Best Dog-Friendly Camping near French Lick, IN

Youngs Creek Horse Camp accommodates tent camping, RVs, and horses with multiple primitive sites featuring fire rings and picnic tables. This secluded camping area in the Hoosier National Forest allows pets at all campsites with standard leash requirements. The camp offers basic amenities including vault toilets and a fresh water pump. Sites are spacious with ample room for multiple tents, and many visitors appreciate the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The campground remains largely uncrowded except during organized trail rides when it fills quickly. Chorus frogs provide natural nighttime sounds throughout the camping area.

Pet owners can access hiking trails directly from the campground, with a loop trail providing easy walking opportunities for dogs. The campground's location near Paoli (about 5 miles away) provides convenient access to supplies at the local Walmart or farmers co-op when needed. French Lick is approximately 30 minutes from the campground, offering additional services. The natural setting features abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, though campers should keep food secured as raccoons are common visitors to campsites. Sites lack electrical hookups or shower facilities, making this location ideal for primitive camping with dogs who enjoy natural surroundings. The gravel parking pads provide relatively level surfaces for setting up camp.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near French Lick, Indiana (96)

    1. Patoka Lake Campground

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

    $12 - $25 / 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."

    2. Spring Mill State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mitchell, IN
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 849-3534

    $20 - $30 / night

    "There are trails, caves, and a “village” to be explored. The campsite has water and electric hookups (30a) and primitive sites as well."

    "Spring Mill State park is a little piece of history that is in the heart of southern Indiana. Here you will find a working frontier village."

    3. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "We camp here every time we come to Indiana. We have camped there in a truck camper, and now we tent camp with our Jeep. The sites are large, and there are fire rings available."

    "Site accommodates both horse, drive in and walk-in camping. There’s a privy and water on site. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables."

    4. Sycamore Springs Park

    17 Reviews
    English, IN
    18 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."

    5. Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake

    4 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 685-2464

    "This SRA is right on Patoka Lake, so there's plenty to do on the water - boating, fishing, floating cabins, beaches. There's also a disc golf course, archery range, and plenty of paved & dirt trails."

    "Beautiful campground and lake. Quiet and very well maintained facilities."

    6. Sleeping Bear Retreat

    2 Reviews
    French Lick, IN
    2 miles
    Website

    $20 - $55 / night

    7. Martin State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Shoals, IN
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 247-3491

    $13 / night

    "Generator okay but recommend use away from other campers."

    "This state forest is beautiful, filled with pines and a clear lake. It is a primative campground but is very nice. Has nice hiking trails and 7 miles of mountain bike trails."

    8. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    24 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."

    9. Springs Valley Rec Area

    1 Review
    French Lick, IN
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "the campground is closed for overnight camping, but this is still a beautiful lake for hiking, fishing, and my favorite, kayaking. electric motors only, so nice and quiet."

    10. West Boggs Park

    11 Reviews
    Loogootee, IN
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 295-3421

    "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."

    "This is a beautiful campground right on the lake near Loogootee, Indiana. Lots of golf carts cruise the campground. That can be a little dangerous. So you need to watch your little ones closely."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near French Lick, IN

666 Reviews of 96 French Lick Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2023

    Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    Basic National Forest Campground

    A quiet, peaceful spot in the forest. A few horses on the trail on weekends. French Lick is 30 minutes away.

  • Brady R.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Paynetown Campground

    Lake Views - Good for Covid

    With COVID, it seems that everyone...and then more people are going camping. It's a bittersweet type of situation. Nevertheless, it's been very hard to find decent camping in Indiana that isn't packed in like sardines, while also trying to escape the city and get into nature - not around more people.

    Luckily, a friend and I came here last October and this place was great. We got a non electric site and were in the middle of the sites. We had a great lake view and were very happy with our setup. It was a pull-through site, although not all are like that. We were able to set up in no time. 

    We had lots of space, away from our neighbors. The campstore had wood and random items that you might need should you forget. We were just steps away from the lake and enjoyed walking down there every morning. There aren't the best hiking trails around, so you'll need to drive to the nearby Brown County or National Forest to hike on trails that are actually worth the time. 

    I will add that the setup is a bit odd for non-electric. You basically had to pull up to the gatehouse, get your reservation info, then do a U-turn and go back out past the campstore in order to get to your campground. Very odd setup to say the least.

  • 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.

  • s
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    Still developing

    Owners are fantastic. They will get to a 5 as they continue their hard work making it an awesome place. New owners took over 4 months ago. They have many activities (was yogi bear till it was sold) put put, bowling, chess, volleyball, fishing. Dog park, Play ground was nicely done. Lake has lots of algae. Pool is brand new. It is by highway however, that did not bother us personally. I will visit again and would consider seasonal. Service id rate them a 5. Wonderful people and the place as much potential.

  • J
    May. 14, 2022

    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

    New Name “Camp Raintree Lake”

    Gorgeous property with such kind and friendly owners. New owners that are making improvements to the property but it is so nice already.

    The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through. There is a sand volleyball net, gah gah ball, dog park, playground, mini golf (not ready for summer yet), and a new pool soon (concrete poured the other day).

    Campground is a few miles from interstate and right off the highway so some highway noise but still a great picturesque place.

    We will definitely stay here again if we are in the area .

  • 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.

  • 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.


Guide to French Lick

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near French Lick, Indiana, opens up a world of adventure for you and your furry friends. With a variety of campgrounds that welcome pets, you can enjoy the great outdoors without leaving your companions behind.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near French Lick

  • At Patoka Lake Campground, you can explore numerous trails and enjoy fishing, all while your dog enjoys the fresh air and scenic views.
  • Spring Mill State Park Campground offers hiking trails where pets are welcome, allowing you to experience the park's natural beauty together.
  • The Indian-Celina Recreation Area features spacious sites and access to water activities, making it a great spot for a fun-filled day with your pet.

Tips for camping with dogs near French Lick

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at West Boggs Park to ensure their safety, especially around other campers and wildlife.
  • Bring plenty of water and food for your pet, as some campgrounds like Ferdinand State Forest do not provide drinking water at each site.
  • Make sure to pack a comfortable bed or blanket for your dog to relax on at Sycamore Springs Park, where they can enjoy the shade and tranquility.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near French Lick, IN is Patoka Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 36 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near French Lick, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.