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Dog-Friendly Camping near Tennyson, IN

73 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Lake Lincoln Campground at Lincoln State Park provides electric and water hookups at every campsite with pets permitted throughout the grounds. Sites are well-spaced with ample shade trees, making them comfortable for dogs during summer months. Both the electric and primitive campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses with showers. Campers note the family-friendly atmosphere extends to pets, particularly during Halloween camping weekends when many pets join the festivities. Scales Lake Park accepts pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, with most sites offering 50-amp electrical hookups. The campground features drinking water, picnic tables, and designated areas for pets to exercise.

    Hiking trails throughout Lincoln State Park allow leashed dogs, with Trail 1 providing access along Lake Lincoln where dogs can cool off near the water. The park remains open year-round, though winter visitors should verify water availability at their specific sites as some are turned off during colder months. Holiday World theme park is located just 5 miles from Lincoln State Park, making it convenient for families with pets to alternate between camping and day trips. The primitive campground section at Gobbler's Run offers more secluded sites for campers seeking quieter surroundings for their dogs away from the busier family areas, with many sites still providing electric hookups and access to the central shower facilities.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Tennyson (73)

      1. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

      3.9(33)11mi from TennysonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      2. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

      4.5(22)7mi from Tennyson150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Very pet friendly. Nice, clean bath houses for a state park."

      "Lincoln State Park is right down the road from Santa Claus , Indiana and Holiday World. Needless to say it was a little busy, but not as bad as the Rudolph RV Park in town."

      from $20 - $100 / night

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      3. Scales Lake Park

      4.3(17)8mi from TennysonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance."

      "Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites."

      from $17 - $140 / night

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      4. Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park

      4.7(3)8mi from TennysonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before."

      "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique."

      5. Gobbler's Run Campground — Lincoln State Park

      4.5(2)7mi from Tennyson89 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Hiked through the forest to where Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana. Fished the lake caught fish for dinner. Really enjoyed my time here."

      "We enjoyed the many hiking trails and, of course, the lake. This was Rivers first time in the kayak this year so we took it slow. she loved wearing her new lifejacket."

      from $20 / night

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      6. Lynnville Park

      4.4(5)14mi from TennysonRVs, Tents

      "My camping spot was right on the lake and it was beautiful. I would definitely camp here again."

      "Nice little campground next to a small lake. We stayed for one night. Sites are big and spaced apart. Nice and quiet, apart from the interstate background noise which is noticeable but not too bad."

      7. Bullocktown Hideaway

      5.0(1)8mi from TennysonTents

      8. Miles Landing Campground

      4.6(5)17mi from TennysonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Fairly new with great access to fishing. Bike riding enjoying nature. Several pull through sites and all are full hook up."

      "I used to live near here before the strip mine went through. The camp is in the middle of a large reclamation. Lots of ponds and young trees. Great modern sites mostly dispersed."

      from $2 - $40 / night

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      9. Oakridge Campground

      5.0(1)13mi from TennysonRVs

      from $35 / night

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      10. Patoka Lake Campground

      4.4(37)34mi from Tennyson525 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Tennyson, IN

    449 Reviews of 73 Tennyson Campgrounds


    • 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.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 21, 2019

      Harmonie State Park Campground

      Lotsa trees

      Ranger Review: Primus at Harmonie State Park

      I recently visited Harmonie State Park near New Harmony, In. https://indianastateparks.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=IN&parkId=570048 Just a heads up when camping in Indiana there is a fee to visit the State Parks. I always carry cash for that , laundry and in some states bathroom use. So, the number one thing that stuck out to me about this campground was the shade. For the most part it’s level (floodplain...I saw no standing water) And all the sites are nicely shaded (we are talking full growth) and good size. The sites are electric only, no water, no sewer. There are centrally located water hydrants and a dump station on the way out of the campground. The campground wasn’t very full when we visited, but there is a plethora of activities to enjoy. An Olympic size pool which back in the day my kids woulda loved. Hiking paths (very wide), one right by the campground and a connector trail to the mountain bike trail area. There’s also a bike section on the paved roads. You could spend a comfortable week here and not be bored.

      Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get to occasionally try out outdoor products while camping and this trip I brought along some Primus “kitchen gear” https://primus.us/ . Primus is known for its camping stoves , the kitchen accessories are pretty sweet too. I have the Trailsporks , a long spoon , a spatula for grilling , campfire plates and a campfire knife. These are very sturdy made accessories and pack in my kit without taking up a lot of space. There are a lot of options on the site to fit your packing needs too, from family fireside to fastpacking . I’m building my fireside kitchen kit .

    • Barry B.
      Jul. 8, 2020

      West Boggs Park

      Nice, clean and friendly

      West 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.

    • j
      Oct. 4, 2024

      Love's RV Hookup-Leavenworth IN 839

      Last minute

      Rest 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.

