If you have a pet, it’s likely that they are a part of your family camping trips and often go with you in your RV. In fact, a survey from Go RVing shows 68 percent of campers travel with their pets. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the beach, or a quiet forest campsite, RV camping with pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience — but it also takes some planning. We instantly think of dogs as the standard travel companion, but we have seen many pets at campgrounds over the years. It’s not uncommon to see a cat on a leash, but we have also seen people with pigs, birds and even monkeys as travel companions!
Table of contents
- Experience Joy While RV Camping with Pets
- Finding Pet-Friendly Places to RV Camp
- Preparing Your Pet for an RV Adventure
- What Pet Accessories Do I Need For My RV?
- Pet-Friendly RVs for Sale at General RV
- Enjoy the RV Journey Together
Experience Joy While RV Camping with Pets
RV travel offers something traditional travel doesn’t: familiarity. Your RV becomes a second home — complete with your pet’s bed, toys and food bowls. Pets tend to feel more secure and less stressed when their environment stays consistent, even while the scenery outside changes. Plus, you have the flexibility to stop when needed, stretch legs or explore pet-friendly trails along the way. Sharing the great outdoors with such a naturally-enthusiastic creature can give you that extra energy for one more trail or to get up early and enjoy the sunrise view. RVers have countless stories of how their pets enhanced their camping experiences.
Finding Pet-Friendly Places to RV Camp
Most RV parks and campgrounds welcome pets, but it’s always smart to check their pet policy in advance. Privately-owned campgrounds often welcome pets and feature pet-friendly areas like dog parks, walking trails or open space for exercise. Be sure to check their pet policies regarding breeds, number of pets allowed and any additional fees. Also, remember to follow campground etiquette: keep pets leashed, clean up after them and make sure they’re not disruptive to neighbors.
Preparing Your Pet for an RV Adventure
Successfully travelling with your four-legged friend begins before you hit the road. Consider your pet’s needs regarding health, comfort and safety as you plan your destinations and itinerary. Here’s a few things to consider before setting out:
- Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and they are treated for fleas and ticks. A vaccination record for your pet may be required at check-in at some campgrounds or national parks.
- Some campgrounds don’t allow dogs, some have breed restrictions and others will charge a fee, so it’s best to call ahead.
- Pick up after your pet — every time, all the time. Then, properly dispose of the waste.
The Department of Natural Resources has also issued some Camper Courtesy guidelines for those RV camping with pets:
- Never leave your pet unattended
- Always keep your pet on a leash, which must not exceed six feet in length
- Don’t take your pet to the beach
- Don’t leave your pet unattended in a vehicle or camper
- Wrap your pet’s droppings in a newspaper and discard it in a trash bin
- If you walk your pet, do it in an isolated area of the park
- Don’t allow your pet to run loose at any time
- Don’t allow your pet to be noisy. Loud pets are a source of many complaints
- For your protection, make sure your pet has rabies shots
- Don’t tie your pet outside unless you are with the pet and can control it
What Pet Accessories Do I Need For My RV?
Making sure you pack everything your pet will need while you’re traveling is important. Living in a small space for extended periods of time requires some creative solutions to everyday problems. When you are first starting out RVing with your pet, you may be able to get by with a few essential items beyond the normal pet supplies. However, the pet products we list below are gear you may want to invest in to really help make RV travel enjoyable.
Pet Accessories by Dexas
MudBuster by Dexas
Every dog owner knows there’s nothing worse than muddy paws trouncing through your clean RV. There’s a new product available at General RV that easily and effortlessly cleans their paws. The MudBuster by Dexas is available in a range of colors and small, medium and large sizes to accommodate every breed. The tumbler, bristles and retainer ring are even dishwasher safe, making the MudBuster easy to clean, as well.
Collapsible Pet Feeder by Dexas
The Collapsible Pet Feeder by Dexas features a clever twist on the traditional dog bowl. The feeder flattens to a mere 1.5 inches for easy storage. It’s also dishwasher safe. The Collapsible Pet Feeder’s versatility and sturdiness make it perfect for RVs and camping. This pet feeder is available in multiple sizes, and can be used as a dog bowl, stand, cat bowl or general pet feeder. The Dexas Collapsible Pet Feeder also comes in single-bowl and double-bowl versions.
