This is the thing that frustrates me the most when we camp. I am going to use Tyler State Park as the most recent example of the things I am seeing on a regular basis.

First let’s talk about the written rules of the Texas State Parks in relation to Pets:

  • Pets must be on leash, in a car, or in a crate at all times. The leash can be no longer than 6 feet.
  • You must be with your pet at all times. You may not leave your pet unattended in the park, in a vehicle, or at your campsite.
  • Do not bring a noisy or dangerous dog to a state park.
  • Pets are not allowed in any state park buildings. This includes motels, cabins, screened shelters, group facilities and restrooms.
  • You must pick up your pet’s waste and put it in the trash.
  • Pets are not allowed in the water or on the land around a designated swim area.
  • Your pet must have a current rabies vaccination, and you must have proof with you.
  • If you break these rules, you and your pet may be asked to leave!

I have highlighted the dog rules that seem to be get violated the most.

Eva, the lead is hooked into a sturdy vest, and she is always supervised.

Just last week I had more than one experience with the same dog wandering into our site from the camper directly across from us. I have to say, this kind of thing happens way to often at state parks. People seem to think their dog is a tiny human that will just stay at their campsite. The reality is, that dogs are going to act like dogs. If your dog comes into my campsite, there will probably be a dog fight, because Eva will feel threatened. This is why I keep mace with me now when we sit outside the camper. There is no reason for my dog to get injured due to another campers’ negligence. I will protect Eva just like I would protect any child from a dog attack.

I did have a talk with the guy across from us, but the long and the short is that I don’t think it mattered. For one thing he admitted he was drunk (I could tell). Later, I overheard him tell someone that his dog was “Nippy and Protective”. Wonderful! My personal feeling is that I gave him fair warning; so, if there was another episode, it would be a call to the office. This guy was just generally a pain to be across from, for breaking more than just the dog rules. Among other things, he had multiple visitors coming to his site and parking in unoccupied camping spots instead of the overflow parking area. Up to six cars were there on a daily basis. Which Brings me to my next Point.

The Rangers seem to turn a blind eye to much of what goes on in the campground. I saw on at least three occasions the rangers come through, and they could plainly see that the dogs were off leash but did nothing. I’m sure it was also obvious that there were multiple cars parked where they should not be. In reality the extra cars were not an issue for me, except when it interfered with me being able to get out of my site. It says something about the character of these campers though. The rules do not apply to them, only to you!

In addition, on my early morning walks there are multiple folks in campers that decide to just tie their dogs outside, and then go back in the trailers. That again is a violation of the rules because you are leaving your dog unattended. This is unsafe for a couple of reasons. One, your dog may get attacked by another stray dog (like in the above example) and you won’t be there to hopefully prevent it. Two, your dog could break free from its lead and attack a person or another dog.

I remember once about six years ago; Hannah and I were charged by a dog that belonged to a guy that was just setting up his RV. With little time to react, I put myself between Hannah and the other dog and grabbed onto its collar. Then I told the wife to leash the dog as she ran over. It would be great if I could tell you that was the only time something like that happened. However, I and my dogs have been charged multiple times at state parks (and not just state parks). Once I actually had to lift Hannah to avoid an attack, and she was a big girl.

Hannah and Kendra ponder whats outside the travel trailer in San Antonio Texas, 2014
Kendra and Hannah

I can deal with the lazy people that don’t pick up after their dog’s poop. It still irritates me, because apparently, they can’t pick it up, but they are ok with anyone else picking it up. However, the loose dog issue is so much more dangerous. If you have ever had to break up a dog fight, you might understand better, how quickly things go south.

Folks, we go camping to relax, not to keep an eye open for your stray dog coming into our site. There is nothing relaxing about that. I’m not sure what it is going to take for some of these folks to wake up. Maybe it will take a lawsuit, when a dog or person gets injured. Perhaps the rangers need to enforce the rules and actually kick violators out of the campground. Please don’t be these people, let’s all go camping, follow the rules, and just chill.