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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Nelsonville, OH

648 Reviews

Hocking Hills State Park Campground and Lake Hope State Park Campground both accommodate campers traveling with pets. All designated sites at these established campgrounds permit leashed dogs, with owners responsible for waste cleanup and proper control of their animals. Sites range from primitive tent spots to full-hookup RV pads with electricity and water connections. Campsites at Lake Hope are notably sloped, requiring strategic tent placement, while some report very little space between neighboring campers during busy periods. Sites generally include fire rings and picnic tables, with select campgrounds offering designated pet exercise areas.

Wayne National Forest provides dispersed camping options for pet owners seeking more secluded experiences. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offers free primitive camping where pets can join their owners on trails. Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead provides trailhead camping with fire rings and seasonal pit toilets, though sites fill quickly on weekends. The campgrounds near Nelsonville remain pet-friendly year-round, but facilities like showers and some restrooms close during winter months. Most locations require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside vehicles or tents. Hiking trails throughout the region welcome leashed dogs, with the extensive trail networks in Wayne National Forest providing miles of pet-friendly terrain. Cell service can be limited at primitive camping locations, making it advisable to download maps before arrival.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Nelsonville, Ohio (100)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    17 miles
    Website

    $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."

    2. Lake Hope State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    New Plymouth, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 596-5253

    $25 - $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."

    3. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    $25 - $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."

    4. Campbell Cove Camping

    18 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-2994

    "This is a very nice campground near all of the attractions of Hocking Hills, Ohio. We had full hookups that were excellent, but if we didn't there were several new restrooms throughout the grounds."

    "Our site was waterfront and also set away from other sites."

    5. Zaleski State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Zaleski, OH
    15 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Burr Oak Cove Campground

    9 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Strouds Run State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Athens, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Hocking Hills KOA Holiday

    11 Reviews
    Logan, OH
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-4295

    "Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park."

    "The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."

    9. Top O' The Caves Campground

    17 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 385-6566

    "The tent site was decently secluded and near a nice small pond. The campground put on a free BBQ for all of the guests one of the nights! It was very good and well thought out."

    "It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."

    10. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Corning, OH
    13 miles
    Website

    "Nice trails to walk. nice area to visit i'll be back againg sometime this year."

    "Great spot for walk in or hike in camping! There are a couple of campsites at the trailhead and quite a few all along the trail."

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Showing results 1-10 of 100 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Nelsonville, OH

93 Photos of 100 Nelsonville Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nelsonville, OH

648 Reviews of 100 Nelsonville Campgrounds

  • Jay B.
    Aug. 14, 2017

    Wolf 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.

  • Grace D.
    May. 21, 2019

    Hocking 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.

  • Kelsey R.
    Jul. 29, 2017

    Dock 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.

  • Trey E.
    Aug. 6, 2020

    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

  • Johnothan R.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 8, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    Great little place.

    Peaceful nice place, pets okay. I'd recommend it.

  • Amber R.
    Oct. 11, 2020

    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.

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2016

    Dillon State Park Campground

    A Weekend at Dillon State Park

    I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade. There are 183 electric sites in this campground, many shady, and almost all having at least partial shade. Pets are permitted in all sites except 1 through 32. These electric sites are divided into three sections with restrooms with flush toilets, shower houses and playgrounds in each. The restrooms and shower houses I used were very clean.

    There is also a walk-in section of non electric sites that are different than what I usually think of as walk-in sites because parking was just yards away.

    The camp store was well stocked and probably has anything you forgot. They also sell firewood.

    The huge 18 hole disc golf course seemed to be a popular attraction.

    I enjoyed the five well marked hiking trails through the woods. These trails range from easy to difficult, the longest being 4.4 miles.

    From the campground, you will have to drive to the beach or hike a couple miles though the woods as I did. My only complaint about this campground is the beach. There are no lifeguards or concessions and I am told, that after a rain, this beach can look uninviting. Near the beach is a wading pool with a fountain for younger children. Adjacent to the beach area there are tennis courts, basketball courts and a very shady picnic area with tables and pavilions.

    There are boat launches for your boats at the marina but the only watercraft that can be rented are kayaks and canoes.

  • K
    Aug. 16, 2020

    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.
    May. 16, 2019

    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 Nelsonville

Dispersed camping opportunities near Nelsonville, Ohio provide quick access to Wayne National Forest's 244,000 acres of public land. The region sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, creating a landscape of steep ridges and narrow valleys. Winter camping remains available at many locations, though temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.

What to do

Paddling Lake Logan: Rent kayaks or bring your own for flat-water exploration at Campbell Cove Camping. "Lake Logan was spectacular. We had a great time here and it felt like we were in the woods but there was a business district about 3 mins away which was really convenient," notes Natalee M.

Visit historic sites: The Moonville Tunnel, an abandoned railroad tunnel with local ghost stories, sits near pet-friendly camping areas. "The haunted Moonville Tunnel is nearby and worth the short drive and hike. Unfortunately, it is becoming defaced by disrespectful taggers...still cool nonetheless," reports Dave V. from Lake Hope State Park Campground.

Wildlife observation: Bring binoculars for bird watching, especially at designated nature centers. "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!" explains Chris C.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Zaleski State Forest offers backpacking trails with established sites. "I camp here allllll the time. Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek," writes Lucille W. about Wildcat Hollow.

Lakeside views: Several campgrounds feature direct water access for fishing or relaxing. "Our favorite place to camp. Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," shares Ann H. about Campbell Cove Camping.

Spring wildflowers: The forest floor transforms during spring months. "I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers," says Lucille W., highlighting seasonal beauty in the region's pet-friendly camping areas.

What you should know

Seasonal water availability: Many primitive sites have limited water access. At Burr Oak Cove Campground, "The sites are $15 ($10 in the off season when the water is turned off) and you pay at an honor box at the entrance once you pick your spot," explains Steve C.

Uneven camping terrain: Prepare for sloped sites when tent camping. Jackie D. notes about Burr Oak, "Some sites are close to each other, some are more spread out... You do hear highway traffic from the site at the turnaround point (#12), but I liked that it was away from others."

Limited cell service: Download maps before arrival. "While there is water in the valleys I wouldn't use it even with a filter. There are signs posted at the trailhead that advise against it... There is cell service when you're up in the ridges but there are a lot of dead zones in the valleys and even at the trailhead," warns Steve C.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Strouds Run State Park Campground offers beach access for families. "Strouds is a great place to rent a paddle board, kayak, canoe, or pontoon. There are pic nic tables, a beach volley ball area, and bathrooms," explains Lucille W.

Educational activities: Many parks offer ranger programs for children. "The rangers and naturalists have many activities going on and are very knowledgeable," shares Kate W. about Hocking Hills State Park.

Kid-friendly facilities: Some campgrounds provide dedicated recreation areas. "There is a great playground for kids and a swimming hole. The bathrooms are so clean. You can kayak on the lake and they do have rentals," reports Brianna L. at Campbell Cove.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling equipment for RV sites. At Hocking Hills KOA Holiday, "The sites were nice and level. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The RV sites were a bit narrow, but otherwise nice and shaded," reports Kevin F.

Hookup variations: Check specific site amenities when booking. "Sites are reasonably level we had to use one 3/4 inch leveler under the wheels in one side. They have sites that are full hook up with wooden decks prices were 80.00 to 135.00 per night for those that were paved and with decks. All the others were water and electric," explains jeffrey D.

Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. "We stopped here on Thanksgiving on our way South. Self paying, off season was $15. But the restrooms were closed," notes Birgit H. about Strouds Run State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nelsonville, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nelsonville, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.

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