Collapsible Travel Bowl by Dexas
This fully collapsible travel bowl is the perfect solution for the pup on the go. Store this collapsible bowl with a water bottle for an easy hydration option. Ideal for camping, RVs, boats, sporting events and more, the travel bowl is dishwasher safe and has a two-cup capacity.
Snack Duo Water Bottle & Food Container by Dexas
The Snack-Duo container is the first reusable bottle that features two side-by-side containers. One compartment is designed to hold water with a leak-proof top, while the second compartment functions to hold kibble or snacks. Both the water and snack container each have an 8-ounce capacity. This innovative and space-saving design means you will have all you need for your pet and it even fits in a cup holder.
Travel Cup with Water Bottle Holder by Dexas
The Travel Cup with Bottle Holder by Dexas provides a simple solution for the pup on the move. The silicone attachment slips over any size water bottle. When ready to use, the travel cup clips off the bottle and opens to provide the perfect drink dispenser for your four-legged friend. The travel cup is dishwasher safe and features a 1-cup capacity.
Collapsible KlipScoop by Dexas
The KlipScoop by Dexas is a smart solution for your pet’s food portion control. This three-in-one tool is a measuring cup, food scooper and bag clip all in one. The KlipScoop has a half-cup capacity with a clip on the handle that fits neatly on a cat or dog food bag. Use the clip to seal your pet food bag until next use. The KlipScoop is dishwasher safe and fully collapsible to save space and make it easy to pack into an RV.
Pet Bowl GrippMat by Dexas
The Grippmat Pet Placemat by Dexas is a flexible, non-slip placemat designed to be catch spills underneath dog bowls, pet dishes and elevated feeders. Ideal for protecting hardwoods, tile floors and carpet alike, the Grippmat features a spill-proof border to keep splashes and spills on the mat, not your floor. Integrated silicone nibs hold dishes and bowls in place and prevent them from slipping and moving during mealtime. The Grippmat is fully reversible and can be used on either side.
Pet Accessories by Valterra
Tie Out Cables by Valterra
Let your pet safely enjoy the outdoors with you with Valterra’s Pet Tie-Out Cable. At lengths of 10, 20 and 30 feet, your furry companion will be able to run around and still be in your sight. The cable comes with swivel clips and is made out of aircraft-grade steel featuring weather-resistant PVC vinyl covering. The tie-out cable is s1uitable for dogs and pets weighing up to 100 pounds.
Tie Out Stake by Valterra
Valterra’s 18-inch Pet Tie-Out Stake is made out of strong steel that screws securely into the ground. The tangle-free swivel connector makes it quick and easy to place the stake in the ground. The tie out stake is compatible with Valterra’s tie out cables of lengths 10, 20 and 30 feet.
Doggy Waste Bags & Dispenser by Valterra
Always have pet waste bags at your fingertips with the Doggy Waste Bag Dispenser by Valterra. This bone-shaped, glow-in-the-dark waste bag dispenser clips to your bag, belt or pup’s leash and holds the included roll of waste bags. The biodegradable waste bags come in rolls of 20 and easily interchange with the dispenser.
Pet Accessories by Oxygenics
Paw Spa Complete Pet Washing Kit by Oxygenics
Take the bitterness out of bath time with the PawSpa SuperWash Complete Pet Washing Kit by Oxygenics. The SmartPause feature quickly brings the spray to a trickle as you lather your pet, and the rubber massaging nozzles produce a relaxing sensation. The 84-inch hose helps with those hard-to-reach places, and the easy spray setting selector makes for quick adjustments with five settings to choose from. The SuperWash also includes an outdoor spigot and two-way shower adapter, making it easy to use both indoors and outdoors.
