Dog-Friendly Camping near Swedesboro, NJ

96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA welcomes pets at all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. The campground maintains a clean, fenced dog park where pets can exercise off-leash, and many guests appreciate the convenient pet waste stations throughout the property. Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, just 16 miles from Swedesboro, also accommodates pets at tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash requirements outside designated pet areas, typically limiting pets to two per site. Overnight pet fees range from $5-10 per night depending on the campground. The bathrooms at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA are consistently described as immaculately clean, which makes for a more pleasant experience when pet owners need to use facilities during walks with their dogs.

    Hiking trails accessible from several pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with Parvin State Park Campground offering multiple well-marked paths through wooded areas. Water-loving dogs can enjoy swimming at Hospitality Creek Campground's pond, though pets must remain leashed in these shared areas. Most campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination upon check-in, and campers should bring copies of vaccination records. Seasonal considerations include higher tick populations during summer months, so regular checking after walks is recommended. Pet owners appreciate that Philadelphia South KOA's walking trail into the woods features native plants and provides a peaceful environment for dog walks. Winter campers should note that fewer pet-friendly campgrounds remain open year-round, with Philadelphia South KOA being one of the few offering heated pet-friendly cabins during colder months.

    Shenandoah National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Swedesboro (96)

      1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      4.3(21)6mi from SwedesboroRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival."

      "We did Chinatown and walked part of the Schuylkill River trail which we accessed by parking near Fairmount Park."

      2. Old Cedar Campground

      4.2(11)11mi from SwedesboroRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Quiet Getaway Weekend 

      We went to Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville, New Jersey, for a quiet getaway weekend. This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities."

      "Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."

      from $31 - $50 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Lums Pond State Park Campground

      4.5(52)26mi from Swedesboro73 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $22 - $40 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park - Elmer

      3.7(10)14mi from SwedesboroRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      5. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

      4.7(10)16mi from Swedesboro2 sitesTents

      "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

      "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

      from $57 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Parvin State Park Campground

      3.9(15)19mi from SwedesboroRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $65 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Tinicum Island

      5.0(1)8mi from SwedesboroTents

      8. Hospitality Creek Campground

      4.5(12)22mi from SwedesboroRVs

      "The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."

      "We love the lake side campsites."

      9. Oldmans Creek Campground

      3.0(1)8mi from SwedesboroRVs, Tents, Cabins

      10. French Creek State Park Campground

      4.2(83)40mi from Swedesboro227 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro."

      "There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge."

      from $20 - $75 / night

      Check Availability

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Swedesboro, NJ

    843 Reviews of 96 Swedesboro Campgrounds


    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 24, 2025

      Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

      History and Camping with Revolutionary Limits

      Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history. The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping. This isn’t the place for a cushy RV getaway or individual tenters looking to sneak in for the night, but rather a structured, group-style camping steeped in Revolutionary War atmosphere. First impressions? More Boy Scout jamboree than weekend getaway, but if you’re here for camaraderie and heritage, you’ve hit the mark.

      Facilities are deliberately minimal. On the Pennsylvania side, camping is limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills. Across the river in New Jersey, the official group camping area provides open tent-only sites with no hookups, no pets and strict quiet hours. Think old-school camping: fire rings, pit toilets and a heavy dose of ‘leave no trace’ ethos. Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights. What you do get is a wide, peaceful forest setting with plenty of space for tents, youth groups or scout troops along with the kind of simplicity that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

      Beyond the tent pads, the surrounding parks are rich with history and outdoor options. On the Pennsylvania side, you’ll find the visitor center, historic McConkey’s Ferry Inn, Bowman’s Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life. Picnic areas and a boat launch offer ways to enjoy the Delaware River. In New Jersey, miles of wooded trails lead you through rolling hills and historic landscapes, perfect for hiking and birdwatching. It’s a spot where history buffs, scouts and nature seekers can all find common ground.

      Insider Tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best group sites are the ones tucked furthest from the trailhead as (surprise, surprise) they’re quieter and offer more privacy; (2) Stock up before arriving, as there are no supply stores inside the park, so head on over to nearby Weis Markets in Langhorne or ShopRite in Fairless Hills, both of which are on the PA-side; (3) Be sure to bring all your own water as none is available onsite; (4) Kayakers should launch from the Pennsylvania side’s boat access for an iconic paddle on the Delaware River; (5) Visit the park’s historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it’s easily the most memorable history lesson you’ll ever get outdoors; and (6) When you’re done camping, fuel up at It’s Nutts Restaurant on the Jersey side in Titusville for classic diner-style comfort food or Francisco’s on the River for Italian fare with Delaware River views.

      Happy Camping!

    • Steve W.
      May. 31, 2022

      Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest

      4x4ing in the Pine Barrens

      Atsion 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

    • L
      Jun. 12, 2019

      Belleplain State Forest

      So far so good

      Arrived 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.

    • L
      Aug. 6, 2018

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Very Dog Friendly

      Campground 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!

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 3, 2021

      Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      Really nice

      We 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.

    • E
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Impromtu tent camping success!

      I 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.

    • D
      Jun. 5, 2023

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Weekend Trip To Reading

      My family and I stayed at French Creek State Park while attending an event in Reading. The park was clean and well maintained. We stayed in Loop A which had no camp host. The camp hosts were in loops B & C.  We had a full hook up site. The water and electric worked great! The campground was well patrolled by Rangers throughout our stay. The bathhouses appeared to be clean and maintained. The quiet time starts at 9pm and seemed to be followed by most campers. There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro. There are many stores and restaurants in the area for food and supplies if needed. We had good cellular service with both AT&T and T-Mobile. The one downside was that there was no off leash dog park. We had to take our dog to a dog park in Birdsbroro. We would stay at this park again.

