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December 23, 2025

6 Best Dog-Friendly National Parks to Visit This Winter

Okay, let’s talk about something that drives me absolutely crazy as a dog mom who loves National Parks…

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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If you’re headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the s If you’re headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the summer, consider this your reminder that the real luxury is…Gulpha Gorge Campground being right next to the Gulpha Creek. 💦🌿

Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park is one of the only NPS campgrounds with full hookups at every single site. Water, sewer, 30/50 amp, in a NATIONAL PARK.

We visited in July and it was 🔥🔥 hot. Having Gulpha Creek right there to let the dogs splash around and cool our feet off? Absolutely saved us.

And the best part? It’s one of those places that feels peaceful and tucked away, but you’re still super close to all the Hot Springs things—downtown, the park, the scenic drives, all of it.

If you’re looking for a campground that feels like a little nature reset button…Gulpha Gorge is it.

✨Save this for your Hot Springs trip✨
Mine are thriving. They travel full-time and have Mine are thriving. They travel full-time and have seen more National Parks than most humans ✨

Emotionally supported.
Slightly dramatic.
And somehow still acts like I’ve never fed them a day in their lives!💀

Anyone else raising a very spoiled fur children out here?😅🐶✨
If you’re headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the s If you’re headed to Hot Springs, Arkansas in the summer, consider this your reminder that the real luxury is…Gulpha Gorge Campground being right next to the Gulpha Creek. 💦🌿

Gulpha Gorge Campground at Hot Springs National Park is one of the only NPS campgrounds with full hookups at every single site. Water, sewer, 30/50 amp, in a NATIONAL PARK.

We visited in July and it was 🔥🔥 hot. Having Gulpha Creek right there to let the dogs splash around and cool our feet off? Absolutely saved us.

And the best part? It’s one of those places that feels peaceful and tucked away, but you’re still super close to all the Hot Springs things—downtown, the park, the scenic drives, all of it.

If you’re looking for a campground that feels like a little nature reset button…Gulpha Gorge is it.

✨Save this for your Hot Springs trip✨
2016 me had no idea what was coming…but she was ab 2016 me had no idea what was coming…but she was absolutely vibing 🇬🇧✨

Back when life looked very different, my biggest plan was catching flights and chasing stories across the UK, and honestly? 10/10 decision-making on the travel part! 

May took me to Scotland for my birthday - misty mornings, dramatic landscapes, and that quiet, soul-stirring magic that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a novel. Still my favorite place I’ve ever been! 

September was all about Ireland - cliffs, pubs, live music, and the kind of joy that sneaks up on you mid-laugh. Also the Ashford Castle Hawk Walk is still one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. 

October wrapped things up in Wales - rugged coastlines, moody skies, and adventures that felt wildly underrated (criminally so, actually).

Just a backpack, a camera, and the freedom to wander until the days blurred together in the best way.

Turns out 2016 planted the seeds for everything that came after - the road trips, the parks, the sunsets, the “what if we just go?” energy that never really left me. But did end things from that previous life, and I’m SO grateful it did!
Should You Visit Sedona In Winter? 👇 YES!!! Every Should You Visit Sedona In Winter? 👇

YES!!! Everyone’s fighting for a spot in Sedona during peak season. Meanwhile, winter visitors are out here living their best life 🤫 

Here’s what nobody tells you about Sedona in winter:
✨ 60-degree hiking weather (hello, perfect)
✨ No fighting for parking at trailheads
✨ Epic winter sunsets 🌅
✨ Cozy nights by a fire after chasing sunsets

The vortexes hit different when you’re not elbow-to-elbow with 47 other people trying to “find their energy.” Just saying.

Winter temps range from highs in the 40s-60s during the day to 20s-30s at night, so layer up and bring a beanie.

I caught sunset at Airport Mesa and honestly? I’m still not over it. That golden light on red rocks with the whole valley stretched out below, no filter needed.

🥚🍳 If you’re driving in, stop at @thetoastedowlcafe for some freakin delicious chilaquiles! 🤤

Ready to trade routine for red rocks and winter glow?

Save this for your off-season Sedona trip 📌
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