Dog-Friendly Camping near Underwood, IN

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    Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA accommodates up to three pets per site with numerous pet-friendly amenities across its 84-acre property. The campground features a dedicated dog park where pets can exercise off-leash while owners relax at nearby seating areas. Both tent campers and RVers with pets will find suitable options, with 60% of the 90 sites designated for travelers with full hookup access. The park maintains a clean, well-maintained environment for pets and their owners. Staff members are particularly attentive to pet owners' needs, often providing advice about local pet-friendly attractions and accommodating special requests.

    Knobstone Trail and Clark State Forest allow dogs on all hiking paths but require pets to remain leashed at all times. These locations provide primitive camping opportunities with dogs along wooded trails. Hikers should watch for ticks, especially during spring months when multiple reviewers reported finding them on both people and pets. Water access points throughout the trail system allow dogs to cool off during warmer months, though seasonal quality varies. Jackson Trailhead offers additional dispersed camping with pets along suitable spots on the trail after a gravel road approach. While camping with pets near Underwood, visitors should note that most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to prevent excessive barking, and waste disposal facilities are available at established campgrounds but not dispersed sites. The Deam Lake State Recreation Area provides lake access where dogs can swim in designated areas away from the main beach.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Underwood (93)

      1. Charlestown State Park Campground

      4.5(38)13mi from Underwood186 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $33 - $40 / night

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      2. Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground

      4.0(20)11mi from Underwood225 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $33 - $64 / night

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      3. Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA

      4.5(10)7mi from UnderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "The lake is GORGEOUS. Sites have mature trees, variety of singing birds. Really nice stay here as we were passing through."

      "A lot of things to do around the campground, and kids will absolutely love it."

      from $45 - $125 / night

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      4. Shale Bluff Campground — Hardy Lake State Recreation Area

      4.4(16)13mi from Underwood143 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "Boats are a big part of this lake. There are 4 boat launches on the lake! Lots of people were water skiing, tubing& playing in the water. There's also a beach, which looked clean."

      from $33 / night

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      5. Clifty Falls State Park Campground

      4.0(46)22mi from Underwood162 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      6. Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground

      4.4(25)22mi from Underwood156 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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"

      from $33 - $52 / night

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      7. Knobstone Trail

      3.8(4)10mi from Underwood

      "The KT is rugged and has lots of elevation gains over short distances. Everywhere you hike there are lovely vistas and lots of fossils on the trail snd creek beds."

      "Most people, even Hoosiers don't realize the Knobstone Trail exists. It's often referred to The Little AT by those who know about it. It's no walk in the park."

      8. Jackson Trailhead

      5.0(1)8mi from Underwood

      "there’s parking after a decrepit gravel road and suitable for camping. there are campsites along the trail just have to find them"

      9. Delaney Creek Park

      4.1(7)17mi from UnderwoodRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      10. Clark State Forest

      4.0(2)10mi from Underwood5 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $45 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Underwood, IN

    798 Reviews of 93 Underwood Campgrounds


    • C
      Jul. 9, 2019

      Louisville South KOA

      Nice

      There 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.

    • 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.

    • Brady R.
      May. 16, 2019

      Clifty Falls State Park Campground

      Don't Recommend Non-Electric Sites

      Out 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:

      • the firewood that they sell to you is complete crap. It's so wet and damp that you can't burn it. We have had to take every single batch back we've purchased cause it's so bad. They don't do refunds.
      • The playground is so close to most campsites in the non-electric section. I'd recommend getting as far away as possible as the screams of children echo like birds flying throughout the campground.
      • Not the park's fault, but raccoons are horrible here. I'm talking, "walk up to your campfire as you're sitting next to it and steal food that's on the burner" bad. Lol.

      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.

    • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 10, 2024

      Louisville South KOA

      Great place to stay

      The 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.

    • 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.

    • J
      Jun. 2, 2025

      Follow The River RV Resort

      Great stay

      Very 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.

    • 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 .

    • 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.


