Dog-Friendly Camping near Upland, IN

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    Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds at Salamonie Lake allows pets throughout its lakeside camping areas with numerous sites offering direct water views. Electric hookups accommodate pet owners in both tents and RVs, while cabin options provide alternative shelter during inclement weather. The campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities, including pit toilets that reviewers note are the nicest they've seen anywhere. Pets must remain leashed throughout the campground with designated pet waste disposal stations available. The park offers excellent shade at many sites, providing protection for pets during summer months. Campground staff occasionally monitor for compliance with pet policies, ensuring all animals remain properly secured.

    Hiking trails adjacent to the campground welcome leashed dogs, including the popular 3 Falls Trail which provides moderate terrain suitable for active pets. The reservoir offers pet-friendly shoreline access at specific points, though animals must stay out of designated swimming areas. Sites 228 and 232 provide the best lake access for pets that enjoy water. During summer months, mosquito treatment helps protect both campers and their animals. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, so keeping pets secured is essential for their safety. Nearby, Wildwood Outdoor Escape and Mar-Brook Camp Ground also accommodate pets with clean, well-maintained grounds. Pet owners should bring supplies as the closest veterinary services are located in surrounding communities.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Upland (52)

      1. Wildwood Outdoor Escape

      4.3(4)7mi from UplandRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "My husband and I and our 2 dogs stayed 4 nights at the campground for an event. Right outside of Hartford city you never know what to expect."

      "This was our second stay here…campground is surrounded by corn fields but park itself is quite picturesque with mature trees, a lake, and very well-manicured grounds."

      2. Mar-Brook Camp Ground

      5.0(1)2mi from UplandRVs, Tents

      3. Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake

      4.8(11)22mi from Upland338 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It would have been nice if there were pet station placed around the campground to make it easy for dog walkers to rid themselves of their full poop bags and to provide folks a place to get poop bags if"

      "This is one of the best parks we have been to in Indiana. We Volunteer all over our the USA at State Parks and National Forest. So we know what to look for."

      from $14 - $35 / night

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      4. Mounds State Park Campground

      4.4(19)25mi from Upland75 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Nice state park in Indiana. Only offering electric hook up. Water locations could block traffic if camper does not park accurately. Store at Check in offered necessities. Hiking trails were nice."

      "This is a nice state park outside of Anderson In. It has nice walking trails and is on the White river. There is a gorgeous swimming pool. The bath house is clean, but not the best."

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      5. Mississinewa Lake Campground

      4.0(24)28mi from Upland405 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We went swimming in the lake. We also had fun trying to outsmart the raccoons that lived under the mini cabins. They were everywhere!"

      "I have been to 9 other Indiana State parks, this one is in the top half. Great sites and clean. Large clean lake with beach. Lots of trails and many views. Staff is very friendly."

      from $20 - $52 / night

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      6. Hidden Lake Campground

      5.0(1)15mi from UplandRVs, Tents

      from $25 - $36 / night

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      7. Big Oak Park

      3.0(1)13mi from UplandRVs, Tents

      8. Kil-So-Quah - J. Edward Roush Lake

      3.5(13)26mi from UplandRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "It was very relaxing and I also enjoyed walking on different paths to enjoy nature as it was. I would highly recommend this campground to anyone. It is also family friended"

      "Kil-so-qauh, used to be a little hidden gem right outside of town but has turned into quite a popular place, but for good reason."

      9. Summit Lake State Park Campground

      4.4(24)33mi from Upland118 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Beautiful lake for kayaking! If you don’t owe a kayak or canoe, they offer rentals. All sites are gravel with mature trees if you want shade or full sun. Pet friendly."

      "Very large camping spots with huge lawns away from lake; This spot was #53. lakeside camping a little more packed in but more shade. Reserve early!"

      from $20 - $35 / night

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      10. Ouabache State Park Campground

      4.1(12)27mi from Upland126 sitesRVs, Tents

      "The paved bike trail in the park starts near the campground, and connects with a bike trail along the Wabash River that goes into nearby Bluffton, and is an easy ride. "

      "Plenty of trails to hike and a nice little lake to enjoy. Will definitely come back here"

      from $20 - $33 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Upland, IN

    302 Reviews of 52 Upland Campgrounds


    • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 23, 2025

      Johnny Appleseed Campground

      Great location

      The location here is pretty crazy it’s right in the middle of town but feels like a park there is a river and wooded area that makes you feel like you are in nature but you are just a parking lot away from an arena and college. There is a playground and a dog park. Here as well as ball diamonds. This is a great family friendly place but is very very busy during the season.

