100 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Clark State Forest accommodates tent and RV camping with pets throughout its quiet, wooded sites. This year-round campground near New Pekin requires pets to remain leashed at all times, with easily accessible walking paths for dog exercise. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though the primitive camping experience offers limited amenities with no electric hookups. Guests report very quiet surroundings where wildlife encounters are common—one camper mentioned meeting a friendly raccoon during their stay. Buffalo Trace Park provides another pet-friendly option with well-spaced lakeside sites offering electric and water hookups, clean restrooms, and shower facilities. Dogs are permitted to swim in designated areas of the lake, making it popular for campers with water-loving pets. Campground data and reviews near New Pekin, Indiana is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
The 5-mile walking path around Buffalo Trace Park's lake offers an excellent exercise route for dogs and their owners, with multiple access points from the camping area. Jackson Trailhead provides more rugged hiking with dogs along the Knobstone Trail system—primitive camping spots can be found along the trail for backpackers with pets seeking a more remote experience. Deam Lake State Recreation Area, located about 20 minutes from New Pekin, features additional pet-friendly options including cabins where dogs are permitted inside. The lake at Deam doesn't allow motorized boats, creating a calm environment for dogs that enjoy swimming. Seasonal considerations apply when camping with pets in this region, as summer temperatures can require extra water provisions and winter camping might necessitate additional bedding for pets. Bathrooms at most campgrounds remain open year-round, though water access at some primitive sites may be limited during colder months.
"There are horse trails, a beach, and great water for swimming/kayaking/canoeing. It is pet friendly as well. The bath house in our area was older but fairly clean."
"I used this location as my FOB for a weekend of hiking in southern Indiana. The campground was nice."
from $33 - $64 / night
Check Availability"We biked throughout the park and hiked 4 of the trails, 3 of which were pretty rugged and all had elevation changes for a good hiking challenge. "
"It's a fairly new park on the site that used to be the Indiana Ammunition Plant. Good-sized sites with a very helpful staff. I hiked trail 2 and found the waterfall and several other gorgeous views."
from $33 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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 lake was beautiful and the park was well maintained. Wished the beach, paddle boats, and petting zoo was open... Still had a great time. "
from $12 - $60 / night
Check Availability"The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through."
"A lot of things to do around the campground, and kids will absolutely love it."
from $45 - $125 / night
Check Availability"My husband and I had a nice visit to Starve Hollow recently...we stayed 4 nights in our camper with our 3 dogs. We hiked 10 miles throughout the park, which was clean and pretty."
"There are lakeside camping lots. Also there are larger full hookup lots away from the lake"
from $33 - $52 / night
Check Availability"The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."
"Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Every one was very friendly and I think almost every camper had a dog with them. I would come back and stay."
"There is a dump station at the exit. The only negative comment about this park is, every lot slopes down towards the lake."
"there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"
"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."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability
GuideThere was lots to do at this KOA. There was corn hole, ladder ball, pool, walking trails, access to the river, cat fish pond, small dog park, and washers & dryers. You could bring your RV, travel trailer, tent camp, or rent a cabin. I’m sure I’m forgetting something. The spots were close together. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The park was clean and well maintained.
GuideWith 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.
ScoutBesides 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.
GuideOut of all places I've camped in Indiana, this is, by far, the worst. Please note that this is for the non-electric sites. Reasons for the low rating:
We were lucky enough to find a campsite (#118) very far away from the playground which was surrounded by grasses that separated the campsites surrounding you which was very nice. Again, the raccoons were horrible though.
GuideThe staff are super helpful. The site we had was for a 38’ RV. Full hookups, dog park, lots of places to walk, even trails. We had a great stay here and will most likely come back next time we’re near Louisville.
GuideThe 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.
ScoutOwners 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.
GuideGorgeous 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 .
