Dog-Friendly Camping near Dryden, NY

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    Watkins Glen State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its wooded campsites, offering designated pet-friendly areas for tent, RV, and cabin campers. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than six feet when outside vehicles or camping units. The park provides convenient waste disposal stations near restroom facilities and water spigots. Robert H. Treman State Park and Taughannock Falls State Park also accommodate pets with similar policies, featuring spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground maintains pet-friendly sites with electric hookups and access to hiking trails. Yellow Lantern Kampground in Cortland allows pets with no breed restrictions, while Pine Creek Campground in Newfield offers pet-friendly cabins and glamping options. Many campers note the dog park at Finger Lakes RV Resort gives pups plenty of time off-leash.

    The Finger Lakes region provides numerous hiking opportunities where dogs can accompany their owners on most trails, though pets are prohibited on the Gorge Trail at Watkins Glen. The Rim Trail and other paths throughout the area welcome leashed dogs, with many campgrounds situated near water access points for swimming. Country Hills Campground maintains clean facilities with designated pet exercise areas. Montrose Campground features pet-friendly year-round sites with a well-stocked store carrying pet supplies. Campers should be prepared for seasonal temperature variations, particularly during summer months when early morning or evening walks are recommended to prevent paw pad burns on hot surfaces. Local veterinary services are available in Ithaca and Cortland, approximately 15-20 minutes from most campgrounds. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground requires vaccination documentation for all pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Dryden (110)

      1. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

      4.4(22)14mi from Dryden84 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located in Tompkins County, Ithaca New York has beautiful gorges and hiking trails. Robert Treman is a treat and a gorgeous place to camp in the Ithaca, NY area."

      "A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "

      from $20 - $128 / night

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      2. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground

      4.4(18)12mi from Dryden43 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Buttermilk Falls State Park is a great state park in central New York. The scenery is what makes this park stand out."

      "Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."

      from $21 - $66 / night

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      3. Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

      4.3(19)16mi from Dryden84 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Taughannock Falls State Park is one of my favorite parks in New York."

      "Went for a quick getaway to this little gem of a state park in the finger lakes region of New York. I’ll be coy, and use their slogan ‘Ithaca is Gorges’ and Gorgeous!!!"

      from $20 - $67 / night

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      4. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

      4.6(89)31mi from Dryden285 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect."

      "I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."

      from $20 - $58 / night

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      5. Fillmore Glen State Park Campground

      4.2(15)17mi from Dryden63 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "region of Upstate New York."

      "Awesome little park in the Finger Lakes region with nature on site and lots more to do and explore nearby (wine trails!)."

      from $17 - $67 / night

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      6. Pinecreek Campground

      3.8(9)17mi from DrydenRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need."

      "This is a campground set in a nice forest location, but close by to Treman State Park and Ithaca, so a good base for day trips."

      7. Yellow Lantern Kampground

      5.0(2)11mi from DrydenRVs, Tents

      8. Round Top Retreat

      3.0(2)7mi from Dryden1 siteCabins, Glamping

      "we just returned to philly after a long weekend here. this was our 6th consecutive summer visiting here. very secluded. we let the kids and dogs run pretty much wherever without worry. and close to ithaca"

      from $85 / night

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      9. Greenwood County Park

      4.6(5)18mi from Dryden50 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Typical New York weather. Overall, the park is more than I expected for a county park."

      "Dogs allowed, nice sites"

      from $30 / night

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      10. Firelight Camps

      5.0(1)12mi from DrydenGlamping

      "Even with the restrictions we had a great visit and felt safely distanced from other campers and staff. Great hiking trails because it is attached to Buttermilk Falls State Park."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Dryden, NY

    585 Reviews of 110 Dryden Campgrounds


    • R
      Aug. 20, 2023

      Finger Lakes RV Resort

      Just as advertised

      Wonderful location and marvelous hosts. We were welcomed with chocolate chip cookies as we checked in. Bathrooms were beautiful and clean. Two wineries we could walk to and dozens more nearby. Our site was spacious and the dog park gave our pups plenty of time off leash. We definitely plan on returning.

    • Amber A.
      Jul. 31, 2016

      Hickories Park Campground

      Quaint NY/PA border town

      The park itself is pretty small but it’s in a really cute area with a lot of outdoor recreational activities. Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip. Lots of day use activity. Dog park is kind of annoying with all the barking and owners shouting futile commands, try to camp away from it. Ditto for train noise, stay by the river. It does what it does well, so five stars!

