RV travel with multiple dogs

[empty_nest]

So, we plan on purchasing a piece of property down south to set our 5'r on, once we retire. With eight small, lap dogs we feel it is best to have our own place to have the dogs.

However, the question is where do you find places to overnight on a 2-3 day trip since most parks will take no more than 2 dogs?

We love our pups and would never think of boarding them or have others watch them for 3-4 months. It's just not an option!

[doxiemom11]

Forestry parks would be a good choice also as most have no limitation on the # of dogs and some have parking aprons with water , electric and a dump station. I would still take them out 2 at a time to avoid attracting attention from curious people, or kids who want to pet them all.

[rockhillmanor]

chrisnpat wrote:
Toedtoes.....The campgrounds I go to must be different than the places you go...

I am originally from the Chain-O-Lakes area, IL/WI border and the CG dog rules ARE lax around there. That is why when I hit the road full time I "assumed" it would be the same all over, not!

I found out real quick the further south you go the stricter the CG rules where regarding dogs. So a lot of the responses can be coming from regional areas the RV'er is camping in.

I think the Midwest because their camping season is 'so short' they are not as strict, as each and every camper they can get in within the 4 month short camping season can either make them or break them financially.

Down south they are open 12 months a year and they can be more picky.

Also found out the CG's you can see from the interstate easy on and off locations have more dog rules than if you find a CG further away from the interstates.

[empty_nest]

Got some good insight and ideas. Thank you so much!

[toedtoes]

chrisnpat - most of the places I stay at are national forest campgrounds, and they usually don't have a limit (size or number). I only have 2, but they are large. I do see the 2 dog limit posted in a lot of places - but I think many places seem to ignore that rule unless there's a problem. I do think 8 dogs (even small) is a huge difference from 3 dogs, so I would really make an effort to ensure the RV Park of the basic overnight stay, etc.

[rockhillmanor]

Even the motel dog policy has changed. Years ago I could go to any hotel or motel with my Danes and never be charged extra.

I had my MH break down on the road last years and had to wait for parts. Thought no problem get a motel room. Boy have motels changed over the years!

They wanted $38.00 "per dog" extra, plus all the bed tax and sales tax on top of that additional extra price. :R:R

[chrisnpat]

Toedtoes
you are correct and I would never disregard the rules, I have three dogs and I have never run into a place where we were not welcome, hense "Whats the big deal". The campgrounds I go to must be differant than the places you go...
To the O Poster
we have stopped at walmarts, and state parks and COE parks never a problem...
safe travels.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

empty_nest wrote:


However, the question is where do you find places to overnight on a 2-3 day trip since most parks will take no more than 2 dogs?

My experience is that most parks have no pet restrictions at all? KOAs are notoriously dog-friendly; and most of the Good Sam parks we've visited as we drive back and forth to FLA have been non-limited. The only time I start seeing restrictions is if we get too close to a popular tourist attraction like Disneyworld?

[Code2High]

Call rv parks and when they say no, ask if they know one that might say yes. I have found a place to stay with dogs this way.

Besides Cracker Barrel (yum!) Walmart and Flying J, I have seen rvs parked at Motel 6. Nothing says you have to sleep in the room but you could certainly shower there and then sleep in your rig in their lot.

[toedtoes]

chrisnpat wrote:
Honestly I dont see what is the big deal. You pull in ,you park ,you take doggies out to potty, you go in camper and sleep. In the morning you take doggies out to potty again than you leave.

The "big deal" is that if an RV Park has a rule, then either you:

1) abide by that rule;
2) find another place to stay; or
3) ask the park to make an exception to the rule for your situation


Just disregarding the rule is not fair to anyone and will reduce the number of dog-friendly places even more.

[chrisnpat]

Honestly I dont see what is the big deal. You pull in ,you park ,you take doggies out to potty, you go in camper and sleep. In the morning you take doggies out to potty again than you leave.

[edbehnke]

walmart.

no good rv park will deal with that many dogs.

[tjfogelberg]

Cracker Barrels are good for overnighting. Their restaurants usually empty out around 9PM and you can park in designated RV parking overnight, walk your pups around thier spacious grassy/parking areas and have a hot breakfast in the morning before you take off. No hassles with campgrounds and you'll save $ in the process. I pick up trash in the parking lot while I'm walking the dogs and make sure to leave a good tip after I have my breakfast. Everyone is happy including the dogs.

[Dog_Folks]

toedtoes wrote:
Unlike the situation in the other thread, I think your situation might be doable because you're trying to find just a single night location.

Doing as Rockhillmanor does - stopping overnight at truck stops, etc. - would be the easiest.

Call some parks and ask them if they would allow you to stop twice a year for one night each stop. Be honest and just explain that you need to get from point A to point B, you're not looking to residence there, you'll keep the dogs inside all night, and only take 2 out at a time for potty breaks. Perhaps add that you will not be using any hookups except electrical for a/c if needed (do you need to for two one-night stays?). Your situation and your honesty might get you an exception to the rules. If they allow you to stay, make sure you follow your agreement carefully.

This is a great idea, and honesty will get you much further along.

[toedtoes]

Unlike the situation in the other thread, I think your situation might be doable because you're trying to find just a single night location.

Doing as Rockhillmanor does - stopping overnight at truck stops, etc. - would be the easiest.

Call some parks and ask them if they would allow you to stop twice a year for one night each stop. Be honest and just explain that you need to get from point A to point B, you're not looking to residence there, you'll keep the dogs inside all night, and only take 2 out at a time for potty breaks. Perhaps add that you will not be using any hookups except electrical for a/c if needed (do you need to for two one-night stays?). Your situation and your honesty might get you an exception to the rules. If they allow you to stay, make sure you follow your agreement carefully.