Dog-Friendly Camping near Chrisney, IN

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    Lake Lincoln Campground in Lincoln State Park accommodates pets in all camping areas including electric sites, primitive campsites, and cabins. Campers with dogs must keep them on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times when outside of vehicles. The campground provides water hookups at each electric site, with clean shower houses and restroom facilities throughout the camping areas. Scales Lake Park and Gobbler's Run Campground also welcome pets with similar leash requirements. Most campsites include picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby access to water for pet hydration. The campground's proximity to Holiday World theme park makes it popular with families traveling with pets. Sites near the lake offer easy access for dogs who enjoy swimming, though pets must remain leashed even near water areas.

    Lincoln State Park's network of hiking trails offers excellent opportunities for dog walking, with Trail 1 providing lake views and moderate terrain suitable for most pets. The park maintains clean grounds with proper waste disposal facilities for pet owners. Many campers note the family-friendly atmosphere makes it comfortable for well-behaved dogs, with ample space between most sites for setting up pet containment areas. During summer months, the park can become quite busy, especially on weekends and near holidays, so securing reservations well in advance is recommended for pet owners. The campground is open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation as water hookups may be limited during cold weather. Nearby Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial allows leashed pets on outdoor trails but not inside buildings or exhibits.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Chrisney (69)

      1. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

      3.9(33)10mi from ChrisneyRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access."

      "Pets are allowed and the sites are gravel or concrete. Relax at the pool, enjoy mini golf, playing at the game room, mining for gems, or shooting some hoops."

      from $45 - $101 / night

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      2. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

      4.5(22)7mi from Chrisney150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Very pet friendly. Nice, clean bath houses for a state park."

      "Lincoln State Park is right down the road from Santa Claus , Indiana and Holiday World. Needless to say it was a little busy, but not as bad as the Rudolph RV Park in town."

      from $20 - $100 / night

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      3. Scales Lake Park

      4.3(17)13mi from ChrisneyRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance."

      "Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites."

      from $17 - $140 / night

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      4. Gobbler's Run Campground — Lincoln State Park

      4.5(2)7mi from Chrisney89 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Hiked through the forest to where Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana. Fished the lake caught fish for dinner. Really enjoyed my time here."

      "We enjoyed the many hiking trails and, of course, the lake. This was Rivers first time in the kayak this year so we took it slow. she loved wearing her new lifejacket."

      from $20 / night

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      5. Oakridge Campground

      5.0(1)8mi from ChrisneyRVs

      from $35 / night

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      6. Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park

      4.7(3)13mi from ChrisneyRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before."

      "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique."

      7. Vastwood Co Park

      4.8(4)15mi from ChrisneyRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."

      "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."

      from $8 - $20 / night

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      8. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

      4.0(11)21mi from Chrisney13 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "

      "There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."

      from $5 / night

      9. Bullocktown Hideaway

      5.0(1)11mi from ChrisneyTents

      10. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

      4.4(20)27mi from Chrisney102 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This was a very quiet campsite in southern Indiana. We had a hard time finding dispered camping in the national Forest so we settled for this site."

      "Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground. Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."

      from $24 - $52 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chrisney, IN

    419 Reviews of 69 Chrisney Campgrounds


    • L
      Jul. 7, 2024

      Tipsaw Lake

      Great Camp Spot for Families

      Besides picking the only weekend where the camp had plumbing issues… my 4 year old daughter and I loved this place. This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down! The rangers were very nice and was pleased to answer any of my questions, the lake and bathrooms were clean and the place was nice and quiet. I’ll be back again.

    • L
      Jul. 11, 2021

      Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

      Fun family campground

      This is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2019

      Harmonie State Park Campground

      Lotsa trees

      Ranger Review: Primus at Harmonie State Park

      I recently visited Harmonie State Park near New Harmony, In. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570048 Just a heads up when camping in Indiana there is a fee to visit the State Parks. I always carry cash for that , laundry and in some states bathroom use. So, the number one thing that stuck out to me about this campground was the shade. For the most part it’s level (floodplain...I saw no standing water) And all the sites are nicely shaded (we are talking full growth) and good size. The sites are electric only, no water, no sewer. There are centrally located water hydrants and a dump station on the way out of the campground. The campground wasn’t very full when we visited, but there is a plethora of activities to enjoy. An Olympic size pool which back in the day my kids woulda loved. Hiking paths (very wide), one right by the campground and a connector trail to the mountain bike trail area. There’s also a bike section on the paved roads. You could spend a comfortable week here and not be bored.

      Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to occasionally try out outdoor products while camping and this trip I brought along some Primus “kitchen gear” https://primus.us/ . Primus is known for its camping stoves , the kitchen accessories are pretty sweet too. I have the Trailsporks , a long spoon , a spatula for grilling , campfire plates and a campfire knife. These are very sturdy made accessories and pack in my kit without taking up a lot of space. There are a lot of options on the site to fit your packing needs too, from family fireside to fastpacking . I’m building my fireside kitchen kit .