    • Cheryl W.
      Aug. 31, 2018

      Pinecreek Campground

      Beautiful Park, beautiful area could be so much more with a little effort!

      Pinecreek is a beautiful park in a great area 10 minutes from downtown Ithica New York and Lake Cayuga. The area has everything you could possibly want or need. Fabulous State Parks with spectacular waterfalls, a farmers market right on the lake front, Cornell University and so much more. That being said it may be the reason the campground doesn't offer any planned activities. They do have a swimming pool and what appears to be a large clubhouse/meeting area that is not or was not used while we were there, nor were any activities publicized. They do have a small arcade but it did not stay open past 8 pm and did not appear to be air-conditioned.

      Our campsite was a full hookup with a large grassy area for setting up our outside chairs and picnic table. Although we enjoyed our stay we felt it was a bit overpriced for not having much to offer. They also have a very long list of rules & while they do allow pets there is a list of breed restrictions you need to be aware of before booking a reservation. They also charge for electricity on any stays one week or longer which we had not encountered previously at campgrounds where we have stayed.

      Overall we enjoyed our stay but not sure we would stay again.

    • Rachel P.
      May. 28, 2018

      Watkins Glen State Park Campground

      Watkins Glen State Park

      Watkins Glen boasts one of New York’s most beautiful state parks! I last camped here in 2012 and absolutely loved hiking along the gorges. Also- the camping was next to perfect. Sites are decently sized and well secluded from one another.

      in addition, the park is so well situated within the Finger Lakes and all the various wine trails! Made for a perfect girls weekend! Definitely recommend!

    • Paully B.
      Oct. 26, 2017

      Hickories Park Campground

      Serenity next to the river

      It is a very nice open area to camp in. It is a first come first serve campground. The dog park is a great addition to the park. There is always something going on. Also allows for an easy place right off Route I-86 to rest while driving across MY. Some of the best river access there is to paddle through a great small town.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Jul. 14, 2023

      Nature Lover's Paradise

      Tent Camping for Hikers & Runners

      Jake from the Dyrt here!  Nature Lover's Paradise is new to the Dyrt and they have an awesome spot to share with access to a vast network of trails in upstate New York.  Check them out and make sure to share some pics of your adventure!

    • Sue T.
      Sep. 12, 2016

      Watkins Glen State Park Campground

      Beautiful waterfalls!

      I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on. It's located in Upstate New York, so it's close enough to the city but you feel like you are far away from the city. The campsites are great, clean and well kept. This park does get pretty busy though, because it is open to campers and people who just want to visit for the day to walk the trails. I love that they have trails that lead very close to the waterfalls..lots of rim trails that literally overlook the waterfalls and gorges. In the campground they do offer a pool, which again, does get busy because it's open to everyone regardless if you are camping or not. There also is tours you can take in the summer that will take you along the waterfalls and gorge, they have a playground for kids and an area with picnic tables. I went mid July and it was extremely busy, not sure when a good time to go during the summer when it's not as busy. That was the only downside I would say, is how crowded it was. There is also Seneca Lake nearby that many people go to fish in, however I didn't go on this trip but plan to next time. There are restrooms on site, however I didn't think they were that clean. Toilet paper and seat covers were out in most stalls, so I would advise to bring your own when you go. There is also some gift shops and food stands set up...one food stand has some pretty good hot dogs! The hikes to the gorge and waterfalls is pretty well maintained, however there are quite a bit of stairs. There were some people with kids in strollers that had to turn around because the stairs made it difficult. Not handicap friendly. I would advise to wear a good pair of walking shoes, and not sandals because it is slippery in some spots and again, a lot of stairs! I would highly recommend coming here, even if you don't decide to stay the night!

    • Secc P.
      Jul. 24, 2020

      Bowman Lake State Park Campground

      A dump

      New York State pretty much has abandoned this park. Trees fallen down across the sites. Might be ok for a tent but that’s all.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Jan. 20, 2023

      Harpy Hollow

      Camping near the finger lakes

      Jake here from the Dyrt!  Harpy hollow not only has a great location in northern New York but is veteran owned and operated and ready to host more campers.  Check them out and leave a review on the Dyrt when you stay!


