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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near New Castle, DE

772 Reviews

Lums Pond State Park Campground offers spacious full hookup sites where pets are welcome throughout the year. The campground features large, well-spaced sites with paved pads, electric, water, and sewer connections for RVs and tent campers alike. Dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet when outside the vehicle or camping unit. Sites remain quiet and peaceful despite being just minutes from I-95, making it a popular destination for pet owners. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near New Castle, Delaware. The bathhouse facilities are immaculate with individual shower rooms, and the campground's location provides excellent access to pet-friendly hiking trails that circle the pond. Additional pet-friendly options include Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA in New Jersey and Elk Neck State Park Campground in Maryland, both within a short drive of New Castle.

The 7-mile hiking trail around Lums Pond offers excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners, with multiple access points from the campground. Pets enjoy exploring the wooded surroundings while remaining on leash throughout the park property. The Mike Castle Trail along the C&D Canal is located right across the street, providing additional pet-friendly recreation options. During summer months, owners should be mindful of hot pavement on paved camping pads and walking surfaces. The campground's proximity to shopping means pet supplies are easily accessible if needed. Camp hosts are known to be friendly and helpful to guests with pets. Most sites offer adequate shade trees, keeping pets comfortable during warmer weather. Pet waste stations are positioned throughout the campground, and pet owners are expected to clean up after their animals to maintain the park's cleanliness.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near New Castle, Delaware (79)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "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."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "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)."

    3. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    20 Reviews
    Paulsboro, NJ
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 423-6677

    "Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival."

    "The neighbor’s sewer connection is right next to our picnic table! But, the sites are large enough for large RVs, they have 30/50 amp hookups and water & sewer."

    4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

    10 Reviews
    Elmer, NJ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 451-7479

    "They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."

    "I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."

    5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    10 Reviews
    Gradyville, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 892-3900

    $57 / night

    "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

    "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

    6. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro."

    "There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge."

    7. Old Cedar Campground

    11 Reviews
    Monroeville, NJ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-4881

    $31 - $50 / night

    "This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground. 

    The pool was nice and clean."

    "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

    8. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / night

    "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."

    9. Parvin State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Rosenhayn, NJ
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (856) 358-8616

    $20 - $65 / night

    "lake with water sports, hiking trails that are dog friendly, plenty of campsites. If you have kids staying longer for the lake would make sense. bring bug spray!!"

    "Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans."

    10. Woodlands Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    White Hall, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-4414
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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near New Castle, DE

67 Photos of 79 New Castle Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near New Castle, DE

772 Reviews of 79 New Castle Campgrounds

  • L
    Aug. 6, 2018

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Very Dog Friendly

    Campground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. 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. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    Really nice

    We stayed here for a night in transit. Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival. Good location - convenient but far enough off the highway. Would stay here again.

  • E
    Aug. 4, 2021

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Impromtu tent camping success!

    I was able to book my site the day before the trip. 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. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.

    The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.

    The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.

    The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.

    The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.

    Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.

    All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.

  • D
    Jun. 5, 2023

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Weekend Trip To Reading

    My family and I stayed at French Creek State Park while attending an event in Reading. The park was clean and well maintained. We stayed in Loop A which had no camp host. The camp hosts were in loops B & C.  We had a full hook up site. The water and electric worked great! The campground was well patrolled by Rangers throughout our stay. The bathhouses appeared to be clean and maintained. The quiet time starts at 9pm and seemed to be followed by most campers. There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro. There are many stores and restaurants in the area for food and supplies if needed. We had good cellular service with both AT&T and T-Mobile. The one downside was that there was no off leash dog park. We had to take our dog to a dog park in Birdsbroro. We would stay at this park again.

  • C
    Aug. 23, 2018

    Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina

    RV Park surrounded by water!

    Our first visit (March 2018) was just prior to peak season (lower rates) and we had a site literally 10 ft. from the water! Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice. There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open. The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds. There was a pet exercise/walking area, but could use some sprucing up. However, no one really made an issue of walking your dog around the campground and as the weekend came around, more and more dogs were around.

    You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution. Would like to try Bar Harbor again sometime.

  • Mackenzie B.
    Aug. 4, 2018

    Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

    love it here

    well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills.

  • Ellen B.
    May. 23, 2019

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    Great place in the back yard

    We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.

    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.

    Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2021

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

    Best KOA I’ve been to

    This is unquestionably the best KOA I’ve been to. I usually do not like KOA, except when there are no alternatives. This one is way above average. Typically these places are all gravel and dust. This one has paved roads, grass and trees. There is a pond for fishing, too. The only complaint is that, like all KOAs, the sites are on top of each other. The neighbor’s sewer connection is right next to our picnic table! But, the sites are large enough for large RVs, they have 30/50 amp hookups and water & sewer. There are cabins and large tents you can rent. There is a playground, pavilion, laundry, and several shower/bathrooms. (The one near us didn’t have hot water. The office people said they were working on it.) There us also a large, grassy, fenced dog park which my 2 spaniels appreciated.

  • Tamara P.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Great Park!

    We stayed at site 18 in Loop A. There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge.

Guide to New Castle

Located approximately 7 miles south of Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware sits at the confluence of the Delaware River and Christina River with an average elevation of just 36 feet above sea level. The region features moderately humid summers with temperatures reaching into the 80s and mild winters that rarely drop below freezing. Campers can find a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with several options catering to pets.

What to Do

Water activities at Lums Pond: The 200-acre pond offers electric motor boating, kayaking, and canoeing opportunities. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)" notes Matt S. from Lums Pond State Park Campground.

Visit Hopewell Furnace: Located near French Creek State Park, this national historic site showcases early American iron-making. A camper mentions, "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups... Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it" from Elk Neck State Park Campground.

Explore Philadelphia: For day trips to the city, campers recommend "This is a very nice KOA, just over the Delaware River from Philly. The park is clean, quiet, full of families. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily. I would definitely plan to stay here to visit Philly!" according to Jason E.

What Campers Like

Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous site sizes. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," notes Adam and Suzanne B.

Pet-friendly trails: Multiple campgrounds offer dedicated pet exercise areas. At French Creek State Park Campground, "Loop C is the only loop that allows pets. I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," according to Jen R.

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of bathhouses. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," writes Mark about his stay at Lums Pond State Park Campground.

What You Should Know

Reservation challenges: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially 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.

Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds close during winter months. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, "This does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change," reports one reviewer.

Water quality varies: Some parks have water issues to be aware of. "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water," notes Frank J. about Parvin State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near New Castle, DE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Castle, DE is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near New Castle, DE?

TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near New Castle, DE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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