My research has proven Virginia State Parks to be one of the doggone-dog-friendliest state park systems in the country!

A happy dog and family at First Landing State Park

"Get your tails on the trails y'all!" Junie B

I did the unthinkable, I began to research online which state parks were dog friendly 

Why? Because we have those who may not appreciate the fact that Virginia State Parks are dog friendly, they would prefer no dogs in the parks (it is hard to even type that sentence, as "dog and park" goes together like "bacon and eggs" or like "Abbott and Costello!")  Then we have those who love the fact that Virginia State Parks are dog friendly! It is a conundrum, really. We can't please all the people all of the time, of course, that is impossible.

Are Virginia State Parks dog friendly or dog tolerant?

The Pets in Virginia State Parks page states:

One of the great things about Virginia State Parks is that you can bring your four-legged loved ones along as well. Fido can come too but, of course, there are limits. (Read about the limits here). In my opinion Virginia State Parks are dog friendly, they encourage you to bring your dog and make them a fun place to visit!

How friendly are they?

Virginia State Parks is one of the top dog friendly park systems in the country! I know this because my dog goes to every state park she can get her paws on! She stays in our cabin, she hikes the trails, and she even commandeers the kayak. She loves Virginia State Parks!

Our dog is allowed to stay in the campground with her family for no additional fee. She is allowed to stay in a cabin for a $10 per night fee. This is less than a kennel charges, and she gets to spend quality and quantity time with her family. It is well worth the additional cleaning fee.

Which state park systems are not dog friendly?

I could tell you, but why bother giving them any space in this article. I searched online and let me tell you it was not easy to even find out what and where dogs were allowed at some of these state parks, in fact it was near impossible! So for this article I will share a couple of the dog friendly state park systems, because I applaud them having the information easy to find and digest. Our dogs thank them, and we thank them!

Top of my list for super dog friendly state parks

Ohio State Parks - they have dog parks and even swimming beaches dedicated to the four legged family members. They have many great dog features, but they do not allow more than two dogs per campsite. I think this is fair enough. They have pet friendly rooms at certain lodges and cottages. Learn more about their dog friendliness here.

Oklahoma State Parks - impressed me by really reaching out to the dog families: 

Great Plains State Park – Mountain Park

Relish the last few moments of daylight as you clean and grill your fresh catch. After the sun sets, you and your four-legged friend can do some stargazing before tucking into a tent in one of the 30 scenic campsites available at the park.

Other state park systems were so overly prohibitive; dogs were barely allowed to hike the trails with their families. They had specified trails for dogs, they were not allowed on all the trails. Shame on those parks; really, our dogs are 50% of the reason we go to a state park in the first place! I am sure I am not the only one who believes that. Our dog gets us outside, she loves being outside, sniffing the trails, experiencing all the sights, sounds and smells at a state park.

See this article where I declared:

GOING CAMPING WITHOUT OUR DOG WAS LIKE GOING

TO DISNEYLAND WITHOUT THE KIDS!

If you are looking for a Virginia State Park to take your dog, here is a map of all 36. I am the first to say "Thank you Virginia State Parks for being the doggone-dog-friendliest state park system around!"