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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Norton, KS

89 Reviews

Prairie Dog State Park's multiple campgrounds accept pets throughout their diverse accommodation options, including tent sites, RV spaces, and cabins. Shady Rest Campground offers electric hookups and water access in a wooded setting, while the Prairie Dog Campground provides full hookups for RVs with additional tent camping areas. Cedar Ridge Campground features pull-through sites with full hookups overlooking Norton Reservoir, particularly suitable for large RVs. The park maintains standard pet policies requiring leashed pets in campground areas. Camping areas include picnic tables and fire rings, with most loops offering access to showers and toilets. Visitors should be aware of seasonal bug activity, with reviews noting significant insect presence during summer months that can affect outdoor activities with pets.

Several hiking options exist for visitors with dogs around Keith Sebelius Lake, including Lake Bottom Trail which provides a mowed path suitable for walking pets. Wildlife viewing opportunities include prairie dogs, deer, and various bird species throughout the park. The reservoir allows fishing and swimming access, though pets should remain leashed near water areas. Summer temperatures can become extremely hot, requiring extra water and shade consideration for pets. Campers report varying cleanliness levels in bathroom facilities, with some noting they could benefit from more frequent maintenance. The park's multiple camping loops provide options from primitive tent sites to modern cabins, allowing pet owners to select accommodations based on their comfort needs and pet management preferences. Sites tucked among trees offer better protection from both summer heat and storms that occasionally roll across the plains.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Norton, Kansas (39)

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Norton, KS

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Norton, KS

89 Reviews of 39 Norton Campgrounds

  • Pam G.
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Karrer Park

    Great free stop

    Nicely kept roadside campground with grass and trees. Electric hookups (very nice in Nebraska summer). Lots of dragonflies to eat the mosquitoes. Airport across the street and railroad behind to mix with road noise. A little far to walk back to town for dinner. But local stopped by an said we should go to Fuller’s for breakfast (5 egg omelette).

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2021

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground

    Fishing Time

    Harlan County Lake Near Alma, Nebraska Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska. The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away.

    • • May 1– Sept 30
    • • Reservable May 1– Sept 30 (877-444-6777)
    • • Non-reservable Nov 1– April 30

    • 48 Electric sites

    • 50 amp available

    • 81 non electric sites

    • Dump station

    • Picnic area

    • Playground

    • Full hookups

    • Sewer hookup

    • Electric

    • Water

    • Fire ring/grill

    • Toilets/showers

    • Boat launch

    Methodist Cove Park offers variety campsites of individual, group, electric and non-electric sites. There is also one reservable group picnic shelter for day use. One large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located within the campground and several vault toilets are located throughout the rest of the park. The main road is hard surfaced, while others are gravel. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. There two full service marinas on the east end of the lake. Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer. 

    This is a beautiful campground.  The site is flat and open.  Trees are scattered among the many campsites.  The sites are small but well maintained.  A bonus was a washer and dryer located in both the men's and women's bath/toilet facility.  That facility was very clean.

    The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes. Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites.

     When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving. 

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

     Latitude 40° 5' 12.9998" N Longitude 99° 18' 56.0002" W 

    From U.S. Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left on South Street and travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on south side of the road.

    Need to Know• Only one camping unit allowed per site• All campers must check in when arriving at park• Maximum of six people allowed per site• An attendant is on duty during the peak season of May through September• Secure coolers and boating equipment each night to prevent thefts• Off-road vehicles are not permitted

    • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

    Contact Information Mailing Address 70788 Corps Road A REPUBLICAN CITY, NE 68971-9742 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 308-799-2105

    LNT

    Better than when you found it

    Stay safe - Happy Travels

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2021

    South Outlet Camping

    Dam View

    • FCFS
    • May 15 - Sep 15
    • No reservations
    • 14 day limit 
    • Generators allowed 24/7
    • Trash
    • Pit toilets
    • Picnic tables
    • Fire ring
    • No designated sites
    • Dispersed camping

    This camp is located below the dam on a gravel road.  Road is wash board and I am sure that on weekends ATV will abound.  There is an ATV staging area just down the road.  This will be a great location for hunting camps during the fall.

