104 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Youngs Creek Horse Camp provides primitive pet-friendly camping with vault toilets and fresh water pump near campsites. The spacious sites accommodate tent camping and vans with fire rings and picnic tables available. Multiple reviews note the quiet, secluded nature of the campground with generous site sizes and gravel parking pads. While primarily designed for equestrian use, the campground welcomes hikers, hunters and regular campers with pets. The sites offer little privacy between campers but provide ample space for multiple tents. Springs Valley Recreation Area also permits pets but has limited facilities with only vault toilets available. The camping area features picnic tables and fire rings in a wooded setting, though primitive camping without hookups may not suit all pet owners.
Hiking trails connect directly to Youngs Creek campground with a loop trail providing easy access for dog walking. Most reviewers mention the peaceful setting is ideal for pets, with minimal crowds except during organized trail ride events. Dogs can enjoy the surrounding Hoosier National Forest trails, though owners should be prepared with tick prevention. The campground is conveniently located just five miles from Paoli, where pet supplies are available at the local Walmart and farmers co-op. For more developed camping with pets, Spring Mill State Park offers pet-friendly accommodations including cabins, with extensive hiking opportunities and a pioneer village where leashed pets are permitted on outdoor trails. Chorus frogs provide natural nighttime soundtrack for campers and their pets during spring and summer visits.
"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."
from $14 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
"If you head into the town of Paoli be sure to hit up the farmers co-op for supplies."
"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."
"The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions."
"Camp store, cave tours, gift shop, and other pay activities are within steps of camping, but only open until 5:00. No security or staff at all after hours."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"The drive to this property is very easy and we had no trouble finding it. However, there is not a sign for the campground, so just follow your gps."
from $40 - $65 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great little campground with accessible trails and small pond. I had a primitive site with pad. Nestled in the trees gave off nice shade."
from $30 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerWe 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. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them. The only time this camp is full is when a trail ride is going on, then it fills up fast. It is only five miles from Paoli, and there is a Walmart there if you need supplies..
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.
ScoutThis is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.
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 .
GuideWest 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.
GuideRest 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.
Camping opportunities near Paoli, Indiana exist across a diverse landscape of hardwood forests, limestone bluffs, and rolling hills within the Hoosier National Forest. The area sits at elevations between 500-800 feet and receives approximately 44 inches of rainfall annually. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October with limited winter camping options at specific locations.
Boat fishing opportunities: At Indian-Celina Recreation Area, visitors can access two lakes for fishing and boating. "During mid August, Celina lake has freshwater Jellyfish that you can catch," notes Jennifer D. The lakes permit only electric motors, creating a quiet atmosphere for anglers.
Pioneer village exploration: Spring Mill State Park offers a historic village experience. "There is a cave tour also on offer in which you ride thru the cave system in a boat. Yes there are even lifevests for customer to wear! There is even an amazing pioneer village to explore where an original corn mill stands and you can buy freshly ground corn mill," explains Rachel W.
Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution at many campgrounds, stargazing becomes a popular activity. "It is so dark at night that you can see the stars!" reports Alyssa S. about Sleeping Bear Retreat, which offers large campsites with ample space for tents.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous space at campgrounds in the area. "The sites are large, and there are fire rings available. There are vault toilets and a fresh water pump not far from them," notes Susan A. about Youngs Creek Horse Camp. These sites accommodate multiple tents with room to spread out.
Quiet weekday camping: For those seeking solitude, weekday visits provide the most peaceful experience. "Camped Monday thru Friday, quite until Thursday. Filled up and noisy," reports Jerry R. about Patoka Lake Campground. The campground becomes busier on weekends when boaters and families arrive.
Family-friendly facilities: Sycamore Springs Park receives praise for its multiple amenities. "Playgrounds everywhere. Nice big sites with full hookups in the newer section. Price is very nominal for the amenities in my opinion. We were able to go 'creeking' do trail walking, bike riding. Just a super neat little place," shares Beth H.
Weather considerations: Severe weather can impact camping plans in this region. "We unfortunately had poor weather during our stay and had to leave early because of the threat of thunderstorms and tornadoes/damaging winds. Our vintage pop-up is not the best shelter in severe weather!" warns Jessie W. about camping at Spring Mill State Park.
Limited cell service: Communication can be challenging at certain campgrounds. "Cell service was poor. (T-Mobile 0-1 bar LTE, AT&T 1-2 bars LTE, but NO internet service when things get busy Thursday to Sunday afternoon...weird)," reports Kyle about Patoka Lake.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for nocturnal visitors at some camping areas. "MAKE SURE TO PUT AWAY ALL OF YOUR FOOD!!! Even scraps and Yes even DOG FOOD. We had raccoon visitors both nights," warns Chelsea M. about Patoka Lake's Fishermans Primitive Campground. Proper food storage prevents unwanted animal encounters.
Multiple playground options: Families benefit from parks with diverse play areas. "So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff. Clean bathrooms and showers, and beautiful places to visit also. Tons of playgrounds too spread throughout the campground," explains Cora P. about Sycamore Springs Park.
Educational opportunities: Marengo Cave Campgrounds combines camping with learning experiences. "It's both great for kids and adults. The people are super friendly and there are two different parts to explore. The dripslide caverns and the crystal palace cavern. There are extra activities for the kids such as mining and a nice gift shop for any rock lover out there," shares Tiffany T.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Paoli: Many families travel with pets, and several campgrounds accommodate them. "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," explains Barry B.
Campsite layout considerations: RVers should note the terrain at some campgrounds. "Very unlevel sites roads were narrow," cautions Susan C. about Spring Mill State Park. Request level sites when making reservations at pet-friendly campgrounds near Paoli.
Water access planning: Not all campsites offer water hookups directly at the site. "Patoka Lake has become our go-to campground for many reasons. The nature center is a delightful feature, offering a serene escape into the beauty of the surrounding area. The spacious campsites add to the allure, providing ample room for relaxation and enjoyment. It's worth noting that there are no water hookups, so remember to fill your tank before arriving at your site," advises Amanda V.
Dump station availability: For longer stays, know where dump stations are located. "4 dump stations at exit but still lines due to sheer number of sites but things moved quickly," notes Kyle about Patoka Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Paoli, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Paoli, IN is Patoka Lake Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Paoli, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 104 dog-friendly camping locations near Paoli, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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