When Sea Pirate Campground says bring the whole family, we mean the whole family.
That includes the ones with four legs.
From Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2026, Sea Pirate Campground is kicking off its first weekend of fall activities with Pet Weekend, three days dedicated to families, campers, pets, and the memories we make when nobody has to stay behind.
The main event is Saturday’s Pet Swim, but that is only part of the fun.
There is also a Best Dressed Pet Contest, a pet parade, Kiwi, a hayride, ceramics, the Jumping Pillow, outdoor games, live music from the Big Daddy Duo, and even a Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption for younger campers.
For families who consider their dog part of the family, this weekend feels especially appropriate.
Because sometimes the best vacation is simply the one where everyone gets to come along.
Pet Weekend 2026 at a Glance
Here are the biggest events happening this weekend:
- Pet Swim
- Best Dressed Pet Contest
- Best Dressed Pet Parade
- Live Music by Big Daddy Duo
- Hayride and Meet Kiwi
- Ceramics
- Jumping Pillow
- Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption
- Tug of War
Pet Weekend runs September 11–13, 2026 at Sea Pirate Campground in West Creek, New Jersey, near Long Beach Island.
Why Do Families Love Bringing Their Dogs to Sea Pirate Campground?
Sea Pirate has welcomed generations of families, and online camper reviews show that pets are often part of those family vacations too.
When we looked through camper feedback, several pet-friendly themes appeared again and again.
Campers appreciate having a dedicated dog park
Multiple reviewers specifically mention Sea Pirate Campground’s dog park as one of the amenities they enjoyed.
One past guest described loving the dog park during a first stay and planned to return for another visit. Another camper specifically remembered the dog park as being well kept and even noted that toys were available for the dogs.
Families really do vacation here with their dogs
A more recent camper described visiting Sea Pirate with two dogs and a young child, praising the campground for being clean, welcoming, full of activities, and a place where both the dogs and the child had a great time.
That combination is important.
A pet-friendly campground should not simply mean that dogs are permitted.
It should mean families can plan a vacation without feeling like bringing the dog is an inconvenience.
Pet-friendly amenities are part of the campground experience
Independent campground directories list Sea Pirate as pet-friendly and identify a dog walk or dog park among its amenities.
That means Mom, Dad, the kids, and the dog can all have something to look forward to.
And during Pet Weekend, the pets even get their own turn in the pool.
Friday, September 11: Let Pet Weekend Begin
Friday evening eases families into the weekend with two Sea Pirate favorites.
Jumping Pillow
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Kids can start the weekend running, bouncing, laughing, and reconnecting with campground friends.
Wristbands must be worn and will be checked.
Hayride and Meet Kiwi
8:20 PM – 9:00 PM
Head to the office to see Kiwi, Sea Pirate Campground’s mascot, before hopping aboard the hayride.
The hayride begins at 8:30 PM, and Kiwi leaves at that time.
For a child, this can be one of those wonderfully simple campground memories:
Meeting Kiwi.
Climbing onto the hayride.
Sitting next to Mom or Dad.
Riding through the campground as another weekend begins.
Those little moments tend to last much longer than we expect.
Saturday, September 12: The Big Day for Pets
Saturday is the heart of Pet Weekend.
The morning starts with activities for kids and families before the afternoon turns the spotlight over to Sea Pirate’s pets.
Jumping Pillow
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Start Saturday morning with Jumping Pillow fun.
Wristbands must be worn and will be checked.
Ceramics
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Meet in the Treasure Room to paint your own ceramic keepsake.
Pieces range from $1–$15, depending on what you choose.
Acrylic paint is used and can stain clothing, so dress accordingly.
Who Has the Best Dressed Pet at Sea Pirate?
This may be your pet’s moment.
Best Dressed Pet Contest
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM
Bring your pet to the field by the pool wearing their very best outfit.
There will be winners for each type of pet, with winners determined at 2:00 PM sharp.
Cute?
Funny?
Fancy?
Completely ridiculous?
We want to see it.
Because if the humans get to dress up for campground theme weekends, the pets deserve their turn too.
Show Off Your Pet in the Best Dressed Pet Parade
Best Dressed Pet Parade
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
After the contest, join the Activities Staff for a parade around the field and let everyone admire Sea Pirate’s fabulous pets.
This is one of those activities that is as much fun for spectators as it is for participants.
Parents take pictures.
Kids point out their favorites.
Pet owners get to show off.
And somehow the pets usually end up being the stars of the weekend.
Tug of War
3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Head to the field by the pool and bring your friends for some friendly competition.
Then it is time for the main event.
Main Event: Pet Swim at the Sea Pirate Pool
Saturday, September 12
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Yes.
The dogs get the pool.
Bring your dog to the pool for one of Sea Pirate Campground’s most memorable Pet Weekend traditions.
For two hours, the pool becomes a place for splashing paws, wagging tails, doggie paddling, excited owners, and plenty of pictures.
Some dogs will dive right in.
Some may cautiously test the water.
Some will probably decide supervising from the edge is more their style.
Either way, Pet Swim is one of those events you simply do not see on an ordinary camping weekend.
Important Pet Swim Reminder
Dogs must be accompanied at all times.
Owners are responsible for staying with and supervising their dogs throughout the event.
Saturday Night: Big Daddy Duo on the Pool Deck
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
After a full afternoon of pet festivities, head back to the pool deck for live music from the Big Daddy Duo.
