Looking for a doggone good time. Here’s some California campgrounds that treat pets like people.
The Edgewater Resort
in Kelseyville, which not only gives each dog a treat and their
own nametag when they arrive, but invites them to swim with their
owners at its private beach, which fronts Clear Lake, California’s
largest natural body of water.
“There aren’t many places where
they let dogs swim, which is a shame since most dogs love to swim and
play catch,” said Sandra West, the park’s owner.
But
Edgewater Resort’s dog-friendly approach has made it a top destination
for camping enthusiasts who travel with their pets.
“At least half of
the people who come here bring dogs,” West said, adding, “We probably
have 30 to 50 dogs here every weekend.”
Debbie Sipe, executive
director of the California Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds,
said private park owners are becoming more sensitive to the needs of
dog owners in response to industry research, which has shown that large
numbers of people travel with their pets.
While over 90% of the
RV parks and campgrounds listed on Camp-California.com accept dogs,
most have relatively limited amenities for pets, aside from a
designated dog run. However, a handful of parks are investing in unique
pet amenities and activities. They include:
Benbow Valley RV
Resort in Garberville: This park, which is part of the Benbow Valley
Hotel and Resort, has its own “Salon de Soggy Doggy,” an outdoor dog
washing area that includes a raised platform and wash basin for easy
access with a hose and shower nozzle with warm water. Toni Daily, the
director of sales and marketing for resort, said the facility is
popular with guests who want to “spruce up their pooch” as they travel
or after letting their dog swim in the neighboring Eel River.
Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park in Clio: This 220-site park recently added a
20- by 40-foot dog run, which it plans to equip with exercise and dog
play features this summer. The park also allows owners to let their
dogs swim the Feather River, which runs alongside the park.
San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA: This park is investing about
$200,000 in improvements this year, which include a 4,000-square foot
dog park.
San Diego KOA: This park, located in Chula Vista,
has just completed construction of a 7,800-square foot dog park,
completed with agility obstacles and ball play areas.
Yogi
Bear’s Jellystone Park in Cobb: This campground has themed weekends and
related special activities throughout the summer, including a “Pets
Weekend” (August 1-2), with a special activities involving animals,
including a best dressed pet contest.
Find a pet friendly campground in other areas by checking www.Camp-California.com. The site
includes links to RV parks and campgrounds, which provide their own
“activities” or event calendars, which can help you figure out which
parks have activities your family will enjoy.
