Which is it? That’s the question one RVer wanted answered. Here’s how Nancy Warren posted her question on Facebook:
“Has anyone ever come across a campground where you cannot walk your dog, and you cannot leave them alone at any time?”
Not willing to “out” the campground, Nancy did provide a snapshot of the campground’s rules. She circled the rule in question, as you can see.
If I correctly understand the camp’s directive, RVers with dogs have three options:
- Put your pooch in your towed vehicle and drive off camp property for the pup to do her business.
- Coax your fur buddy to do his business somewhere within your campsite.
- Leave. Go to a different campground.
Why have this rule?
Another Facebook user, Tanya, tried to understand the campground’s position. She said:
“I’m assuming this rule came about because of people not picking up their dog’s [excrement]. Unfortunately, this will eventually start happening everywhere. Irresponsible pet owners ruin it for everyone.”
Samantha agreed:
“I’m sure this is it. Too many people not picking up after their dogs and not having them on leash. It shocks me every time I see it.”
What to do?
Many, many RVers with dogs made their positions clear. They would never stay in a campground with these rules.
Martin remarked:
“My dog will not do his business anywhere close to our motorhome. He seems to know that what little grass there is, isn’t a place to poop.”
Ida agreed:
“Our pups know that the outside area surrounding our rig is an extension of our living space. They will never use that area to defecate.”
Joel asserted:
“Dogs need to be walked! This rule will put that campground out of business. It’s one more case of a few rotten apples ruining it for the rest of us.”
Suggestions
Several RVers who regularly travel with their dogs offered good suggestions for avoiding problems like this. Here’s what they said:
Matty: “Always request a copy of the campground’s rules before reserving a campsite. Make sure you read and understand all pet restrictions. Ask questions if you need clarification.”
Art: “Please, please comply with the campground rules. Keep your pooch leashed. Don’t let him bark incessantly. Be mindful of other RVers’ campsite perimeters and use designated pathways. If you can’t follow the rules, go elsewhere.”
R2go: “If you see a pet owner disregarding rules, say something. Remind them of camp regulations or report them to the camp manager.”
How about you?
Have you ever encountered pet rules in campgrounds that seem unfriendly to dog owners? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
##RVT1193
Thank you, Gail! We looked for a campground near Akron, Ohio in order to visit friends. The nearest and best-reviewed campground does not allow dog walking. There is a dog park and guests MUST transport their dogs to the park in a vehicle. We did not stay there. Have a great day and safe travels!
No, but to me there is a difference between a campground and an RV Park. I do not frequent RV Parks. I go to national forest campgrounds or state once in a while, where there are trails to walk for humans and dogs, and the only rules for dogs is to keep them on leash and to pick up after them. And too many don’t even do that.