Ramiro G.
Scout
ScoutLouisville South KOA
Late September
Nice, quite, and relaxing stay. Fire rings need to be upgraded. They were small and rusted out.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Rome, IN
77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Hoosier National Forest campgrounds near Rome welcome pets with specific guidelines at each location. German Ridge Campground provides campsites with fire rings and picnic tables where dogs can join their owners during overnight stays. The sites at Saddle Lake Campground offer ample space for multiple vehicles and pets, with each site featuring a picnic table, fire ring with swiveling grate, and lantern hooks. Most campers note the sites are somewhat open to each other, providing limited privacy between neighboring campers and their animals. Buzzard Roost Campground maintains five pet-friendly sites along the Ohio River where dogs must remain leashed. The primitive self-serve campgrounds operate on an honor system with fees typically around $5 per night.
Dogs enjoy access to multiple trail systems throughout the area, including the 2.2-mile Saddle Lake Trail and the more extensive 24-mile multi-use trail system at German Ridge shared with hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. The trails feature beautiful views and some creek crossings where dogs can cool off, though several visitors report encountering ticks during warmer months, making preventative treatments advisable. Vault toilets are available at all locations, but campers should bring their own water for themselves and their pets as potable water is not provided at most primitive sites. The campgrounds remain generally quiet and dark at night, offering peaceful experiences for campers and their pets away from busy developed areas.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Rome (77)
1. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest
"Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "
"There are 8-10 spots available, all but one of which are drive-in."
from $5 / night
2. German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest
"I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "
"We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable."
from $8 / night
3. Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest
"It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."
"There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."
4. Indian-Celina Recreation Area
"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."
from $24 - $52 / night
Check Availability5. Tipsaw Lake
"This was my first time camping in Indiana and it did not let me down!"
"Located in the beautiful rolling hills of southern Indiana not far from I-64 (exit 79)."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
"There is also no sewer hookup at the site which I assumed was wrong, because I have never been to an Indiana state park with sewer hookup on site."
"The campground is near the trail to the old abandoned bridge which is well worth the hike. The fire tower has a commanding view."
from $26 - $496 / night
Check Availability7. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph
"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."
from $45 - $101 / night
Check Availability8. COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground
"Axtel is located on the shore of Rough River Lake and has over 150 camp sites. Almost every site has quick access and/or views of the lake. There is a designated swimming and beach area."
"Lake really low, water warm - but able to kayak. The weekend was close to 100% occupancy, and although busy- the activity and noises were all happy sounds of kids playing."
from $20 - $60 / night
Check Availability9. Vastwood Co Park
"Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."
"Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."
from $8 - $20 / night
Check Availability10. Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground
"Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways. "
"Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."
Drive Time
- 51 min from Owensboro, KY
- 1 hr 18 min from Louisville, KY
- 1 hr 20 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 29 min from Elizabethtown, KY
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Rome, IN
58 Photos of 77 Rome Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest
Tipsaw Lake
COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground
Laurel Branch
O'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
Cave Creek - Rough River Lake
Sun Outdoors Lake RudolphC
Otter Creek Park Campground
Mitchell Creek Road DispersedT
Sycamore Springs Park
Happy Hollow Homestead
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rome, IN
557 Reviews of 77 Rome Campgrounds
- RRyley S.Scout
German Ridge
Travel Trailer Friendly Site
Right off of German Ridge rd after you pass Tree Farm rd heading south. Road switches from asphalt to fire road but its pretty short to the pull off. There's at least a few more of these further down too. Site has a spacious opening and easy drive up. Plenty of room for 3 vehicles or a longer trailer.
Flat spots galore.
Jennifer N.ScoutHoosier National Forest South Slope Loop Campground
Great sites
Each campsite has trees encircling them for mostly shade and a little more privacy. Only thing they could do is add more full hook up sites. Shower houses and restrooms are very well kept.
