Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Goochland, VA
Powhatan State Park Campground accommodates pets across all 29 standard sites with water and electric hookups, plus the primitive canoe-in area with 8 basic sites. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the park's extensive trail system, with multiple paths suitable for daily walks. The spacious, well-shaded campsites provide ample room for pet setups with each site featuring a fire ring, picnic table, and gravel pad. Cozy Acres Campground RV Resort and Pocahontas State Park Campground also welcome pets, with sites that can accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins. All campgrounds require pets to remain leashed when outside vehicles or camping units. The bathhouses at these facilities are consistently clean and well-maintained, making longer stays with pets comfortable. Sites fill quickly during peak seasons, especially those with more privacy and shade coverage.
The James River access at Powhatan State Park provides opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer camping trips, though pets must stay leashed even near water. Multiple hiking trails throughout these parks accommodate dogs of all sizes, with the River Trail being particularly popular for morning and evening pet walks. Bear Creek Lake State Park Campground offers additional pet-friendly options with lakeside access. Campers report the pet-friendly sites at Powhatan maintain good separation between neighbors, reducing potential conflict between animals. Wildlife is active in these areas, particularly at dawn and dusk, so proper food storage and pet supervision is essential to avoid attracting raccoons or other animals. Nearby veterinary services are available in Powhatan and Chesterfield, within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds. Summer temperatures can reach the high 90s, necessitating extra water and shade considerations for pets camping between June and August.