    • H
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Scales Lake Park

      Excellent Primitive Site

      This was our first time camping and I must say I absolutely loved our site. We were on a primitive site number 109. Though the ground was a little rocky the lake views were spectacular. There was a porto potty in walking distance. When we first arrived it was pretty clean but after the weekend it was really bad and ran out of toilet paper. But the bathroom facilities by the slide were great you just had to drive to it from the primitive sites. Water slide was a blast and loved the petting zoo, also the volleyball court was a fun addition too. Though a little close to the road. All in all we will definitely be staying there again.

    • F
      Sep. 21, 2023

      Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park

      Peaceful But Plain

      A very peaceful place to camp with helpful rangers. There was a free petting zoo which was great but the animals seemed very discontented. The trails were interesting but vacant of trail markers and some plaques were vandalized from years before. Firewood is $8 a bundle and parking is $3 a day. Well priced and serene, but I would recommend this for people without children or someone looking for a camp away from any kind of excitement.

    • J
      Jul. 11, 2018

      Scales Lake Park

      Great family park!

      Two playgrounds, little petting zoo for kids. Beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites.

    • Barry B.
      Jul. 25, 2020

      Scales Lake Park

      Friendly family place

      Nice beach, trails and playground. Friendly camper. Pet friendly. Would've given 5 stars but our site was tight. Squeezed between 2 sites, out the front door fight to neighbors sewer hose.


    Guide to Tennyson

    Campgrounds near Tennyson, Indiana offer a variety of camping experiences in southern Indiana's rolling terrain. The area sits in a region characterized by small lakes, reclaimed mining land, and forested hills at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons bring milder weather and fewer crowds.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Scales Lake Park features a well-stocked lake for fishing. "Scales Lake is a wonderful campground. It has primitive, cabins, and RV camping. There is a boat ramp for fishing boats and kayaks," notes Jennifer T. at Scales Lake Park.

    Hiking trails: Indian-Celina Recreation Area offers scenic forest trails connecting camping loops. "We really enjoyed the hiking at this site. The trails were long, but not too difficult, but slightly overgrown. They had very pretty views of the lake," shares Hadley O. at Indian-Celina Recreation Area.

    Historical exploration: Learn about Abraham Lincoln's childhood at sites near Lincoln State Park. "Hiked through the forest to where Abraham Lincoln grew up in Indiana. Fished the lake caught fish for dinner. Really enjoyed my time here," explains Jerry R. about his experience at Gobbler's Run Campground.

    What campers like

    Petting zoo access: Scales Lake offers a unique petting zoo experience. "There is a small petting zoo at the park and in the morning they let the animals out to feed on the grass. So expect to see them in the campground. Harmless and unique," mentions Keith P. from Warrick County Park Scales Lake Park.

    Clean facilities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Tennyson maintain well-kept bathhouses. "Sites are well spaced. Clean, professional state park. Lake is being drained, so no beach until 2026," reports Tom B. about Lake Lincoln Campground.

    Proximity to attractions: Location near Holiday World theme park makes camping convenient. "Great campgound with nice wide spots. Close to Holiday World. Awesome trails. Stop in at Jenk's Pizza in Dale for dinner," suggests Keith M. from Lincoln State Park.

    What you should know

    Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience highway noise. "Nice and clean great spot to camp and fish the hwy was a lil loud," mentions Andi W. about Lynnville Park.

    Reservation systems: Several parks use honor systems for after-hours check-in. "We checked in through the honor system as the store/office closed at 5p; we filled out a registration form put $22 in it and put it in the mail slot," explains Kelly W. about Lynnville Park.

    Seasonal closures: Facilities may have limited operation during off-peak times. "The beach, but closed after Labor Day. The camp store is in the pavilion by the beach & has limited hours after Labor Day," notes Cynthia K. about Lincoln State Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Halloween events: Many pet-friendly campgrounds host special October events. "We went to Lake Rudolph for their Halloweekends and it is a one of a kind experience. They have so many activities for the kids such as hayrides, a DJ, pumpkin carving," shares Ashley D. from Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.

    Swimming options: Look for parks with designated swimming areas. "There is a beach area with small fee. Full hook up sites," mentions Jessica D. about Scales Lake Park, adding recreational options for families with children and dogs.

    Playgrounds available: Multiple recreation options keep children entertained. "There's a beach for swimming and a shower house. We prefer the primitive sites on the other side of the lake," explains Laura D. about her experience at Scales Lake.

    Tips from RVers

    Site spacing considerations: Some RV sites offer more privacy than others. "The sites were very spacious and not jammed up against other sites. It is very family oriented with plenty of friendly campers," says Nancy R. about Indian-Celina Recreation Area.

    Hookup availability: Check water access before arrival. "Recently tried out Scales Lake...not my 1st choice. Sites were very small and close together. There were several different spots/clusters of camp sites. Some where full hook up, some primitive, some just electric, and all mixed together," advises Olivia S.

    Leveling requirements: Some sites require minimal leveling while others present challenges. "Our spot was great and didn't require much leveling. We did get a deluxe spot. However we only got the spot because at the others were sold out. Many of the other Spots were on hills and right on top of each other," warns megan about Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Tennyson, IN?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Tennyson, IN is Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph with a 3.9-star rating from 33 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Tennyson, IN?

    TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Tennyson, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.