Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hawesville, KY

Vastwood County Park's campsites near Hawesville accommodate pets with water and electric hookups in spacious sites that provide both privacy and proximity to recreational amenities. Pets must remain leashed at all times while enjoying the park's trail system. The campground features paved biking and walking paths ideal for dog walking, a playground, and lake access for non-motorized boats. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, with a dump station available on-site. Weekends tend to be busier at this family-friendly destination, but the wide sites offer reasonable separation despite some being positioned close together. Bath houses are clean and well-maintained. The park's camping season runs from early April through late October with electric sites priced affordably. Friendly staff empty trash regularly on weekdays.

Several hiking trails throughout the Hoosier National Forest provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with German Ridge Campground and Saddle Lake Campground both offering pet-friendly primitive camping within a short drive. These self-service campgrounds feature vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site. German Ridge includes hitching posts at campsites, making it popular with horse riders who share the multi-use trails with hikers and bikers. The 2.2-mile Saddle Lake Trail encircles the lake, providing a scenic route for dog walking. Water isn't potable at these primitive sites, so visitors should bring plenty for themselves and their pets. Ticks are common in the area, particularly after rainy periods, requiring appropriate prevention measures for both humans and dogs. The serene wooded settings provide peaceful camping experiences with minimal crowds except during hunting seasons.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hawesville, Kentucky (72)

    1. Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph

    33 Reviews
    Santa Claus, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4458

    $45 - $101 / night

    "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."

    2. Saddle Lake Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    13 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    $5 / night

    "Saddle Lake Recreation Area and Campground is located of IN37 right outside Tell City, IN in Hoosier National Forest. "

    "This is a centrally located primitive campground that my siblings and I use often for weekend expeditions."

    3. Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park

    22 Reviews
    Lincoln City, IN
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 937-4710

    $20 - $100 / night

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

    "The RV/camping area was well laid out and the sites were nestled in quite close to one another."

    4. Vastwood Co Park

    4 Reviews
    Hawesville, KY
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 927-8778

    $8 - $20 / night

    "Beautiful lakeside campsites. Great for small groups or individuals."

    "Park features playground, paved biking and walking trails, disc golf, plenty of shade, lake with boat dock (non-motorized boats only), bath house, and dump station."

    5. German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Rome, IN
    10 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    $8 / night

    "I wrongfully assumed the horses would be at Saddle Lake across IN37, but then I rolled into German Ridge. "

    "We also found a bunch at the host at the Tipsaw Campground a short drive away. We were at site 19 and pitched 3 tents, and it was tight quarters but doable."

    6. Tipsaw Lake

    10 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4891

    $21 - $70 / night

    "There are nice showerhouses in the adjacent campgrounds."

    "Tipsaw Lake Hoosier National Forest is a nice quiet family/group oriented area. There is a basic boatramp with dock, parking and pit toilet."

    7. Indian-Celina Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    Saint Croix, IN
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 843-4880

    $21 - $44 / night

    "Indian Lake is co-located with Celina Lake and two campground. Once you turn off of IN37 you just keep straight to get to Indian Lake."

    "The campground is just off the highway, but I never heard any road noise. I enjoyed hiking the trail between the North and South loops."

    8. Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest

    11 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    22 miles
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "It used to have a sweet little walk in spot down the bouldering trail that looked over the river. Now it is overgrown and you can't get back there."

    "There actually wasn’t any camp grounds open when we got there but we were so exhausted from the drive and it was 4am so we parking at the trail head and got a 3 hour nap in."

    9. COE Rough River Lake Axtel Campground

    14 Reviews
    Falls of Rough, KY
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (270) 257-2584

    $20 - $60 / night

    "Axtel is located on the shore of Rough River Lake and has over 150 camp sites. Almost every site has quick access and/or views of the lake. There is a designated swimming and beach area."

    "Lake really low, water warm - but able to kayak. The weekend was close to 100% occupancy, and although busy- the activity and noises were all happy sounds of kids playing."

