Pet-Friendly Campgrounds: Tips for Traveling with Your Furry Friends

What to Check Before You Book

Understand Pet Policies (and Common Gotchas)

It’s easy to fall in love with a campsite photo and forget the fine print. Before you reserve, take a quick look at the campground’s pet policy so you know exactly what to expect.

Most places outline:

• Leash requirements (length, where they’re needed)
• How many pets are allowed
• Any breed or size limits
• Pet fees (nightly or one-time)
• Rules about leaving pets unattended in RVs or rooms

If you’re planning a stay at Flying Flags, you can skim the Pet Policy and FAQs online ahead of time. You’ll see what’s allowed, how many pups you can bring, and how leashes and fees work, so you arrive feeling ready instead of rushed.

Health & Readiness

A happy camping trip starts with a healthy, comfortable pet. Before heading out, check in with your vet to confirm vaccines are current. You should also make sure your dog is on flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and confirm their microchip is registered with your up-to-date contact info.

It also helps to think about your dog’s personality. Are they relaxed around new people and dogs? Do they enjoy hanging out outside for long stretches, or do they prefer shorter bursts of activity and plenty of downtime? Planning activities where your dog fits in easily allows everyone to have a fun camping trip.

Choose the Right Site or Stay

Your campsite or room can make a big difference in how relaxed everyone feels.

RV travelers: Full-hookup sites keep things simple. You can manage water, power, and climate control comfortably with pets on board.

Cabins, cottages, and trailers: Double-check that your preferred unit is marked “Dog friendly” and look for any listed pet fees.

At Flying Flags, you’ll find plenty of RV sites, cabins, vintage trailers, and cozy cottages that welcome dogs. Booking a pet-friendly stay from the start means your pup is just as welcome as you are.

What to Pack: The Pet Camping Checklist

ID & Health Essentials

Think of this as your pup’s travel folder. It doesn’t need to be fancy; it just needs to have all the important documents. Keeping it all in one pouch makes it easy to grab if you ever need a local vet.

Pack:

• Vet records (paper or a quick photo on your phone)
• An ID tag with your current cell number
• Your dog’s microchip number and registry info
• Any daily meds plus a little extra
• A tick remover or tweezers for post-trail checks
• A pet first aid kit

Camp & Sleep Gear

A few familiar items can help your dog settle in quickly:

• A crate or sturdy tie-out for safe “hang-out” time while you set up
• Their favorite bed or blanket from home
• Collapsible food and water bowls (as well as plenty of dog food)
• A mat or small rug to define their “spot” near your chair
• A shade mat or small shade setup, especially in sunny areas

If the campground allows it, a long-line (used thoughtfully and never near roads or other sites) can give your dog a little extra room to sniff and explore while still staying safely under your control.

Trail & Weather Gear

Camp days often mean more walking, more sun, and more excitement. A few extras can keep your dog comfortable:

• A reflective leash and harness for dawn and dusk walks
• Paw booties for hot pavement, sand, or rocky trails
• A cooling vest, bandana, or towel for warm days
• A portable water bottle or bowl in your daypack

As a general rule, bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially for summer or active hiking days.

Road-Trip & Arrival Tips

Safe Travel Setups

On the drive, think of your dog’s setup the way you’d think of your own seatbelt. Free-roaming pups might look cute in photos, but they’re safer in a secured crate or a crash-tested harness clipped into the seatbelt.

Skip rides in the open truck bed, even for short distances. Instead, plan rest stops every couple of hours so your dog can stretch, drink water, and take a bathroom break. Those mini breaks help everyone arrive a little calmer.

The First 15 Minutes at Camp

When you pull into your site, your dog is going to be hit with a wall of new smells and sounds. A simple arrival routine can help:

• Keep them leashed and take a slow lap around your site
• Find the nearest relief area or good potty spot
• Offer water and a small meal if it’s mealtime
• Set up a “home base” with their bed, crate, or mat where they can relax while you finish setting up.

