Belleplain State Forest welcomes pets at spacious campsites distributed across three distinct camping areas: North Shore, Miesle, and CCC. All sites require pets to be leashed, have current vaccination records, and remain under owner supervision. The CCC section provides electric and water hookups ideal for RV camping with pets, while tent campers might prefer the North Shore area with its playground access and proximity to Lake Nummy. Most sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and enough space to accommodate multiple tents or an RV plus additional tents. The forest maintains hiking trails where dogs can join their owners for nature exploration. Bathrooms with showers are available throughout the campground, though cleanliness can vary during peak seasons. Sites are typically large enough to provide adequate space between neighbors for privacy with pets.
Parvin State Park Campground offers additional pet-friendly camping options approximately 30 miles northwest of Downe, with electric hookups and water access. Dog owners appreciate the relatively level sites and clean facilities during spring and fall camping seasons. The network of trails surrounding both Belleplain and Parvin provide excellent walking opportunities for dogs, though Lake Nummy at Belleplain receives particularly positive mentions from pet owners. Both locations maintain a quiet atmosphere conducive to camping with pets, especially during weekdays or off-peak season. Cape May attractions lie approximately 20 minutes from Belleplain, making it possible to combine pet-friendly forest camping with coastal activities. Visitors should note that dump stations can become congested during checkout times on busy weekends, potentially causing delays when departing with pets.
"They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for."
"Pets are also allowed with no size restrictions with vaccination records and a leash! They have kayaks available to rent to row across the peaceful Nummy Lake."
$20 - $65 / night
"lake with water sports, hiking trails that are dog friendly, plenty of campsites. If you have kids staying longer for the lake would make sense. bring bug spray!!"
"Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans."
"This campground is also very pet friendly ❤️. We come back as often as possible."
"Stayed in a drive through, patio site with full hook-ups. It was situated on a corner spot. A lot of RV, golf cart, bike, and people traffic due to the location."
$30 - $99 / night
"There is also a section of walk-in tent sites, each with 1 parking spot semi close by. (Bring a wagon if you stay at one of these)."
"There are miles upon miles of walking and biking trails. There are nice play facilities for kids, loads of water and beach access."
"Great Location and close to Cape May City. 10 min drive to Washington Street Mall. Lots to do during the day."
"Beautiful main building. close to a lovely walking trail."
"It's very close to everything, but you don't even need to leave the campground! There are a ton of activities!"
"We went to Ocean View Resort in New Jersey to kick off the 2022 season in our new Fleetwood Discovery LXE. And we’re glad we did! "
"They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean. Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area."
"I think the lale could use a little cleanup with the amount of bobbers, string and mess left behind by people. There have ao many cabins its crazy and alot of seasonal rentals."
$32 - $160 / night
"As a returning traveler to Spacious Skies Campgrounds – Country Oaks in Dorothy, New Jersey, I continue to be impressed by the peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and welcoming hospitality"
"There’s nothing much to do in the area without driving 45+ minutes away, so make this your destination of you’re looking for a restful time away from home. The Wi-Fi actually worked great."
$30 - $35 / night
"A safe haven located just outside of the city. Give them a try and come back here to leave them a review."
$42 / night
"A beautiful wooded campground close to the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey. Very family oriented and really a great place for adults too."
"Lots to do and the beautiful beaches of Cape May, New Jersey are a short 10 minute drive. The different types of camping/glamping experiences exceeded my expectations."
ScoutArrived at 1pm on Wednesday. Check in was smooth. They allowed me to drive around first and pick out a campsite before checking in. They charge $5 extra for a dog. So far it is very quiet and that's what I was looking for. It's just a short drive to the ocean is:Cape May, Ocean City New Jersey.
