11+ Pet-Friendly Military Recreation Areas for Your Next Getaway

A white dog wearing a blue harness sits in front of a lake at sunset — Rhodey enjoying a sunset at Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center (photo: Lisa Darosa)

Planning a vacation but wondering what to do with your pet? Bring them along! Across the country, military recreation areas are rolling out the welcome mat for four-legged family members. You can bring your pet to enjoy a comfortable, adventure-filled getaway together.

In this article from guest contributor Julie Chickery, learn about 11 destinations that go beyond simply allowing pets — they embrace them. You’ll find cabins and campsites that accommodate furry companions, on-site dog parks, sandy beaches where tails can wag in the surf, and miles of scenic trails perfect for exploring together.

At the end of this article, get links to dozens of other military recreation areas that offer some type of pet-friendly lodging.

Note: Pet policies vary, including number of pets allowed per unit, applicable fees, and breed restrictions. Always confirm details before booking.

1. Big Bear Recreation Facility (California)

A cabin at Big Bear Recreation Facility (photo: MCAS Miramar)

Big Bear Recreation Facility, operated by Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, is in Southern California’s San Bernardino Mountains. It allows pets in all cabins (ranging from studios to three bedrooms). It also has a small, pet-friendly campground with five full-hookup RV sites and five primitive tent campsites.

The setting itself is ideal for pets. Surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest, guests can take advantage of hiking trails radiating from the campground for walks and outdoor play. There’s also an off-leash dog park just three miles away on the shores of Big Bear Lake.

2. Clear Lake Resort (Washington)

The cabins and RV sites at Clear Lake (photo: Fairchild AFB)

Fairchild Air Force Base’s recreation area in eastern Washington features a spring-fed lake. Pets are welcome in all of its accommodations.

Clear Lake offers seven cabins, one yurt, 24 RV campsites (24 full-hookup sites plus additional partial and dry sites), and numerous tent sites.

The lake is ringed with hiking paths, offering the perfect place to explore with your dog by your side. The only part of the shoreline restricted to pets is the sandy swimming beach and picnic areas.

If your dog loves boat rides, you’re in luck: the marina rents boats, including pontoon boats, fishing boats, kayaks, etc., and pets are generally allowed on rental boats as long as you ensure their safety.

3. Destin Army Recreation Area (Florida)

The kitchen in one of the villas (photo: Destin Army Recreation Area)

Perched on the Choctawhatchee Bay, Destin Army Recreation Area allows pets in designated units across the property, including 2- and 3-bedroom villas, suites, studios, standard hotel rooms, and all RV campsites.

The recreation area features a dog park for off-leash play and boasts 15 acres for some of the most beautiful dog-walking views in Florida. While dogs are not permitted on the beaches in Destin, Henderson Beach State Park has pet-friendly nature trails. The resort is just over three miles from the Destin Dog Park, a 3-acre off-leash park with separate areas for small and large dogs.

4. Farish Recreation Area (Colorado)

Views of Pike’s Peak from Farish Recreation Area (photo: US Air Force Academy)

Farish Recreation Area is operated by the United States Air Force Academy. A scenic 655-acre getaway in the Colorado Rockies, it offers select pet-friendly accommodations. Pets are permitted in two of the duplexes, in all the rustic cabins, and at all campsites. The pet-friendly duplexes even have small fenced decks, providing a bit of containment for pets outdoors.

Farish is a giant outdoor playground. The area features three fishing lakes and several miles of hiking trails right on the property. If you make a day trip to nearby Colorado Springs, be sure to check out the 25-acre off-leash Bear Creek Dog Park, which offers a creek for dogs to splash in, an agility area, and a separate 2-acre section for small or senior dogs.

5. Fort Tuthill Recreation Area (Arizona)

The multi-family A-frame cabin (Photo: Fort Tuthill)

Surrounded by cool pines and fresh air, Fort Tuthill, operated by Luke AFB, rests at 7,000 feet in the Coconino National Forest. Pets are welcome at all RV and tent campsites, as well as in all yurts. Other pet-friendly accommodations include select 2-bedroom A-Frame cabins and studio cabins.

It’s the perfect location to take advantage of the great outdoors. Dozens of trailheads branch out from the campground, allowing your dog to join you on hikes through the ponderosa pine forest or on groomed multi-use trails. The recreation area is open year-round, so dogs who love snow also have the option to frolic in the powder.

