Dog-Friendly Destinations in the Northeast

Eleven states make up the Northeast region of the United States including Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The Northeast has a diverse climate, with very cold winters. But visiting this region in the summertime makes for great hiking, and the autumn foliage colors will inspire you to get outside with your dogs.

Our favorite part of travel is the food, and this region has it all from Boston Baked Beans, wild blueberries, stews, chowders, breads, and apples! Our dogs Brickle and Digby certainly had their favorites! We may have shared a few blueberry pies in Maine!

Both mountain ranges and ocean views can be found when you travel in your RV to the Northeast! Major cities like New York, Boston, and Philadelphia also offer a slice of history and culture. This region truly has it all, but like any region we have visited, Brickle and Digby had their favorite dog-friendly destinations in the Northeast!

Mystic Seaport, Connecticut

There are over 19 acres on the banks of the Mystic River in Connecticut. Mystic Seaport is the largest maritime museum in the United States. But this is really a park! Stroll along with your dog and gaze at magnificent old boats and learn about the nautical lifestyle that was common in this part of New England. Pets must be on a leash and are welcome in all outdoor areas. Pets may also join you on the narrated waterfront cruise, as long as the tour size allows room for the dog on the boat! Take your pick of the RV resorts in the area that offer a water view and welcome dogs!

RV Campgrounds Near Mystic, CT

Timber Creek RV Resort Ashaway RV Resort

Delaware

Delaware is the second smallest state in the country, but it also offers five beautiful state parks to camp at! We enjoyed Killens Pond State Park near Felton, Delaware. Killens Pond is the perfect place to kayak, canoe, boat, or paddleboat and hike around a pond with your dog! Killens Pond State Park campground has 59 single-family campsites with electric and water hookups which is dog friendly.

RV Campgrounds Near Delaware

G & R Campground Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Delaware Beaches

Bass Harbor, Maine

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

You’ve most likely heard of popular Bar Harbor, Maine. But have you heard of Bass Harbor? We can’t stop talking about this destination years after our visit. Bass Harbor, Maine, is on the “back” side of Mount Desert Island, which is home to a large portion of Acadia National Park. It is located in the southwestern part of the island. Our favorite dog-friendly hike was right from the Bass Harbor Campground to Bass Harbor Head Light! It is located here on park land a short distance southeast of the harbor. This is one of the most photographed and recognized lighthouses in the United States. We can still remember the sounds of the water, the buoys, and the birds. We truly felt at peace. After a day of wild blueberry picking and eating pie, this hike was perfect. Don’t forget that there are over 100 miles of trails that are open to dogs in Acadia National Park!

RV Campgrounds Near Bass Harbor, ME:

Smuggler’s Den Campground Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Cape Cod in Massachusetts is truly an experience. Cape Cod is a hook-shaped peninsula of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It is a popular summertime destination but visiting in the off-season is a great way to beat traffic. Quaint villages, lighthouses, ponds, and bay and ocean beaches are you and your dog’s playground. We also loved visiting the large town of Hyannis and gazing at the ferries. We decided to hop aboard a dog-friendly ferry to Martha’s Vineyard for ice cream as well! Not all dogs have their sea legs, so come prepared! Camping in your RV in Cape Cod will give you a great home base to many Massachusetts destinations. You’ll have your choice of rustic or more expensive resort options.

RV Campground Near Cape Cod, MA:

Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground

Smith Island, Maryland

There is only one way to get to this island in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, and that is by boat. Smith Island is located about 12 miles off the shore of Crisfield, Maryland. Head to the Crisfield city dock and jump aboard one of the passenger ferries that operate here. On this 45 minute ride, your dog will love the wind in his fur! However, Brickle was not too fond of this ride. Every dog is different. Tell your dog that this island was first mapped by Captain John Smith in 1608! There are no more than about 200 year-round residents that live here, many speaking in the original dialect. Take time and walk through the entire island’s streets gazing at a simple way of living. Don’t forget to sample Maryland’s official state cake, the Smith Island Cake. Not many people or dogs can say they have been here. This is truly an adventure you won’t forget.

RV Campgrounds Near Smith Island, MD:

Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina Brunswick Family Campground

White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

The White Mountain National Forest in eastern New Hampshire ranges from mountainous hardwood forests to majestic alpine peaks. Come experience the breathtaking scenery, clear mountain lakes and streams, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities year-round with your dog! The White Mountains National Forest offers miles of trails, woods, rivers, and lakes for dogs to play in. Some of the attractions that are pet-friendly require dogs to be leashed. From RV campgrounds and full-service sites and river or mountain views, the White Mountains offers incredible variety for campers!