    The campground is located just off Corp Road A next to the dam.

    This area offers any fisherman a great opportunity to catch a great selection of walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish fish species. The hunter will also gather an abundance of game animals to include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.  Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Mature tress giving most areas nice shade. There are several water sites and even the sites that are not on the water you will still have a view of the water.  Harlan County Lake is set in a very rural area. Roads are what I would consider secondary. Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared. Harlan County Lake is set in the rolling plains of south central Nebraska where farming is very important to Nebraska and to the United States. The Republican River begins in eastern Colorado and flows 453 miles through the states of Nebraska and Kansas. Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in Nebraska and provides year round recreation such as fishing, hunting, and all types of watersports. A claim to fame for Republican City is that it is the "Only" town by this name in the world. Republican City has a population of less than 200 people. It was founded in 1871. The Republican River supplies the lake. Republican City was devastated by "the big flood of 1935" and due to the flood the Corp of Engineers(COE) designed a dam to cross the valley. The town had to be moved to higher ground. The town was moved to higher ground in 1951-52. Homes were loaded onto trucks and placed on foundations already constructed. French traders in the late 1700's named the indigenous people along the river the Republican Pawnee in the mistaken belief that they had a republic type of government. Everything in the area was so named because of that misnomer. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites. When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must  be obtained.

    Please buy your firewood locally.

    No fireworks

    LNT

    Leave it better than when you found it

    Stay safe  Travel safe

  • C
    Jul. 10, 2019

    COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground

    Huge Campground with Many Options

    There are many RV and tent sites at this campground with water access to the Harlan reservoir. Several loops of sites are available around the lake within this campground. Electric RV sites and some tent sites can be reserved online while there are also a set number of first come first served sites. Dogs and campfires are allowed. There is a fish cleaning station for those who are interested in fishing. There is also a playground in the main loop for kids. Due to the overwhelming amount of rain in the area, some of the sites are unavailable right now, but there are still more than enough for everyone. We were there on a busy holiday weekend and still had plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Dogs are allowed on lease at all times. There are also two group campsites and a covered picnic facility that would be great for reunions.

  • C
    Jul. 10, 2019

    COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park

    Great Family Camping and Fishing

    Large campground with primative and RV sites. Dogs are allowed on leash and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around and play. There is a heated shower and coin operated laundry available in the campground or you're only a few minutes away from Alma, NE for a supply run. Fishing is popular here with a great boat ramp and area to clean the walleye or whatever is biting that day. For those who RV camp, there is a dump station available.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2021

    COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park

    Second Time Around

    •  150 campsites, both with and without electric hookups. 
    • There are also several tent-only sites. 
    • Showers
    • Toilets
    • Laundry (1.50 per load)
    • Two playgrounds
    •  Volleyball court 
    •  Boat ramp 
    •  Fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought-after fish species. 
    • Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. 
    • The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. 
    • An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. 
    •  Latitude 40° 4' 59.0002" N Longitude 99° 13' 39.7200" W 
    • Directions"   Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left onto Highway 136. then turn right on Berrigan Road and travel 1.25 miles to the intersection of Road B. Turn right and travel one mile; the park entrance is on south side of the road.
    • Off-road vehicles not permitted in the campground 
    • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. 
    • Phone number for campground inquiries, please call: 308-799-2105

    This is our second visit to this location and I have an update on our stay.  Major thing for us is that we have not encountered the dreaded blood thirty skeeters.  We did have a major storm last night but campground held up rather well.  Hunter Cove is a large, well kept park and all facilities are clean with no flies or at least very few.  The park is blessed with a lot of mature tress giving most sites a nice shade.  There are several water sites and even the sites that are not on the water you will still have a view of the water.  Pad are gravel or grass but hard packed.  Hunter Cove is set in a very rural area.  Roads are what I would consider secondary.  Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared.  

