Jay B.
Ranger
RangerWolf Run State Park Campground
Weekend get away
Weekend get away with the wife and dog. Pet friendly park. Walking path to the lake which was very close. Would advise to visually check the sites, due to terrain which is rolling.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Guysville, OH
Burr Oak State Park Campground welcomes pets across its tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Carthage Gap, Lake Snowden, and Strouds Run State Park also accommodate dogs throughout their facilities. Most sites feature level terrain with picnic tables and fire rings where pets can rest beside owners during meals and campfires. Leashed pets must remain under control at all times, though no specific breed restrictions exist at these locations. Campsites typically include trash receptacles for proper disposal of pet waste. Nearby Lake Hope and Hocking Hills State Park campgrounds also maintain pet-friendly policies with similar amenities including showers, toilets, and water access. Strouds Run's beach area prohibits pets, though numerous trails throughout the park remain accessible for dog walking. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Guysville, Ohio.
Wayne National Forest trails provide extensive dog walking opportunities near several campgrounds in the area. Leashed pets can accompany owners on hikes through wooded areas featuring diverse terrain and seasonal wildflowers. Lake Snowden's shoreline offers water access where dogs can cool off during summer months when temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s. The Athens area provides veterinary services within 30 minutes of most campgrounds, with several 24-hour emergency options in the region. Winter visitors should note that while year-round camping is available at several locations, including Burr Oak and Strouds Run, facilities may operate with reduced amenities during colder months. Wildlife encounters remain common throughout the area, particularly deer and wild turkeys, requiring dogs remain leashed to prevent chase behaviors. Strouds Run's trails connect to Athens city trails, creating extended walking options for energetic dogs requiring additional exercise.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Guysville, Ohio (93)
1. Burr Oak State Park Campground
31 ReviewsGlouster, OH18 milesWebsite+1 (740) 767-3683$20 - $55 / night
"Wayne National Forest shares the area with Burr Oak State Park near Glouster, Oh. Wayne National Forest is split into three areas in southeastern Ohio."
"Burr Oak State Park is on the eastern edge of Wayne National Forest, outside Glouster, Oh , off Rt 13. The Lodge is on the opposite side of the lake off Rt 78."
2. Strouds Run State Park Campground
10 ReviewsAthens, OH8 milesWebsite+1 (740) 592-2302"The go to camping location for Athens. Many campsites, trails, and amenities. Anything from boat rentals, a small store, and docks to use near the lake."
"Sites are only rented in person once you arrive, they have clear instructions at the entrance. Sites were nice and level, but a bit on the smaller side. Plenty of trails for hiking around the park."
3. Forked Run State Park Campground
21 ReviewsLong Bottom, OH16 milesWebsite+1 (740) 378-6206$20 - $40 / night
"We live close to this park and frequent there, sometimes just day trips. Tent camping is great and just like most places there are a few sites that are the best."
"I discovered this park in 2019 while on a history road trip to Marietta, Ohio and Blanerhasset Island. "
4. Lake Hope State Park Campground
35 ReviewsNew Plymouth, OH23 milesWebsite+1 (740) 596-5253$20 - $35 / night
"Lake Hope State Park is the unsung hero of Logan county, Ohio. Hocking Hills State Park gets the crowds because of its amenities and closer proximity to Old Man's Cave...but..."
"Lake Hope has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone and the campground is close by! The campground is quiet and well kept."
5. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
109 ReviewsSouth Bloomingville, OH34 milesWebsite$20 - $70 / night
"This walk in camp ground was located just minutes from Old Man’s Cave. It’s a family friendly and pet friendly camp ground. Our stay was quiet and relaxing."
"There are trails all over the park. Can be a bit busy during the warmer months. The park is pet friendly and has a nice nature center before you hike down to Old Man’s Cave."
6. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College
9 ReviewsAlbany, OH15 milesWebsite+1 (740) 698-6373"Lake Snowden is a great alternative to camping at Strouds. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new “water park” opened during the summer. Great shelters, facilities, and optional bathrooms."
"We were able to camp right by the lake. The trails are great for hiking and some more intermediate mountain biking. And there are boat rentals of many different types."
7. Carthage Gap
1 ReviewWayne National Forest, OH6 milesWebsite+1 (740) 667-3072$35 / night
"Sitting above two fishing lakes, one you can swim in during the summer the campground is peaceful and tranquil and next to some amazing woodland."
