Over 65% of American households own a pet and 55% bring their pet camping*. Pet owners are fiercely loyal to campgrounds that truly welcome their animals and they book longer stays, return more often, and leave better reviews.
The Revenue Math
Here is a simple example of how a well-executed pet-friendly policy adds up for a 100-site campground:
| Revenue Driver | Example Estimate |
|---|---|
| Average nightly pet fee | $10/night per pet |
| Sites with pet owners (est. 50%) | 50 sites |
| Average stay length | 3 nights |
| Season length | 150 days / 50 weekends |
| Estimated annual pet fee revenue | $75,000+ |
| Dog park construction cost (one-time) | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Typical payback period | Less than 1 season |
Beyond fees, pet-friendly campgrounds attract guests who specifically filter for this amenity on booking platforms — giving you a competitive edge in markets where pet-friendly options are limited.
Choosing the Right Location
- Minimum 5,000 sq ft for a functional small dog park; 10,000+ sq ft is ideal
- Locate away from main traffic areas but easily accessible from campsites
- Avoid low-lying areas prone to flooding or mud
- Consider shade — trees or shade structures are essential in summer
- Good sight lines so owners can watch their dogs from a comfortable distance
Sizing Guidelines
| Campground Size | Recommended Dog Park Size |
|---|---|
| Under 50 sites | 3,000–5,000 sq ft (single area) |
| 50–150 sites | 5,000–10,000 sq ft (consider split areas) |
| 150+ sites | 10,000+ sq ft with large/small breed separation |
Cleanliness is what guests notice first—and what they remember. Jamestown Advanced provides commercial-grade waste stations designed for high-traffic campground environments.
- High-capacity bag dispensers to reduce constant refilling
- Lidded, animal-resistant receptacles to control odor and pests
- UV-resistant materials that hold up through seasons of use
- Post-mount and in-ground options to fit your layout
Built for durability and ease of maintenance, Jamestown Advanced waste stations help keep your dog park clean with minimal effort from your staff.
A fenced-in space works—but a well-equipped dog park becomes a true campground feature. Jamestown Advanced offers mounted dog park equipment designed to be both engaging and low-maintenance.
- Dog agility walk, wait tables, and dog jumps
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Safe, approachable designs for all dog sizes
- Permanent mounting options for long-term reliability
These additions encourage use, improve guest satisfaction, and help your campground stand out in listings and reviews.
Dog parks aren’t just for dogs—owners need a place to relax and supervise. Jamestown Advanced supplies benches and site furnishings that are built for outdoor hospitality settings.
- Commercial-grade benches with long-term durability
- Placement options that maintain clear sightlines into the park
- Styles that match campground, park, or resort aesthetics
While Jamestown Advanced does not supply fencing, entry gate systems, or water hookups, these elements are still critical. Your layout should include:
- Secure double-gate entry systems
- Proper fencing height and gap control
- Accessible water sources for dogs
Jamestown Advanced works alongside these components by providing the high-use, high-visibility features that define the overall experience.
Rules to Post & Enforce
- Dogs must be current on vaccinations (post vaccination requirements)
- Owners must remain present and supervising at all times
- Clean up after your pet — zero tolerance policy
- Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately
- Dogs in heat not permitted
- Puppies under 4 months not recommended (incomplete vaccination schedule)
- Maximum number of dogs per owner (suggest 2–3)
Consult your insurance provider about dog park liability coverage. Most campground insurers offer endorsements for dog park amenities. Clear posted rules and a signed pet addendum in your registration process are key protections.
Pet Fee Structure
| Fee Type | Suggested Range |
|---|---|
| Nightly pet fee (per pet) | $5–$15/night |
| Flat-stay pet fee | $15–$35/stay |
| Non-refundable pet deposit | $25–$50 |
| Annual pet pass (seasonal campers) | $50–$100/season |
Where Pet Owners Search
- BringFido.com — a top destination for pet-friendly travel searches
- GoodSam, Campendium, The Dyrt — filter for pet-friendly options
- Google My Business — add 'pet-friendly' to your amenities list
- Your own website — dedicate a page to your pet policy and dog park photos
Content That Converts
- Photos and short videos of happy dogs in your park (guests love to share these)
- Clear, friendly pet policy language — not just legalese
- Welcome kit for pet guests: waste bags, park rules, local pet-friendly trails
Jamestown Advanced Products supplies dog park waste stations, benches, and site furnishings to campgrounds nationwide. Our team can help you spec the right products for your space and budget.
Our campground product specialists are ready to help you choose the right equipment for your property.
Call us: 800-452-0639
Email: sales@jamestownadvanced.com
Request a Quote* KOA 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report
