Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Patoka Lake

Join the fun near Patoka Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Patoka Lake. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Patoka Lake (84)

    1. Patoka Lake Campground

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

    $12 - $32 / night

    "My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove."

    "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."

    2. Sycamore Springs Park

    17 Reviews
    English, IN
    13 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."

    3. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    16 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."

    4. Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake

    4 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    2 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."

    5. Youngs Creek Horse Camp

    8 Reviews
    Paoli, IN
    12 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."

    6. Mitchell Creek Road Dispersed

    6 Reviews
    Birdseye, IN
    9 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."

    7. Sleeping Bear Retreat

    2 Reviews
    French Lick, IN
    6 miles
    Website

    $20 - $55 / night

    8. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    33 Reviews
    Santa Claus, IN
    25 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."

    9. Spring Mill State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $40 / 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."

    10. Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    English, IN
    18 miles
    Website

    $27 / night

    "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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 84 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Patoka Lake

565 Reviews of 84 Patoka Lake Campgrounds


  • L
    Jun. 6, 2016

    Patoka Lake Campground

    Patoka Lake Traditions

    My Aunt loves their trips to Patoka Lake & I can relate as to why after this weekend. We went for a wedding at the marina & ended by a lovely cove. The sites all had close access to restroom facilities & they were expectantly clean. Everyone was very polite & having a great family time. We are planning our next trip in the very near future!

  • a
    Mar. 18, 2024

    Patoka Lake Campground

    Love this park!

    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. During our visit over fall break, the Halloween festivities and trick-or-treating added an extra layer of fun to our experience. We also had the pleasure of exploring the local winery and brewery, which were a big hit with our group. The abundance of activities at this state park ensures there's never a dull moment. However, it's important to exercise caution due to the high volume of boats in and out of the campground. Parents with small children should be especially vigilant, as vehicles towing trailers with boats are constantly coming and going. Despite this, our love for Patoka Lake remains unwavering. It's truly a special place that we look forward to returning to time and time again.

  • 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.

  • N
    Jul. 20, 2016

    Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake

    Good campground, bad weather :(

    Campsites had paved parking pads, picnic table, fire-ring, and electrical hookups. Restrooms and showers were clean. Lot's of open space and nothing really separating you and your neighbors. 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. It also has a great nature center. Unfortunately our trip got cut short due to very high winds, but we will definitely be back!

  • 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 .


Guide to Patoka Lake

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

Pet owners like spacious campsites and amenities

  • At Patoka Lake Campground, visitors appreciate the spacious campsites that provide ample room for pets to roam and relax.
  • Indian-Celina Recreation Area offers well-maintained sites with drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable spot for both pets and their owners.
  • Sycamore Springs Park features electric hookups and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for families traveling with pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Patoka Lake

  • Always keep your dog on a leash while exploring the trails at Buzzard Roost Campground to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet, especially when visiting Tipsaw Lake, where outdoor activities abound.
  • Make sure to clean up after your pet to maintain the cleanliness of the campgrounds, such as at Marengo Cave Campgrounds, which is known for its friendly staff and well-kept facilities.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great activities

  • Youngs Creek Horse Camp offers trails that are perfect for hiking with your dog, allowing you to explore the beautiful Hoosier National Forest together.
  • At Happy Hollow Homestead, families can enjoy spacious sites and fun activities like a tire swing and tree web, ensuring a memorable experience for both kids and pets.
  • Newton Stewart State Rec Area - Patoka Lake provides access to fishing and boating, making it an exciting destination for pet owners who enjoy water activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Patoka Lake?

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

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Patoka Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Patoka Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.