GuideAtsion Family Campground
Off US 206 and about 1/2 a mile up Atsion Road in New Jersey’s Wharton State Forest, you’ll find the Atsion Family Campground. The facility is run by the Dept of Environmental Protection and offers Tent, Trailer and Group Sites. There are also Cabins for rent as well, but only available during the summer months, After Memorial Day until October. AFC is one of several campgrounds in WSF and is the largest with 50 camping sites. Amenities include a handicapped accessible restroom/shower building, several drinking water spigots, and a waste dump for trailers. There are no electric hook ups and cell service is low, but manageable. Plenty of sun (shady too) so bring your solar powered generators and cell signal boosters if you need to stay connected. AFC is also pet friendly, so bring your 4 legged furry family members, after registering them with the camp site.
The individual sites are spacious with a pic-nick table and fire ring grill. Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites (4, 8, 10, 12, 20 and 22) early as they are popular. The ground is sandy and relatively level for easy camp set up. Some sites are close to a roadway, so you do get some car noise, and like all unmonitored camp sites, loud, unruly campers can be lurking among the pines. Be sure to get your fire wood from the guy that lives across the street from the campground entrance. 5 bucks, on the honor system, a good amount of wood, open 24/7.
Nearby is the Atsion Recreation Area, which offers fishing, walking, biking and horseback trails, a life guard monitored beach by the lake with restrooms and snacks (Summer Months). Only 15 minutes away, a quick drive, is Batso Village, an old iron and glass community from the late 1700s to early 1900s. NJ State Park Rangers are working hard keeping the area clean, rehabilitated, and educational center allowing you to walk through the old buildings and time as you image what life was like back then. Wharton SF is huge, over 122,000 acres of sandy terrain, towering pine trees, lakes/rivers and off roading trails!! Y’all should come and play in the Pine Barrens
TravelerCampground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!
ScoutHey had nice owners and seemed like a family but there's just a dirty Lake which is better than nothing but it seems like the Southern Hicks of New Jersey all gather there it's pretty broke and run down.
RangerWe stayed here for a night in transit. Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival. Good location - convenient but far enough off the highway. Would stay here again.
GuideI was able to book my site the day before the trip. The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area.
Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.
The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.
The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.
The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.
The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.
Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.
All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.
GuideA beautiful wooded campground close to the beaches of Cape May, New Jersey. Very family oriented and really a great place for adults too. We stayed in a teepee and it is one of the coolest places I have camped. These days I like glamping and this was the best experience yet!
RangerWe stayed here for 3 nights while visiting family In Philadelphia. It is a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive.
*note- this does close for winter and reopens in April but call park for exact closure dates because they do change.
This is a nice KOA with full hook ups, tent sites,cabins, and even glamping cabins. There is a pool that is open Memorial Day- Labor Day. They also have a catch and release pond and we found a pickleball court at a nearby city park.
We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park. This is a great area to explore with gorgeous views and easy access to the River trail. (There are rentals for everything here- kayaks/bikes etc)
IF we had a car with us- we would have considered taking the ferry from Camden’s Ferry Terminal next to Wiggins Park to Philly. (This is also near the Adventure Aquarium and the battleship New Jersey) Here is a link to information about the ferry-
https://www.delawareriverwaterfront.com/places/riverlink-ferry
This is a great location for exploring Philadelphia.
Happy Camping! Pamela and Keith
RangerThis place was recommended to us by a friend when we first started camping. We've been back many times since then. It's very close to everything, but you don't even need to leave the campground! There are a ton of activities! Certain areas in the campground are very "buggy" and it can get a little pricey, but it's the best place we've been to in New Jersey so far.
Downe Township lies within Cumberland County in southern New Jersey, positioned at approximately 10 feet above sea level in the Delaware Bayshore region. The area experiences mild winters with average lows around 24°F and humid summers that typically reach 85-90°F. Pet-friendly camping options near Downe, New Jersey remain accessible for most of the year, with some campgrounds operating seasonally while others provide year-round accommodation for campers with animals.
Lake activities: Swimming and boating at Belleplain State Forest offers refreshing recreation during summer months. The park's Lake Nummy provides rental options for paddling adventures. "Very nice campground tucked away in southern NJ... lake for swimming and you can rent boats. nice hiking trails and playground," notes April E., who appreciated the family-friendly atmosphere.
