Around Ocean City, New Jersey, there are several campgrounds that allow pets and you'll find pet-friendly beaches as well. Take your dog with you for some romping in the sand and water, go for a hike or just sit back together by the campfire. Make sure you come well-prepared for your trip with everything your dog will need to enjoy the trip along with you.
Dog Beaches and Hiking
One of the pleasures of camping with your dog is being able to take your pet to the beach for a game of fetch or to splash in the water. Be prepared to travel during the off-seasons if you'd like to enjoy the beach with your dog. During the off-season, October 1 through April 30, dogs on leashes are allowed to walk along the beach at Ocean City. Bring a plastic bag with you to clean up after your dog. During the beach season, May 1 through September 30, dogs are not allowed on the beach; they are not allowed on the boardwalk at any time. Surrounding beaches have the same rules regarding dogs during the beach season and off-seasons. Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area is just north of Ocean City and offers dog-friendly hiking. Malibu Beach allows dogs off-leash.
Preparing Your Pet
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations and that you bring a record of this. You may be asked for the vaccination record when you check in at a campground. Your dog's collar should have tags on it with your cell phone number since, if your pet gets lost, people won't be able to reach you at home. Your dog should be obedience-trained beforehand.
Camping Etiquette with Your Pet
Remember that not everyone camping may have a dog. Keep your dog with you at all times on a leash and don't allow it to wander. Additionally, if your dog is barking or howling, this can disturb other campers. Always clean up after your dog.
What to Pack
Don't forget to pack the items you'll need for your dog. Extra plastic bags---at least three a day---will be needed. Most dog walking areas at campsites will have a small box with bags available but a lot of times these run out quickly. Pack your dog's leash and an extra one in case the first one is lost. Besides your dog's food bowls and dog food, pack extra water. Most campgrounds have a water pump to give you a ready supply but, just in case, you'll want to pack a gallon or two of water. Be sure to bring your dog's bedding. A first aid kit is a must to have on hand to treat any injuries.
Pet-friendly Campgrounds
Ocean City does not have a pet-friendly campground; however, surrounding areas do. The city of Marmora is 13 minutes away, where Whippoorwill Campground welcomes pets. The city of Ocean View is a short 21-minute drive and has two campgrounds that are pet-friendly--Ocean View Resort and Pine Haven Camping Resort. None of the campgrounds charge extra fees for bringing your pet and they allow dogs year-round. Additionally, they have special dog-walking areas for your pet.
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