    10. Hoosier National Forest Jackpine Loop Campground

    3 Reviews
    Leopold, IN
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (812) 547-7051

    "Tipsaw features a nice beach facility(no dogs on beach) with small picnic pavilions on cement walkways. "

    "Wildlife is everywhere, as it is not unusual to have a Momma deer and her little one walk through the woods by your campsite or down by the boat launc, often followed by a turkey or two."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hawesville, KY

413 Reviews of 72 Hawesville Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Pawsfuradventure T.
    Sep. 11, 2017

    Moutardier

    Lakeside, fisherman's paradise

    Moutardier Campground is a fisherman’s paradise. It is located on Nolin River Lake. Our site was lakeside which was beautiful (Site D6). This campsite offered electric/water hookup, fire pit, picnic table, filet table, bathrooms, and showers. There were boat ramps, a marina nearby to rent boats, and also offered a playground. Pets were welcomed (we have a dog and a hiking cat). We also had cell service (Verizon). 

    The view of the lake from the teardrop camper was awesome. We kayaked around the lake which was very enjoyable - saw ducks, and birds such as a grey heron. Also lots of fish jumping. There are power boats allowed in the lake. Many people were fishing from their boats, kayaks, or from the shore. 

    There is also a two mile hike that is in the campground called Shady Creek Trail. It looked like it had not been hiked in a while but it went through woods, small stream and had a cool rock formation at one part that you would swear is a haven for snakes. Pets enjoyed it but beware if you do not like spiders. This trail was covered in spiders and webs. No exaggeration that we cleared about a hundred spiders out of our path. 

    The campground was very well manicured and clean. Many of the sites were right on the lake. They were close together but did not seem it as they were on different levels and angles. Everyone was quiet and courteous. Bathrooms were very clean and well lit. The showers were “dated” - water stains but clean. Great water pressure and hot water. 

    There was no store on the campground but 5 minutes away was a great little restaurant called Sherry’s that we had both lunch and breakfast at. Food was delicious (fried dill pickle chips!) and one could buy bags of ice. 

    Overall this was a very relaxing campground. We met some wonderful people who have been coming to the campground for years. It is about 30 minutes from Mammoth Caves which was a great place to explore. Overall we gave the campground a 4 - lakeside and if you love to fish - it’s paradise.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • L
    Jun. 29, 2018

    Moutardier

    Great bank fishing!

    Love this campground. Have not found a bad spot yet. Family and pet friendly

  • Sofia A.
    Oct. 24, 2020

    Marengo Cave Campgrounds

    Near Caves

    I stayed on late October and I was the only one there, except for a family on the cabins. The spots are just near and walking distance from the caves and other attractions. They have two potable water spots (so no water on each spot), picnic tables, fire rings, grills and every spot faces the little river. restrooms and showers too. You can bring small pets inside the cave if you carry them all time. I have a small zuchon and carry her in a doggy backpack 🎒 she loved it!

  • Barry B.
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Sycamore Springs Park

    Friendly, quiet and clean

    My wife and I went to Sycamore Springs Park a few weeks ago and stayed for 3 days. We tent camped and it was fantastic. We were right at the lake edge. The campsite had electric but no water, but the water was just across the road at a shelter. The park assigned campers to where they were distanced from each other due to COVID. The showers were the best I've seen, clean and strong pressure. It is also pet friendly. Our Golden loved the camp and the lake. I recommend this camp to all who want a quiet get away.


Guide to Hawesville

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Hawesville, Kentucky, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities for an enjoyable outdoor experience.

Pet owners like the spacious and accommodating campgrounds

  • At Sun Outdoors Lake Rudolph, pets are allowed, and the campground features spacious sites with electric hookups, making it convenient for pet owners.
  • Indian-Celina Recreation Area offers a peaceful environment with ample space for pets to roam, along with drinking water and picnic tables for a comfortable stay.
  • Lake Lincoln Campground — Lincoln State Park is pet-friendly and provides well-maintained facilities, including clean restrooms and showers, ensuring a pleasant experience for both you and your pet.

Dog owners appreciate the variety of activities available

Tips for camping with dogs near Hawesville

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at Vastwood Co Park to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet while enjoying the amenities at German Ridge Campground — Hoosier National Forest, where you can find beautiful trails and picnic areas.
  • Make sure to clean up after your pet at Celina Recreation Area to maintain the campground's cleanliness and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hawesville, KY?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hawesville, KY 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 Hawesville, KY?

TheDyrt.com has all 72 dog-friendly camping locations near Hawesville, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.