Traveling with pets has become an integral part of the RV experience for many, with GoRVing.com reporting that 68% of RV owners journey alongside their furry companions. As a devoted dog owner, the freedom to bring my pups along heavily influenced my decision to invest in an RV. While most campgrounds are dog-friendly and often feature communal fenced-in areas, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) takes it a step further by offering specific campsites equipped with private “Paw Pens” for dogs. Over the past two years, my three small dogs and I have experienced a variety of these private Dog Pen sites across a dozen KOA locations, revealing that not all Paw Pens are created equal. These dedicated spaces can vary significantly in size, location, and amenities, making prior research crucial for a pleasant stay. To help you navigate your options, this article provides an in-depth look at the private dog pen sites we’ve personally encountered, offering insights to help you choose the ideal setup for your canine companions. Understanding the nuances of each dog pen can elevate your camping trip, ensuring both you and your pets enjoy the great outdoors to the fullest. Consider packing some member’s mark dental chew treats for dogs reviews for your pups to enjoy during downtime in their private pen.
Top-Rated KOA Dog Pen Campsites for Canine Comfort
Based on our extensive travels, some KOA dog pen campsites truly stand out for their thoughtful design and privacy, offering a superior experience for both pets and their owners.
Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA Holiday – Thompson, OH
In my opinion, the absolute best private dog pen campsites are found at the beautiful Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA in Ohio. This campground offers two distinct Paw Pen sites: a pull-through and a back-in option. These are more than just simple enclosures; they are giant dog pen areas, beautifully landscaped and featuring a raised, covered platform where pups can relax in the shade or shelter. Crucially, each campsite is strategically located at the end of a row, providing a natural block from the main road and enhancing privacy. Both types of sites are excellent, so your choice should simply depend on which layout best suits your RV. The meticulous attention to detail at this location makes it a top recommendation for any RV traveler with dogs.
Two dogs relaxing inside a spacious, landscaped dog pen at Thompson / Grand River Valley KOA
Angola / Hogback Lake KOA Holiday – Angola, IN
We’ve also had the opportunity to stay at several different Paw Pen sites at the Angola / Hogback Lake KOA. Our first visit involved a spacious back-in site, which boasted a well-furnished patio complete with a gas grill – a fantastic amenity for human campers. The only minor drawback of this specific location was its direct proximity to another dog pen campsite. While the pens offered ample space, our dogs were often more preoccupied with barking at their neighbors than enjoying their private area. On a subsequent visit, I reserved a pull-through site in a more budget-friendly section of the campground. Although this particular campsite was smaller and less elaborately appointed, it offered significantly more privacy for the dogs. We observed many other dogs being walked nearby, but there were no other Paw Pens directly adjacent to ours. I suspect some of these passing dogs might have previously used our pen, only to find it occupied, highlighting the popularity and demand for these private spaces.
A large, well-appointed back-in dog pen campsite at Angola / Hogback Lake KOA Holiday
Good Value KOA Dog Pen Campsites Worth Considering
Beyond the absolute best, several KOA locations offer “good” dog pen campsites that provide solid value and convenience, albeit with a few minor considerations.
Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA Holiday – Grand Island, NY
The private Paw Pen at the Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA in New York stands out as one of the nicest I’ve encountered. Its sheer size and excellent maintenance rival some communal dog parks found within entire campgrounds. This is, however, both a blessing and a curse. During our stay, I frequently discovered other campers and their dogs utilizing our private dog pen. While not inherently a major issue, it became problematic when they occasionally neglected to clean up after their pets, which is a common courtesy challenge in shared spaces. This experience underscores the importance of clear signage and enforcement for private amenities.
An expansive and well-maintained private dog pen at Niagara Falls / Grand Island KOA
Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA Holiday – Pigeon Forge, TN
Checking into the Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg KOA in my compact campervan often elicits surprised looks, as most of KOA’s dog pen campsites are typically designed with much larger RVs in mind. These sites are generally long pull-throughs, complete with full hookups and furnished patios. While I can easily manage backing my van into a smaller site without hookups, certain Paw Pens make the added expense well worth it. The dog pen campsite at the Pigeon Forge KOA is a prime example of such a site. Its large pen includes a dedicated dog house and even a playful “fire hydrant.” The area is grassy, and its location at the campground’s edge provides a valuable sense of privacy for the pups. To keep your dog entertained and mentally stimulated within their pen, consider bringing a snuffle mat for dogs.
Sandusky / Bayshore KOA Holiday – Sandusky, OH
The Sandusky / Bayshore KOA offers Paw Pen sites across various categories throughout its campground. I opted for a midrange “deluxe back-in” end site and was quite pleased with its location. The private dog pen featured a comfortable woodchip base and an overhead shade cloth, providing welcome relief on sunny days. The only minor inconvenience I encountered here was with the fencing mechanism; while the lower gate portion swung open, humans were required to limbo under a bar to enter. While my dogs had no complaints, my back certainly wasn’t thrilled with the acrobatic entry and exit requirements! Despite this, the overall experience in the private dog pen was positive, thanks to the thoughtful amenities.