    • Travyl Couple !.
      Dec. 31, 2019

      Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      Close to Philadelphia

      We 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

    • Sara B.
      Mar. 4, 2021

      Oldmans Creek Campground

      Mixed emotions

      Hey 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.


    Guide to Swedesboro

    Camping areas within 25 miles of Swedesboro offer diverse outdoor experiences from pine forest settings to riverfront sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity levels, while spring and fall provide more comfortable camping conditions in the 50-70°F range. Most campsites in this region are situated on relatively flat terrain with elevations under 200 feet above sea level.

    What to do

    Lake activities and swimming: 15-minute drive from Swedesboro to Hospitality Creek Campground offers swimming in both pools and a natural lake. "Great waterfront site, level, and the hookups worked. Campground is clean and well-maintained. Great activities and live concert was fun," notes Matt S., who enjoyed the entertainment options.

    Hiking trails: 5+ miles of marked paths at Parvin State Park Campground provide opportunities for nature walks through pine forests. A reviewer notes, "Relaxing hiking trails around the lake. Bring bug spray, usually see ticks," reflecting the need for proper preparation while enjoying the outdoors.

    Zip line adventure: Family thrill available at French Creek State Park. "The playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground had slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line. All kids and adults agreed it was the most fun!" says Jen R., highlighting an unexpected activity option.

    Paddle sports rental: Multiple options for getting on the water. Matt S. writes about Hospitality Creek: "We enjoyed time on the lake in a rented paddleboat," demonstrating the accessible water recreation without needing to bring your own equipment.

    What campers like

    Spacious sites with privacy: Old Cedar Campground in Monroeville offers sites with natural buffers. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a small and basic campground, not a resort. No fancy amenities. We stayed in Site# 51 in the Fence Loop- a pull-thru with 50-amp, water, and sewer," noting the simplicity that many campers appreciate.

    Clean facilities: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Swedesboro maintain well-kept restrooms. A review for Lums Pond notes, "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," highlighting a feature many campers prioritize.

    Waterfront camping options: Lums Pond State Park Campground provides scenic water views. "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," according to Matt S., showing the appeal of well-maintained sites with water proximity.

    Unique camping experiences: Beyond traditional tent sites, the region offers varied accommodations. At Adventure Bound (formerly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park), a camper noted, "We stay in the rental campers. They are new-ish Shasta campers, queen bed, 1 slide, rear bunks, 2 entrances. Very clean."

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Swedesboro area fill quickly, especially on weekends. At Old Man's Creek Campground, sites must be booked well in advance during peak season (May-September).

    Water quality varies: Some campgrounds have issues with water clarity or mineral content. A Frank J. review of Parvin State Park notes: "The water has a very high iron content. I couldn't even use it for tooth brushing. Most of the showers were out of order. The toilets were clean but had the orange staining from the iron in the water."

    Cell service considerations: Coverage can be spotty at rural campgrounds. At Parvin State Park, a reviewer mentioned, "Verizon cell service was between 1 and 2 bars," indicating potential connectivity challenges for those needing to stay connected.

    Site terrain and conditions: Soil types impact the camping experience. At Adventure Bound Campground (formerly Jellystone), a camper noted, "The entire campground is sand and gets very dusty and messy. This was the dirtiest campground we've stayed at, meaning the trailer and truck needed a full bath once we got home."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Choose sites near play areas at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA for convenient supervision. One reviewer shared, "My husband and I stayed for a week in one of the glamping tents. The staff was very friendly and the tents were more glamorous than we had tried before, but definitely had a good combination of woodsy and comfort."

    Swimming options: Dedicated kids' areas make water activities safer. At Adventure Bound Campground, a visitor noted, "Water area is great, splash pad is very fun so is the large blow up slide and pool area," highlighting facilities designed with children in mind.

    Organized activities: Check event schedules when booking. A parent at Old Cedar Campground shared, "Every Saturday they had an organized activity for the kids... the grandchildren were able to play miniature golf, swim in the pool (they had pool toys to borrow) fish (and yes they caught bass)," showing the structured entertainment available.

    Height requirements: Verify restrictions before promising attractions to younger children. At Adventure Bound, a parent noted, "The pool and splash park were great but you needed to be at least 42 inches to go on the slide or bounce house," an important detail for families with toddlers.

    Tips from RVers

    Site access challenges: Some dog friendly campgrounds near Swedesboro have tight roads. A Cynthia review of Parvin State Park mentioned, "Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large. No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground. No hook ups but there are potable water faucets and a dump station."

    Hookup placement: Check utility locations before confirming reservations. A reviewer at French Creek State Park noted, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," highlighting the ease of setup with thoughtful site design.

    Seasonal availability: Winter camping options are limited but available. Lums Pond State Park camper Adam shared, "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun."

    Shopping proximity: Most campgrounds are within 15-20 minutes of supplies. Old Cedar Campground visitors mentioned nearby stores, while Philadelphia South KOA is noted for having "the little office store has everything you forgot to pack," providing convenience for RVers who discover they're missing essentials.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Swedesboro, NJ?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Swedesboro, NJ is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 21 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Swedesboro, NJ?

    TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Swedesboro, NJ, with real photos and reviews from campers.