On The Go – Dog Friendly Hikes Near TT Campgrounds

Have you ever met a dog that doesn’t love being outside to run around in the fresh air with you, their best friend, by their side? We didn’t think so! So, we’ve rounded up a few dog-friendly hiking trails and parks to give you and your pooch some ideas on where to go adventuring this May! Remember to keep your dog leashed (unless in an off-leash area) and always clean up after your dog! It’s always important to “leave no trace” to preserve the beautiful national parks, preserves, and wildlife habitats that we so much enjoy visiting. Be sure to visit thousandtrails.com to see if the campground you are visiting this May allows dogs!

Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ

Take fido to the Dead Horse Ranch State Park, located under a 20 minute drive down AZ 260-W from the Verde Valley RV Campground. This park welcomes leashed dogs to explore more than 420 acres of the developed areas of Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Whether you are hiking along the Verde River, picnicking, or hiking, you and your pup will have a fantastic time running around this oasis in the desert. Be sure to walk along the Verde River Greenway State Natural Area, a six mile reach of river and depending upon the time of year, visitors can see an assortment of wildlife here including multiple species of raptors, songbirds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, reptiles, and much more. This park has a day fee of $7.

West County Regional Trail, Forestville, CA

For an easy, approximately 5.5 mile, out and back hike with your dog, check out the West County Regional Trail in Forestville, CA. Just under an hour drive from the Russian River RV Campground (CA), this trail is accessible all year round and allows leashed, licensed, well-behaved dogs. This park is also a great place for birding, biking, and horseback riding.There is no fee to visit this park. As you walk or bike along this trail, you’ll have beautiful views of vineyards and farms in this area. For more information contact the Park Ranger at (707) 433 – 1625.

Alder Lane Beach, Hilton Head, SC

Why not head to the beach early in the season? Dogs love to romp around in the sand and the ocean, so if you’re staying with Thousand Trails at The Oaks at Point SouthRV Resort, take them to Alder Lane Beach, where dogs are allowed during official beach season: April 1st through September 30, before 10 am and after 5pm, or anytime in the off season! Head south via I-95 S from The Oaks at South Point RV Resort to Hilton Head Island, where you and your dog will experience a quiet reprieve from the typical beach scene at other South Carolina beach spots like Myrtle Beach.

The Bogs, Mattapoisett, MA

Located just a 20 minute drive from Gateway to Cape Cod (MA) is The Bogs, just minutes from Interstate 195 in Mattapoisett, MA. This natural oasis of retired commercially producing cranberry bogs still has cranberries that grow wild and freshwater wetlands brimming with wildlife. The walking trails lead visitors into pine and oak woods, passing the wetlands, and to the Tripps Mill Brook which flows into the Mattapoisett River. It is no wonder that The Bogs are a popular spot for bringing your dog! The beauty of the retired cranberry bogs, walking through forests and wetlands is a unique experience indeed.

What’s your favorite place to bring your dog on a hike? Tell us in the comments!