57.1 percent of campers brought their pets along for their outdoor adventures.
Of these pet-camping enthusiasts, an overwhelming 91 percent were dog owners, with the remaining fraction comprised of cat owners and a few brave owners of birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, and livestock.
This data speaks volumes, considering the US boasts more than 80 million campers and over 76 million dogs according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. It’s becoming increasingly clear that pet amenities are crucial to campgrounds wishing to distinguish themselves in this growing industry.
A Howl for Improvement in California
While it’s a surprise that California’s campgrounds have been omitted from this canine-centric list, it may serve as a wake-up call for improvement.
Canine Amenities at Top-Rated Campgrounds
| Campground | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Lake George RV Park | Best dog park in the USA |
| Silver Springs Campground | Bow Wow Beach for swimming dogs |
California’s camping industry can use this opportunity to enhance its pet-friendly offerings. With the increasing trend of camping with pets, especially dogs, the demand for such features will only continue to grow. Let this be the catalyst for the Golden State to further embrace its love for pets and elevate its outdoor experience for all campers – both two and four-legged.
California may have missed the mark this year, but let’s look forward to seeing our stunning state campgrounds on the “Top for K-9s” list in the future. Until then, happy camping, and don’t forget to pack those doggy bags!
