K
Karen G.
Scout
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Clean bathrooms and hot showers, great hiking and beautiful sites.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Clayton, DE
5 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Lums Pond State Park Campground welcomes pets across its full-hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and two pet-friendly yurts situated by the lake. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park with a 6-foot maximum leash length, though the campground features a designated dog park with water access for off-leash play. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Clayton, permits pets at both tent sites and cabins with a two-pet maximum per site. The spacious camping areas at Blackbird State Forest offer exceptional privacy for campers with dogs, with sites placed far enough apart that barking rarely disturbs neighboring campers. All pet-friendly campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, with most offering access to water and restroom facilities. Each campsite at Blackbird features at least one bundle of complimentary firewood, particularly convenient for overnight stays with pets during cooler seasons.
The 7.5-mile trail circling Lums Pond provides excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with multiple water access points along the route where pets can cool off. Seasonal campers note the spring and fall months offer the most comfortable temperatures for camping with pets in the Delaware region, as summer heat can be intense for dogs, particularly at less-shaded campgrounds. Tuckahoe State Park's pet-friendly accommodations include cabins and traditional campsites with nearby hiking trails suitable for dogs of all sizes. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours beginning at 10 PM, with pet owners expected to manage barking accordingly. Veterinary services are available within 20 minutes of most area campgrounds, with the closest emergency animal hospital located in Bear, Delaware. The multi-use trails connecting camping areas to recreational sections of the parks provide convenient dog walking routes, though campers should bring their own waste bags as pet waste stations are limited at most locations.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Clayton (81)
1. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course."
"The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area. Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side."
9 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $17 - $32 / night
2. Elk Neck State Park Campground
"Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff"
"Our go to State Park for camping as it is pretty close to home. Standard State Park with all the amenities you need. We are tent campers/ non electric (no pets/ no kids)."
Check Availabilityfrom $21 - $55 / night
3. Blackbird State Forest Campground
"The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."
"I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
4. Killens Pond State Park Campground
"First time staying overnight at a campground in Delaware. The cabins are tiny on the inside but that porch really provides very useful space.
No paper towels, soap or kitchen utensils.""Delaware seemed short on camping options and this one was probably top of the line 40 years ago. It's dated in every way, but it's in a good spot. Seemed to have some residents mixed in."
32 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $17 - $79 / night
5. Tuckahoe State Park Campground
"Mini cabin D is pet friendly but one of the few. Bathrooms were pretty clean, although perpetually wet floors throughout. Nice washing station for doing dishes, which was a major plus."
"There was a small lending library next to the store/office and wood was for sale too. There are sites that aren’t level but ours was okay. Nearby is St. Michael’s, MD."
Check Availabilityfrom $21 - $70 / night
6. Canoein’ Sue’s
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $52 / night
7. Dover AFB Famcamp
Check Availabilityfrom $8 - $20 / night
8. Martinak State Park Campground
"The park is pet friendly. The ranger was very vigilant and friendly. We met new friends and even attended a concert at their pavilion 🥰"
"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 - $77 / night
9. Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
"There is also a section of walk-in tent sites, each with 1 parking spot semi close by. (Bring a wagon if you stay at one of these)."
"There are miles upon miles of walking and biking trails. There are nice play facilities for kids, loads of water and beach access."
44 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $80 / night
10. Holiday Park Campground
"They do have restrictions on dog breeds per their insurance guidelines; some sewer sites available; they do have rules and they are followed but they make for an enjoyable time; also have church services"
Check Availabilityfrom $49 - $57 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from Dover, DE
- 1 hr 5 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 22 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 25 min from Baltimore, MD
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Clayton, DE
62 Photos of 81 Clayton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Canoein’ Sue’s
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Killens Pond State Park Campground
Elk Neck State Park CampgroundJ
D&J Shady Rest CampgroundL
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
G & R Campground
Martinak State Park Campground
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches
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Susquehanna State Park CampgroundG
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Clayton, DE
712 Reviews of 81 Clayton Campgrounds
- j
james Q.ScoutBelleplain State Forest
Quiet, Clean and Friendly
We stayed at the group site campground with our horse. We found the sites to be large, and clean. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and they have fall activities for the family, at the lake and nature hikes. The porta potty's are very clean, have hand sanitizer and plenty of paper. Will be returning again in a few weeks. Plenty of trails to ride on. A true gem in our own backyard.
