Fall transforms America's best camping destinations into spectacular playgrounds for families and their four-legged companions. From the wild ponies of Chincoteague Island to the salmon runs of Petoskey, from Colorado's bugling elk to Alabama's peaceful autumn shores, these eight destinations offer pet-friendly adventures that create lasting memories without the hefty hotel pet fees. Whether you're seeking Halloween festivities in Sandusky, fall foliage in Door County, or beach walks along Fort Morgan's dog-friendly shores, fall camping delivers the perfect combination of cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and tail-wagging fun that makes autumn the ideal season for outdoor family adventures.
Best Father and Son Trip Idea For Fall Getaways
- Perfect weather for active dogs and kids to explore trails without summer's heat
- Fewer crowds mean more space for pets to roam safely at campgrounds
- Budget-friendly alternative to hotels charging $100+ pet deposits and daily fees
- Teaching opportunities about nature, wildlife respect, and responsible pet ownership
- Special fall events including Halloween weekends with costume contests and pumpkin patches
I'm looking forward to taking Heather and Brunson on a fall camping getaway this year - it'll be our first time taking Brunson camping since we adopted him last year, so I'm sure it will be an interesting experience. We don't have a tent or RV, so I'm especially interested in trying a cabin for that trip. Ultimately, this will be a special trip since there's something uniquely appealing about camping and getting away from the house for a while. I've never tried Jellystone Park but I'm a sucker for nostalgic brands with retro charm - for Gen X guys like me, those Saturday morning cartoon memories of Yogi Bear stealing picnic baskets still bring a smile, making the whole camping experience feel both familiar and special.
According to PETS International, 72% of pet owners worldwide travel with their furry friends each year. With cooler temperatures arriving, fall presents the perfect opportunity for family camping adventures that include your four-legged companions. Unlike hotels that charge hefty pet fees and non-refundable deposits, camping offers an affordable way to keep the whole family together while exploring the great outdoors.
8 Top Fall Camping Destinations for Families with Dogs
These destinations offer pet-friendly camping with special autumn activities that make Ohio family trips and adventures across North America memorable. According to camping expert Jeremy Puglisi, who partners with Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts as their outdoor family vacation specialist and hosts The RV Atlas podcast, "Nobody wants to leave their pets behind, and camping is a far better alternative to boarding them or staying in hotels."
Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Wild ponies greet fall visitors alongside migrating birds on this charming coastal island known for its wildlife refuge. While pets aren't allowed on the Virginia side of Assateague Island (even in vehicles), the Maryland portion offers dog-friendly beaches perfect for fall walks. The nearby town of Chincoteague features the Island Nature Trail where leashed dogs can explore winding paths through maritime forest, and Guard Shore Beach on the Chesapeake Bay, just 20 minutes away, welcomes pets year-round for sunset strolls along calmer waters.
Alabama Gulf Coast
Beach camping becomes ideal when summer crowds disappear, offering miles of coastline to explore with your four-legged companion. The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail system features 28 miles of paved paths through nine distinct ecosystems - perfect for morning dog walks while spotting alligators from safe boardwalks. Fort Morgan's bayside beach allows leashed dogs between the Old Fort Morgan Pier and Old Fisherman's Wharf, offering a quieter alternative to the main beaches where dogs are prohibited.
Sandusky, Ohio
Cedar Point's HalloWeekends create a festive atmosphere throughout the region, perfect for families seeking autumn thrills. The hidden Castalia Quarry Reserve, about 20 minutes away, offers gorgeous blue waters and pet-friendly hiking trails that are rarely crowded even on weekends. The Sandusky Bay Pathway provides a scenic 3-mile waterfront walk perfect for evening strolls with spectacular sunset views.
Door County, Wisconsin
Fall foliage peaks (late September through mid-October) alongside apple harvest season in this peninsula paradise known for its 300 miles of shoreline. Peninsula State Park welcomes leashed dogs on most trails, offering stunning water views with minimal crowds during the fall months. Many local orchards welcome leashed pets during apple picking season, creating perfect photo opportunities, and the scenic drive along Highway 42 includes numerous pull-offs perfect for quick walks with fall colors. The Europe Bay Trail provides an easier hiking option for families with young children and older dogs.
Estes Park, Colorado
Rocky Mountain National Park's elk bugling season (mid-September through mid-October) creates natural entertainment, though dogs aren't allowed on any park trails within the national park boundaries. The nearby Lily Mountain Trail in Roosevelt National Forest offers a dog-friendly alternative with spectacular mountain views, while Hermit Park Open Space, just 15 minutes southeast, features 1,362 acres of meadows and forests where leashed dogs can explore historic homestead ruins. The town of Estes Park itself is remarkably dog-friendly, with numerous restaurants offering pet-friendly patios perfect for post-hike refreshments.
