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RV travel with multiple dogs

empty_nest
Explorer
Explorer
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!
2008 38' Winnebago Adventurer
2012 Jeep Wrangler (Toad)
03 Ranger 520 DVX - 225 hp. Evinrude
20 REPLIES 20

doxiemom11
Explorer II
Explorer II
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
Explorer
Explorer
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.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

empty_nest
Explorer
Explorer
Got some good insight and ideas. Thank you so much!
2008 38' Winnebago Adventurer
2012 Jeep Wrangler (Toad)
03 Ranger 520 DVX - 225 hp. Evinrude

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

rockhillmanor
Explorer
Explorer
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

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

chrisnpat
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Christine and Patrick
Cocker Spaniels
Trevor and two Fosters Kahlua and Blossom
Life is What happens to you while your busy making plans.

Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Explorer II
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?
Ed, Deb, and 2 dogs
Looking for a small Class C!

Code2High
Explorer
Explorer
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.
susan

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a wabbit, Fuzzy Wuzzy had a dandelion habit! RIP little Wuz... don't go far.

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)

chrisnpat
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Christine and Patrick
Cocker Spaniels
Trevor and two Fosters Kahlua and Blossom
Life is What happens to you while your busy making plans.

edbehnke
Explorer
Explorer
walmart.

no good rv park will deal with that many dogs.
eddie and sandie
3402 Montana 2013
Ford F350 2015

tjfogelberg
Explorer
Explorer
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
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Our Rig:
2005 Dodge 3500 - Dually- Cummins
2006 Outback 27 RSDS

We also have with us two rescue dogs. A Chihuahua mix & a Catahoula mix.

"I did not get to this advanced age because I am stupid."

Full time since June 2006

toedtoes
Explorer III
Explorer III
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.
1975 American Clipper RV with Dodge 360 (photo in profile)
1998 American Clipper Fold n Roll Folding Trailer
Both born in Morgan Hill, CA to Irv Perch (Daddy of the Aristocrat trailers)