113 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Burr Oak State Park Campground and Jesse Owens State Park welcome pets throughout their campsites with designated pet areas and waste disposal stations. Campers at Hook Lake can bring multiple pets without additional fees, while the main campground at Burr Oak provides both pet-friendly cabins and tent sites. The shower facilities at Riversedge Campground stay clean and freshly painted, making it convenient for campers with dogs to rinse off after hikes. Sand Hollow's spacious sites provide ample room for multiple tents and pets, with most campsites featuring fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables. No breed restrictions exist at these parks, though all require pets to remain leashed when outside vehicles or tents.
Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail offers secluded backpacking with pets along two loop options—a shorter 5-mile route and a more challenging 15-mile trail with primitive campsites spaced every few miles. Dogs particularly enjoy the spring wildflowers carpeting the forest floor during April and May. Each campsite contains only stone fire rings and cleared spaces, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water for themselves and their pets. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, especially in valleys and at some trailheads, making it essential to download maps before arrival. The primitive nature of these free camping areas means no designated pet waste stations exist—visitors must follow leave-no-trace principles and pack out all pet waste when departing.
"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."
from $25 - $55 / night
Check Availability"It's not listed on maps, but it is right across the way from hook lake, there is an access road you'll go on that will take you there. It's right off 83 in McConnellsville, outside Caldwell, ohio."
"Outside McConnellsville, Oh it is worth the drive. My favorite thing about this area is the covered bride, weird I know, but I like seeing the old covered bridges."
"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."
"Great for families with pets too! Had a great time and looking forward to our next visit this weekend! I’d give it more stars if it had a shower house or swim area! Bring your solar shower!"
"Hook Lake AEP is I think the second largest of the campground areas, outside McConnellsville, Oh. Hook Lake campsites are spread throughout the woodland loop above the lake recreation area."
"It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page."
"Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power. The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit."
"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."
from $10 - $15 / night
Check Availability"We chose rivers edge for our annual father son getaway and we were not disappointed. The tent sites are right next to the water and there is a beach and dock nearby also."
from $30 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Blue Rock State Park is outside Zanesville, Oh off I70. Rt 60 takes you South and then you have a choice of routes in. Good Ohio farmland scenery."
"Newer flush toilets near the group camp sites are nice. Camp store has showers for camper use. Really pretty lake!"
from $23 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Great smaller park, (1,000+acre) with easy access to the interstate. My Grandsons Love that the water is clearer than most lakes here in Ohio!!"
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"We were camping there as volunteers with the Buckeye Trail Association to assist with trail cleanup. The Buckeye Trail is easily accessible from the campground for hiking."
"I showed up at 1am and drove around looking for a spot, settling for the one that was closest to the entrance, and much more private."
ScoutI stayed here in the worse month possible for camping in ohio but the owner made it a great experience. They are very accommodating. Even though every thing was snowy and muddy I could tell this is a very well taken care of place. Shower house was clean and warm. The laundry mat washed and dried great. As a construction worker I have payed way more for way less. This place is gem for construction/oil field workers in the area.
LegendDog park!! and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced. I would give Salt Fork SP extra stars for this one, especially if there were campsites co-located.
Camp ground is easily accessible being just 6 miles from I70, leaving the convenience of Cambridge and city amenities close by while allowing for great trails and solitude. Stayed in campground A, and the front end has little shade, but being here in autumn was perfect for lots of sunshine on site. Sites with trees for tree tents is minimal. Drinking fountains are dispersed fairly frequently throughout campground, but RV hookups with water were limited during my stay. Shower houses and comfort houses all have flushers and sinks.
TICK WARNING!!!! After a morning hike down wooded Trail, we spent A LONG TIME pulling ticks from dogs...even though the temps were in the 30's overnight and everyone was treated with flea & tick protection.
RangerWeekend 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.
TravelerSaltfork is located about 45 minutes from my house, and makes for the perfect overnight trip.
There are tons of things to do, and lots of space in which to do them. My favorites includes hiking trails, and the lakeside dog park.
I stay in the primitive camping, it allows for more privacy and quiet. Although it also means you are relegated to the pit toilets. I personally don't mind them, but I know some campers will make the drive to the nicer shower house in the RV heavy side of the park.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, the fire rings in the primitive section need some work, as the grates are very old and small.
ScoutI spent 28 nights at this laid‑back little campground from late May through June, and honestly, it was exactly the kind of no‑frills spot I love. Every site is a pull‑through, long enough for just about any rig and tow vehicle, with a simple grass‑and‑gravel setup that only needed minimal leveling. There’s no shade, so be ready for full sun, but the tradeoff is wide‑open views—especially if you snag sites 11 or 12, which overlook the river beautifully. Hookups were solid across the board: 30/50 amp electric, normal water pressure, and full sewer. Connectivity was fantastic, which made working remotely a breeze. Starlink ran between 250–300 Mbps, Verizon had five bars. I didn’t have a single issue streaming, attending meetings, or getting work done. Amenities are basically nonexistent—no bathrooms, no showers, no pool, and the laundry across the street was closed the entire month I stayed. But honestly, the price reflects that, and I wasn’t paying for extras I didn’t need. Pets are welcome, though there’s no dog park, and families might find it a bit dull since there’s nothing for kids to do. For me, the simplicity was part of the charm. The atmosphere is relaxed and quiet, with moderate road noise from Route 7 and occasional train and barge traffic along the Ohio River. I actually enjoyed the sounds—they added character. There’s also a nearby church whose bells I found lovely. Most of the other campers were long‑term workers who kept to themselves and were consistently respectful. I rarely saw anyone, which made the whole stay feel peaceful and private. The location is great if you need essentials: gas, ice cream, a post office, and even the occasional food truck. Scenic views and parks are close by, and I stayed here mainly because my family lives nearby and I’ve always loved the area. The staff made the experience even better. Paul greeted me when I arrived, helped me pick a great site, and even assisted with unhooking. Max, the owner, stopped by on the weekend with a packet of local attractions and chatted for a bit. Both were incredibly friendly and welcoming. As for pros, the location, views, and price are hard to beat. The cons are pretty mild—no trees to buffer the road noise and sites that could be a bit roomier—but nothing that ruined the stay. Remote workers, vacationers, and anyone craving a quiet retreat will feel right at home here. My work‑from‑RV score was excellent across connectivity, noise, and comfort, and I’d absolutely work remotely here again. In the end, I genuinely loved my time at this campground. The owner and manager were wonderful, the grounds were well maintained, and the no‑frills vibe fit me perfectly. I fully plan to make this a regular summer stop.