A private dog pen at Sandusky / Bayshore KOA featuring a woodchip base and overhead shade cloth
Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday – Branch, MI
Through various camping experiences, I’ve come to greatly appreciate the importance of privacy when it comes to KOA’s dog pen campsites. The long Paw Pen at Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA particularly stood out in this regard, as it’s not situated near any other structures specifically designed for pets. While there’s always a chance you might end up next to campers who set up a temporary dog pen on their own site, our stay here felt remarkably private. This Paw Pen is located at the very edge of the campground, in a somewhat dusty lower section, contributing to its secluded feel.
Wisconsin Dells KOA Holiday – Wisconsin Dells, WI
The Wisconsin Dells KOA serves as an excellent illustration of why the specific location of a dog pen campsite can profoundly impact its utility. In this particular instance, our site was situated almost directly opposite the campground’s main dog park. Consequently, my dogs were far more interested in exploring and sniffing around the central communal park than spending time in their comparatively “boring” private Paw Pen. While the campground itself was pleasant, this experience taught me that for future stays at this location, I would likely opt for a standard site, as the benefits of the private dog pen were largely negated by the lure of the communal area.
Disappointing KOA Dog Pen Campsites: What to Watch Out For
Not all private dog pens at KOA live up to expectations. Some experiences have taught us valuable lessons about what to avoid. If your dogs enjoy a treat, remember that dogs and popcorn can sometimes be a fun, safe snack in moderation, but always check ingredients!
Northampton / Springfield KOA Holiday – Westhampton, MA
My previous positive experiences with KOA dog pen campsites had undeniably spoiled me. Many of those pens were well-designed structures that I would gladly consider adding to my own backyard. Unfortunately, the Paw Pen at Northampton / Springfield KOA presented a stark contrast, resembling something one might encounter at a local dog pound. While the pen was a decent size, the tall chain-link fencing created an inescapable impression of a cage, rather than a comfortable and inviting space for a dog to relax and play. The aesthetic and design significantly detracted from the experience, making it feel less like a luxury amenity and more like a basic enclosure.
Northhampton KOA dog pen with tall chain link
Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA Holiday – Clarksboro, NJ
Another crucial lesson I’ve learned is that KOA’s dog pen sites do not adhere to a standard size. If the dimensions of the pen are a significant factor for you and your pet, it is highly advisable to call the campground directly before booking. I regret not making that call prior to reserving at the Philadelphia South / Clarksboro KOA. Their Paw Pen featured a small covered house, which was a nice touch, but it left barely enough room for a dog to even turn around comfortably. The confined space was a major disappointment and certainly did not justify the extra cost associated with booking a private dog pen site here.
Chicago Northwest KOA Holiday – Union, IL
The Chicago Northwest KOA is, by many accounts, a lovely campground overall. However, their Paw Pens proved to be a significant letdown. These private dog pen areas simply consisted of a few sections of lightweight fencing, offering minimal security and a rather flimsy feel. Furthermore, all these specific dog pen campsites were arranged in a single row, allowing neighboring dogs to see each other clearly. This arrangement unfortunately led to a considerable amount of barking and unnecessary stress for our dogs. The situation became so disruptive that I ultimately requested to move to a regular back-in site. The staff, to their credit, graciously refunded me the considerable difference in cost. We found ourselves perfectly content utilizing the communal dog park at this property, which was conveniently tucked away in a quiet corner and offered plenty of shade trees. For a more interactive experience for your dog, especially in a private pen, an active rolling ball for dogs can provide great entertainment.
Essential Considerations Before Booking a KOA Dog Pen
As my experiences clearly illustrate, the quality and features of KOA’s private dog pen campsites are far from uniform. Key factors such as the specific Paw Pen’s location within the campground and its actual size are paramount considerations when you’re paying extra for these dedicated sites. Some KOAs are excellent at providing this detailed information directly on their website, often including site maps that outline the layout and amenities. I highly recommend taking the time to thoroughly study these maps for each property you’re considering. Going a step further, examining the terrain on Google Maps can provide invaluable insights into the privacy and surrounding environment of a particular dog pen site. However, when in doubt or when specifics are unclear, the most reliable course of action is always to call the campground directly and ask for detailed information before finalizing your booking.
Finding KOAs with Private Dog Pen Campsites
The concept of private Paw Pens has proven to be incredibly popular among RVing dog owners, and as a result, more than 50 KOA locations currently offer these specialized campsites. Given their success, KOA continues to expand this offering, with new Paw Pens being added every season. As of June 2023, I’ve compiled a list of locations directly from the Kampgrounds of America website that proudly feature private dog pen campsites, making it easier for you to plan your next pet-friendly adventure. Always check the most current information directly with KOA or the specific campground for the latest availability.
We sincerely hope you’ve found this information regarding KOA’s dog pen campsites helpful for planning your next RV trip with your furry family members. These opinions are based solely on my personal experiences traveling with three small dogs in a campervan. If you’ve had the pleasure of staying at a private Paw Pen campsite, we would love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for fellow dog-loving travelers!
