Living full-time in a converted school bus with two dogs means our “backyard” changes every few days. Finding great dog parks for travelers has become essential – our pups need time to really run it out off-leash and get their zoomies. And after a good romp at the dog park? They inevitably need a bath.
This is our running log of both dog parks and self-service dog wash stations we’ve found during our travels. We’re tracking the spots that make life easier on the road – whether it’s a great fenced park for exercise or a convenient wash station for cleaning up the muddy aftermath.
Dog Parks for Travelers: Where We’ve Actually Been
These are the spots we’ve personally checked out. Click the 🐶 to see our photos and detailed notes.
- 🐶 Benjamin Biscuit Acres (Tulsa, OK) – This is a standout. It’s huge, well-maintained, and a perfect stop if you’re coming through Oklahoma.
- Bay County Dog Park (Bay City, MI) – A reliable, fenced-in spot that’s easy to get to and great for a quick energy burn.
- Joe Station Dog Park (Tulsa, OK) – Another solid Tulsa option when you need a fenced area with a local feel.
Dog Parks On Our Radar
We haven’t made it to these yet, but they’re pinned on our map for the next time the bus is headed this way.
- Newtown Dream Dog Park (John’s Creek, GA) – Fenced one-acre area featuring artificial turf, sprinklers for dogs to play in, obstacles, water fountains, and separate areas for large and small dogs.
- Pilgrim Bark Park (Provincetown, MA) – A gated, off-leash recreational space that’s also home to creations by local artists.
Self-Service Dog Wash Stations by State
After a good run at the dog park, our pups usually need a bath. Since we don’t have a full-sized tub in the bus, self-service dog wash stations have become essential for keeping the mud, sand, and “trail smell” under control.
Arkansas
Russellville
- Liberty Wash South Arkansas – 818 South Arkansas Avenue ($10)
- Liberty Wash South Knoxville – 1520 South Knoxville Avenue ($10)
Van Buren
- 🐶 Tractor Supply – Includes vacuum and blow dry stations. They provide shampoo and towels for $9.99. We’ve used this one personally and it’s very clean.
Georgia
Statesboro
- Dirty Pawz Pet Station – 18 East Cherry Street ($15 for 20 minutes)
Kansas
Hutchinson
- Double Bubble Self-Service Dog Wash – 2310 North Main Street ($10 per pet with a treat vending machine)
Michigan
Michigan has plenty of options for dog wash stations, especially if you’re exploring the state’s amazing quirky roadside attractions.
Adrian
- Tractor Supply — 1260 West US Highway 223
Alma
- Tractor Supply — 1685 Wright Avenue
Battle Creek
- Tractor Supply — 16360 B Drive North
Bellaire
- Tractor Supply — 4765 South M-88 Highway
Boyne City
- Tractor Supply — 01200 M-75 South
Clio
- Buddies Dog Wash — 3445 W Vienna Road ($5 for 8 minutes)
Otisville
- Buddies Dog Wash — 308 S State Street ($5 for 8 minutes)
Portage
- Tractor Supply — 8610 Shaver Road
Rochester Hills
- Scrubbers Dog Wash — 3280 S. Rochester Road ($10-$21)
Royal Oak
- Scrubbers Dog Wash — 2713 W. Webster ($10-$21)
Standish
- Tractor Supply — 3931 South Huron Road
West Bloomfield Township
- Scrubbers Dog Wash — 33022 Northwestern Highway ($10-$21)
Oklahoma
Lawton
- 🐶 Pat’s Pet Wash – $5 for 8 minutes (Heads up: water is cold!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a dog park “traveler-friendly”?
For us, the best dog parks for travelers offer easy rig parking, clear signage, and secure fencing. When we pull the bus over, we need to know our dogs can safely decompress after hours on the road without worrying about complicated entry or exit points.
Can you really fit a full-sized dog in these self-service wash stations?
Depends on the station! Tractor Supply’s tubs are pretty roomy and can handle larger dogs. Our pups fit fine. Some of the smaller independent stations have shallow tubs better suited for medium-sized dogs. If you’ve got a Great Dane, call ahead.
Is it hard to park a school bus at these locations?
Yes, it can be tricky! Even Tractor Supply – which you’d think would have huge lots – often fills their parking areas with merchandise displays and pallets, making it tough to maneuver a full-sized bus. We ALWAYS check Google Maps satellite view before pulling into ANY location to scope out parking space and turnaround room. Dog parks can be even trickier, so satellite view is your friend.
Do dog parks and wash stations have water available?
While many dog parks include water fountains, we always recommend keeping a gallon of fresh water on the bus. Facilities can change, and being prepared ensures your dogs stay hydrated. Most self-service wash stations have water (obviously!), but Tractor Supply locations also provide shampoo and towels for around $10.
Are the wash stations heated in winter?
Hit or miss. Pat’s Pet Wash in Lawton, Oklahoma has COLD water (learned that the hard way), so check reviews or call ahead if you’re washing in colder weather. Tractor Supply locations are usually indoors or covered, which helps.
Can I add a location to this list?
Yes! Drop a comment below with the dog park or wash station location, any important details (like parking notes, water temperature, or special features), and we’ll check it out when we’re in the area. This is a working log and we’re always adding new spots.