8. Zaleski State Forest
17 ReviewsZaleski, OH23 milesWebsite+1 (740) 596-5781"This is located by the hocking hills region of the state. Beautiful winding Ohio roads and landscapes out of this world."
"Zaleski State Forest is adjacent to Lake Hope State Park. Off Rt 278 near Zaleski, Oh, true Ohio countryside to enjoy on the way in. Signal is spotty."
9. Burr Oak Cove Campground
9 ReviewsGlouster, OH19 milesWebsite+1 (740) 753-0101$10 - $15 / night
"On top of that they are allowing walk ins, while burr oak requires making reservations."
"Some sites are close to each other, some are more spread out - see attached map. The ones you need to walk to (3-7) aren’t far - I wish I noticed them when I drove by."
10. Kountry Resort Campground
5 ReviewsWest Columbia, WV17 milesWebsite+1 (740) 992-6488$20 - $80 / night
"This campground has been around since the 1800s. It has a lot of permanent residents and we had a lot of fun checking out the different set ups. There are a lot of amenities but they need updated."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Guysville, OH
61 Photos of 93 Guysville Campgrounds
Ed A.
Forked Run State Park Campground
Shannon G.
Burr Oak State Park Campground
Leon H.
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
Corey M.
Lake Hope State Park Campground
Lani R.
Zaleski State Forest
Taylor P.
Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
James P.
Ashland RV Park
Haley J.
Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park
Jessica R.
Campbell Cove Camping
Bryan R.
Mountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Magy C.
Hocking Hills State Park Campground
Shannon G.
Bicentennial Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Guysville, OH
579 Reviews of 93 Guysville Campgrounds
- SSeána B.
ScoutMountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Nice place!
Only stayed for a night but it was very quiet and only a handful of other campers. All the sites seemed relatively level. Some of the electric hookups had damage but being able to choose your spot upon arrival helped. We arrived in pouring rain and had no issues with our campsite when we could see it in the morning lol.
Bathrooms and showers were relatively clean and accommodating.
Seemed a lot like a hidden gem and I definitely recommend. Especially if you have a dog. Across the street, the park portion of this campground has a dog park, playground, historical site and pond for fishing
FYI . Most of the sites seemed small so it might be best for smaller setups. Also I did not see any pull through sites.
Kelsey R.
TravelerDock Area Campsites — Burr Oak State Park
Lovely camping area
We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog, those are the only two areas that allow pets. At Dock 3 we were right on the water but dock 2 is probably 200 yards from the water. The hiking trails are nice but very muddy after the rain. Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest. The docks have near constant traffic but it's not super busy. Just a car every few hours. There were fishermen there most of the night when we were there.
- Grace D.
GuideHocking Hills State Park Campground
Would stay again
This walk in camp ground was located just minutes from Old Man’s Cave. It’s a family friendly and pet friendly camp ground. Our stay was quiet and relaxing.
Dave V.
LegendMountwood Park Family Campground(Wood County Park)
Know Before You Go
As with any trip, do your research, read your reviews, peruse Google Satellite maps and talk to locals when you can.
Mountwood County Park http://www.mountwoodpark.org/about.html is located about 15 minutes east of Parkersburg on Rt 50. Heading east on Rt 50 from Parkersburg, WV you will arrive at Mountwood County Park on the right...but the campground portion is a mile further east on the left side of the road. Both are marked by road signage...but most would assume they are all in one location.
If you bring your quads, dirt bikes or mountain bikes with you when you camp, then Mountwood County Park is for you. Right off the back of Mountwood are plenty of ATV trails to keep you busy during your stay. If bombing mountain bike trails is your thing, then across the highway from the campground is your dream. If relaxing in a serene mountain or river valley campground atmosphere is what you desire...keep driving east on Rt 50 another 20 minutes to North Bend State Park.
The primitive tent sites ($20 nightly) are less than desirable and more of an afterthought...and I'm being gracious. There is patchy tall grass, dirt and rocks with no leveled areas. And you have to wander a distance to the restroom/showerhouse when needed. You can rent the tiny cabins ($40 nightly) up on the top of the hill if you desire. They were rented and filled during my visit, surrounded with trailers filled with quads (not a bad thing, just not what I was expecting). One of the main ATV offroad trail entrances is a hundred yards or so past the primitive tent sites so anticipate traffic and some noise. There were a few electric/water sites available for RV/Campers but the majority of them were filled.
It does appear that that there are several "long term campers" at numerous sites, as wooden steps and decks are built and attached to the campers. I would not describe the campground as neat and tidy, but fills a need.