     When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies.  There is a market in Alma, Nebraska.  Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.

    If you have a reservation and the camp host is not on duty you will find your spot and they have place a tag with your name and dates of arrival.  Sites are well marked and well maintained.  There are sections for tent campers and many are water sites.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft.  All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states.  Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways.  CLEAN  DRY  Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft.  If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

  • K
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Ok, not too exciting

    Super flat landscape, very short walking trail, main attraction is fishing, less wildlife than I expected. Quite a few campsites to choose from, some with more trees than others. We chose a primitive one. Also some new modern cabins. Ok place to stop over, I wouldn’t return but others seemed happy with it. And yes, you will definitely see prairie dogs :)

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Unlike the other reviews, I think this place is great

    I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself. This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike. I think it is kind of a jewel in the Kansas system.

Guide to Norton

Prairie Dog State Park campgrounds offer multiple accommodation options around Norton Reservoir in northwestern Kansas. The park features 13,000 acres of mixed grass prairie terrain at approximately 2,300 feet elevation. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer can bring 90+ degree days with persistent winds across the open landscape.

What to Do

Wildlife observation: Prairie Dog State Park's namesake rodent colony provides endless entertainment. "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours," notes Shaeli E. about Prairie Dog Campground.

Hiking: Lake Bottom Trail offers easy walking routes suitable for all ages. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around," reports Leah M. from Prairie Dog Campground, highlighting the additional wildlife viewing opportunities.

Water activities: Norton Reservoir allows swimming and fishing during warmer months. "Shaded RV spots with hookups. Good swimming," confirms Dee W. about her experience at Prairie Dog Campground.

What Campers Like

Primitive camping options: Basic sites provide peaceful settings with essential amenities. "Stayed here two nights in primitive site under a tree worked very well. But all services are there. Popular for fishing weekends. KS parks folk are organized and place is tip-top!" shares Carl S. from Prairie Dog Campground.

Spacious sites: Many campsites offer ample room for equipment and activities. "Was able to find a site tucked in the trees that felt separate from the other campsites and it was perfect! Had a range of sites from primitive (picnic table and fire ring) to full hook up," notes Katie L. about Cedar Ridge Campground.

Diverse camping loops: The park features multiple distinct camping areas. "I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself," explains Teresa T. from Shady Rest Campground.

What You Should Know

Seasonal insect activity: Bug populations peak during summer months. "We were literally stuck in our camper and only spent the night and than left. When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me," warns Shannon G. about her July experience at Shady Rest Campground.

Weather considerations: Expect sudden storms and extreme temperature swings. "Surprise: crazy storms rolling over the plains!" mentions Lynn G. about Prairie Dog Campground.

Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness varies throughout the season. "The vault toilet didnt look like it had been swept in awhile as it had a LOT of bug carcasses. But otherwise a nice place to stay," notes Jane U. from Prairie Dog Campground.

Tips for Camping with Families

Recreational variety: The park offers multiple activity options beyond camping. "This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike. I think it is kind of a jewel in the Kansas system," Teresa T. recommends about Shady Rest Campground.

Tick prevention: Take precautions against ticks during warm months. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around, but with deer come ticks. We camp in many places and have seldom seen so many ticks in one place," cautions Leah M. from Prairie Dog Campground.

Off-season benefits: Consider camping during cooler months for fewer insects. "I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs," Teresa T. suggests from her experience at Shady Rest Campground.

Tips from RVers

Pull-through sites: Cedar Ridge Campground offers spacious sites for larger vehicles. "Excellent for large RV's. Pull thru sites with full hookups and overlooking Norton reservoir," confirms Tadd B. from Cedar Ridge Campground.

Reservation timing: Book early for pet friendly camping near Norton, Kansas during peak fishing periods. "Popular for fishing weekends," notes Carl S. about Prairie Dog Campground.

Connectivity: Mobile service remains strong throughout most camping areas. "Verizon works great," reports Katie L. about Cedar Ridge Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Norton, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Norton, KS is Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Norton, KS?

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