T
Teresa A.
Traveler
TravelerKiser Lake State Park Campground
Reservations are done online at reserveohio. Bathrooms and showers are really nice. Pretty surroundings.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Franklin, OH
11 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA features pet-friendly camping across all accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins. Both Caesar Creek State Park and Dayton KOA Holiday welcome pets with designated areas for dog walking. Pets must remain leashed at most campgrounds, with Olive Branch Campground and Hueston Woods State Park providing additional pet amenities. Most sites require pet owners to clean up after their animals, with several locations offering waste disposal stations. The campgrounds maintain varying pet policies regarding number of animals allowed per site, with most limiting to 2-3 pets per reservation. Shredville Lodge earns high marks from campers with pets due to its spacious backyard area perfect for dogs to roam safely.
Five Rivers Metroparks offers extensive trail networks ideal for hiking with dogs, particularly at Twin Creek and Germantown areas where dogs can explore miles of forested paths alongside their owners. The TVT (Twin Valley Trail) provides challenging terrain for active dogs and their owners, with multiple access points near pet-friendly campsites. Water access for pets is available at several locations, with Cowan Lake State Park and Stonelick State Park offering shoreline areas where leashed dogs can cool off. Most campgrounds require vaccination records for pets, and nearby Lebanon provides veterinary services within a short drive. Many campers report the great hiking trails at Five Rivers Metroparks are perfect for morning walks with dogs before temperatures rise during summer months.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Franklin (83)
1. Caesar Creek State Park Campground
"Lots of families and pets. Not great for tents but theres a couple ok spots. Not secluded. Very little shade but lots to do at the park and its very clean."
"We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"
13 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $35 / night
2. Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA
"This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks."
"It has a jump pad for the kids very small dog park. The sites are very close together but we are here during the week so that’s not an issue. We have cable which is also nice."
3. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)
"This meant with two little ones we wouldn't have to constantly remind them to socially distance or put on masks. We were alone but had plenty of park supports."
"There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $28 / night
4. Olive Branch Campground
"This campground is shady, quiet with plenty to do in the surrounding area. There is a pool, laundry room and large field with a playground and basketball court."
"There is a nice walking trail through the woods, a small pool, playground, and a pond for fishing."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $47 - $75 / night
5. Hueston Woods State Park Campground
"Very large park with playgrounds, fishing, swimming, creek access, dog park, archery practice area or walk over to the damn."
"They’ve also added in a dog park which is perfect for my fur babies! There’s plenty of trails for hiking and adventuring. Archery range, plenty of spots to fish and keep everyone occupied!"
16 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 - $100 / night
6. Dayton KOA Holiday
"Very kid friendly and dog friendly!"
"They have a short path in the woods which is a nice little loop. Great location with lots to do!"
7. Cowan Lake State Park Campground
"Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."
"We love camping @ Cowen Lake State park! There are organized activities on the lake and through the nature center. You can also do your own thing."
106 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $160 / night
8. John Bryan State Park Campground
"Quiet, pet friendly, great trails"
"Put on those hiking boots to enjoy 10 varying difficulty trails, bring your bike for one, and hit the multi-use for mountain biking."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 - $33 / night
9. Stonelick State Park Campground
"Our spot was right next to a small Pollinator trail that lead to the water. My little ones had a blast riding their scooters around the round about. The restrooms are a quick walk and very clean."
"This is a great park in southern Ohio, easy to reach, 20 minutes off the interstate 275. There are a number of good sites, but some with a significant slope that leveling would be an issue."
7 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 - $70 / night
10. Cedarbrook Campground
Drive Time
- 17 min from Dayton, OH
- 29 min from Cincinnati, OH
- 42 min from Springfield, OH
- 1 hr 41 min from Muncie, IN
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Franklin, OH
76 Photos of 83 Franklin Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)K
Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA
Olive Branch Campground
Constitution County ParkA
Morgan's Riverside Campground & Cabins
Caesar Creek State Park Campground
Narrows Reserve
Dayton KOA HolidayA
Winton Woods Campground Hamilton County ParkL
Wright-Patterson FamCamp
Cowan Lake State Park Campground
Hueston Woods State Park Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Franklin, OH
682 Reviews of 83 Franklin Campgrounds
Maddie L.TravelerMounds State Recreation Area Campground — Brookville Lake
This is a nice little campground. There is a lot of space between campers, and the spots are asphalt and somewhat level. It didn’t feel crowded at all. There are plenty of good hiking trails around and it’s fun to go look at the dam. Highly recommend going to the overlook at sunset!
