Where to Find Off-Leash Dog Parks on the Road

Easy Ways to Keep Your Travel Buddy Active and Happy 

If you’ve ever hit the open road with a dog riding shotgun, you’re far from alone. According to the RV Industry Association, more than 65% of RV owners travel with pets, and 93% of those bring a dog along. 

We’re part of that pack, too. Our own pups, Emmett the bulldog and Mochi the schipperke, have logged some serious miles—Emmett’s made the long haul from British Columbia to California, while Mochi’s bounded through the Rockies from British Columbia to Alberta. Wherever the road leads, they’re always up for an adventure. 

Keeping them exercised and happy on the move is a top priority, so we’ve learned the value of finding great off-leash dog parks along the way. A good run or game of fetch makes all the difference—for dogs and their humans. 

Smart Ways to Locate Dog Parks on Your Journey 

You don’t have to guess where your next off-leash stop will be. From RV trip planners to local resources, here are some tried-and-true ways to find safe, fun places for your dog to play—on either side of the border. 

Use Roadtrippers to Find Dog-Friendly RV Parks 

Many campgrounds now recognize that most guests arrive with dogs, so fenced pet areas are becoming standard amenities. It’s easy to plan your route around dog-friendly stops. 

Here’s how: 

  1. Open the Roadtrippers app and create or login to your account. 
  2. Use the ‘Campendium’ tab. 
  3. Select ‘Filter’ in the left top corner below Explore. 
  4. Scroll down to Facilities and select Dog Run. 

There is a host of other filters, so you can select your size of rig, and the amenities require. Not only does this save time, but using an RV trip planner like this ensures your route and parking options are RV-safe—no squeezing into tight lots or worrying about overhead clearance. 

For Canadian travelers, many KOA and Parks Canada campgrounds include fenced pet areas or “Kamp K9” spaces. You can also browse GoRVing Canada and Camping & RV in BC for listings that specifically note dog-friendly amenities. 

Check Out Dog Parks at Truck Stops and Travel Centres 

Truck stops are increasingly catering to travelers with pets. Love’s Travel Stops in the U.S. started adding large, fenced dog areas back in 2019—each around 15 x 35 m (50 x 120 ft) —and now have over 400 locations nationwide. Other travel centres following suit include: 

  • TravelCenters of America 
  • Iowa 80 Truck Stop (the world’s largest) 
  • White’s Travel Center – Raphine, VA 
  • Big Apple Travel Center – Joplin, MO 
  • OnCue – Oklahoma 

In Canada, while fenced dog runs are less common, many Petro-Canada, Esso, and Flying J stations have open grassy zones or picnic areas perfect for a quick break. You’ll find especially good options along the Trans-Canada Highway, the Coquihalla, and through Alberta’s foothills. 

Use Dog Park Finder Apps 

Technology makes it easy to sniff out great parks wherever you roam. Two of the best apps for RVers and travelers are Dog Pack and Sniffspot, both available for iOS and Android. 

Dog Pack: Shows nearby public dog parks with user reviews, maps, and photos. It covers both Canada and the U.S., so you can plan cross-border play stops. 

Sniffspot: Connects you with private rental dog parks where you can book solo sessions—usually for $15–$20 an hour. It’s ideal if your dog prefers quiet spaces or you want a distraction-free spot for training or fetch. 

Use Google Maps and Local Resources 

Sometimes, the simplest tools are the best. Searching “off-leash dog park near me” in Google Maps or Apple Maps gives you real-time results with ratings, photos, and driving directions. 

Local municipal websites are also worth checking. Many cities in Canada post official maps and leash regulations online. A few examples: 

  • Vancouver, BC offers over 30 off-leash parks, some with beach access during certain seasons. 
  • Calgary, AB boasts more than 150 off-leash areas, making it one of the most dog-friendly cities in North America. 
  • Toronto, ON features fenced dog zones in nearly every major park across the city. 

Making Travel Better for You and Your Dog 

Traveling with dogs adds joy, laughter, and plenty of muddy paw prints to every trip. Whether you’re cruising along the Pacific Coast or crossing the Prairies, regular off-leash breaks keep your pup healthy, happy, and ready for more adventures. 

Thanks to RV planning tools, dog park apps, and helpful local resources, it’s easier than ever to find a safe place for your best friend to stretch their legs— from the Trans-Canada Highway to Route 66.