Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lockbourne, OH
Scioto Grove Metro Park's five backpacking campsites provide free tent-only camping for pets and their owners along the scenic Scioto River. All sites feature fire rings with provided firewood and dual tent pads, offering primitive camping options with nearby drinking water and toilet facilities. Sites must be reserved in advance online, with availability limited to weekends only during warm months. The reservation system fills quickly, particularly for site 5 which offers more privacy and direct river access. Jackson Lake Park accommodates pets at their tent and RV sites, plus pet-friendly cabin options for those seeking more comfort. Most campgrounds in the region maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes and proper waste disposal.
Several hiking trails throughout the area welcome leashed dogs, with Scioto Grove's REI trail providing an excellent opportunity for beginner backpackers to test gear while bringing their pets along. The trail creates a loop of moderate difficulty that includes a rope bridge crossing over a creek, though it can become slippery during rain. Bathrooms at some facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness, with Jackson Lake Park visitors noting inconsistent maintenance during busy holiday weekends. Most campgrounds provide dedicated pet waste stations to maintain cleanliness. Sites farther from playground areas tend to offer more privacy for camping with pets, though the trade-off may be longer walks to facilities. For larger dogs or multiple pets, selecting spacious sites becomes particularly important as some camping spots in the region have limited room for multiple tents and pet gear.
