Ruffwear x Hipcamp: The Best Dog-Friendly Campsites Near Water
When summer settles in, the best kind of adventure involves your canine sidekick and a refreshing dip in the nearest river, lake, or creek. These five Hipcamp spots are packed with water access and wide open terrain, making them prime destinations for dogs and their humans.
Whether your pup prefers charging into a river or lounging in the shade after a splash, these campsites offer the perfect base for your best summer yet.
James River Depot, Virginia
Tucked along the banks of the James River, James River Depot is a dream for dogs who love to take a dip. Paddle the calm water by canoe or cool off in the river before settling in for a firelit evening under the stars. With miles of shoreline and forest to explore in Jefferson National Forest, this is an ideal spot for hiking, swimming, and memory making.
Cosumnes River Ranch, California
Flowing straight through the Sierra foothills, the Cosumnes River gives this ranch its name and its edge. Dogs can dive into clear, slow-moving water or explore the boulder-strewn terrain nearby at Cosumnes River Ranch. Campsites are spread out along the riverbanks, offering a peaceful escape where your pup can roam wild.
The Mountain Top @ Wright’s Farm, New York
Upstate elevation meets backwoods bliss at The Mountain Top @ Wright’s Farm, where panoramic mountain views harbor hidden water features. There’s a secret swimming hole fed by a clear spring just a short hike from the site. Bring your trail dog, hiking boots, and a towel — this is the kind of place where canines sleep hard after full-throttle days.
C2T Ranch on the Saline River, Kansas
Hike in the canyons or along the cliffs, cast away in the river, or gaze at wildlife in the prairie when you stay at C2T Ranch. This working regenerative cattle ranch boasts direct access to the Saline River, a winding, shallow stretch ideal for wading paws. With cottonwood groves, endless skies, and the lush river carving through the land, it’s a striking backdrop for off-grid exploration.
Sacred Nectar Sanctuary, New Hampshire
This forested sanctuary in the Granite State offers wild swimming, waterfalls, and the sound of rushing water in the background at all times. Sacred Nectar Sanctuary rests on the unceded land of the Wabanaki Tribes, now lovingly stewarded by a new generation committed to healing and harmony with nature. What began as a family homestead has grown into a holistic sanctuary. Waterfalls, forest trails, and a deep respect for the land invite both dogs and their humans to reconnect in the wild.
Gear Up For Aquatic Adventures
If you’re heading out to explore and water’s on the itinerary, make sure your dog is ready for the plunge. Whether you’re paddling along rivers, swimming in lakes, or just chasing waterfalls, Ruffwear gear is built for dogs who love to get wet.
Keep them afloat and visible with our dog life jackets. Designed with strong lift handles, reflective trim, and a secure, adjustable fit, these life jackets offer buoyancy without limiting mobility.
When your trail dog is raring to go and the temps are climbing, the Swamp Cooler™ Cooling Dog Vest is a go-to essential. It uses evaporative cooling to pull heat away from your dog’s body — just soak it, wring it out, and strap it on. Lightweight, breathable, and built to move, it’s ideal for sun-soaked hikes with plenty of water breaks along the way.
And lastly, don’t forget to bring your dog’s favorite floating toy. The Lunker™ Floating Throw Toy is designed for dogs who love a good fetch session, on land or in the water. Its foam core keeps it afloat, and the rope handle makes long-distance tossing a breeze. Durable and easy to spot, it’s the perfect tag-along for riverbank romping.
Ready to go? It’s time to pick your campsite, gear up, and get out there.
