Yes your dog is welcome at Virginia State Parks!

The time has come to admit that we are all getting older, including our dogs 

What does this mean for proud pet owners who love to frequent Virginia State Parks? Well for our family it has meant a few new considerations. One thing we were told was to "encourage" our dog to not jump, run and hike the trails. Have you seen her? That is her entire life, jumping, running and hiking Virginia State Park trails. Implementing this suggestion will be very difficult. We will do our best to give her more porch time, vs trail time from here on out.

Virginia State Parks is our dog's favorite destination. Looking back over the past few years she has been able to visit quite a few parks, and has eagerly "encouraged us" to hit the trails and spend quality family time together.

Fun time on the big rocks around the river with the family at Shenandoah River State Park

Bird watching with Dad (although I was secretly looking for rabbits, but he doesn't need to know)

As I type this we are preparing for our annual State Park birthday getaway 

Since my birthday is in November, the cabin prices drop (PDF), so that in itself is a birthday gift to me! The other aspect to a pre-off season or off season birthday (like our daughter's in January) is the lack of crowds. We can meander along and do whatever we want to do and it feels like the park is our private playground!

SOME THINGS THAT MAKE VIRGINIA STATE PARKS PERFECTLY PET FRIENDLY

TRAILS - the trails are the big draw for our dog. She loves the trails, short, long, narrow, wide, steep, rocky or whatever. If there ever was a yellow brick road for a dog, it would be a Virginia State Park trail.

PIC-A-NIC AREAS - a place to open up a paper sack lunch or picnic basket, sit together and enjoy the rewards of being outdoors. The parks have picnic tables and covered picnic shelters should the weather make them necessary. Yeah Virginia has those random thunderstorms.

SCENIC VIEWS - your dog enjoys a nice view as much as you do. How do we know this? They keep hiking and dragging the lead until they find out what is at the top of said mountain, or around said bend in the river. I know I can't be the only one this happens to!

TRASH RECEPTACLES - there is no reason to not clean up after yourself or your pet. The parks provide plenty of receptacles to toss your trash!

DOO DOO BAGS - many state parks have a kiosk of sorts with doo doo bags and a sign to "please pick up after your pet." Most are near the trailheads or playground/picnic areas.

DOG TREATS - many state parks we have been to have some sort of dog treats, wishbone brand or other, and our dog thinks she is really something special! 

CABINS - a per pet nightly rate is charged. This rate is less than a kennel, so while we hate paying additional rates, this is a bargain! Hotels who allow dogs charge a much larger fee per night and a cleaning deposit. PetTravel.com shares a list of pet friendly hotel chains with info here. Please do a cost comparison and get back to us! Oh yeah that would only apply to you who have lap-dogs. Those who have retrievers, shepherds, blue heelers, or anything that stands beyond 12 inches tall are S.O.L. (sadly outta luck).

CAMPING - no fee for pets in the campgrounds. After studies, surveys and garnering feedback from park goers Virginia State Parks changed the rules in 2014 to allow a "dogs stay free with mom and Dad" type thing. There is no charge to stay in the campground, as long as you are well behaved and don't bark all night (and that applies to Mom and Dad too!)

RULES SCHMULES - dogs are not allowed on the beach, not allowed inside visitor centers and such. Of course you realize there is so much outdoor space that dogs really don't even care! The birds, the squirrels, the rabbits and the deer - they are all outside. Dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet and well supervised while in the park.

The only exception to the rules I will point out is:

While pets are allowed at False Cape State Park, they generally are not permitted access through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, so be sure to call False Cape State Park (757) 426-7128, to verify access. Remember it is a "National" Wildlife Refuge, so we will respect their rules.

Click here to view a map of all 36 Virginia State Parks to see where you and your best friend want to go today! Overnight lodging info is found here.

* * *

A few related articles: 

• Top 10 Reasons to Bring a Dog to a Virginia State Park
• Every Dog Has Its Day
• One of the doggone-dog-friendliest state park systems in the country!
• Dogs are Welcome at Virginia State Parks - No Pet Fee in the Campgrounds!
• Why this dog loves Virginia State Parks
• The Life of a Dog
• A Doggone Fun Time at Virginia State Parks!