Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ferdinand, IN

Ferdinand State Forest accommodates pets at its primitive camping areas with basic toilet facilities but no drinking water, electric hookups, or showers. Campers with dogs appreciate the natural setting and hiking opportunities throughout the 7,500-acre forest. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed camping area offers free primitive tent camping where pets are welcome, though amenities are minimal with no toilets, water, or electric hookups. Several developed campgrounds within 30 minutes of Ferdinand provide more amenities for pet owners, including Lincoln State Park and Patoka Lake Campground, both offering year-round camping with electric hookups, water, and shower facilities.

Sycamore Springs Park receives consistently high ratings from pet owners who appreciate the park's pet-friendly policies and access to water features. The park includes a small river where dogs can wade and swim, along with multiple playgrounds and open areas for exercise. Leashed pets are welcome throughout most campgrounds in the region, though specific pet policies vary by location. Tipsaw Lake provides additional options for camping with pets, featuring boat access and water recreation opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area enforce standard leash requirements and request that owners clean up after their pets, with waste disposal stations available at the more developed sites.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ferdinand, Indiana (71)

    1. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    33 Reviews
    Santa Claus, IN
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4458

    $45 - $101 / night

    "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."

    2. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    22 Reviews
    Lincoln City, IN
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4710

    $20 - $100 / night

    "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."

    3. Patoka Lake Campground

    36 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-5589

    $12 - $32 / night

    "Only waterfill location was at the camp store. Shower house was open and warm water was available. Big DNR presence and staff was friendly and helpful. Quiet campground wasn’t many occupants."

    "Patoka has always had a hype about it for years; big lake, tons of boats, and fishing. This was our first trip here. We stayed in the Fishermans Primitive Campground."

    4. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4880

    $21 - $44 / night

    "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."

    5. Tipsaw Lake

    10 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4891

    $21 - $70 / night

    "This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"

    "Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana not far from I-64 (exit 79)."

    6. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    16 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    $5 / night

    "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."

    7. Sycamore Springs Park

    17 Reviews
    English, IN
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 338-3846

    "We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter."

    "There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground."

    8. Dubois County Park

    2 Reviews
    Jasper, IN
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 482-2434

    9. Ferdinand State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Ferdinand, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 367-1524

    "I stayed a couple nights an was very excited to come back the following weekend with the grandkids an all around great place to rv at"

    10. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    12 miles

    "This is NOT a campground, but just roadside pull-offs on public land. There are no restrooms, fire rings, picnic tables, or other amenities."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ferdinand, IN

429 Reviews of 71 Ferdinand 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.

  • Kelsie E.
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Buffalo Trace Park

    Great lake view

    The sites are well-spaced and there’s a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim, etc. Disc golf is the big activity at this park. Awesome walking path and a petting zoo. The park is exceptionally clean. Sites on the lake view side are noisy due to traffic on the highway.

  • Barry B.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    West Boggs Park

    Nice, clean and friendly

    West Boggs lake is near the heart of Indiana's Amish country. It has a great lake that has good fishing and the ability to put your boat out. Pets are welcome. They have sites for all forms of camping. We tent camped and had electric and water at site. Great place to ride you bike and visit others.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    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. 8, 2020

    Sycamore Springs Park

    Friendly, quiet and clean

    My wife and I went to Sycamore Springs Park a few weeks ago and stayed for 3 days. We tent camped and it was fantastic. We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter. The park assigned campers to where they were distanced from each other due to COVID. The showers were the best I've seen, clean and strong pressure. It is also pet friendly. Our Golden loved the camp and the lake. I recommend this camp to all who want a quiet get away.


Guide to Ferdinand

Discover the best spots for pets-allowed camping near Ferdinand, Indiana, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Ferdinand

Tips for camping with dogs near Ferdinand

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ferdinand, 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 Ferdinand, IN?

TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Ferdinand, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.