For a lot of us, camping isn’t quite the same when one member of the family has to stay home. Our pets are part of the crew, so why shouldn’t they get to come along for the adventure?
RVing with your pet(s) gives you the freedom to explore new places together while still having a comfortable home base at the end of the day. But just like choosing the right gear for the trip, choosing the right RV can make a big difference in how comfortable everyone is once you get to camp.
From having enough room to stretch out to dealing with muddy paws after a day on the trail, there are a few features worth keeping in mind when you’re shopping for a pet-friendly RV.
Here are five features that can help make your next adventure better for the whole pack.
1. Dedicated Space for Your Pet
When your best adventure buddy is coming along for the ride, having enough room to move around can make a big difference. Whether you’re travelling with a high-energy dog that needs somewhere to stretch out after a day on the trails or a cat looking for a quiet spot to claim as their own, a little extra space goes a long way.
When you’re shopping for a pet-friendly travel trailer, look beyond the sleeping arrangements and think about how your pet will actually use the space. An open living area gives them room to move without constantly weaving between people’s feet, while slide-outs can add valuable floor space once you’re set up at camp.
Bunkhouse floorplans can also be a great option, particularly for larger pets or families travelling with more than one animal. That extra room can give everyone a place to sleep, relax, and get out of the way when camp life gets busy.
The best floorplan will depend on your crew. A cat that spends most of the day curled up in a sunny window doesn’t need the same amount of space as a 100-pound dog ready to chase every squirrel at the campground. Think about how your pet travels, relaxes, and spends time at camp, then choose a floorplan that gives them room to do it comfortably.
Primo RV’s Pick: 2026 Coachmen RV Northern Spirit DLX 5260BH
If you’re bringing the whole pack along, the 2026 Coachmen RV Northern Spirit DLX 5260BH gives everyone room to spread out. With a spacious bunkhouse featuring double-size bunks and an open living area, there’s plenty of flexibility for the family, including the four-legged members.
After a full day of exploring, having somewhere for everyone to settle in and recharge makes the evening around the campsite that much better. Because when you’re travelling with the whole pack, nobody should have to spend the night trying to squeeze into somebody else’s space.
2. Pet-Friendly Interiors
2. Pet-Friendly Interiors
Just like at home, choosing interior features and materials with your pet in mind can make everyday life on the road a whole lot easier. From the occasional mess to sharing your living space while shedding season is in full force, choosing an RV interior with easy-to-clean flooring and durable upholstery is a great place to start.
And don’t forget about the view. Windows and elevated spots can be a big bonus for pets who like to keep tabs on everything happening outside. A good vantage point can turn an ordinary window into prime campsite real estate.
Primo RV’s Pick: 2026 Alliance RV Delta Ultra Lite RK234
The 2026 Alliance RV Delta Ultra Lite RK234 checks a few important boxes for pet-friendly camping, including a spacious living area and oversized atrium windows that bring the outdoors right to your campsite.
For a curious cat, that big window is basically a front-row seat to campground life. For a dog, it’s the perfect place to keep an eye on the action while their humans relax inside.
And let’s be honest — somebody has to monitor the squirrels, neighbouring dogs, and suspicious activity around the campsite. Your pet will take that responsibility very seriously.
3. Keeping It Clean
Camping with pets can get messy. Pet hair has a way of finding every corner of an RV, and once you add muddy paws, wet fur, spilled water, and whatever your dog managed to roll in this time, keeping things clean can feel like a full-time job.
Vinyl flooring makes it easier to sweep up fur, wipe away muddy paw prints, and deal with the inevitable post-adventure mess, but don’t automatically assume the easiest surface to clean is the best choice for every pet. Senior pets deserve special consideration. Older dogs and cats can have more difficulty navigating slippery surfaces, while carpet can provide extra traction and cushioning under their paws. If your pet is entering their golden years, consider a trailer with carpeting or add washable runners and mats in the areas where they need a little extra grip.
And then there’s the mess that happens before your pet even makes it through the door.
An outdoor shower or exterior water connection can be a game-changer for pet owners, having a place to rinse them off outside means less mess making its way into your RV.
Primo RV’s Pick: 2026 Coachmen RV Apex Ultra-Lite 244RBS
The 2026 Coachmen RV Apex Ultra-Lite 244RBS comes equipped with a hot/cold outside shower, giving you a convenient spot to rinse off sandy feet, muddy gear, and — most importantly — your pet before they head inside.
After a day of exploring, swimming, or tearing around the campground, that outside shower can make the difference between a quick cleanup and tracking half the campsite through your RV.
4. Climate Control
Summer camping is all about getting outside — but when the temperature climbs, you want to know that your RV is a comfortable place for the whole pack to cool down. Pets rely on us to help them stay comfortable, so reliable climate control and good ventilation are important features to consider.
Look for a travel trailer with effective air conditioning and ventilation that can keep air moving throughout the living space. Consistent temperature control can be especially important for senior pets and animals that are more sensitive to heat or sudden temperature changes.
When you’re checking out a floorplan, think about where your pet actually spends their time, too. If they have a favourite spot on the floor, in a bunk, or curled up on the sofa, make sure the airflow reaches that area. A powerful A/C system doesn’t do much good for your pet if the cool air isn’t making it to their favourite lounging spot.
Primo RV Suggests: Check the Airflow
Don’t just ask whether a trailer has A/C — take a look at where that cool air is going. Consider the placement of vents, the overall layout, and where your pet is most likely to settle in. Good airflow throughout the living space can help keep everyone comfortable when summer temperatures start climbing.
5. Secure Storage Space
Bringing your pet along for the adventure means bringing their gear, too. Food, bowls, leashes, toys, beds, towels, grooming supplies, crates, life jackets, outdoor gear — the list can look very different from one pet to the next. Having enough secure storage space helps keep all those essentials organized and out of the way, leaving more room inside the RV for the people and pets actually enjoying the adventure.
Look for storage options that make sense for the gear you’re bringing. Exterior compartments can be great for muddy or bulky items you don’t necessarily want inside, while interior storage can keep everyday essentials close at hand. Secure storage is especially important for pet food and treats, which should be kept safely contained and away from curious noses.
Primo RV Suggests: Take Inventory
Before you start shopping, take inventory of everything your pet brings along for the ride. Lay it all out and use that as your benchmark for how much storage you’ll actually need.
Because there’s no universal definition of “enough storage.” A Chihuahua travelling with a weekend bag and a Great Dane who thinks they need their entire toy collection are going to have very different requirements.
The goal isn’t simply to have more storage — it’s to have enough of the right storage to keep everything organized and ready for the next adventure.
Ready to Bring the Whole Pack?
Your pet doesn’t need to stay home just because you’re heading out on the road. With the right RV and a little planning, they can be right there for the campfires, the trails, the lake days, and all the little moments that make camping worth the trip.
Ready to get the whole crew, furry co-pilot(s) included, ready for the next adventure? Visit Primo RV and find the RV that’s ready to bring your whole pack along for the ride.