ScoutOnly 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.
TravelerWe 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.
GuideThis 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.
ScoutWhile 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
Campsites near Malta, Ohio spread across the rolling Appalachian foothills, with elevations ranging from 650 to 1,100 feet throughout the region. The area sits within the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau, characterized by steep valleys and ridges covered in mixed hardwood forests. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day with high humidity levels, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional heavy rainfall that can make trail conditions challenging.
Kayaking on Burr Oak Lake: The 664-acre lake provides multiple water access points for paddlers. "Great cabin with a lot of room for family. Easy access to the water for a fun-filled day off boating," notes a visitor to Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Fishing at regional ponds: Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, especially for bass, bluegill and catfish. "Fish are bluegill, bass, red sun fish and catfish," explains a camper at Sand Hollow, noting that while some lakes appear clean, others may have water quality concerns.
Hiking the Buckeye Trail: This regional trail system connects multiple campgrounds. At Bicentennial Campground, one reviewer mentioned "The Buckeye Trail is easily accessible from the campground for hiking," making it convenient for day hikers and backpackers alike.
Archery practice: Some recreation areas feature archery ranges. At Hook Lake Campground, a reviewer noted there's "Archery range and lots of fishing spots. Great for families with pets too!" making it a good option for those looking to practice their archery skills.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate secluded spots away from crowds. "The walk-in sites afford more privacy and tree cover than the drive-up sites, where you can see your neighbors on all sides," writes a reviewer at Burr Oak Cove Campground.
Clean shower facilities: While not available at all campgrounds, some have well-maintained facilities. At Riversedge Campground, a camper remarked "The shower house was clean and freshly painted," which is especially important after muddy hikes or kayaking trips.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area's forests and lakes host diverse wildlife. "The campground has a beautiful lake you fish or kayak on and there are a ton of birds so bring your binoculars," suggests a visitor to Bicentennial Campground, highlighting opportunities for birdwatching.
Free camping options: Several former AEP ReCreation lands offer no-cost camping. "We chose a site on a hill that I was able to get my 40+ rig into, I was all by myself with a great view," reports a camper at Hook Lake Campground, noting the solitude and scenic views available without paying camping fees.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across campgrounds. At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, a hiker observed "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," so download maps before arrival.
Toilet facilities vary widely: Many campgrounds have only vault toilets of varying cleanliness. "The vault toilets were really gross and had not been restocked with toilet paper," reported one camper at Bicentennial Campground, suggesting bringing your own supplies just in case.
Water access changes seasonally: Some campgrounds turn off water in colder months. A reviewer at Burr Oak Cove Campground mentioned "Potable water available throughout the camp" but noted that "as the fall-winter progresses water actually becomes unavailable (although the camping fee drops....)."
Trail conditions after rain: Many trails become extremely muddy after precipitation. "The trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places esp on the stetch between the trailhead and the loop," warned a hiker at Wildcat Hollow, highlighting the need for appropriate footwear when hiking after rainfall.
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Some ponds have special rules for young anglers. At Hook Lake Campground, "children up to the age of 15 are allowed to fish. Adults need to go elsewhere to fish," making it ideal for teaching kids to fish.
Tent pad availability: Look for sites with level ground for comfortable sleeping. At Wolf Run State Park Campground, a visitor noted "The pad was level and not bad in length. It had a tree on site for a little shade and some grass," which helps families sleep better.
Watch for wildlife visitors: Some campgrounds have active animal populations. "The raccoons were a little to close for comfort in the evening make sure you lock your food and trash in your car at night," warns a Hook Lake camper, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Recreation options: Look for campgrounds with added amenities. "Has a playarea for kids with basketball court," notes a camper at Wolf Run State Park, providing options for children when not hiking or swimming.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven pads. "There are nice leveled pads at most sites for tents; however, if you are brining a trailer or RV it can be a challenge to level them as the parking pads are sloped," observed a camper at Burr Oak Cove Campground.
Limited hookup availability: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Malta offer primitive camping only. A camper at Sand Hollow reported "No service and no electric hookup," noting that campers should be prepared for boondocking rather than expecting full hookups.
Dump station locations: Know where to empty tanks when leaving. At Wolf Run State Park, a reviewer mentioned "Has dump station and plenty potable water stations," providing essential information for RV waste management.
Road conditions to remote sites: Access roads vary in quality. "The road to it is difficult also (as are most with dispersed camping)," noted a camper at Wildcat Hollow, suggesting RVers should research road conditions before attempting to reach more remote campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Malta, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Malta, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Malta, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 dog-friendly camping locations near Malta, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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