Ron T.ScoutBourbon Springs RV Resort
Quiet, and helpful owners
Matthew allowed us into our site early and offered assistance to help with wheel chocks after escorting us to the site. Very communicative. Got a text on mowing day to give anyone time to move their items off the grass. Will definitely stay again when in the area.
b K.ScoutOtter Creek Park Campground
Quiet and peaceful
Had a great time enjoying nature...
- TTanner P.
TravelerMitchell Creek Road Dispersed
Peaceful!
There’s not a lot of designated camp spots but there’s not many people around. Very peaceful
Raul C.
GuideCOE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground
Beautiful views
Get a lake view side and you won’t regret it. It’s a beautiful place well maintained very clean very safe
Jeff C.ScoutO'Bannon Woods State Park Campground
Alright not my favorite park in the area
Campground seemed like a tight fit coming in near dark fall. Lots of shaded sites. Storm ran through that night and lots of dead limbs came down all over. Got a hole in my roof. Overall decent stay and had a cool neighbor
- JJoleen S.Guide
Scales Lake Park
Beautiful lake, nice petting zoo!
Very nice park with great trails and cute animals in the included petting zoo! I don’t have kids but there were a couple playgrounds I saw. The 2 downsides were I went second week of August and it was 93 degrees but they had just closed the beach area and pool so no swimming. I had taken my paddleboard but had not read all the rules and regulations and no Paddleboard’s are allowed on the lake because swimming outside the beach area is not allowed. I stayed at a primitive site in my van so even though it was crazy hot I still had a great spot by the water-109. Would recommend this park
Guide to Rome
Camping opportunities abound within the Hoosier National Forest region near Rome, Indiana. The area sits at approximately 700 feet above sea level with rolling terrain characterized by limestone bedrock and dense deciduous forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with higher humidity levels, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-70°F. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Rome operate on a first-come, first-served basis with limited cell service throughout the forest.
What to do
Trail exploration: 5.9-mile Tipsaw Lake Trail offers a moderately challenging hiking experience with various terrain features. "The trail is not difficult, it's hilly and technical, but an enjoyable excursion," notes a visitor to Tipsaw Lake. The trail requires proper footwear as it can become muddy after rainfall.
Swimming at lakeside beaches: $5 entry fee provides access to designated swimming areas during summer months. A camper at Vastwood County Park mentioned, "Nice lake, trails, swimming area. Etc. Sites have water and electric, dump station on site. Weekends are busy." Most beaches prohibit pets in designated swimming areas.
Fishing opportunities: Electric motors only are permitted on many of the smaller lakes, making them ideal for quiet fishing experiences. "The lakes are nice for fishing in a boat. Not much bank space to fish," reports a visitor to Indian-Celina Recreation Area. Spring and fall typically yield the best fishing results for bass and bluegill.
Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times for native wildlife. "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launch, often followed by a turkey or two," shares a camper at Jackpine Loop.
What campers like
Affordability: $5 nightly fee at several primitive sites represents exceptional value. "For $5 per night it sure is a good deal," writes a camper about Saddle Lake Campground. The self-service payment system uses honor boxes at most locations.
Dark night skies: Minimal light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "Very dark at night and quiet, nice!" comments a visitor. Many campers recommend bringing red-light headlamps to preserve night vision while moving around camp after dark.
Swimming holes: Non-designated areas provide alternatives to official beaches. A camper at Buzzard Roost Campground noted, "The beach was closed but we found a swimming hole off the beaten path. The primitive campgrounds are very clean. The lake water is very clean and the fish are bountiful!"
Privacy between sites: Loop selection matters when seeking seclusion. "Each site was spacious and not jammed up against other sites. It is very family oriented with plenty of friendly campers," explains a visitor to Indian-Celina Lake. Sites along the outer edges of loops typically offer the most privacy.
What you should know
Insect preparation: Tick prevention essential during warmer months. "The mosquitoes weren't bad when we visited, they might get worse as the summer progresses with all the stagnant water," warns a camper. Long pants, closed shoes, and permethrin-treated clothing are recommended for hiking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rome, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rome, IN is Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rome, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Rome, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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