MONTGOMERY-Starting September 15, dog owners will have more overnight options when visiting certain Alabama State Parks. Currently, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome in designated day-use areas and in a limited variety of overnight accommodations including all campgrounds at Alabama’s 22 state parks. The expanded dog-friendly policy will apply to certain cabins, cottages and lodge rooms at Joe Wheeler, Lakepoint, Gulf and Guntersville state parks.
During the Alabama State Parks 75th anniversary, parks staff have implemented a series of improvements aimed at providing visitors with more enjoyable experiences. The expanded dog-friendly accommodations are in response to public interest in more pet-friendly options.
“Our visitors have spoken and we have listened,” said Greg Lein, State Parks Director. “These changes provide for dogs in all forms of overnight lodging at various parks rather than just one section of a respective park. For example, Lakepoint will now have designated cabins, cottages and lodge rooms for guests traveling with dogs. In the past, only a few older cabins were available to dog owners.”
Visitors traveling with dogs should contact the park prior to their stay. An additional $15 fee is charged per dog for overnight accommodations. There is a two-dog limit at certain parks. Service dogs are welcome in all facilities at no additional charge. For a complete list of Alabama State Parks with dog-friendly accommodations, visit www.alapark.com/DogFriendly.
MEDIA RELEASE/ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES/KENNY JOHNSON
