Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA's dedicated dog park welcomes pets at its family-friendly campground just minutes from Interstate 65. The campground offers full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabins with mature trees providing shade throughout the property. Leashed pets are permitted throughout the campground, with owners responsible for waste cleanup. The dog park provides a safe, enclosed space for off-leash play and exercise. Campers note the property is gorgeous with a lake, variety of singing birds, and numerous recreational amenities including sand volleyball, gaga ball, playground, and mini golf. Hardy Lake State Recreation Area and Deam Lake State Recreation Area also accommodate pets at their campgrounds, with both locations featuring hiking trails where leashed dogs can join their owners.
Wooded hiking paths at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners, with multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet while on trails and in camping areas. Several campgrounds in the region feature lakefront sites where pets can enjoy water access, though swimming policies vary by location. The raccoons at Clifty Falls State Park are particularly bold and may approach campsites even with dogs present, requiring careful food storage. Most campgrounds in the area enforce quiet hours to minimize barking disturbances, with Louisville South KOA and Follow The River RV Resort receiving positive reviews for their pet-friendly atmosphere and amenities. Veterinary services are available in Scottsburg and nearby Madison for emergency pet care during camping trips.
$33 / night
"This is a State Recreational Area in Southern Indiana by Scottsburg. It's small. The smallest reservoir the state manages, but it's a nice place to camp & boat."
"This is a great State Park offering hiking, swimming, boating, skiing, camping, interpretive naturalist program and the only DNR property in the state of Indiana with a raptor rehabilitation program."
$33 - $40 / night
"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."
$45 - $125 / night
"The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through."
"https://jellystoneraintreelake.com/ 4577 IN-56, Scottsburg, IN 47170 +18127524062"
$20 - $35 / night
"If you live outside of Indiana you have to pay a $9 entrance fee on top of the campground reservation fee, which makes for a pricey weekend trip for those on a budget."
"No sewer or water hookup as you would expect at most Indiana State Parks. The sites are extremely spacious and plenty of sites with shade."
$33 - $52 / night
"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"
$33 - $64 / night
"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."
$14 - $16 / night
"It' a great place to take the dogs although they aren't allowed on the designated beach area, which is a bummer. But it is fun to canoe, fish, and relax."
"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."
$13 / night
"There are some awesome hiking trails here, they are very rugged for Indiana lots of hills. J-W offers some real pretty views."
"The campsite was right near the lake which provided a perfect view. There was a picnic table and fire ring for only 13 dollars."
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.
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.
ScoutVery friendly staff. The bathrooms having regular working toilets and showers. The bathrooms are very nice. There is a pool, volleyball courts and a dog park. It is hot in June, so bring a canopy if your RV doesn’t have one.
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 .
RangerPark is well maintained. Nice sized pool and very clean pool area. Park has a playground and dog park. Lots of space between campers with cement patio, fire pit and picnic table and lots of trees. We had no issue pulling in our 42’ 5th wheel. We came in after hours and our name with sits number was posted on the door and plenty of maps for the park. Nice layout! You could barely hear a train off in the distance which sounded cozy. Campground is about 30 min from Madison and Ohio River is across the street. Only con- trash cans are like in a whole different country and hard to get too. Would stay again!!!!!
The Scottsburg area offers several camping options within Indiana's Knobstone escarpment region, where elevation changes create diverse woodland terrain. Most campgrounds sit between 500-700 feet above sea level, creating moderate temperature variations between day and night during camping season. Local waterways include several man-made lakes with controlled shorelines, providing consistent water access for campers.
Hiking trails for all skill levels: At Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, you can access numerous hiking options. "The park offers boat, canoe, and kayak rental plus an Education Center, fishing, hiking and mountain bike trails that extend into Jackson-Washington State Forest," notes Stephen & Theresa B. The trails feature moderate elevation changes with good markings.
Historical exploration: Visit the remnants of Rose Island at Charlestown State Park. "Rose Island is very cool- Haunting but sublime. The paved trail to see Rose Island is about 1/2 mile long hill that is very steep in parts," shares Greg S. The area features foundations from a 1920s amusement park destroyed in the 1937 Ohio River flood.
Archery practice: Jackson Washington State Forest maintains a dedicated archery range. "The archery range is great. We have been going here for a few years and it's never disappointing," comments Mandi D. The range includes multiple stations with varying distances for different skill levels.
Lake activities: The 145-acre lake at Starve Hollow provides a peaceful setting for water recreation. "The lake has a swimming area (no lifeguards), playgrounds, and bathhouse. The lake allows boats with electric trolling motor only," explains James L. Many lakefront campsites allow direct access for fishing.
Cabin accommodations: For those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Scottsburg without tent camping, Deam Lake State Recreation Area offers well-maintained cabins. "We stayed last night in the Cardinal Cabin. Tons of privacy and the best bathrooms I have ever seen. Not a single bug and they even had antibacterial hand soap at every sink," reports Angela F.
Fishing opportunities: Several local lakes maintain healthy fish populations. At Hardy Lake State Recreation Area, "The Wooster Bay primitive area allows campers to moor their boats overnight. It has a very relaxed atmosphere," according to Rebecca J. The lake contains bass, bluegill, and catfish species.
Bathroom facilities vary by season: Some campgrounds don't maintain heated facilities year-round. "Bathrooms aren't heated in the cooler months. Zero cellular or wifi service so that could be good or bad," Kyle notes about Clifty Falls State Park. Early spring and late fall campers should prepare for basic services.
Campsite leveling challenges: Many sites throughout the region require careful setup. At Delaney Creek Park, "Sites for RVs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them. They have electric and water," explains Pamela H. Bringing extra leveling blocks is recommended.
Entrance fees may apply: State properties often charge daily entrance fees in addition to camping fees. "Be aware of an additional $9 fee at the gate besides the camp fee," notes Donna T. about Charlestown State Park. These fees support maintenance and conservation efforts.
Multiple playgrounds: Several campgrounds provide play areas for children. At Jackson Washington State Forest, visitors find "Multiple playgrounds. Great trails to hike. Cool CCC construction," according to Fern B. These structures were built during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Beach access: Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA offers swimming areas suitable for various ages. "The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through," notes Julie G. The beach area includes shallow entry points for younger children.
Weekend activities: Many parks offer scheduled programming. "They offer activities on the weekends, especially for kids," shares Tonya D. about Shale Bluff Campground. Activities often include nature walks, craft sessions, and educational presentations about local wildlife.
Electric and water hookup locations: At Delaney Creek Park, "The electric and water hookups are not in standard locations for RV hookups. Make sure you bring an extension for your electric hookup, otherwise you might not be able to reach the post," advises Kelsie E. Extension cords and extra water hose lengths are recommended.
Site selection for larger rigs: Space constraints affect some camping areas. "I can probably only get my 36 ft 5th wheel into a third of the sites, but there are many sites that had shorter units on them," James L. notes about Starve Hollow. Making reservations well in advance helps secure suitable sites.
Full hookup availability: For RVers wanting complete connections, "We got one of the handful of full hookup sites," Greg S. mentions about Charlestown State Park. These premium sites typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard electric sites but provide sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Scottsburg, IN?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Scottsburg, IN is Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Scottsburg, IN?
TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near Scottsburg, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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