DeSoto BluffsCampground Join the waitlistReserve now

Pets

Pet policy and how to be a good neighbor with your dog.

Last updated

Pet policy in brief. Well-behaved pets are welcome, with no more than two pets per reservation. Due to insurance regulations, some dog breeds are not allowed (listed below). Leash of 6 feet or less at all times outside your RV, never left unattended, waste picked up right away, and proof of current rabies vaccination required. Full details are in the Campground Policies and Rules.

Dogs per Reservation and Restricted Breeds

  • No more than two pets per reservation
  • Due to insurance regulations, we do not allow the following dog breeds at our facility:
    • Rottweilers
    • German Shepherds
    • Belgian Malinois
    • Staffordshire Terriers
    • Alaskan Malamutes
    • Siberian Huskies
    • Doberman Pinschers
    • Chows
    • Akitas
    • Bull Terriers
    • All bulldog breeds
    • All "bully" breeds
    • All "pit bull" breeds
    • Mixed breeds that include any of the above

Camping with your dog can be one of the best parts of an RV trip. Fresh air, new smells, and plenty of walks make for a happy pup and a great stay. It also comes with a responsibility: making sure your dog doesn't disturb other guests who are here to relax, sleep in, or enjoy quiet time outdoors.

The good news is that a handful of clear habits—leashing, supervising, and cleaning up after your dog—go a long way toward being a good neighbor and a guest that any campground is excited to welcome back.

Leash Etiquette: Keeping Your Dog Close and Under Control

Leashing your dog isn't just about following rules—it's about safety and comfort for your dog, other dogs, and people who may not be as dog‑savvy as you are. A consistent leash routine also prevents situations that can escalate quickly, even with friendly dogs.

Use a short leash around campsites and common areas

  • Keep the leash 6 feet or shorter when walking through the campground, near other RVs, or around children.
  • A shorter leash gives you better control if another dog, bicycle, or golf cart passes unexpectedly.
  • Avoid retractable leashes in tight areas—they can tangle, trip people, and make it harder to reel your dog in quickly.

Never allow “just saying hi” without permission

  • Always ask, “Is it okay if our dogs say hi?” before approaching another camper's site or another dog.
  • Remember that some dogs are reactive, in training, or older and uncomfortable with greetings—even if they look calm from a distance.
  • Respect a “no, thank you” without pressure or judgment; that's part of being a considerate neighbor.

Know when to tighten up or change direction

  • Shorten the leash and move to the side whenever vehicles or bikes pass on campground roads.
  • If your dog is excited or barking at another dog or person, increase distance instead of trying to force a close encounter.
  • Choose quieter loops or times of day for walks if your dog needs more space and fewer distractions.
Quick tip: Clip a small light or reflective band to your dog's collar for evening walks so you're visible to drivers moving through the park after dark.

Supervising Your Dog Outside: No Unattended Pets

At a pet‑friendly RV park, it's tempting to think of your site as a private backyard. In reality, it's more like a shared neighborhood. Sound carries, scents travel, and an unsupervised dog can easily become the center of unwanted attention.

Always stay with your dog outdoors

  • Do not leave your dog tied up outside your RV or trailer while you leave the campground, even “just for a quick errand.”
  • Stay within sight and earshot whenever your dog is on a tie‑out, long line, or portable fence.
  • Bring your dog inside if you can't actively supervise, especially during storms, busy check‑in times, or at night.

Manage barking before it becomes a nuisance

  • Pay attention to what sets your dog off—foot traffic, golf carts, squirrels—and adjust where you sit or how you position your RV to reduce triggers.
  • Redirect your dog with treats, toys, or a calm command when they start to bark, instead of letting it continue unchecked.
  • If your dog is vocal by nature, keep windows partially closed and use a fan or white‑noise machine inside to help muffle outside sounds.

Create a calm “camp chair zone”

  • Set up a dedicated spot with a mat or bed where your dog can relax beside you while you sit outside.
  • Offer chews or enrichment toys to keep your dog focused on you and your site, not on everyone walking by.
  • Reward quiet, relaxed behavior so your dog learns that calmness is what “earns” time outdoors.

Being Respectful of Other Campers and Their Space

Not everyone at the campground is comfortable around dogs, and even fellow dog lovers appreciate clear boundaries. Treat every occupied site like someone's front porch—you wouldn't cut across it at home, and the same courtesy applies here.

Give neighboring sites plenty of space

  • Walk your dog on the roads or designated paths, not through other campsites or between RVs.
  • Keep your dog from wandering into neighboring outdoor seating areas, even “just to sniff.”
  • If your site is small, be especially mindful about where your dog's tie‑out or long line extends.

Keep things clean, everywhere you go

  • Always carry waste bags and pick up after your dog immediately—at your site, on trails, and in grassy areas.
  • Use designated pet areas when provided, but still clean up thoroughly so the space stays pleasant for everyone.
  • Double‑bag waste and dispose of it in approved trash cans, not in fire rings or bathrooms.

Be sound‑aware during quiet hours

  • Know the campground quiet hours and plan your routine so your dog isn't outside barking at late‑night arrivals or early‑morning walkers.
  • Bring your dog indoors if you notice them reacting repeatedly to nighttime noises.
  • When in doubt, err on the side of less noise—many guests are there to rest and recharge.

Our Pet‑Friendly RV Park Rules for Happy, Welcome Dogs

We love seeing well‑behaved dogs enjoying the campground. To keep our park welcoming and safe for all guests, we ask dog owners to follow a few simple rules every time they visit.

Pet‑Friendly Camping Guidelines
  • Dogs must be on a leash and under control whenever they are outside your RV, except in designated off‑leash areas (if available).
  • Do not leave dogs unattended outdoors at any time, including on tie‑outs, in pens, or in truck beds.
  • Pick up after your dog immediately and dispose of waste in designated trash containers.
  • Keep barking and noise to a minimum, especially during posted quiet hours.
  • Respect other campers who may not want contact with dogs—no off‑leash roaming, and no approaching other sites without permission.
  • For everyone's safety, aggressive behavior toward people or other animals is not permitted in the park.

When dog owners follow these expectations, the whole campground feels more relaxed. It's easier for us to stay pet‑friendly, and your fellow campers are much more likely to smile when they see you and your dog walking by.

Camping With Dogs: A Win for Everyone

Bringing your dog camping can deepen your connection to the outdoors and add a lot of joy to your stay. With thoughtful leashing, active supervision, and respect for your neighbors, you'll help create a campground where both people and pets feel welcome.

We're glad you chose to share your adventure with your furry family member. Thank you for helping us keep our RV park clean, quiet, and enjoyable for every guest—two‑legged and four‑legged alike.