Beach access: Free shoreline spots located approximately 20 miles from camping areas provide alternative water recreation. Brian C. from Sun Outdoors Cape May points out practical cost-saving options: "Sunset and beaches on either side of ferry terminal jetti are free and no cost to park. They are on the bay so small waves."
Historical exploration: Military sites within 30 miles showcase the region's strategic past. "The historic aspect of the Cape amazed me. It was a site for WWII soldiers to watch for enemy invaders. The towers are still there," shares Jennifer S. about her experience at Cape Henlopen State Park, making it worthwhile for history enthusiasts with pets.
Privacy between sites: Many campers value the spacing at Parvin State Park Campground, which offers good separation between neighboring units. Frank J. notes, "Site was level and easy in and out. Large site off the main road to other sites. Nice hiking trails. Staff very nice." This setup allows pets to settle comfortably without constant interaction with strangers.
Dog-friendly trails: Networks of walking paths surround most campgrounds in the area. "We love the dog-friendly hiking trails. We have walked through the site areas and they seem to be a nice size," reports Maggie H. about Belleplain State Forest, highlighting the practical value for those traveling with active dogs.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms reduce stress when camping with pets. "The bathhouses were clean and well maintained," notes Dave R. about his stay at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort, adding that the campground is "a short 5 minute drive from Cape May" which provides convenient access to additional pet-friendly activities.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience water system challenges. Frank J. observed at Parvin State Park: "Bathrooms were clean but most of the faucets on the sinks were broken. The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing." Consider bringing bottled water for pets and humans.
Seasonal crowds affect facilities: During peak periods, maintenance can struggle to keep up with demand. "Little maintenance and cleaning was provided during our weekend stay, especially during a global pandemic," Amanda M. mentions about Belleplain State Forest, suggesting off-peak visits may offer better conditions.
Dump station congestion: Limited waste disposal facilities can create delays during checkout at busy times. Anne H. warns about Cape Henlopen State Park Campground: "The sites are mostly small and close together. The closer you are to the camp store, the louder and busier it is." Planning early morning or late departures helps avoid these bottlenecks when traveling with pets.
Playground proximity: Choose sites strategically based on children's activities. Brett D. notes about Belleplain: "Nice campsites with good electric and water hookups. Great activities at the lake and playground." Request sites within walking distance but not directly adjacent to play areas for optimal sleep conditions.
Splash pads: Water recreation options provide entertainment beyond swimming. Ray L. from Ocean View Resort Campground shares, "This campground had it all from a huge pool and unbelievable splash pad to a great swimming pond with a beach!" These features keep children entertained while pet owners manage animal care responsibilities.
Scheduled activities: Check event calendars before booking to maximize entertainment value. "First time here and will be back... Best state run campground I've been to. Friendly staff, clean facilities, so much to do. Offers more then some private campgrounds," reports Heather F. about Belleplain State Forest, highlighting the programmed recreation that complements pet-friendly amenities.
Site dimensions: Verify measurements before booking, especially with larger units. At Spacious Skies Country Oaks, Matt S. found practical amenities: "We stayed in pull-thru site#12 which was level, covered in clean gravel, had a concrete patio with picnic table and Adirondack chairs, and a nice fire ring. The site was big enough for our motor home."
Electric service compatibility: Ensure campground power matches your RV requirements. Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, but availability of 50-amp connections varies. "We stayed in site 116 in CCC section (only section with electric and water). Good privacy. Check-in went smoothly," shares Frank J. about Belleplain State Forest, noting the limited electric options.
Road conditions: Interior campground roads may present challenges for larger vehicles. Jonathan L. cautions about Belleplain: "Make sure you have a map of the site handy, as it can be hard to navigate with the foliage and lack of marked roadways." Arriving during daylight hours helps new visitors navigate unfamiliar campgrounds with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Downe, NJ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Downe, NJ is Belleplain State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Downe, NJ?
TheDyrt.com has all 98 dog-friendly camping locations near Downe, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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