RV Campgrounds Near White Mountain National Forest in NH:

White Birches Camping Park Jefferson Campground

Sussex, New Jersey

Not many people think of the countryside and farms when they think of New Jersey. But Sussex, New Jersey will have you looking at this state differently! Pleasant Acres Campground Located in the rural hills of northwest New Jersey, Pleasant Acres Farm gives guests the chance to camp in a farm-like atmosphere! Hayrides and farm animal antics are just the beginning. Our dogs loved watching the farm animals and wading in the creek. Plus, an epic dog-friendly hike is just down the road at High Point State Park. This park is at the northern tip of New Jersey and has the highest elevation in the state. You can see New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania from the top! If the country life tires you out, you’re just a short car ride to The Big Apple. The best of both worlds is right at your cowboy boots.

RV Campgrounds Near Sussex, NJ:

Woodland Trails Campground Kymer’s Camping Resort

Warwick, New York

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

Warwick, New York is known for its wineries, farming community, and its annual festival in October, Applefest. Warwick is a great dog-friendly destination for those who wander and want to be lost in nature. We took Brickle and Digby apple picking at a gorgeous farm stand and then visited some dog-friendly wineries and cider houses! What could be better?

RV Campgrounds Near Warwick, NY:

Black Bear Campground Winding Hills Park

Mount Jewett, Pennsylvania

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

Have you ever heard of the Kinzua Bridge? Once you see it and walk on the glass floor, you will never forget it. Our dogs certainly didn’t forget! Kinzua Bridge State Park is a 339-acre (137 ha) Pennsylvania state park near Mount Jewett. Kinzua Bridge State Park was chosen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and its Bureau of Parks as one of “25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks”.

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

At the time it was built in 1882, Kinzua Bridge was the highest, at 301 feet railway bridge in the world. The site, which still maintains part of the original elevated railroad track, is a fascinating place to go for a walk. Visitors and their dogs can stroll 600 feet out on the remaining support towers, peer miles out into the Kinzua Gorge as well as peer down into the partial glass platform at the end of the walkway.

RV Campgrounds Near Mount Jewett, PA:

Whispering Winds Campground Red Oak Campground Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

New Port, Rhode Island

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

Our time in Rhode Island was short but memorable. Take a paw back in time on the Cliff Walk with your dog in New Port, Rhode Island. The Cliff Walk along the eastern shore of Newport, RI is world-famous as a public access walk that combines the natural beauty of the Newport shoreline with the architectural history of Newport’s gilded age. Winding for 3.5 miles, the trail provides panoramic views to the horizon, while the Atlantic crashes into the rugged cliffs, and the surf boils over the weathered boulders below. Dogs are allowed on leash.

RV Campgrounds Near New Port, RI:

Meadowlark RV Park Melville Ponds Campground & RV Park

Springfield, Vermont

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

Nicknamed the “Green Mountain State,” Vermont offers travelers with two legs, or four, endless opportunities for outdoor adventure with your dog. At Tree Farm Campground in Springfield, you can truly get to know Vermont. This family-owned campground will welcome you and your dog with open arms. Enjoy the peaceful pine forest, endless hiking trails, and a dog park. This is a great area to call home base as you explore the nearby attractions, microbreweries, and orchards. Vermont has the greatest concentration of covered bridges in the nation. Get in your car, pack a picnic, and grab a map at any visitor center to pick out your favorite covered bridge destinations.

Photo: 2 Traveling Dogs

The Northeast has some truly incredible places to visit. And even if you visit the same area twice in your RV, you are sure to find new food to try, a new hiking trail, or a new beach to comb. Visiting with your dog in the off-season means fewer crowds and a chance for your dog to head to the beach with you. Learn How to Plan A Dog-Friendly Road Trip. The East Coast is well known for great dog-friendly beaches, particularly if you visit out of peak season when dogs are allowed on most beaches at any time.

RV Campgrounds Near Springfield, VT:

Crown Point Camping Area Getaway Mountain Campground

If your dog booked a campsite for your trip, she would have some great options. You’ll never run out of places to visit with your dog in the Northeast. Just start with one and find you and your dog’s favorite!

Want to know where else you can RV camp with your dog?

Dog Friendly RV Destinations In The West Dog-Friendly RV Destinations In The South