Luxury motorcoach resort on Hilton Head Island. Access to biking trails that span the entire island. Lush landscaping throughout the resort. Large pool, pickleball courts, activities, dog friendly. Located on Hilton Head Island with proximity to world-class golf courses, amazing restaurants and beautiful beaches.
Key Takeaways:
Beautifully landscaped with live oaks and palm trees
Paved, spacious sites with full hookups
Class A or Class C coaches only
Walking distance to restaurants and shops
Pool, pickleball courts
Easy access to bike trails
Pet Owner’s Paradise
Our Stay:
The Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort is often found on lists of the “best motorcoach resorts” and the park lives up to the hype. The sites at Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort are privately owned with many available to rent. The owners take great pride in maintaining their sites and lush landscaping. We found everyone to be very friendly with many long-time owners who love coming back year after year. With spacious, shaded sites, the 50-acre park caters to large Class A coaches, but they do allow Class C coaches as well. We enjoyed the amenities at the park, especially the pool and dog park.
Hilton Head Island RV Park is located a mile from the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. Bike trails can be accessed from the park and will take you all over the island to include the bike friendly flat beaches. We loved the laid-back feeling and natural beauty of Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Motorcoach ResortChillin’ at Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort
What to Do:
Bike around the island, via trails accessed from the park. Take the dogs to the beach – there are several dog friendly beaches on the island. Coligny Beach allowed dogs off leash anytime during winter months and before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. during summer months. The flat beaches on Hilton Head Island are perfect for walking, running and biking. Start the day with breakfast at the Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe. Enjoy awesome seafood at the waterfront Hudson’s On The Docks. Catch the gorgeous sunsets on the stunning marshlands. Golf on one of 23 championship courses on the island. Take a guiding fishing trip.
Marsh View, Hilton Head Island
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.9 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We felt right at home at this dog-friendly Hilton Head RV park. We loved relaxing in shady sites and enjoyed our trips to the resort dog park. Best of all, we loved the Hilton Head beaches. We arrived for morning swim before 10 a.m. so we could romp in the ocean off leash – so fun! When we returned to the Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort, we washed off the sand at the resort’s dog wash station – sweet!! This island is so dog-friendly – many restaurants allow dogs on the patio, and we especially enjoyed the Hilton Head Brewing Company. No complaints from us – we hope to come back soon!
Morning Beach Time at Coligny Beach, Hilton Head Island, South CarolinaMorning Swim, Coligny Beach Hilton Head IslandHilton Head Brewing Company
Unexpected RV park with mostly wooded sites. Sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the North River. Watch amazing sunsets from the quiet river beach or fishing pier. Take a short walk to the ocean. Walk to fantastic seafood restaurants. Minutes to old town St. Augustine.
Key Takeaways:
Wooded setting
Walk to quiet North River Beach or Atlantic Ocean North Beach
North Beach Camp Resort sits between the North River and the Atlantic Ocean. With moss-laden oaks and palmettos, this heavily wooded campground is a nice surprise for a beach stay. We enjoyed the quiet beaches on the North River and the amazing sunsets. The dog-friendly Atlantic Ocean beaches are a short walk or bike ride away. Campers can also enjoy the camp pool and fishing pier. We loved the delicious seafood dinners at Aunt Kate’s restaurant on the water, a short walk from our campsite. For oceanside dining, check out the Reef Restaurant on the Atlantic Ocean.
For the second part of our First Coast stay, we traveled to Jacksonville, just 24 miles north of St. Augustine to a beautiful waterfront campsite at the Pelican Roost RV Park at the Naval Station Mayport. This RV park is restricted to military ID card holders. The location offered close proximity to Jacksonville and Amelia Island to the north. Take a day and enjoy Amelia Island with more great restaurants and stunning beaches. For an island stay, we recommend Fort Clinch State Park campground at Fernandina Beach. Be sure to make any reservations at the Florida State Parks months ahead of time!
North Beach Camp ResortNorth River SunsetNorth Beach OceansideNorth Beach Camp Resort SunsetAunt Kate’s Restaurant on the River
What to Do:
Enjoy the dog-friendly beach on the North River or the Atlantic Ocean Beaches. Explore Old Town St. Augustine with endless shopping, restaurants and historic sites. Tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a Spanish fortress located on the Matanzas Bay in downtown St. Augustine. We highly recommend Cap’s on the Water, a few miles north of the campground on A1A, for an awesome North River setting and exceptional seafood.
