Fido's Favorite KOAs

Posted by Lauren Barker

No matter where you’re road tripping with Fido across the U.S., you’re sure to find a Kamp Ground of America, or KOA, nearby. With over 500 locations near interstates and major attractions, these full-service campgrounds are a one-stop shop for all your overnight needs. Before you plan your next camping adventure with your canine, check out these KOA locations that offer plenty of perks for your pup, too!

At these KOA locations, pets are permitted at tent and RV sites for free and in select cabins for an additional pet fee ranging from $10 to $50 per pet.

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

Petaluma, CA
"Can someone hand me that donut?" Photo by Facebook.com/sanfranciscokoacampground

Park your camper in California’s wine country at San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA. Fido will be greeted with a treat upon arrival, and he’ll have a ball playing in the campground’s 4,000-square-foot dog park with agility equipment. You’ll enjoy picturesque views, an onsite pool and hot tub and convenient access to many of the area’s dog-friendly wineries. Throughout the year, the campground hosts a number of dog- and family-friendly events like parades and holiday festivities.

If you prefer beer over wine, head to the beer sanctuary at nearby Lagunitas Brewing Co., a dog-loving brewery with a national partnership with Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Cape Hatteras KOA

Hatteras, NC
"This place must be lucky!" Photo by Facebook.com/CapeHatterasKOA

Pups staying at Cape Hatteras KOA will feel like they’re in their own bit of “pawradise”. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other, this Outer Banks campground provides gorgeous views of the water and plenty of activities for everyone. Book a Paw Pen RV site and Fido can roam leash free in his own personal fenced area which includes a shade structure just for him. Tent sites and select Deluxe and Camping Cabins permit pets, too. If your site doesn’t have a Paw Pen, don’t worry, pups who need to stretch their legs can play off leash in the fenced Kamp K9 area.

Venture out to explore the towns of Rodanthe and Waves and grab breakfast, lunch or dinner on the deck of Mirro’s Cafe.

Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort

Tucson, AZ
"Behind the ear, that's the spot." Photo by Facebook.com/TucsonLazydaysKOA

After a day of exploring dog-friendly Southern Arizona, let Fido put his paws up at Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort. Pups who like to roam can stay in one of the pet-friendly Deluxe Cabins with a private fenced-in space, or visit the onsite Kamp K9 dog park which includes a pet wash station for cleaning off the desert sand. Most RV sites also include KOA Paw Pens with fire hydrants and shady fruit trees or shade structures to protect your pet from the Arizona sun. While Fido explores, you can enjoy amenities at your site like outdoor fireplaces, covered grilling areas and sky decks for sunbathing or stargazing. Tucson Lazydays KOA also hosts events throughout the year including adoption fairs for local rescues.

Keep your eyes on the sky during your stay. Tucson Lazydays KOA Resort is located directly between Tucson International Airport and Davis Monthan Air Force Base, which is home to the dog-friendly Pima Air and Space Museum.

Door County KOA Holiday

Brussels, WI
"Are we roasting hot dogs?" Photo by Facebook.com/BrusselsKOA

Book a weekend away in Wisconsin’s Door County and set up camp at Door County KOA Holiday. Pop your tent on a site with a lighted convenience station, park your RV at a spot with a fenced-in dog run, or cuddle up inside one of the pet-friendly cabins with full bathrooms and either a patio or deck. Fido can meet new friends in the campground’s Kamp K9 dog park which features plenty of shade, lamp posts at night, and waste stations for easy clean-up. Door County KOA Holiday closes for winter, but throughout the open season, they host events and themed weekends including Bark in the Parks with costume contests, pet crafts and more.

With three swimming pools, a spray park and mini golf, you may not want to leave the campground. But if you want to explore more of this summer vacation destination, venture into Sturgeon Bay and hike with Fido at Potawatomi State Park or get out on the water with Door County Boat Rental.

Cherokee Great Smokies KOA

Cherokee, NC
"You can find me here all week." Photo by BringFido/Sherri

Bordered on one side by the Raven Fork River and on the other side by three tribal trout ponds, the Cherokee Great Smokies KOA is the perfect spot to cast a line with your furry friend, or simply sit and watch the water. Book a Paw Pen RV site and you’ll have a large patio surrounded by a fence so Fido can roam freely while you eat dinner at the dining table or relax around the stone fire pit. Or, book a cozy cabin with a large deck overlooking the river or creek. Whether you choose a cabin, RV or tent site, Fido can run through tunnels and over obstacles at the Kamp K9 dog park or join you for a flick at the outdoor movie theater.

In addition to being close to entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherokee Great Smokies KOA has plenty of activities for human guests, like indoor and outdoor pools, inflatable axe throwing, train rides and gem mining.

La Junta KOA Journey Cabins

La Junta, CO
"Wish we had a park like this in our backyard all the time!" Photo by Facebook.com/LaJuntaKOA

If you’re looking for a unique stay with your pup in Southeastern Colorado, add La Junta KOA Journey Cabins to your itinerary. Pets are permitted in the campground’s cabins and tiny homes and in a 1928 AT&SF Railroad Caboose. The train car includes a queen bed, full bath and a lovely outdoor patio for enjoying the sunset or night sky. Tent sites feature covered platforms and select RV sites include Paw Pens for furry family members. The Kamp K9 dog park provides obstacles for pups and benches for humans to sit back and relax. A swimming pool, recreation room and mini golf round out the fun amenities for families.

Fido can brush up on his BARK Ranger responsibilities at nearby Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site.

Orlando/Kissimmee KOA

Kissimmee, FL
"This is better than Disney World!" Photo by Orlando/Kissimmee KOA

Pets staying at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA have reason to celebrate. In addition to the Kamp K9 dog park, several cabins and RV sites feature private KOA Paw Pens and concrete patios with grills, fire pits and dining areas. Pups staying in cabins are welcome to borrow a pet kit, which includes a set of dog bowls, a placemat, a sleeping pillow, and a package of dog treats. Guests can also take advantage of amenities like the year-round heated pool, jump pad and fitness center.

You’ll be just minutes away from Old Town Kissimmee where Fido can join you in several shops and on restaurant patios.

Coloma/St Joseph KOA

Benton Harbor, MI
So. Much. Space. Photo by Coloma/St Joseph KOA

Your pooch will feel like he’s staying at a vacation rental when you book a pet-friendly cabin at Coloma/St Joseph KOA. The campground’s Paw Pen cabins feature fully fenced yards with concrete patios, picnic tables, fire pits and plenty of shade. Best of all, the fence attaches to the front porch, so you can let your pup out the door leash free to do his business. RV sites with large Paw Pens are also available and include high-end composite patio furniture and Adirondack chairs around a custom KOA fire pit. If you don’t want to leave your outdoor oasis for dinner, order a Hunt Brothers Pizza from the general store and cafe and have it delivered to your site.

Your pooch can dip his paws in Lake Michigan during a visit to nearby Hagar Beach. Then, take him to North Pier Brewing Company where you can enjoy a craft beer while he laps up a fresh bowl of water.

Have you stayed at a KOA with amenities for Fido? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Becky.