Hocking Hills, Ohio
Stunning autumn colors transform hiking trails into natural art galleries throughout this southeastern Ohio destination. Dogs are allowed on most Hocking Hills State Park trails, including Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave (though not in nature preserves like Conkle's Hollow), making this a great destination for active pets. The often-overlooked Moonville Rail Trail offers 16 miles of pet-friendly hiking through gorgeous fall foliage and a supposedly haunted tunnel that adds adventure to your walk. Lake Logan State Park welcomes leashed dogs on all trails and offers calm waters perfect for introducing nervous dogs to swimming.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Smaller fall crowds mean better views and easier navigation with pets at this natural wonder on the Canadian side. The Niagara Glen Nature Reserve offers dog-friendly trails with spectacular gorge views away from the tourist crowds, while the Niagara Parkway provides a scenic 56-kilometer route perfect for stops at pet-friendly wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Whirlpool State Park on the American side welcomes leashed dogs for those crossing the border, and many Ontario parks host special fall harvest events that welcome well-behaved pets. Remember to bring proper documentation for border crossing with pets if visiting from the U.S.
Petoskey, Michigan
Fall salmon runs (September through October) and Petoskey stone hunting create unique experiences along Lake Michigan's shores. While Petoskey State Park beaches don't allow dogs, nearby Bayfront Park in downtown Petoskey, Zoll Street Beach in Harbor Springs, and Glenwood Beach in Boyne City all welcome leashed pets year-round. The Little Traverse Wheelway offers 26 miles of paved trail connecting Charlevoix to Harbor Springs - ideal for bikes or long walks with spectacular bay views and fall colors. The famous Tunnel of Trees scenic drive offers numerous pull-offs where you can stop to let your dog stretch their legs while taking in the spectacular autumn canopy.
For example, a one-room camping cabin at the Petoskey, Michigan Jellystone Park location costs only $89 per night for a weekend later this month. They charge a $20 resort fee and $50 pet fee for the stay, but the total comes to less than $300 for a weekend getaway in this Northern Michigan destination - significantly less than comparable pet-friendly hotel accommodations that often charge $150+ per night plus daily pet fees.
Editor's Note: Prices, fees, and dog-friendly accessibility options are subject to change at all times.
Essential Tips for Fall Camping with Your Dog
Jeremy Puglisi, who travels extensively with his wife Stephanie, three kids, and two dogs Maddie and Maverick, notes that according to a GoRVing survey, 68% of RV owners bring pets on vacation, with 92% bringing dogs. "Whether you're camping in an RV or a cabin, your pets are with you throughout the entire trip, adding to the experience and memories," Puglisi explains in partnership with Jellystone Park. His expertise, documented in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Award-winning book "Where Should We Camp Next?", offers these essential guidelines for safe fall adventures.
Pick Destinations Close to Home
Starting with nearby campgrounds allows more time for fun and less stress on pets during travel. Puglisi emphasizes this particularly for first-time camping families: "This will allow for more time to have fun" while dogs adjust to the camping environment.
Verify Pet Policies and Pack Smart
Confirm all pet policies, restrictions, and amenities before booking. According to Puglisi's recommendations shared with Jellystone Park, families should ensure vaccinations are current and pack essentials including pet-safe insect repellent, a brush, and a small first-aid kit. "It is vital that your pets be up to date on their rabies and other shots as well as flea, tick, and heartworm medications," he advises.
Maintain Constant Supervision
Keep dogs leashed at all times, even at your campsite, and provide continuous access to shade and fresh water. Puglisi warns that "even obedient dogs may wander, chase wildlife or other guests" and notes that some plants can make pets ill when eaten. Properly store all food to avoid attracting wildlife.
Monitor Health and Weather Changes
The American Kennel Club recommends checking your dog from nose to tail each evening, especially looking for ticks - advice Puglisi strongly seconds. "Temperatures in the fall can change quickly and dramatically," he notes, emphasizing the need to ensure pets stay warm in cabins during cool evenings while providing adequate shade during sunny days.
Fall Camping Creates Affordable Family Memories with Man's Best Friend
Fall camping with dogs opens doors to affordable family adventures that create lasting memories while teaching valuable lessons about nature and responsibility. From Chincoteague's wild ponies to Petoskey's stone beaches, from Colorado's bugling elk to Alabama's peaceful fall shores, these eight destinations offer unique experiences that hotels simply can't match. By following expert guidance on preparation and safety, families can confidently explore the outdoors together.
According to Trent Hershenson, vice president of Marketing for Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts, many of their 75+ locations have recently added special amenities designed for four-footed campers. These include fenced dog parks with agility obstacles, designated "doggy dens" (fenced areas attached to specific campsites), and even dog splash pads at select locations. Some parks host "Yappy Hours" and offer "barkchuterie" boards at their camp stores. Individual parks offer different pet amenities and may have varying pet fees, so families should contact specific Jellystone Park locations directly or visit www.jellystonepark.com to browse locations and confirm pet-friendly features and Halloween activities when making reservations.
With cooler weather, stunning scenery, and special autumn events at campgrounds nationwide, there's never been a better time to plan your fall camping adventure. The combination of comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds creates the perfect backdrop for your family's next great outdoor story with your beloved pet by your side.