Check out Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach just north of Jacksonville.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument St AugustineCastillo de San Marcos National Monument St AugustineFort Clinch St. Park, Amelia Island
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.5 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We highly recommend North Beach Camp Resort with lots of shade for afternoon naps. We enjoyed the riverside beach and sunset walks. This camp has lots of room for long walks and there are always friendly dogs around. If you are lucky, you’ll score a patio table at dog-friendly Aunt Kate’s restaurant. This camp did not have a dog park and although the beaches were dog-friendly, we had to be on a leash. We did like the St. Augustine grass!
Chili enjoying sunset at North Beach Camp ResortCedar enjoying St. Augustine Grass
Biggest tiki bar I’ve ever seen and amazing sunsets. Renegades on the River sits along the St. Johns River near Crescent City, Florida. A newer RV park with pavers and palm trees throughout, spacious sites and steps to a popular restaurant and tiki bar.
Key Takeaways:
Beautiful setting along the St. Johns River
Newer RV park with spacious sites
Dog friendly
Huge tiki bar/restaurant with sunset views
Marina and great fishing
Our Stay:
Renegades on the River RV Park is a great option if you are looking for a St. Johns River stay in north central Florida. With spacious sites, nice landscaping and pavers throughout, this was the perfect location to chill out and visit friends in the area. I can’t say enough about the tiki bar with at least 30 seats surrounding the bar and several tables (dog-friendly), all overlooking the marina and St. Johns River. The park has a nice pool for campers. The adjacent restaurant served awesome American fare.
Renegades On The River RV ParkRenegades MarinaRenegades RVParkPoolRenegades Tiki BarRenegades Pond
What to Do:
Fishing and boating on the beautiful St. Johns River, known for great bass fishing. Enjoy the tiki bar at Renegades with live music several nights a week. Watch amazing sunsets on the river from the dock or the tiki bar. In nearby Palatka, visit the Ravine Garden State Park with dog-friendly trails and beautiful blooming azaleas during Jan-Mar.
Sunset on the St. Johns River
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We liked Renegades on the River RV park. There were dog stations throughout the park and the outside tables at the tiki bar were dog friendly! There were several green spaces for us to sniff and take care of business. They did not have walking trails, but we did enjoy our trip to the Ravine Gardens State Park.
Cedar Chilling at RenegadesSunset at Renegades RV ParkRenegades Pet AreaRelaxing on the St. Johns River
The Jetty Park Campground is located along the Atlantic Ocean and inside Port Canaveral. Well-maintained campground with beach access. Watch cruise ships arriving/departing and if you are lucky, a rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
If you are looking for an RV park close to the attractions of the Kennedy Space Center, the Jetty Park Campground is a great place to stay. Our lot was spacious and dry, even after the heavy rains. We noticed some sites were prone to flooding. This park is well maintained and inexpensive. There were several oceanside sites and all sites were a short walk to Jetty Park Beach and Pier on the Atlantic Ocean. The beach area was not dog friendly-darn. But is was a nice walking beach. You’ll see cruise ships coming and going from the park and if your timing is right, a rocket launch from nearby Kennedy Space center. We enjoyed breakfast at the adjacent cafe.
Jetty Park CampgroundBeach timeJetty Park BeachMorning with the birds at Jetty Park Beach
What to do:
Enjoy ocean walks on the flat beaches. Fish from the Jetty Park Beaches or Fishing Pier. Spend a day at the Kennedy Space Center.
Kennedy Space Visitor’s CenterAtlantis
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 3.5 (out of 5) PAWS
We had some nice walks around this large park but it did not have an off-leash dog park. We were also disappointed to learn that dogs were not allowed on the Jetty Park Beach.
Grassy Key RV Park & Resort is a Gulfside, boutique RV resort on MM 58 just north of Marathon. Our three-day stay here did not disappoint. We met several long-term RVers who call this park home for several months in the winter. We enjoyed our ocean view, the pool and oceanside tiki hut. The community BBQ was a hit with live music and dancing.
Key Takeaways:
Small, boutique RV park near Marathon
Several oceanside lots
Nice, tropical landscaping
Salt-water pool
Community activities and friendly residents
Small dog park, dog friendly
Nearby biking trails
Our Stay:
Moving north on the Florida Overseas Highway to MM 58, we pulled into the boutique Grassy Key RV Park & Resort. This oceanside park was small but very welcoming. We did not have an oceanfront site but we had an awesome ocean view. The park was dog friendly with a small dog park and easy access to potty areas. At the time of our stay, the park was not connected to the nearby walking/biking path so it required a small walk along Highway 1. We understand the trail and the park will be connected in the future. That would make it a wonderful walking experience for pet owners. The nearby biking trails were a plus! Everyone in the park was very friendly and encouraged us to join the ongoing activities – water aerobics, bingo, and community BBQ. The long-term residents have created an RV family that keeps them coming back year after year.