    • j
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Love's RV Hookup-Leavenworth IN 839

      Last minute

      Rest stops leading up to this RV spot were under construction. This was a last minute decision. It was late and I didn’t want to drive in the dark anymore. The price is HIGH. With discounts for goodsam and loves connect it was $50/night for 30 amp. The dog park at this loves is very nice and the spaces are okay. But it’s loud all night because it’s a truck stop. I like the idea of this for loves but the price needs to reflect it. $25/night. No one is staying longer than that and it’s a better deal.

    • H
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Scales Lake Park

      Excellent Primitive Site

      This was our first time camping and I must say I absolutely loved our site. We were on a primitive site number 109. Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance. When we first arrived it was pretty clean but after the weekend it was really bad and ran out of toilet paper. But the bathroom facilities by the slide were great you just had to drive to it from the primitive sites. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too. Though a little close to the road. All in all we will definitely be staying there again.

    • F
      Sep. 21, 2023

      Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park

      Peaceful But Plain

      A very peaceful place to camp with helpful rangers. There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before. Firewood is $8 a bundle and parking is $3 a day. Well priced and serene, but I would recommend this for people without children or someone looking for a camp away from any kind of excitement.

    • J
      Jul. 11, 2018

      Scales Lake Park

      Great family park!

      Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites.

    • Barry B.
      Jul. 25, 2020

      Scales Lake Park

      Friendly family place

      Nice beach, trails and playground. Friendly camper. Pet friendly. Would've given 5 stars but our site was tight. Squeezed between 2 sites, out the front door fight to neighbors sewer hose.

    • Sofia A.
      Oct. 24, 2020

      Marengo Cave Campgrounds

      Near Caves

      I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!


    Guide to Chrisney

    Lincoln State Park and the surrounding areas offer several pet-friendly camping options near Chrisney, Indiana. The terrain features rolling hills and forested areas at approximately 450 feet above sea level. Southern Indiana's climate includes warm summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild spring and fall seasons, creating comfortable conditions for camping with pets.

    What to do

    Fishing at Tipsaw Lake: Electric-motor boats, kayaks, and shore fishing available at Tipsaw Lake in Hoosier National Forest. "We enjoyed the Tipsaw Lake 5.9 mile Trail. I kept thinking Trail Run event! The trail is not difficult, it's hilly and technical, but an enjoyable excursion," notes reviewer Shelly S.

    Holiday festivities: Visit Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph during Halloween season. "We went to Lake Rudolph for their Halloweekends and it is a one of a kind experience. They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving, and so many other things throughout the day!" writes Ashley D.

    Lincoln history exploration: Learn about Abraham Lincoln's childhood at the memorial across from Gobbler's Run Campground. "Hiked through the forest to where Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana. Fished the lake caught fish for dinner. Really enjoyed my time here," says Jerry R.

    What campers like

    Quiet, spacious campsites: Lake Lincoln Campground offers well-designed sites with ample space. "Sites are well spaced. Clean, professional state park," reports Tom B. The campground maintains a quiet atmosphere even during busy periods.

    Animal encounters: Unique experiences with animals at Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park. "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique," notes Keith P.

    Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The bathhouse was extremely clean and well taken care of," writes Keith P. about Scales Lake Park. At Lincoln State Park, one camper noted, "Bathhouses are kept clean and staff is friendly."

    What you should know

    Cell service limitations: Limited connectivity at some campgrounds. "Cell service is awful," reports Michael S. about Tipsaw Lake. This can affect navigation and emergency communications, so download maps and information before arrival.

    Varying site sizes and layouts: Site dimensions differ substantially between campgrounds. At Scales Lake County Park, "The sites are very close together, so when the campsites are full you don't feel like you have much privacy or personal space," according to Stefanie W.

    Beach access changes: Lake Lincoln's beach is temporarily unavailable. "Lake is being drained, so no beach until 2026," reports Tom B. Plan water activities at alternative locations if swimming is a priority.

    Tips for camping with families

    Theme park proximity: Coordinate camping with theme park visits. "Lincoln State Park is usually packed. It's less than 10 miles away from Holiday World. I think a lot of theme park visitors camp here," notes Danielle M.

    Wildlife education opportunities: Take advantage of animal interactions at select parks. "There is a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented," reports Fox S. about Scales Lake. This provides learning experiences despite some limitations.

    Trail difficulty assessment: Evaluate trails before hiking with children. At Tipsaw Lake, "The trails are clearly marked and fun little streams for the kids to play in," according to Angela M., making them suitable for families with younger children.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection at wagon wheel layouts: Consider logistics at uniquely arranged sites. At Scales Lake, Dan H. explains: "We had 3 RVs in our group and we camped in one of the 'wagon wheels.' It was a very cool experience. I'm not sure how you could get in or out if all the spots were reserved. It took a collaborative effort when it was time to pull out."

    Limited availability for larger RVs: Carefully check site specifications. "This is a small campground (13 sites). Sites are nice, but small if you rv camp. We have a 29 ft. camper and could only use 3 or 4 of the sites," advises Ronald H. about Saddle Lake Campground.

    Electric hookup quality: Some campgrounds have aging electrical systems. "The only thing I wish that would have been better, is the electrical hookups could probably be updated," notes Keith P. about Scales Lake, suggesting bringing surge protectors and adapters.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chrisney, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chrisney, IN is Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph with a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chrisney, IN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Chrisney, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.