6. Fourth Cliff Recreation Area (Massachusetts)

Ocean views from Fourth Cliff (photo: You, Me, and the RV)

This 56-acre oceanfront Air Force recreation area, located midway between Boston and Cape Cod, offers a range of pet-friendly options with stunning ocean views. Pets are welcome in select units of every size, including a 1-bedroom efficiency, as well as 2- and 3-bedroom chalets.

The property is situated on the Atlantic Ocean and adjacent to a river estuary, offering extensive shoreline for leisurely walks. Dogs are welcome on the beach except in certain sections during shorebird nesting season (May–June). Known for its peace and quiet, this is a great place to rent your fishing gear, pack a picnic, and spend a day on the beach with your dogs.

7. Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center (Maine)

Autumn views at Great Pond (photo: Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center)

Run by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard MWR, this 375-acre wilderness area sits on an 8,000-acre lake. Bring your RV or stay in a yurt, rustic cabin, or a 140 square foot Tiny House with your pets. Great Pond Outdoor Adventure Center is the perfect getaway from everyday hustle and bustle!

Great Pond’s natural setting is its biggest asset for pets. The grounds include hiking trails that wind through forests and along the water, making them ideal for dog walks. Dogs are also welcome to wade in and cool off anywhere along the lake outside of the roped swimming area.

8. Jim Creek Recreation Area (Washington)

Cabins at Jim Creek (photo: Naval Station Everett)

Located about 60 miles north of Seattle in the foothills of the North Cascades, Jim Creek Recreation Area offers something for everyone, including your pets. All of its lodging options are pet-friendly except the large group lodge. They offer a wide variety of accommodations: 1- and 2-bedroom cabins and apartments, RV sites, and primitive tent campsites.

Jim Creek features an off-leash dog park, allowing your dog to roam freely. The extensive trail network also provides plenty of opportunities for on-leash adventures. Guests can rent boats or fish in the stocked lakes, where leashed dogs are welcome as well. After a day of fun, you’ll enjoy the peaceful natural setting.

9. Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area (Missouri)

A cabin at LORA (photo: Fort Leonard Wood)

About 50 miles from Fort Leonard Wood, Lake of the Ozarks Recreation Area (LORA) is positioned on the wooded shores of one of the largest man-made lakes in the country. It offers an outdoor paradise with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and more. Whether you’re staying in a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom cabin or your RV, your pets are welcome to join the vacation.

While LORA does not feature a dedicated dog park, it offers numerous scenic trails for walking, allowing you to enjoy nature while providing your pet with ample exercise and exploration. Also, dogs can enjoy the expansive shoreline (except in the sandy dedicated swimming areas).

10. Onslow Beach Recreation Area (North Carolina)

Ocean views from your living room and balcony at Onslow Beach (photo: Camp Lejeune)

Onslow Beach Recreation Area at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a popular destination for vacationing pet owners. This facility features over 12 miles of sandy beach and a range of lodging options for guests with pets, including 1-bedroom cabanas, 1-bedroom lodges with lofts, and 2-bedroom Osprey cottages. In addition, the pet-friendly campground features 33 full-hookup sites.

Onslow Beach stands out for its pet amenities. It offers a dedicated dog beach for your pups to splash in the surf. The RV park also features a fenced dog park where dogs can run and play off leash. With a long beachfront to stroll and access to nature trails along the Intracoastal Waterway, you and your pet will have plenty to do. The staff occasionally hosts pet-friendly events.

11. Wateree Recreation Area (South Carolina)

A waterfront cabin at Wateree Recreation Area (photo: Wateree Recreation Area)

Wateree Recreation Area offers a peaceful lakefront setting that pets will enjoy. Managed by Shaw AFB, this 25-acre peninsula on Lake Wateree is renowned for its natural beauty. Pets are allowed in several of the 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom cabins, as well as the RV and tent campsites.

One of Wateree’s best features is its dog-friendly beach. Along the lakeshore, there is a designated area where dogs are allowed to swim and play in the water. The recreation area also offers boat rentals, fishing piers, and nature trails that run along the peninsula for you and your canine companions to enjoy together.

Other Pet-Friendly Military Recreation Areas

This article highlighted 11 great sites to visit with your pets, but the military has many more! Visit the sites below to learn about pet-friendly military recreational lodging worldwide.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.