- Ashley L.
ScoutArchway Campground
The bathrooms are very clean and the showers work good. The place is very clean and the owner is accommodating.
- SSherri B.
GuideEast Fork State Park Campground
A large campground spread out over multiple loops. Roads and campsites are paved. Our site #416 was spacious and secluded at the end of a dead end road. The bathhouse was a short hike away and in good condition.
Aiden D.ScoutLebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA
Friendly and quiet
There are a lot of people here, but even during the day we hardly hear any loud noises coming from any of the other campers. Walking the property (as much as I can with my cane) everyone is so friendly. The grounds are kept very clean. The people from the office actually do garbage pick-up anytime during office hours! Just place your trash bag/ other items to be thrown away at the front of your site and they take it away. They even have recycling, but you have to take that up yourself. They won't just tell you where it is, they will show you. I haven't been to a KOA site in 15 years and the one I went to was not a great experience, but I highly recommend staying here if you're passing through Cincinnati.
Tara R.
RangerEast Fork State Park Campground
One of our all time favorites
This is a large campground with everything you need. Nice, clean, family friendly campground. Has many private sites backed up to trees. Shower houses has always been clean.
- Tara R.Ranger
Rocky Fork State Park Campground
Been coming here since I was a kid.
Always great time here. The upper part has more wooden areas then the lower part. But those spot are close to the lake. They a great playground. They have a big camp store with a putt putt, big lake we’re boating, fishing and kayaking. Multiple shower houses very clean kept up. Nice campground to ride bikes around.
- Tara R.Ranger
Love's RV Hookup-Springfield OH 605
Not bad for a truckstop.
It has two restaurants lotta gas pumps. Nice store clean bathrooms are good.
- Omer Y.Scout
Hueston Woods State Park Campground
There is no shade
Restrooms awful (full of spider ) . There is no shade . And too expensive
Guide to Franklin
Camping in Franklin, Ohio offers access to over 25 miles of interconnected trails within a 30-minute drive. The area maintains relatively mild temperatures averaging 73°F during summer camping season, with most campgrounds situated at elevations between 700-900 feet above sea level. Seasonal considerations become important as many sites close after October, while those remaining open often feature reduced amenities during winter months.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Caesar Creek: Obtain a free permit at the visitor center before searching for 350+ million-year-old fossils along designated areas. Caesar Creek State Park Campground offers unique geological exploration. "We even got a permit to collect fossils. Great visitor centers too," notes Kenpocentaur K.
Mountain biking at Twin Creek: Access over 7 miles of moderately difficult trails with several access points directly from camping areas. The terrain features ravines and limestone outcroppings. "These trails connect to create a longer, more integrated trail system totaling more than 25 miles," explains Kenpocentaur K. at Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks).
Historical exploration in Lebanon: Visit the nearby pioneer village with guided tours available Tuesday-Sunday for $5 per person. The historic downtown district contains buildings dating to the early 1800s. "We also went to a nearby pioneer village," shares Kenpocentaur K., highlighting educational options beyond standard outdoor recreation.
What campers like
Spacious sites at Olive Branch: Sites feature grassy areas between campers and full hookups throughout the campground. "Sites are spacious and ours backed up to a wooded area. There is a nice walking trail through the woods," reports Cindy B. at Olive Branch Campground, who appreciated both the natural setting and proximity to trails.
Private bathroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks," explains Brian B. about his experience at Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA.
Backyard camping alternatives: For those wanting a more casual setting, some private landowners offer camping options with added amenities. "Hunter is an amazingly hospitable host and was always there to answer any questions and was willing to go above and beyond to make sure our stay was the best possible," notes Hunter V. about Shredville Lodge, which offers spacious backyard camping.
What you should know
Limited shade at some parks: Recent tree removal has affected camping comfort during summer months. "Nice campground but not alot of shade. Partial shade is very generous for the B Loop," explains Nick C. about Caesar Creek State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of bringing portable shade options.
Varying bathroom quality: Facilities range from modern restrooms to basic vault toilets depending on your chosen campground and specific loop. "In my tent area...antiquated wood shed pit latrines...that truly needed razed," reports Dave V. about Hueston Woods, contrasting with "newer restrooms" in other areas of the same park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Franklin, OH?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Franklin, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Franklin, OH is Caesar Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 52 reviews.
What is the best site to find
dog-friendly camping near
Franklin, OH?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Franklin, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near Franklin, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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