    • Lesley E.
      Nov. 20, 2021

      Indianapolis KOA

      Great campground

      We stayed here on our way to Maine and loved the campground so much we chose to stay again on our way back. Everything was clean and well maintained, staff was very friendly and helpful. The pup loved the dog park.

    • Michael L.
      Jun. 21, 2021

      Muncie RV Resort

      Solid choice -- Near Mounds state park, city of Anderson, and I-69

      I stayed with full hookups, but no cable (don't need it, so don't know if it's available) and we weren't close enough to connect to the WIFI (only close enough to occasionally see 1 bar pop up).

      Friendly folks, catch and release fishing pond, and a pond with beach for swimming. Good size playground, jump pad, and off-leash"dog park" available as well.

      On AT&T, I typically had 2 bars and no problem streaming music or browsing Facebook. My fellow travelers, on Sprint, said they had poor reception. I'm guessing 1 bar.

      Worth noting that my wife said the water pressure in the shower house was fairly low. (I shower in the camper, so can't comment.) Water pressure was fine at our site, though. Also worth noting that many of the back-in sites can be pull-through if you get there when it's not busy.

    • Susan W.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 28, 2026

      Salamonie River State Forest

      Small Gem, Big Shine!

      I return to Salamonie River State Forest year after year because it truly feels like Northeast Indiana’s best-kept secret. This 21‑site primitive campground offers peaceful seclusion, 4 pit toilets, and two water sources—including a spring‑fed spigot with crisp, cold, delicious drinking water. I’ve stayed at several sites, with Site 18 and Site 20 as favorites. Tent‑friendly, small camper-friendly, pet‑friendly, and just $15/night, it sits beside horse trails, hiking routes, and great fishing. A small campground with big shine—highly recommended.

    • Burns G.
      Jun. 28, 2021

      Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area Campgrounds — Salamonie Lake

      Lakeside Fun

      The beach was clean and fun. Not very busy when we were there, which was nice. We stayed on Campsite 208. Nice size campsite, which good shade. The campsite did have a bigger than expected slope, but nothing horrible. Some campsite s looked amazing and others looked to be in major need of some TLC. Most of the campsites were in need of a fresh layer of gravel for their parking pads. The restrooms were clean, and the hot water was plentiful for my shower. It would have been nice if there were pet station placed around the campground to make it easy for dog walkers to rid themselves of their full poop bags and to provide folks a place to get poop bags if they forgot to bring some. Overall a great weekend.

    • Rich K.
      Apr. 15, 2018

      Summit Lake State Park Campground

      Great State Park

      We camped here several time last year(2017). We had great experiences each time. Beautiful lake for kayaking! If you don’t owe a kayak or canoe, they offer rentals.

      All sites are gravel with mature trees if you want shade or full sun. Pet friendly. Nice playgrounds for the kids or grandkids. Very nice beach area. Wonderful hiking trails and offer a variety of programs/activities.

    • Jack M.
      Jul. 2, 2023

      Johnny Appleseed Campground

      The pet friendliest place so far

      They have a tremendous pet park with a well maintained yard. The only problem so far has been the water distribution. But the price is very affordable. My site was 30 dollars a night. Bath house and bathrooms are very nicely kept clean. And there is a river right beside it.

    • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 29, 2019

      Indianapolis KOA

      Time to eat!