The other portion of the county park lies across Rt 50 about 1/2 mile east. This is where you will find a nice 50 acre lake...shaped like a "T" on its side... for short paddles or fishing (no swimming permitted), a solid collection of varied ability MTB trails and a cool, little local WV Oil history museum. Being a bit of a history buff, I was fascinated by the museum...how the local town was created during the oil boon and then destroyed by fire...of an enormous wilderness mansion that sat where the campground now sits. Interesting stuff.
There is a nice dog park if you brought your pooch. Several picnic areas with picnic shelters, playgrounds, and decent shared hiking trails.
As stated, if your main purpose is to MTB or ATV, then you might be contented with Mountwood County Park Campground. As county parks go, Mountwood County Park, itself, is nice and has a lot to offer. If quiet camping is your objective, I would recommend NorthBend State Park just down the road a piece.
- Trey E.Scout
Burr Oak Cove Campground
Peaceful and quiet
While the campsite only provides water when compared to the burr oak state campgrounds you really can’t beat the price. On top of that they are allowing walk ins, while burr oak requires making reservations. It is a short drive from the beach and It does have hiking trails to the lake for scenic pictures and bonding moments with your children and pets
- Amber R.Traveler
Big Sycamore Family Campground
Great small family campground
We enjoyed our 3 night stay here! Some sites are full hook up, some sites are electric and water, and some are primitive. The dump station is easily accessible if you need it. 5 acres with everything we could need. The owners were amazing. Very friendly and helpful! They had only owned the campground for 2 weeks and were in the process of making several improvements. The shower house and bathrooms were clean and adequate. There is a small playground for kids. It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer (we camped in October so it was closed for the season). Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite. Kroger and Walmart are within 5-7 minutes driving for supplies. The only downside is that it is close to a highway so at night you can hear the traffic. This didn’t bother us so much but might be a problem for some.
- KKenpocentaur K.Legend
Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park
Jesse Owens State Park (Ohio) but also AEP Maple Grove
If you are confused by this campsite that makes sense. This was an AEP ReCreation campsite. It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page. I would recommend you keep close tabs on that site to figure out what you need to know about this site or others. The new sign does make it easy to find. It is also one of the closest campsites to the Miner's Memorial Park with the Big Muskie bucket. If you don't know what that is do go and check the site out.
I would also say print maps and also take photos of maps. This one wasn't too bad to find as it is on the current paper map that AEP printed dated January 13, 2020. If you have kids that like horses I would go over to see if anyone is at the Equine area that is close by as well. So a fun filled day of looking at a giant mining bucket and horses.
Cell phone coverage is extremely limited out here. Verizon got service in most of the areas. It wasn't 100%. If you do need coverage the Mining Memorial is the main spot to go. Other carriers never seemed to have a signal.
These campsites allow 2 cars per site. Pets are allowed if leashed. As Ohio is taking over the campsites think Ohio State Park rules. You can still camp here for free at the moment.
https://www.aep.com/recreation/areas/recreationland
https://www.cleveland.com/open/2018/07/first\_phase\_of\_ohios\_new\_jesse.html
https://birding-in-ohio.com/morgan-county/jesse-owens-state-park-and-wildlife-area-maple-grove-campground/
- Grace D.Guide
Hocking Hills State Park Campground
One of my favorite state parks!
Hocking Hills is a wonderful destination to go for camping and a weekend of hiking. There are trails all over the park. Can be a bit busy during the warmer months. The park is pet friendly and has a nice nature center before you hike down to Old Man’s Cave.
Guide to Guysville
Guysville camping areas sit within the foothills of Appalachia at elevations ranging from 650-950 feet. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer highs regularly reaching 90°F while winter months often drop below freezing. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though some shut off water systems during colder months when freeze risks increase.
What to do
Kayaking at Strouds Run: Lake access from multiple points with rental equipment available during summer months. "In mid April 2023 I arrived late afternoon and there were TONS of spots available. Happy with the spot I picked... Strouds is an amazing park with incredible trails!" according to Anna S. at Strouds Run State Park Campground.
Disc golf at Forked Run: 18-hole course located within 3 miles of main campground. "There i short hiking trails nearby" notes Kevin T., while Ben C. specifically mentions the "attractions: rural area. lake. disc golf. fishing. swimming. hiking" available at Forked Run State Park Campground.