    Guide to Dryden

    Finger Lakes camping areas around Dryden offer diverse terrain ranging from wooded campgrounds to lakeside settings. The region sits within a 40-mile radius of multiple state parks where elevation varies between 400-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F overnight to 85°F during daytime hours, with higher humidity levels near lake areas.

    What to do

    Gorge trails and waterfalls: Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground offers access to both Gorge and Rim trails that form a scenic loop. "Walking along the water from the upper and lower entrances is great! If you walk Gorge trail and Rim trail you connect to make a nice loop and see just about everything the park has to offer," notes Sara S.

    Swimming in natural settings: At Robert H. Treman State Park Campground, visitors can swim in a waterfall-fed pool. "The swimming area was closed for the season by the time we arrived. I would definitely return," shares Emma N. The natural pool includes a diving board for more adventurous swimmers.

    Hiking with elevation gains: Trails at various state parks accommodate different skill levels. "The rim trail can be very strenuous. Don't let the beginning steps fool you," explains Matt G. Most parks offer trail maps at entrance points with difficulty ratings and approximate hiking times.

    What campers like

    Wooded, private sites: Campers appreciate shaded spots that provide natural cooling. "The old loop has plenty of trees, but sites are much smaller," reports not S. about Robert H. Treman State Park Campground.

    Convenient locations: Taughannock Falls State Park Campground offers easy access to multiple attractions. "The campground is very walkable to the swimming area, which goes to 12 feet deep and has a dock to jump off of," explains Barbara S. Most sites are within a 30-minute drive to Ithaca and other regional highlights.

    Clean facilities: Sites maintain good standards for comfort. "The bathrooms are fairly clean and well maintained. For washing dishes there is a sink in each bathroom," notes Barbara S. about Taughannock Falls. Bathhouses typically include hot showers, though availability varies by season.

    What you should know

    Site selection matters: Campgrounds have varying layouts and privacy levels. "The upper part of the campground is pretty private, while the lower end near the entrance/exit is more open," advises Barbara S. about Taughannock Falls State Park Campground.

    Seasonal considerations: Swimming areas have limited availability. "The campground pool doesn't open until the end of June," explains Jennifer W. about Watkins Glen State Park Campground. Call ahead to confirm which facilities are operational during your planned visit.

    Road conditions vary: Some parks have rougher access roads. "The hill you climb to the camp sites is riddled with pot holes," warns Amy A. about Buttermilk Falls. RVs over 30 feet may find certain areas challenging to navigate.

    Wildlife presence: Expect to encounter local fauna. "Deer outside the tent, wildflowers through summer, great leaves in fall," shares Justin S. about Buttermilk Falls. Proper food storage is essential to avoid attracting animals to your site.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Fillmore Glen State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Bathrooms are very clean and close to all campsites. Kids loved the park and swimming in the waterfall beach," reports Charyssa G. Most state parks include at least one playground area.

    Swimming options for different ages: Parks offer varying water experiences. "Great water for older kids that can swim," notes Kelly J. about Robert H. Treman. Supervised swimming areas typically have lifeguards during peak season hours from 11am-7pm.

    Open spaces for play: Some campgrounds feature large common areas. "The grassy field is great for kiddos to run-amok and there is a playground at the far end of it so parents can keep an eye on the kids while enjoying time with their friends and family," describes Shari G. about Fillmore Glen State Park.

    Educational opportunities: The region offers learning experiences within nature. "The hiking trails are nice! Not too challenging, but very scenic," shares Sara S. Many parks have interpretive signs identifying local plant species and geological features.

    Tips from RVers

    Electric hookup locations: Sites have specific configurations. "Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you'll need extra long cords," advises Beth about Taughannock Falls State Park Campground.

    Road navigation challenges: RV drivers should prepare for tight turns. "The roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," warns Laura L. about Pinecreek Campground. Larger rigs might benefit from advance site research.

    Unlevel sites: Some campgrounds present terrain challenges. "Electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," notes Victoria about Robert H. Treman State Park. Bring leveling blocks, especially for dog friendly campgrounds near Dryden where sites tend to be more rustic.

    Site size considerations: Campgrounds vary in accommodation capacity. "Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and there are both electric and non-electric sites from which to choose," explains Shari G. Confirm whether your RV length can be accommodated when making reservations.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dryden, NY?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dryden, NY is Robert H. Treman State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 22 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dryden, NY?

    TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Dryden, NY, with real photos and reviews from campers.