Pet-Friendly RVs for Sale at General RV
Grand Design RV | Solitude 390RK Fifth Wheel
With five slide outs and a wide-body construction, the Solitude 390RK fifth wheel by Grand Design RV is the perfect place to call home for you and your furry friends. The raised rear kitchen is fully equipped with stainless steel appliances including a built-in oven, an oversized pantry and the raised bar top with two chairs that overlook the middle living area. There’s even dedicated pull-out pet dishes underneath the massive refrigerator. Plus, the entry door features a screen defender to keep pets inside, and a leash link outside to keep your pets close by. The Ultraleather furniture and Congoleum flooring are easy to keep clean. An exterior spray port makes cleaning up your pet pretty easy, too. The Weather-Tek package allows for all-season adventures while the MORryde suspension and pin box make for superior towing.
Thor Motor Coach | A.C.E. 29D Class A Motorhome
Take your beloved pet on your adventures confidently, thanks to the pet-friendly features in the A.C.E. 29D Class A motorhome by Thor Motor Coach. Equipped with a Pet-Link multi-purpose tie-down and easy-to-clean residential vinyl flooring, this Class A RV ensures your pet’s safety and comfort wherever you go. Plus, the pull-out Kibble Station with an FDA-approved pet bowl liner eliminates the hassle of packing food bowls, making travel smoother for you and your furry friend. Built on the reliable and sturdy Ford F-53 chassis, the A.C.E. Class A RV delivers a comfortable ride to any destination and boasts ample power to tow a trailer, courtesy of its 8,000-pound hitch.
Jayco | Jay Flight 265TH Toy Hauler Travel Trailer
The Jay Flight 265TH toy hauler travel trailer by Jayco is designed for both humans and pets alike. The spacious interior allows for ease of movements and interactions, with luxury sleeping accommodations in the front and plenty of room for a pet bed. The cargo area features convertible sofas and a removable table for easy storage and extra dining space. Residential-style countertops can be found throughout the Jay Flight, and Jayco’s new MY25 fabric is stain resistant with an added protectant to keep your Jay Flight furniture looking new.
Coachmen RV | Cross Trail EV 20BH Class C Motorhome
The Cross Trail EV 20BH Class C gas motorhome by Coachmen RV is a cozy coach that will make any adventure with your furry friends memorable and fulfilling. Murphy-style bunk beds with a dedicated exterior hatch creates the ultimate storage space. Two large pull-out sofas create a massive sleeping area in the middle of the Cross Trail EV. Zero carpet throughout the Class C RV makes cleaning up simple and easy, as well as the wet bath for cleaning up yourself or your pets. Storage spaces can be found all around the Cross Trail EV, and it’s powered by a fuel-friendly Ford transit chassis.
Storyteller Overland | Crew Mode Class B Camper Van
The Crew Mode Class B camper van by Storyteller Overland is an excellent choice for pet owners thanks to its open, flexible layout and durable, easy-to-clean interior. The marine-grade flooring and rugged surfaces handle muddy paws and messes with ease, while the spacious floor plan gives pets room to move comfortably. With features like a MaxxAir fan and an advanced lithium power system, the van can maintain a safe, climate-controlled environment for pets even when parked off-grid. Ample storage throughout the van allows space for pet essentials, and the rear garage area can even be used to create a cozy sleeping spot for your furry friend. The outdoor shower is a bonus for cleaning off after hikes or beach days, making it a great fit for active pet owners. Compact, mobile and adventure-ready, the Crew Mode camper van is a smart and pet-friendly RV for those who love to travel with their companions.
Enjoy the RV Journey Together
Traveling with your pet in an RV adds joy and companionship to every destination. With a little preparation and awareness, you can ensure your pet is not just along for the ride, but loving every minute of it. Whether you’re hiking, relaxing by a lake or curled up inside during a rainstorm, the memories you make together on the road are ones you’ll treasure for years to come.
Happy trails — and happy tails!
Our goal at General RV is to be your premier RV partner and your one-stop shop for all your RV needs. For your convenience, we have in-house RV financing options and work with an RV insurance partner. Plus, you’ll find all the RV parts and accessories you need in our RV dealerships. We also have more than 600 state-of-the-art RV service bays across our nationwide network.