It is the perfect fall campground evening:
- Live music
- Friends
- Family
- Campground neighbors
- A full day of memories behind you
- Nowhere else you need to be
Sometimes that is all a good weekend needs.
Sunday, September 13: Even the Kids Can Adopt a Pet
Sunday morning brings a pet-themed activity especially for younger campers.
Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Head to the Treasure Room and choose a stuffed animal pet to adopt.
$3 per pet.
Kids get their own little companion to take home without anyone having to worry about feeding it or taking it for a walk.
It also gives them a keepsake from Pet Weekend that can become part of the memory.
Jumping Pillow
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Pet Weekend finishes with one more Jumping Pillow session.
Wristbands must be worn and will be checked.
What Campers Say About Sea Pirate as a Pet-Friendly Campground
We looked at recent camper feedback across Google, Campendium, The Dyrt, and other camping review sources to see what guests say about bringing pets to Sea Pirate Campground.
The recurring positive themes include:
- A dedicated dog park that campers specifically mention enjoying
- Room to explore around the campground with dogs
- Clean, well-maintained grounds
- A campground environment where kids and pets can both be part of the vacation
- Lots of activities for the human members of the family while pets still have space and amenities of their own
- A location close to Long Beach Island and other Jersey Shore attractions
- Families returning for repeat visits after enjoying their experience
One recent family traveled with two dogs and a two-year-old and described the trip as a place to relax, explore, and create memories together.
That may be the best description of what a pet-friendly family campground should be.
Not just somewhere that tolerates your dog.
Somewhere your dog can become part of the story.
Why Pet-Friendly Vacations Matter to Families
Ask a child whether the dog is part of the family and the answer usually comes without hesitation.
Of course they are.
Dogs are there for ordinary Tuesday afternoons.
They are there when kids come home from school.
They are there for backyard games, couch naps, car rides, family pictures, and all the little routines that make a house feel like home.
So when vacation time arrives, leaving them behind can feel like someone is missing.
Pet-friendly camping gives families another option.
Bring them.
Take the morning walk together.
Sit outside the campsite together.
Explore together.
Let the kids introduce the dog to their new campground friends.
Take the pictures.
Watch the dog experience something new.
Because years later, a child may not say:
“Remember campsite number 214?”
They are much more likely to say:
“Remember when we took the dog camping?”
and
“Remember when our dog went swimming at Sea Pirate?”
That is the kind of memory Pet Weekend is built for.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Weekend at Sea Pirate Campground
When is Pet Weekend at Sea Pirate Campground?
Pet Weekend takes place Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13, 2026.
What is the main event during Pet Weekend?
The main event is the Pet Swim, taking place Saturday from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Can dogs really swim in the Sea Pirate Campground pool?
Yes. During the scheduled Pet Swim, guests can bring their dogs into the pool.
Dogs must be accompanied and supervised by their owners at all times.
When is the Best Dressed Pet Contest?
The Best Dressed Pet Contest takes place Saturday from 1:45 PM to 2:00 PM on the field by the pool.
Are there different winners in the Pet Contest?
Yes. Winners will be selected for each type of pet.
Winners will be determined at 2:00 PM sharp.
Is there a pet fee at Sea Pirate Campground?
Sea Pirate Campground’s current 2026 rates list a $5 per night pet fee. Guests should confirm current pricing and pet requirements when making their reservation.
When is the Pet Parade?
The Best Dressed Pet Parade follows the contest on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
Does Sea Pirate Campground have a dog park?
Yes. Sea Pirate Campground has a dedicated dog park, an amenity that has also been positively mentioned by past campers.
Is Sea Pirate Campground pet-friendly outside of Pet Weekend?
Yes. Sea Pirate Campground welcomes pets as part of its regular camping experience, subject to campground rules and accommodation restrictions.
Can pets stay in Sea Pirate Campground rental units?
Pets are permitted only in designated pet-friendly rental units. Guests traveling with pets should confirm that their selected accommodation is pet-friendly when making a reservation.
Are there activities for children during Pet Weekend?
Yes. Kids can enjoy the Jumping Pillow, ceramics, the hayride with Kiwi, the pet festivities, and Sunday’s Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption.
How much is the Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption?
The Stuffed Animal Pet Adoption is $3 per pet and takes place Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Treasure Room.
When is live music?
The Big Daddy Duo performs Saturday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the pool deck.
Can kids meet Kiwi this weekend?
Yes. Meet Kiwi Friday evening before the hayride. The event begins at 8:20 PM, and the hayride starts at 8:30 PM.
Are wristbands required for the Jumping Pillow?
Yes. Wristbands must be worn and will be checked.
Is Sea Pirate Campground close to Long Beach Island?
Yes. Sea Pirate Campground is located in West Creek, New Jersey, just a short drive from Long Beach Island and other Jersey Shore attractions.
Bring the Whole Family to Pet Weekend
Pet Weekend is about more than giving the dog a turn in the pool.
It is about recognizing something families already know:
Pets are part of our memories too.
They are in the family pictures.
They are part of the road trip.
They sit beside us at the campsite.
They make the kids laugh.
And years later, when someone starts a sentence with:
“Remember when…”
sometimes there is a dog right in the middle of the story.
Join us September 11–13, 2026 for Pet Weekend at Sea Pirate Campground.
Dress up your pet.
Walk in the parade.
Take them for a swim.
Meet Kiwi.
Listen to live music.
Spend time together.
And make another family memory, paws included.
Ready for a pet-friendly fall camping getaway? Contact Sea Pirate Campground to check availability and plan your Pet Weekend stay.