LegendWe received an information email the day before prior to arrival with general info and wifi password plus how to pre check in. The morning of arrival, we received another email with specific instructions to not trust GPS and follow their instructions. Our Trip Wizard and Waze GPS instructions actually brought us right to the campground (CG). Since we had pre checked in, we were instructed in the directions email to go directly to deluxe pull-through site 78, where our welcome package would be in the electrical box. The site was plenty long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Not sure why this is a deluxe site as its gravel with a picnic table and portable fire pit? The utilities were more towards the front of the pad with no issues reaching the connections. It was a nice touch to see a small cement circle pad on the sewer connection. This is a new CG, so amenities like the laundry and gift shop were not opened yet. Water pressure was good. We got 4 bars on Verizon and 3 bars 5G on T-Mobile. We used our T-Mobile Internet versus Starlink. It would not have been an issue to use satellite as there are no mature trees in the campground. They have one large(about 1/4 acre) fenced dog area. The dog park slopes down a hill and connects with a fence that goes around the property. Do not throw small balls down the hill as they can go through the fence and there’s no way to recover the ball due to no openings/gates near by to get to the back of the dog park. There’s also a smaller fenced dog area near the front of the CG. Great customer service before and during our stay.
The Clark State Forest provides primitive pet-friendly camping options with sites nestled among 24,000 acres of woodland terrain. Located at an elevation of approximately 700 feet, the forest's undulating topography creates natural privacy between many campsites. During summer months, temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with moderate humidity, while winter camping requires extra preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
Kayaking on calm waters: Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers a perfect setting for beginners with its no-wake lake. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone" notes Brandy A., who adds that "the cabins are cool and cozy just bring a mattress."
Hiking the rugged trails: Challenging elevation changes characterize the hiking around Knobstone Trail with its continuous ups and downs. "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail and creek beds," writes Maris H., who recommends watching for ticks during spring hikes.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area offer good fishing spots without requiring a boat. John G. reports from his stay at Deam Lake: "The lake doesn't allow non electric motors so waters were calm. Caught some bluegills."
Privacy between sites: Charlestown State Park Campground provides good spacing between campsites. "All the sites are pretty much the same with good spacing between them," notes Greg S., who adds "there is little shade to be found here," which is helpful information for summer visitors planning for sun exposure.
Clean facilities: The region offers several campgrounds with notably clean restrooms. "The bathrooms are definitely the cleanest and well taken care of anywhere I've ever been," writes Brandy A. about Deam Lake State Recreation Area's facilities, a consistent theme in reviews across multiple campgrounds.
Well-maintained campgrounds: Buffalo Trace Park receives praise for its upkeep. "The park is exceptionally clean," writes Kelsie E., adding that "sites are well-spaced and there's a beautiful lake where you can kayak, canoe, fish, let your dog swim."
Cell service varies: Some areas have good coverage while others offer limited connectivity. Matt F. reports that "T-Mobile had good service" at Buffalo Trace Park, while other campgrounds might have spotty coverage.
Lake conditions change seasonally: Water quality in fishing lakes can vary throughout the year. At Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Martin M. advises, "If you want to rent one of the kayaks, get to the office right at 8 or they will be gone for the day."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed during the week, not very crowded," notes Jerry R. about Spring Mill State Park, suggesting weekday visits for those seeking quieter experiences.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven sites. Tom J. warns that at Deam Lake "some can be short and a bit uneven, so be prepared."
Accessible activities: Delaney Creek Park offers multiple family-friendly options. "Great place to camp, 20/25 mins down a heavily wooded country road so it's secluded and quiet," shares Patty C., who appreciated the "nice but crowded swimming area."
Educational opportunities: Several parks feature educational programs for children throughout summer. Jessie W. reports from their visit to Spring Mill: "They had a Smokey the Bear program for the kids and some really fun activities at the nature center while we were there."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting turtles and fish in the lakes. Jessie W. mentions renting a paddle boat for "$8/hr and saw tons of turtles!" during their Spring Mill State Park visit.
Pet-friendly swimming areas: For families camping with dogs, Buffalo Trace Park allows pets in designated swimming areas, according to Kelsie E. who notes that "you can let your dog swim" in parts of the lake.
Hookup locations: Camp Raintree Lake offers full service sites with good access. Kyle H. notes, "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple."
Site leveling needs: Many regional campgrounds require leveling equipment. Charlie M. shares that at Camp Raintree Lake "sites are level, water is good, power is stable at 118 VAC."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Lora H. warns about Delaney Creek Park: "The decent into this park is steep and the road is narrow. I think there is one section that is close to 8%, however it's short."
Extension cords recommended: Electrical hookups aren't always conveniently placed. Kelsie E. advises, "Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," regarding their Delaney Creek Park experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near New Pekin, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Pekin, IN is Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground with a 4-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near New Pekin, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near New Pekin, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
