Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hanover, IN
Clifty Falls State Park Campground welcomes pets across its 106 electric and 59 primitive campsites while maintaining a strict on-leash policy throughout the grounds. Multiple pet-friendly state parks dot the landscape near Hanover, Indiana, with Charlestown State Park Campground and Versailles State Park offering similar accommodations for campers with dogs. Most campgrounds provide spacious sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and access to potable water. The Indiana state parks enforce standard pet policies requiring dogs to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet, with owners responsible for proper waste disposal. Campgrounds typically allow 2-3 pets per site without breed restrictions, though barking dogs causing disturbances may result in removal from the grounds. The campground sites at Clifty Falls maintain varying levels of shade and privacy, with reviews noting that certain sites feature thick brush between them for added seclusion. The Dyrt includes reviews of campgrounds near Hanover, Indiana.
Dog-friendly hiking trails throughout Clifty Falls State Park provide excellent opportunities for pet exercise, with several paths leading to scenic waterfalls and a historic tunnel that requires a flashlight for exploration. The park's trail system includes routes suitable for all difficulty levels, from casual walks to more challenging terrain with steep limestone cliffs and rocky passages. Nearby Madison offers pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating areas where dogs can accompany their owners after a day of hiking. During summer months, pets should be monitored closely as temperatures on exposed campsites can rise significantly. Most campgrounds lack designated dog parks, so leashed walks through campground roads and nearby trails provide the primary exercise opportunities. Bathhouses and restroom facilities are generally well-maintained but do not offer pet washing stations. The park trails are not always clearly marked, so visitors with dogs should plan for potentially longer hikes than anticipated and carry extra water for pets.
