Holiday Travel With Pets: Thanksgiving & Christmas on the Road

Holiday RV travel with a dog has a unique set of logistics. Here's what to know for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel.

Thanksgiving Week Campground Strategy

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest RV travel weeks of the year — particularly in Florida, Arizona, and Texas where snowbirds are arriving. Popular campgrounds in warm states fill months in advance for Thanksgiving week. Book by August for November travel in warm-weather destinations. National forest and BLM campgrounds offer overflow options when private parks are full.

Christmas and New Year's Travel

Christmas week is slightly less crowded than Thanksgiving for RV campgrounds — many RVers prefer to be stationary for the holiday itself. The week between Christmas and New Year's is increasingly popular. Reservations for this period should be made at least 3-4 months in advance for any warm-weather destination.

Travel Day Logistics With a Dog

Thanksgiving travel day traffic and rest stop crowding is significant. Budget more time than normal for stops. Busy highway rest areas on travel days can be overwhelming for anxious dogs — know alternate pull-off options on your route. Fuel stop dog walks become more complicated with higher traffic.

Keeping Dogs Comfortable During Holiday Disruption

Holiday travel disrupts routines — which stresses some dogs. Maintain feeding times. Keep familiar items accessible (beds, toys, crates). If staying at a new location, let the dog explore before unloading everything. Dogs pick up on owner stress — managing your own holiday travel stress helps your dog.

Holiday-Specific Pet Safety

Holiday foods are dangerous for dogs: turkey bones (splintering), onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free foods), and alcohol. If you're spending holidays at a campground and sharing meals with neighbors, communicate clearly about not feeding your dog human food. Holiday lights and decorations create chewing hazards — manage accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are campgrounds open on Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Most private campgrounds and state parks are open on major holidays. Some campground offices close but sites remain accessible. Confirm with your specific campground.

How early should I book a Thanksgiving RV trip?

By August for warm-weather winter destinations. Earlier is better — popular Florida, Arizona, and Texas campgrounds fill very early for holiday weeks.

What holiday foods are dangerous for dogs?

Turkey bones, onions, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, and alcohol are all toxic to dogs. Be specific with neighbors and family about not feeding your dog holiday table scraps.