German Ridge Campground in Hoosier National Forest provides multiple pet-friendly camping options with fire rings, picnic tables, and hitching posts at each site. The primitive self-serve campground features 20 spots where dogs can accompany campers at no additional fee. Nearby, Buzzard Roost Campground offers five pet-friendly sites with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Both locations maintain vault toilets that are regularly cleaned and stocked. Indian-Celina Recreation Area and O'Bannon Woods State Park also welcome pets with more developed facilities including electric hookups, drinking water, and trash service. Sites are set up nicely for horse people with tie out areas and plenty of parking for horse trailers.
Hoosier National Forest trails provide excellent opportunities for hiking with dogs on multi-use paths shared with mountain bikers and horse riders. The German Ridge area features 24 miles of trails accessible from two trailheads within the campground, plus a day use area further down the road with ample trailer parking. Buzzard Roost includes a trail overlooking the Ohio River with a cleared vantage point and bench. Campers should bring sufficient water for pets as potable water isn't available at primitive sites, and summer visits require careful planning for pet hydration. Ticks are common in the area, particularly after rainy periods, so proper prevention is essential. While swimming isn't permitted at Saddle Lake, many sites offer proximity to water access points where dogs can cool off under supervision.
"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."
$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."
$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."
$23 - $496 / night
"Park is located a good bit away from Corydon but not too bad of a drive for supplies. Campground roads and campsite were well labeled, clean and electric was in working order."
"Several trails in walking, horse or bike riding distance. Some direct access from the campground. You can set up here and have plenty to do without ever leaving the park."
$24 - $52 / 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."
$24 - $80 / 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."
$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."
$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."
$12 - $22 / night
"Very popular campsite for the surrounding area. Otter Creek runs through the Outdoor recreation area. Lots of hiking, biking and horse trails. Great opportunities for fishing also abound."
"Beautiful trails for hiking, great creek for swimming, close to Louisville."
"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."
"There is a fishing lake and a small river to fish in or wade and swim in. There is a miniature village for the kids along with 20 playgrounds in the campground."
GuideThere 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.
ScoutThis is a great location near the lake, dog park and community center and has excellent internet access.
GuideThe 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideMoutardier 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.
LegendWe received an information email the day before prior to arrival with general info and wifi password plus how to pre check in. The morning of arrival, we received another email with specific instructions to not trust GPS and follow their instructions. Our Trip Wizard and Waze GPS instructions actually brought us right to the campground (CG). Since we had pre checked in, we were instructed in the directions email to go directly to deluxe pull-through site 78, where our welcome package would be in the electrical box. The site was plenty long enough for our 40’ toy hauler and F450. Not sure why this is a deluxe site as its gravel with a picnic table and portable fire pit? The utilities were more towards the front of the pad with no issues reaching the connections. It was a nice touch to see a small cement circle pad on the sewer connection. This is a new CG, so amenities like the laundry and gift shop were not opened yet. Water pressure was good. We got 4 bars on Verizon and 3 bars 5G on T-Mobile. We used our T-Mobile Internet versus Starlink. It would not have been an issue to use satellite as there are no mature trees in the campground. They have one large(about 1/4 acre) fenced dog area. The dog park slopes down a hill and connects with a fence that goes around the property. Do not throw small balls down the hill as they can go through the fence and there’s no way to recover the ball due to no openings/gates near by to get to the back of the dog park. There’s also a smaller fenced dog area near the front of the CG. Great customer service before and during our stay.
GuideRest 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerA 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.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Union Star, Kentucky include several pet-friendly options within Hoosier National Forest. This region features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet and a humid continental climate that averages 45 inches of annual rainfall. Most campsites in this area sit on hard-packed gravel surfaces surrounded by dense hardwood forests that provide natural shade during summer months.
Water activities at Saddle Lake: The 2.2 mile trail around Saddle Lake Campground provides scenic hiking with views of the water. "Pretty drive going in. The place seem to be well maintained, for $5 per night it sure is a good deal. Camps were a little bit close to one another. My husband and I hiked in the early in the morning. Watching sunrise over the lake sure was a serene experience I feel like everyone should give a try," notes Rica Z.
Explore hiking trails: The overlook trail at Buzzard Roost Campground offers views of the Ohio River. "There's a nice trail that overlooks the river and has a cleared vantage point with a bench," explains Joe F. The campground features five sites with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes in the area offer fishing for various species. "The lake was a bit small but there's hardly a lot of people around so I think it would be great for kayaking or even fishing," writes a Saddle Lake visitor. At Tipsaw Lake, "Nice clean has swimming, fishing, hikeing," according to Trena S.
Clean facilities: Tipsaw Lake receives praise for its maintenance. "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," notes Liz W. This pet-friendly campground features multiple loops for different camping styles.
Affordable camping options: Many sites in the area have reasonable fees. "For $5 per night it sure is a good deal," mentions a Saddle Lake reviewer. Another camper notes, "The campsite is $5 per night, they use the honor system, and they have a pit vault bathroom that is usually in pretty clean condition."
Private campsites: Indian-Celina Recreation Area offers good site separation. "Each site was spacious and not jammed up against other sites. It is very family oriented with plenty of friendly campers," writes Nancy R. The campground offers water and electric hookups with pets allowed throughout the property.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Come prepared when visiting basic campgrounds. "No water ok bathrooms," mentions Jermie C. about one location. Another camper shares, "Bring your own TP. The sites are close and there isn't much for privacy between most of the sites."
Cell service varies: Connectivity can be spotty in this rural region. One Rough River Lake Axtel Campground visitor notes, "WiFi is available however, there is a fee." At other sites, service may be more limited: "One bar with AT&T, was able to get online when the neighbors left (but not while they were home)."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions. "We pulled up to find very open campsites... Lots of mosquitoes and a bug infested bathroom," reports a summer visitor. Another notes, "Ticks are REALLY bad. Maybe the season, maybe the area, not sure."
Multiple playgrounds: Sycamore Springs Park caters specifically to families with children. "So much to do with the kids, from swimming in the creek, fishing, campfires, s'mores, fresh black topped roads, and such friendly staff. Clean bathrooms and showers, and beautiful places to visit also. Tons of playgrounds too spread throughout the campground," reports Cora P.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer water access for cooling off. "The beach had a lot of debris washed up, however we were there in late winter. The playground at the lake is perfect for Littles," notes Angela M. about Tipsaw Lake. Another camper mentions, "The beach is the main attraction to this area."
Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter, manageable paths for young hikers. "My kids enjoyed the nature center, pioneer village, and one of the easy trails," explains a visitor. Others mention that many campgrounds feature "well maintained" parks and trails suitable for children.
Site selection matters: At O'Bannon Woods State Park, "The sites have an asphalt pad that are mostly level. 50,30,20 amp service in one box. There was no water at the site though. Throughout the campground are potable water spigots that you can hook up to and add water to your tank," explains Derek J.
Campsite leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain. "Nice state park with RV sites and water hookups. Not all pads are level or very wide," notes one camper. Another mentions, "The sites are a little tighter than a typical facility but there appeared to be many folks buddy camping so it was well suited for that."
Hookup availability: Check what utilities are available. "Most of the sites are rather private from each other. The bathrooms were very clean," writes Debra W. about Indian-Celina Lake. Another camper confirms, "Campgrounds are clean some with electric. Not much of a crowd for the weekend I was there."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Union Star, KY?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Union Star, KY is Buzzard Roost Campground — Hoosier National Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Union Star, KY, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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