Grassy Key RV Park EntranceGrassy Key RV Park & ResortOcean View at Grassy KeyTiki Bar at Grassy Key RV Park
What to do:
A short walk from the park we visited the S.S. Wreck & Galley Grill restaurant – recommend the Key Lime Pie! We also visited the Curry Hammock State Park, a couple miles away. This oceanside park had beautiful, spacious RV sites and nice beaches. Book at stay here months ahead of time. It would be a perfect park if they allowed dogs on the beach!
There were several beaches in Marathon and the surrounding area that allowed dogs on the beach. We visited the Coco Plum Dog Beach and park with the girls and enjoyed watching the kite surfing. The beach was not paw friendly with lots of rocks, shells and even glass. The dogs loved the stinky seaweed – me, not so much. Also check out the Marathon Dog Park and the dog friendly Sombrero Beach
Another nearby site within walking distance from the RV park is the Dolphin Research Center . This park rehabilitates dolphins in a saltwater environment and is dog friendly!
Chili & Mike at Coco Plum Beach
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 3.5 Paws
This park was okay. We appreciated the little dog park, but it was too small for bigger dogs. Mom had us on a short leash along the busy highway to get to the walking trail. The beaches in the area were okay but hard on our paws. The stinky seaweed was a bonus! Curry Hammock State Park would be a perfect place to camp if they allowed dogs on the beach. We’re ready to move on.
Following the Florida Overseas Highway to mile marker 20, we pulled into the Sugar Loaf Key/Key West KOA, a beachfront paradise with tropical pool, hot tub, tiki bar/café and beautifully landscaped sites.
Key Takeaways:
Lush, tropical landscaping throughout the park
Newly remodeled park
Resort amenities with tropical pool, hot tub, café and tiki bar
Full-service marina and fishing areas
Dog park, dog friendly
15 miles from Key West
Our Stay:
The Florida Overseas Highway or Highway 1 starts just south of Florida City at Mile Marker (MM) 126 and ends in Key West at MM 0. We’ve traveled this highway several years ago and know it can be very busy and sometimes slow going. Our trip down to the Sugar Loaf KOA to MM 20 was uneventful with moderate traffic on a Thursday. It was still spring break time in the Keys and many of the RV parks were full months ahead of time. Since we were meeting friends who needed a marina for their boat, we chose the Sugar Loaf Key/Key West KOA. This RV park was a pleasant surprise. Every site was professionally landscaped with tropical plants, bushes and trees. Each graveled site included a fire pit and picnic table. Some sites were a little tight but our back-in site had enough room to extend our awning. There were several oceanfront sites (not available for our stay) which bordered the beach area. The highlight of this park was the large tropical pool, hot tub and tike bar/café. It really had a resort feel.
Sugar Loaf Key/Key West KOAChili & Cedar at KOASugar Loaf KOA Dog Park
What to do:
Sugar Loaf KOA is a short 15-mile drive to the attractions of Key West. If you don’t want to drive, you can pick up a bus from the RV park. We drove to Key West and hopped on a train tour of the city. We found this to be a great way to see the sights and historic attractions of old Key West. It’s a perfect day trip to enjoy the many restaurants, bars and shopping too. Throughout the city, there were many dog-friendly restaurants and bars – it was just too hot for the girls while were there.
The weather was comfortably hot during our stay in the low 80’s and we were fortunate to spend a day on the water with our good friend, Captain Randy. We motored to a nearby island to find some great swimming and snorkeling. The dogs enjoyed the boat trip as well. Chili loved swimming in the ocean, Cedar, not so much. She did not like jumping off the boat and decided to just nap. Our trip back to the Sugar Loaf KOA was fun too thanks to Tow America. Reminded me of that wise saying, “Boating is always more fun when it’s someone else’s boat.”
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.8 Paws out of 5 Paws
The Sugar Loaf Key/Key West KOA is a very dog friendly RV resort. We enjoyed our walks around the park and the enclosed dog park. We really liked out boat ride and swimming with mom and dad.
