Texas and Oklahoma both offer plenty of state parks and recreation areas where you can enjoy the great outdoors with the whole family---pets included. Although the policies vary by each park or campground, there are many places where you can enjoy hiking, swimming, and fishing and bring your pet along for the trip.
South Padre National Seashore
Rated by "Bring Fido" as the top beach in Texas to bring your dog, South Padre National Seashore boasts 70 miles of barrier reef beach along the Gulf of Mexico. Pets must be kept on leashes at all times, in order to protect visitors and wildlife safe. They are permitted throughout the entire Padre Island National Seashore, with the exception of the Malaquite Visitor Center's deck and picnic shelter area. Horses, pack animals, and cars are allowed on the beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. All hay and animal excrement should be removed when leaving the park. All five campgrounds on the island are open year-round, and no reservations are accepted.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
You can camp in the Guadalupe Mountains in Salt Flat, Texas, at Pine Springs. Located by the visitor center, the campground does not have hot water, but campers have access to potable water, restrooms, telephones, and a drink machine. There are 20 campsites and an RV camping area. For a more secluded camping location campers may choose to stay at Dog Canyon, located on the north side of the park. Dog Canyon has nine tent sites and four RV sites. Pets are welcome in the park, but they are not allowed on park trails. They are allowed in the parking lots, campgrounds, on roadways, on the short trail from the campground to the visitors center, and on the Pinery Trail.
Cagle Recreation Area
Located in New Waverly, Texas, the Cagle Recreation Area allows pets on the campgrounds but not on the beach. There are no breed restrictions or fees associated with this rule. Horses are not allowed. The recreation area has 47 campsites available year-round. Campers have access to restrooms with flush toilets, electrical hookups, hot showers, and drinking water. Within ten miles of the campsites are a restaurant, post office, and convenience store.
Belle Starr Campground
Leased pets are allowed on this campground, located on the Eufaula Lake. Campers have access to restrooms, flush toilets, potable water, and showers. Recreational services include a golf course at Robber's Cave State Park, which is also located on the Eufaula Lake, swimming pools, and many hiking trails. The campground is open between April and October and has 68 campsites.
Chickasaw National Recreation Area
There are six public campgrounds in this Sulphur, Oklahoma, state park. Pets are allowed but are prohibited from being on trails east of the Travertine Nature Center and in swimming areas along Travertine Creek. This prohibition does not apply to service dogs and dogs used by state or federal employees in the course of business. Pets must be kept on a leash at all time, no longer than six feet, when not kept in a kennel, and barking dogs considered a nuisance will be asked to be removed by camp rangers.
Member Comments