      Ranger Review: Grubstick at Holiday KOA Greenfield, Indiana. Campground Review: So, I’ve said it before, KOA’s are not my kind of camping. However I find myself once again with a KOA yearly membership. Why? Because several of the people whom I camp with enjoy the WiFi and other perks of staying at a KOA. I met my brother and his wife at the Holiday KOA https://koa.com/campgrounds/indianapolis/ right outside Indianapolis, Indiana for a very wet tent camp out. I towed my redneck “tent platform” and brought along plenty of tarpage. No kayak, the weather actually dipped into the high thirty’s and I am not a cold weather kayaker. Perks of this KOA are a very nice playground and wading pool area. So if you have younger children, ideal for you. There is a nice size dog park and you can get a nice walk in around the campground. They have delivery style pizza right on site and some planned activities on weekends. There is the aforementioned WiFi and the latrine is newer but lacking in hooks ( I’m a big hook person, where else am I supposed to hang my bathroom bag and clothes while showering or grooming at the sink?) The other issue with the latrine is there is only ONE for the entire campground. This is a nice size campground and it can be a good hike from the backside to the latrine, I know this because I had to make that hike more then once. The other issue with that is not everyone is willing to walk that far when they need to go, so where do you suppose they take care of their business? .... exactly! And then there’s my same old complaint of they fit a camper or tent into every square meter of this park, it can get very full and crowded. Excuse me while I look in your window or can over hear every word you say. Holiday was very well maintained to the point of mowing while I’m trying to set up my area and blowing grass all over everything, please don’t run over my dog...Otherwise we had fun looking for area happenings and shopping. I visited Fort Harrison State Park which was nearby. Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I get the opportunity on occasion to review outdoor oriented products. I had the chance to try out Grubstick https://grubstick.com/ and I can say I was excited! I am a campfire cooking kind of person and have tried out many contraptions, the Grubstick is a long time in coming. I say that because this ain’t your grandma’s wiener roasting stick or your moms wicked pointed metal fork that can put your eye out or trip you when it slides down the side of the chair leg. The most phenomenal part of the Grubstick is that the handle is.....RETRACTABLE!!! No more wedging the fork in the most inconvenient place or trying to fit it in your cooking box. The handle when not expanded can fit easily into your pocket, day pack, backpack, fannypack !!! To me that is AWESOME!! Revolutionary! Seems to be sturdier then ones I’ve seen in camp stores. Along with the handle comes two attachments and a easy open handle in a nice, durable carry bag, LOVE IT. Christmas gifts all around! And this was before I checked it out. I have two “sets” and unfortunately one of the sticks broke after only a few retractions and extensions. Perhaps I was too vigorous in my extension technique? So carefully extend your grubstick when using. Otherwise it worked like a dream! And the other stick had no issues, so maybe just a flaw in that one stick? I haven’t contacted the company yet, but I will see how they are about returns or replacements. I roasted some sausages and we toasted some marshmallows for s’mores. The pack up was easy too, nice carry bag to put it all in, I usually carry or reuse a freezer type bag for “dirty” silverware etc. I removed the fork head off the Grubstick and it went right in. No MESS! No Long Pointy Stick with goo at the end to wrap and store. Love it! I didn’t use the Grubstick basket while camping so I pulled it out at the house to add some footage and testing. If Grubstickadds a pie pan attachment, I’m one of the first in line to get it!! Happy Camp Cooking ;)

    • A
      Aug. 26, 2021

      Indianapolis KOA

      Very nice campground. Friendly staff and lots of activities

      Styed here with the grandkids and we all had a great time. Nice playgrounds and a pool with lots of water features for the kids. (Not really an adult's pool, but that's ok by me) They loved petting and feeding the horses. Campsites were large. We even had an ice cream and watched a movie in the activities hall. Really enjoyed our time there.


    Guide to Upland

    Campgrounds near Upland, Indiana offer a mix of lakeside and wooded settings across rolling terrain. Most sites sit at elevations between 800-900 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F. The region receives approximately 40 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings for campers in the warmer months.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: At Mississinewa Lake Campground, the reservoir provides excellent angling. "There are some spots with full hookups. Most are electric only. There are also quite a few spots that are full though so for bigger rigs that is really nice," notes Elizabeth T., who recommends arriving early to secure water access.

    Bison viewing: Observe bison in their enclosure at Ouabache State Park. "The bison exhibit and ranger programs are great too. The campsites are variable, size and privacy definitely depends on the site you book," explains Emily P., highlighting one of the park's unique attractions.

    Hiking trails: Summit Lake State Park offers varied terrain for hikers. "Wonderful hiking trails and offer a variety of programs/activities," says Rich K. The trails circle the lake, providing multiple scenic viewpoints accessible directly from the campground.