    Guide to Underwood

    Clark State Forest provides primitive camping options within dense woodlands about 15 miles from Underwood, Indiana. The area sits at elevations between 500-900 feet with rolling hills typical of southern Indiana's knobstone escarpment. Camping conditions vary seasonally with humid summers reaching the high 80s and relatively mild winters with occasional snow.

    What to do

    Hiking the rugged trails: Clark State Forest offers challenging trails with significant elevation changes that appeal to experienced hikers. The terrain provides a workout even on shorter routes. One visitor noted, "The Lake View trail was a good and tough hike. If you take young ones, be sure they will be self reliant. It can be very steep in some areas."

    Visit historic Madison: From Clifty Falls State Park Campground, campers can explore nearby Madison. A camper shared, "Downtown Madison is a beautiful old town, with a newer northern section of town. Old madison is full of events when scheduled correctly." The historic district offers architecture, shopping and dining options within 20 minutes of the campground.

    Kayaking on calm waters: The lake at Deam Lake State Recreation Area Campground offers perfect conditions for beginners. "Perfect lake to kayak for a beginner bc no wake zone," writes one reviewer who had their first kayaking experience there. Electric motors only are permitted, creating ideal conditions for paddle sports. Rentals available on-site but often book quickly.

    What campers like

    Spacious waterfront sites: At Starve Hollow State Rec Area Campground, lakefront camping spots provide generous lake access. "We stayed in site 21 which was right on the lake. All the lake front spots seem to have a good amount lakefront footage. We probably had at least 40 feet," reported one camper. These sites allow fishing directly from your campsite.

    Clean bathroom facilities: Surprisingly modern bathroom facilities exist at several campgrounds near Underwood. A visitor to Delaney Creek Park was impressed: "They have the best bathrooms I have ever seen. Not a single bug and they even had antibacterial hand soap at every sink."

    Pet-friendly trail system: For pet friendly camping near Underwood, Indiana, Jackson Trailhead provides access to the extensive Knobstone Trail where dogs are welcome on leash. "There are campsites along the trail just have to find them," notes one hiker. This option provides more secluded camping for those with pets seeking quieter surroundings away from established campgrounds.

    What you should know

    Limited shade at some campgrounds: Tree removal has affected some camping areas. A Clifty Falls visitor mentioned, "Hardly any shade due to tree removal. Bathrooms aren't heated in the cooler months. Zero cellular or wifi service."

    Water access challenges: While lakes are available, access can be difficult in certain areas. At Delaney Park, one camper noted, "Our only complaint is you can't get near the water to fish anywhere by the lake due to the weeds."

    Site leveling required: Prepare for uneven terrain at most campgrounds near Underwood. "Sites for rvs are concrete and you will need to level some on all of them," reports a Delaney Creek visitor. Many sites have significant slopes, particularly those facing lakes.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. At Shale Bluff Campground, families can enjoy "basketball courts, shelter houses, playgrounds, raptor display and more." The variety of structures suits different age groups.

    Wildlife education opportunities: The raptor rehabilitation program at Hardy Lake provides unique educational experiences. "The naturalists hosted a very good talk on raptors, with a guest star, a bald eagle," shared one visitor. Check the schedule for weekend programs that are typically free with camping.

    Swimming options: Most lakes in the area feature designated swimming areas with beaches. At Starve Hollow, "The beach area was huge and there were a lot of playgrounds." Swimming beaches typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

    Tips from RVers

    Extension cords needed: Many campgrounds have unusual hookup placements. At Delaney Creek Park, campers report: "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."

    Narrow approach roads: Access to several campgrounds involves navigating steep, narrow roads. "The decent into this park is steep and the road is narrow. I think there is one section that is close to 8%, however it's short," notes one RVer about Delaney Creek Park. Large rigs should approach with caution.

    Site selection challenges: For larger RVs camping near Underwood, Indiana, site limitations exist at most campgrounds. At Scottsburg/Raintree Lake KOA, "They were able to accommodate our 44ft 5th wheel and navigating to the site was simple." Always call ahead to confirm site dimensions for larger rigs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Underwood, IN is Charlestown State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Underwood, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.