Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lawrence, NJ
Parvin State Park Campground's spacious pet-friendly sites welcome campers with tents, RVs, and cabin options throughout its April to October season. Dogs must remain leashed at all times while hiking the park's flat, sandy trails that circle Thundergust Lake. The campsites accommodate various sizes, with some large enough for trailers and RVs, though navigating narrow campground roads may be challenging for larger rigs. Most sites feature bare ground rather than gravel pads, with picnic tables and fire rings standard at each location. Beware of ticks and mosquitoes when walking pets on trails - numerous campers report aggressive insects requiring proper repellent for both humans and animals. Clean restrooms with hot showers and dish cleaning stations provide convenient amenities for campers with pets.
Belleplain State Forest and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park also accommodate pets with diverse camping options. The Jellystone location features concrete pads at many sites, plus a splash park and pool for human family members. Both locations enforce standard leash requirements throughout camping areas and trails. Sites near high-traffic hiking paths offer less privacy for reactive dogs, so requesting spots farther from main trails benefits pet owners seeking quieter surroundings. Campground roads are primarily dirt or sand surfaces, becoming muddy during rainstorms despite gravel at some sites. Most campgrounds in the region provide water access where dogs can cool off, though swimming areas designated for humans typically prohibit pets. Dog waste stations are available at larger campgrounds, with strict rules about picking up after pets to maintain clean facilities.