Stargazing away from light pollution: Clear night skies from mid-spring through fall, with Jupiter and Saturn visible during summer months. "Amazing at night for stargazing!" shares Olivia S. about her experience at Strouds Run State Park Campground, noting "Awesome park! There are shelters with picnic tables at one stop, and a little beach and boating dock if you keep going!"
Geocaching adventures: Dozens of caches hidden throughout the region's woodlands and trails. "Lots of geocasches in the area on the trails in Wayne national forest," reports Kelsey R. about the area near Burr Oak State Park.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Walk-in options at several locations with increased privacy. "The walk-in sites afford more privacy and tree cover than the drive-up sites, where you can see your neighbors on all sides," explains Eira T. from Burr Oak Cove Campground, adding "We enjoyed walk-in site #3 during a holiday weekend."
Off-season solitude: Lower visitor counts during spring and fall weekdays. "We spent two nights of Labor Day weekend and had a great time. It was very very hot outside and we sweated our butts off, so we were very thankful for the nice showers," reports Nicole C., who appreciated the peaceful evenings at Burr Oak despite the holiday timing: "At night we heard an owl and it was very peaceful."
Paddle sports variety: Multiple lakes within 30 minutes of Guysville with varied watercraft rental options. "Strouds is a great place to rent a paddle board, kayak, canoe, or pontoon," mentions Lucille W. about Lake Snowden Campground, while noting "Lots of available places to tent camp or park an RV! There's a nice little beach area along the lake."
Dog-friendly trail networks: Extensive hiking options suitable for pets of all sizes. "We camped at both Dock 3 and Dock 2 with our dog, those are the only two areas that allow pets," explains Kelsey R., demonstrating that finding dog friendly campgrounds near Guysville requires checking specific loop regulations.
What you should know
Uneven camping surfaces: Many sites require careful setup due to sloping terrain. "Sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions," reports Daniel about Lake Hope State Park Campground.
Water quality considerations: Lake conditions vary by season with potential clarity issues. "The lake was nice but I am not sure if they recently had some weather that caused it to be pretty brown/muddy, or if that's normal," observed Shane T. at Forked Run State Park.
Variable cell service: Connectivity gaps exist across the region. "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect," notes Daniel about Lake Hope, while Spencer S. reports "ATT cell reception was at 2 bars of LTE as well making remote work possible" at Burr Oak Cove Campground.
Pet-specific limitations: Not all waterfront areas permit dogs. "Pets are allowed, but not on the swimming beach," explains Leon H. about Strouds Run, indicating why researching pet friendly campgrounds near Guysville Ohio requires checking specific area restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Inflatable water features: Seasonal water park at Lake Snowden ideal for children under 12. "During the summer they set up large inflatable slides and create a makeshift lake waterpark!" shares Lucille W., who recommends this family-friendly addition to the beach area.
Educational programs: Nature centers offer guided activities throughout summer. "The naturalists feed hummingbirds at the nature center. They pull the feeders for awhile leading up to a 'Feed the Hummingbirds' program. So cool! The birds come right to you!" enthuses Chris C. at Lake Hope State Park.
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds offer play structures for younger visitors. "Playground has a kid sized wooden train and a large tower/swing set," notes Leon H. about Hocking Hills State Park Campground, which provides recreation alternatives during inclement weather.
Historical sites: Educational opportunities for school-age children. "Hope furnace is just outside the campground and next to the first 'put-in' for the lake. As history buffs will know that Ohio was one of the nation's leading iron producers back in the day," explains Dave V. about Lake Hope, offering context for family exploration.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers when booking. "We changed our originally reserved spot once we got there. We wound up being the only ones in our loop," recommends Bobbi M. at Forked Run State Park, noting "some of the back in sites are REALLY short."
Limited hookup options: Electrical service varies between campgrounds. "The website advertises electrical hookups but it fails to mention that some sites on the premises are only 50 amp hookups and not 30 amp and 50 amp," warns Paul F. about Lake Snowden, suggesting RVers bring adaptors.
Dump station locations: Plan waste management carefully before arrival. "There is a sanitary dump station... I filled up with water before parking and was able to dump my tanks before heading home," reports a camper at Carthage Gap, one of several dog-welcoming campgrounds around Guysville with proper facilities.
Weather considerations: Spring camping often means muddy conditions. "If it has been rainy the campsites and dirt roads can get muddy - turning the area officially into Mudville," cautions Lucille W. about Lake Snowden during wet seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Guysville, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 31 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 93 dog-friendly camping locations near Guysville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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