- KKevin D.Scout
Redden State Forest Campground
Quiet primitive campsites with slight road noise. We didn’t hear any train during our stay. We stayed at site 10 on the left branch where the newer gravel tent sites are in the pines. The potalet is nearby. It’s was dark at our campsite when we arrived. Nice and level gravel pad with plenty of room - sites are large enough to pull into and k turn if needed (although we saw the sign saying to park parallel to the site entrance in the morning- we have a roof top tent on our vehicle). When I put my headlamp on there were all these tiny sparkles on the ground out among the pine trees surrounding our campsite. When I walked up really close to one and shined my lamp on it, I saw that they are pretty big spiders. A little unnerving but also pretty? Told my brain I was in a glittery fairy forest and slept fine. 🤣
- JJohn Y.Scout
Ocean View Resort Campground
One of the best campgrounds I have ever stayed in
This is one of the largest, if not the largest, campgrounds in Southern New Jersey. While on the pricier side, everything is top-notch. The roads are all paved, and not gravel (I hate trying to sleep and listening to the sound of stones grating together). The sites are more spacious than most campgrounds, so it doesn't seem so crowded. The bathrooms are all modern and spotless. There are numerous bathrooms which means most sites have one nearby. They do charge a quarter for showers to encourage water conservation and donate the money to conservation causes. The pool is large, as is the lake. Both are well-maintained. The camp store is enormous and is really nice and well-stocked with everything one might need from food to pool and beach stuff to camping supplies and equipment. There is a nice cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The camp store has a lending library of books and DVDs. There are numerous activities that appear to be well-run, The grounds are shaded with many trees for a great wooded campground feel. The campground is so large that it has an internal shuttle with stations scattered about to help people go between the various important sites such as at the pool, the lake and the store. I found other campers, particularly the seasonals, to be more friendly than other campgrounds at the shore. This requires constant tree care including removing dead trees and branches which they do regularly. The staff is friendly and well-trained. I was in a tent, and when a rare October nor'easter came through, I was offered the opportunity to use a cabin free-of-charge. Fortunately my tent and equipment made it through days of rain and high winds just fine . On my first stay in May, I had to run my dog back to Baltimore towards the end of my trip where he was sadly diagnosed with incurable metastatic cancer. When I returned, I was late and unable to check out by 11, but they allowed me to take as much time as needed to clear the site, as nobody was staying there the next day, which was deeply appreciated - I was an emotional wreck. Oh, and I found the complimentary Wi-Fi to be a great service, and sufficiently fast to allow me to stream ultra-high-definition movies at my site - Most campgrounds charge extra for less-than-good service - a lot more. I find that a big bonus. Overall, I LOVE this campground and highly recommend it.
- AAmanda N.Scout
The Depot Travel Park
Enjoyed my stay
I’ve stayed here multiple times over the past 15 years and I have enjoyed each trip.
Depot Travel Park is a well-maintained family-owned campground. It is also reasonably priced, especially given the location that is within a bicycle ride to the beach, the ocean, and lots of shops and restaurants in Cape May. It is the only campground on the Cape May side of the canal.
Please note that this is not a resort campground and it doesn’t have a pool. There is so much to do in Cape May that is doesn’t need to be a resort.
Since it’s not a resort campground, there are not many golf carts, so most people use their bicycles or cars to get around. That also makes the campground pretty quiet, even during the peak of summer.
The campground sells firewood and propane, but there is no camp store. Again, it doesn’t really need one, since there is a farmers market at the end of the driveway, and a CVS and an ACME supermarket within bicycle riding distance.
If your site doesn’t have a sewer hookup, the dump station is a little awkward to access, but they have a daily honey wagon for a reasonable fee, which is great. If you notify the office the day before you need it and they are usually there in the morning.
They close for the season n October, but they reopen briefly during the Cape May Christmas Parade weekend in December. That’s one thing that I’d like to do soon.
I really like this campground and I am always recommending it to friends.
