Yes, We're a Dog-Friendly Campground — Here's What That Actually Means

The first question a lot of guests ask us isn't about the pool, the marina, or which themed weekend is coming up next. It's about the dog.

Can he come? What's it going to cost? Is there somewhere for her to run around? Will anyone care if he barks at the neighbor's golden retriever?

Short answer: yes, Rivers Crossing Campground & Marina is a dog-friendly campground, and dogs are part of the family here just like they are at home. But "dog-friendly" gets used pretty loosely across the camping world, so here's what it actually means at our place, costs, rules, and all, before you book.

Is Rivers Crossing Actually a Dog-Friendly Campground?

Yes, genuinely. Dogs are welcome at RV and tent sites and in our cabins and cottages, this isn't a policy that only applies to one corner of the property. If you're searching for a dog-friendly RV campground specifically, that's exactly what you're getting: your dog can be right there at the site with you, not boarded somewhere off-property or restricted to a handful of "pet sites."

There's a real dog park on-site (more on that below), dogs show up in our weekend crowd regularly, and the rules that do exist are there for the same reason any campground has rules, so everyone's stay, human and canine, goes smoothly.

Where Your Dog Can Actually Get Some Freedom

Is there a dog park? Yes. We have a dedicated on-site dog park where your dog can stretch out, sniff around, and burn off some road-trip energy without a leash. It's one of the amenities we hear the most about, honestly, a lot of campgrounds that call themselves dog-friendly don't actually give your dog anywhere to run.

Is there anywhere else on-site to let my dog off-leash safely? The dog park is the spot for off-leash time. Outside of it, dogs need to stay leashed, we'll get into exactly why in the rules section below, but it's mostly about keeping things predictable for other campers, some of whom are walking their own dogs, some of whom aren't dog people at all, and a few of whom are running toward the pool with a bounce house on their mind and won't be watching where they step.

What It Actually Costs to Bring Your Dog

Here's the number people actually want: $25 per stay, and you can bring up to 2 dogs.

That's it for the pet fee itself, no sliding scale, no per-night pet charge stacking up the longer you stay.

Is there a deposit on top of that? Not specifically for the dog. If you're booking a cabin or cottage, those come with a standard $250 incidental deposit, but that applies to every cabin and cottage stay, dog or no dog, and it's refundable barring damage. There isn't a separate pet deposit layered on top of it. RV and tent sites don't carry that incidental deposit at all.

Dogs Only — Sorry, Cat People

Can I bring a cat instead of, or along with, a dog? Not currently, the policy is dogs only. Cats and other animals aren't permitted on-site. If you're a multi-pet household planning a trip, this is worth knowing before you book rather than after you've already packed the carrier.

The Actual Behavior Rules (So There Are No Surprises)

This is the part most "dog-friendly" campgrounds bury in fine print. Here's ours, plainly:

• Vaccinations: Dogs need to be up to date, and you should bring a copy of vaccination records with you.

• Leash rule: Dogs stay on a leash, 6 feet or shorter, everywhere outside the dog park.

• No unattended dogs: Don't leave your dog outside the camper alone, and keep barking/noise under control, your neighbors are on vacation too.

• Clean up after your dog. This one shouldn't need explaining, but here it is anyway.

  
  

None of this is meant to feel like a legal disclaimer. It's the same stuff you'd expect at any place where a lot of families are camped close together, the goal is just that everyone, including the dogs, has a good weekend.

What Happens If My Dog Is Reactive or Doesn't Get Along with Others?

This is a fair question, and we'd rather be upfront about it than have you find out the hard way. Dogs that have been given a dangerous designation by a government agency, or that don't get along well with other animals, aren't permitted on the property. If your dog is reactive around other dogs but otherwise fine, it's worth a quick call to our team before you book so we can talk through it honestly, a campground with dogs at nearly every site is a different environment than a quiet backyard, and we'd rather set expectations early than have a rough first night.

Where Dogs Aren't Allowed On-Site

A few spots are off-limits, mostly for health and safety reasons:

• Pool area

• Restrooms

• Shower house

• Laundry building

• Playgrounds

  
  

(Service animals assisting with visual or physical impairments are the exception here.)

Can I bring my dog to the pool or bathhouse? No, those specific areas are dog-free zones, even for the friendliest, best-behaved dog on the property.

What's Camping With a Dog Actually Like Here?

This is the part that's harder to put a number on, but it's probably the part you actually care about.

Picture this: it's a Saturday during one of our themed weekends, say Chili & Beer or Classic Rock, and there are dogs tied up outside campers all up and down the row, tails going, while their people flip burgers and half-watch the band setting up for the night. Someone's walking their dog down toward the water while their kid rides ahead on a bike. Over at the dog park, three dogs that have never met before are doing the getting-to-know-you sniff dance while their owners talk about which site they're in this year.

It's not a resort where your dog has to be quiet and invisible. It's a campground where dogs are just part of the scene, because for a lot of our seasonal campers and weekend regulars, they always have been. If you want a read on what that's actually like from people who aren't us, our reviews are a good next stop.

Quick Answers

Is Rivers Crossing Campground & Marina a dog-friendly campground?

Yes, dogs are welcome at RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and cottages.

How much does it cost to bring a dog camping here?

A $25 pet fee per stay, with a maximum of 2 dogs.

Is there a dog park on-site?

Yes, a dedicated on-site dog park for off-leash time.

Do dogs need to be leashed?

Yes, everywhere except the dog park, on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Can I bring a cat instead of a dog?

No, the policy is dogs only.

Ready to Book (With the Dog)?

If you've been putting off a camping trip because you didn't want to leave the dog home, that's not a tradeoff you need to make here. Bring the vaccination records, pack the leash, and let the dog park do the rest. Check out our sites and rates and start planning your stay, dog included.

Plan Your Stay