At Flying Flags, a fun first stop is the fenced off-leash dog park. Let your pup zoom, sniff, and shake off the car ride, then head back to camp with a dog who’s already had a chance to unwind.

Camp Etiquette That Keeps Everyone Happy

Leashes, Barking & Cleanup

Most campground rules boil down to being a good neighbor. You can almost always count on:

• Leashes being required, except in designated off-leash areas
• Dogs needing to be supervised (no wandering from site to site)
• Quiet hours, especially at night and early morning
• A firm “pick up after your pet” expectation, every time

If your dog is a talker, packing a few puzzle toys, chews, or snuffle mats can help keep them focused and quiet during downtime. A little planning here goes a long way toward keeping peace in the campground.

Wildlife & Weather Awareness

Campgrounds often sit close to wildlife habitats, which is part of the charm, but it also means a bit of extra awareness is needed.

• Keep your dog leashed where required and give wildlife lots of space.
• Store dog food and treats securely rather than leaving them outside.
• On hot days, watch for signs of overheating (heavy panting, slowing down, sticky gums) and move to shade with water breaks as needed.

Following simple guidelines like B.A.R.K. (Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect wildlife, Know where you can go) keeps the experience safer for everyone, two- and four-legged alike.

Why Flying Flags Buellton Works for Pet-Friendly Trips

Flying Flags Buellton is set up with pet parents in mind, so it’s easy to relax and focus on fun once you arrive.

Off-leash playtime: The fenced “Let Your Leash Down” dog park gives your pup room to run and socialize in a safe, contained space.

Clear pet policies: Pets are welcome at RV sites, and we have cottages that accommodate up to two dogs with a one-time $50 fee. Just note that cats and exotics aren’t permitted, and leashes are required around the property.

Plenty of pet-friendly stays: From RV sites to cottages and vintage trailers, you’ll see “Dog friendly” clearly noted when a unit welcomes pups.

The result? You spend less time guessing about rules and more time enjoying walks, cuddles, and campfire evenings with your furry friend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Still dialing in your pet-friendly plans? These quick answers can help you feel more prepared before you pack the car and hit the road.

What pet rules should I expect at most campgrounds?

You can usually expect the basics: dogs on a leash, supervision at all times, picking up after your pet, and keeping noise down during quiet hours. Some campgrounds add extra rules about where pets can go (like pools or certain buildings), so it’s always worth a quick read-through before you arrive.

Leashes required, supervised at all times, waste pickup, and quiet-hour compliance are standard.

Are dogs allowed off-leash at Flying Flags?

Yes. Dogs can play off-leash in the fenced dog park at Flying Flags. Outside of that space, leashes are required around the property to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

Do I need vaccine records or a microchip?

While not every campground checks records at the gate, it’s smart to travel with up-to-date vaccine info and to have your dog microchipped. If your pup ever slips a collar or needs emergency care, having both can make things much easier.

What should I pack for summer camping with a dog?

For warmer weather, plan on:

• Extra water (for both of you)
• A shade mat or portable shade
• A cooling vest, bandana, or towel
• Paw protection for hot surfaces
• A reflective leash or harness for earlier or later walks

Those small additions can make summer stays much more comfortable for your pup.

Can I leave my dog in the RV or room?

As a general rule, it’s best not to leave dogs alone for long stretches—especially in hot or very cold weather. If you do need to step away briefly, follow the campground’s posted policies, keep a close eye on the temperature, and make sure your dog can’t slip out or get into trouble while you’re gone.

How many pets can I bring to Flying Flags, and is there a fee?

At Flying Flags, pets are welcome at RV sites, and you’ll register them when you check in. Hospitality units allow up to two dogs per room, with a one-time $50 pet fee.

Ready to Plan Your Pet-Friendly Getaway?

Pick your dates, choose a pet-friendly stay at Flying Flags, and give the FAQs and amenities a quick skim while you’re packing your pup’s gear. With a bit of planning, you and your furry friend can settle in, stretch out, and enjoy every moment of your Buellton camping adventure together.