- EEmily R.Scout
Belleplain State Forest
Don’t go unless you want harassment
My check in was for 8-6-2026, and bc I’m a new driver and wanted to beat traffic I got there early (7am) so I sit there waiting till check in time. When suddenly the park police show up. He’s accusing me of camping over night there. I told him simply I wasn’t and where I was night prior (would never sleep somewhere without permission). So we go to the store to kill time before we check in. Come back for Check in and the whole staff in just the office alone were so arrogant and cold to my mom and I, leaving rude comments to us and not only where they like that but the staff outside the office was acting like that alongside the rangers and park police. They would watch us the whole visit in the distance parking there cars a little ways watching everything we did,even driving by slowly a bunch of times in just an hour alone. My mom and I couldn’t do anything with out them showing up 2 mins later. Example we were walking our dog enjoying our time(trying to) and all of a sudden one of the office ladies pulls up right in front of us speeding, parks their car, gets out and walks a distance from us standing there and taking pictures of us…. For walking our dog who’s on a leash and didn’t even do anything. The whole trip we felt uncomfortable and unwanted and to find out they police when we were going on walks where coming up to campers near us bribing them with free firewood to get any information on use (told to us by other camper). I paid a lot of money to be harassed and followed the whole time. We never did anything we abide by every rule and keep to ourselves everywhere we go. They even made my mother cry…
- Jason
GuideAnnapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
Great spot for Retirees/Active
If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
- HHenryScout
Cape Henlopen State Park Campground
Cape Henlopen DE
Great place. Close to beach. No septic hookup
TaylorScoutYogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches
Yearly goers
Love it every year . We g for mother's Day. And the schedule for the events they do during even just the weekend make for fun filled hassle free weekend
Guide to Clayton
Camping areas near Clayton, Delaware sit at elevations under 100 feet above sea level, creating accessible terrain for campers of all skill levels. The region's climate features humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F and mild winters, with most campgrounds maintaining year-round operations. Camping season typically runs strongest from April through October, with fall offering the most moderate temperatures and colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Kayaking at Tuckahoe State Park: The park offers water access for paddlers with a designated launch area near tent sites. "Nice pads, even with rain none were flooded... I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal," notes Kasey M. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Hiking at Lums Pond: A network of trails surrounds the pond, including the 7.5-mile perimeter trail. "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," shares Mark about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Fishing at Martinak: The waterfront access provides opportunities for anglers. "Great secluded campground, peaceful... This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here," writes Sam D. about Martinak State Park Campground.
Explore historic sites: The region contains preserved historic areas with educational value. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat," explains Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer greater separation between camping spots. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" says Sarah M. about Blackbird State Forest Campground.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the quality of bathhouses. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," shares Mark about Lums Pond State Park.
Complimentary firewood: Select campgrounds include wood with your site. "Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood. The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles -- pretty easy to sleep in a tent," explains D R. about Blackbird State Forest.
Well-maintained sites: Many campgrounds feature level, prepared camping pads. "Site was well maintained and very clean. Bathrooms were clean with showers and wash stations. Great views of the bay and beaches," notes Kate J. about Elk Neck State Park Campground.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations... Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B.
Limited cell service: Some areas have spotty connectivity. "Cell service (T-Mobile) was spotty at times, bathhouses were fine, and the ranger was on patrol regularly. We felt very safe!" reports Shanna S. about Martinak State Park.
Site selection matters: Not all sites accommodate larger setups. "Pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," warns David G. about Elk Neck.
Hunting seasons: Some park areas allow hunting during specific periods. "Hunting - as a hiker, I am extremely wary of hiking in parks at a time when hunting is allowed," cautions Mary S. about Tuckahoe State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For sites near children's play areas. "The site was pretty level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus. Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)," shares Mark about Lums Pond.
Water activities: Parks with water features for kids. "They have a large pond that you can rent paddle boats and small v-bottom boats! We did enjoy the paddle boats and saw a few cranes! They offer fishing at the pond which was also enjoyable!" reports Amanda H.
Junior ranger programs: Educational opportunities for children. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," notes Jean C. about Martinak State Park.
Camping road safety: Consider campground layout for bike riding. "The camp road was minimally hilly and would be safe and easy for little kids to ride their bikes, unlike some of the campgrounds that have pretty decent hills," observes Jennifer S. about Susquehanna State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Clayton offer full hookup options. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well," explains Ellen B. about Lums Pond.
Dump station access: For sites without sewer hookups. "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Site angles and access: Some sites require careful navigation. "Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Year-round camping options exist. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," shares Laure D. about Elk Neck.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Clayton, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 53 reviews.
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