    Beach access: Enjoy swimming at Mounds State Park where facilities are well-maintained. "Has a nice swimming pool. Easy trails. Nice playground," notes Michelle M. The beach areas are typically open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with no lifeguards on duty.

    What campers like

    Clean facilities: Mounds State Park Campground maintains excellent bathrooms. "The bathrooms were some of the cleanest ive seen anywhere! The charming camp store has a hummingbird feeder where birds come by often for some sweet nectar," writes Marianne B., who appreciated these details during her first camping trip.

    Lake views: Many campers enjoy waterfront sites at Summit Lake State Park Campground. "Sites 1 through 74 seem to be a lot more level and larger, but they were in a sort of an open area with very little shade. The rest of the sites were fairly unlevel, but were in shaded areas," observes Lisa M., noting the trade-off between shade and levelness.

    Wildlife watching: Bird enthusiasts find excellent opportunities at Kil-So-Quah Recreation Area. "Good bird watching spot. Lots of eagles. Nice place, there is gunfire noise from the range across the lake. Not bad though," says Erica A., pointing out both the natural attractions and potential noise considerations.

    Family atmosphere: Dog friendly campgrounds near Upland often have amenities for all ages. "Very nice campgrounds. Payment needs to be by cash or check which I thought was strange in this day and age. Everything is neat and orderly. The pool is small but really nice, 4'6" deep," notes Sammii D. about Wildwood Outdoor Escape.

    What you should know

    Water quality concerns: At Ouabache State Park Campground, water requires filtration. "The potable water is brown and smelly.. be sure to bring your water filter! But we did enjoy our weekend here," warns Emily P., suggesting campers bring additional drinking water.

    Limited connectivity: Cell service can be spotty near many pet-friendly camping areas around Upland. "Internet rarely worked and Verizon coverage was extremely minimal," reports Josh at Mississinewa Lake, recommending downloading maps and information before arrival.

    Site selection importance: At Kil-So-Quah, there's a significant difference between site types. "Electric sites are small and not private. The outhouses are very clean," explains Tina H., suggesting that those seeking privacy opt for the primitive sites in wooded areas.

    Weather preparedness: Summer storms can develop quickly in the region. "Some can get very wet and flooded during a nice rain," Jacob A. says about sites at Ouabache State Park, recommending checking the site's drainage when setting up camp.

    Tips for camping with families

    Disc golf activities: Mississinewa Lake Campground offers recreational options beyond swimming. "Disc golf, trails, store near the beach, cabin rentals," notes J C., mentioning the variety of activities suitable for different age groups.

    Educational opportunities: History-focused families appreciate Mounds State Park. "If I home schooled.... just struck me as a perfect spot to field trip to if you homeschool your children. Located in Chesterfield, In the park is small but has a lot of historical, geographical and natural information to be had," suggests Shelly S.

    Kid-friendly swimming: For families with younger children, be aware of pool restrictions. "We found out the hard way toddlers who are not potty trained are not allowed in the pool even with swimmy diapers on," cautions Sammii D. about Wildwood Outdoor Escape's policies.

    Playground access: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Upland Indiana feature play areas. "2 nice play grounds in this area as well," mentions Sadye H. about Kil-So-Quah, noting these are located in the grassy opening near the RV sites.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup locations: At Big Oak Park, be prepared for unusual utility arrangements. "Sewer connection on one side and power on the other," notes Sandy O., suggesting longer hoses and cords be packed for flexibility.

    Leveling needs: Summit Lake requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "Our site was a pull through and, while level left to right, required a good bit of leveling front to back," explains Marshall P., recommending extra leveling blocks for most sites.

    Dump station timing: Plan ahead for departure at busy campgrounds. "When you are leaving there are 3 dump stations and it can get really really busy and long waits," warns Elizabeth T. about Mississinewa Lake, suggesting earlier departures to avoid delays.

    Winter camping options: Some pet-friendly campgrounds remain open year-round. "Love this place for winter camping. The campground comfort stations are heated all winter long," shares Lisa N. about Ouabache State Park, making it suitable for cold-weather RV camping.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Upland, IN is Wildwood Outdoor Escape with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 52 dog-friendly camping locations near Upland, IN, with real photos and reviews from campers.