16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Jesse Owens State Park campgrounds welcome pets at multiple locations near McConnelsville, including Sand Hollow (Campground C), Hook Lake (Campground A), and Sawmill (Campground D). These free camping areas feature spacious sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Hook Lake Campground provides large, mostly wooded sites with an archery range and numerous fishing spots, making it ideal for families with pets. Burr Oak State Park Campground allows dogs at both Dock 2 and Dock 3 areas, with Dock 3 sites positioned directly on the water. Wolf Run State Park Campground offers pet-friendly sites with electric hookups and easy lake access, with campsites wrapping around the lake for convenient fishing and water activities. The campgrounds maintain standard leash policies, typically requiring pets to be kept on a 6-foot leash at all times. Most sites accommodate tents, RVs, and some offer pet-friendly cabins. Campers report the Hook Lake sites are well-spaced apart and come in various settings including grassy areas and lakefront locations.
Salt Fork State Park stands out with its dedicated dog park that provides lake access, a beach area, and secure fencing—earning extra praise from visitors with dogs. The park's trails require caution during tick season, as hikers report finding ticks on dogs even in cooler weather and despite flea and tick preventatives. Wayne National Forest's Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail allows dispersed camping with pets, though dogs must remain on 6-foot leashes. For RV campers with pets, Riversedge Campground offers full hookup sites and pet-friendly amenities. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic pet waste disposal facilities, but campers should bring their own supplies. McConnelsville has a Kroger for pet food and supplies, while nearby towns offer veterinary services. The region's mix of wooded sites, lake access, and dedicated pet areas makes it particularly suitable for active dogs who enjoy swimming and hiking alongside their owners.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"We did buy wood from a private home in a near by town. Great deal. $10 for a whole wheel barrow full of wood. Quality wood (dry and well cut). "
"Maple Grove AEP is located outside McConnellsville, Oh and was ReCreated by American Energy Power. The campsite is clean, basic and free with permit."
"It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page."
"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."
"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
"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!!"
Available this weekend
from $21 - $45 / night
"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
"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!"
Available this weekend
from $19 - $50 / night
"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."
TravelerSites are basically parking pads with very little useful space around them but the sites are spaced apart. Bathroom and showers are usable but no frills. Scenery is pretty. ATV play area nearby.
RangerDidn't have the best experience. Stayed a week and never even met a host. Had a late check in and the office was never open until Friday afternoon. Laundry machines were broken--not a huge deal but obviously not well maintained. Had a couple days with gunshots for about 6 hours straight. Lot 44 also a little unpleasant since you are at the entrance and will hear every single car/truck coming in and out of the campground because they get bounced by the speed bump. Loud enough to wake you up around 430AM. Location was pretty convenient to several small towns.
TravelerGreat view of the sky for stargazing and telescopes at the sites in 40s. Trails are a little neglected though; lots of downed trees and faded blazes. Maybe it’s late in the season, and they will improve in the spring.
GuideWe found site F26 at the far end of the loop. Short paved pad with electric very near a simple clean bathroom with flush toilets. Sites are treeless and fairly close together but the sites in our mini loop all backed up to the woods. Surprised to encounter mosquitoes in October. Overall the campground is huge with 5 separate loops that are spread far apart. The check in station is a significant distance from the first loop A and more than a mile from loop F so if you don’t have reservations, go to the website to find out which sites are available then drive around to make your selection -then call or go online to register. $45.50 for electric only site includes booking fee.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
RangerThis campground is located near major roads and within a quick trip to Hocking Hills State Park. Tents spots are located near the lake and provide pine tree shaded cover. Bathrooms are private and very clean!
GuideNice for one night stop
RangerWe thoroughly enjoyed this camp spot right on the river. LOTS of different birds. And it was so quiet!
ScoutIve camped here a few times in the kast few years and have really enjoyed it. They just put in a spigot to get water from. There is vault toilets. They cut down some brush to make a few trails that you can hike. This campground is surrounded by other free campgrounds in Jesse Owen's state Park but this is the only one that gets cell service. You are allowed to run generator.
The McConnelsville area offers free and low-cost camping across multiple sites within Jesse Owens State Park, Wayne National Forest, and surrounding state parks. Located in southeastern Ohio's Appalachian foothills where elevations range from 650-1,000 feet, the region experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures averaging 45-65°F and summer highs reaching 85-90°F. Many campgrounds lack cell service, particularly in valleys, making offline navigation essential.
Hiking at Wildcat Hollow Trail: Access free dispersed camping along this Wayne National Forest trail. Campsites appear within the first mile from the trailhead. "Campsites range in size from tiny to huge and each has a picnic table. Some campsites are right beside the water and have easy access for canoes and kayaks," notes Jacquie J. of Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Archery practice: Hook Lake campground provides an archery range near multiple fishing spots. "Large sites, area mostly wooded. Archery range and lots of fishing spots. Great for families with pets too!" writes Theresa Tittle R. about Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park.
Bird watching: The numerous lakes and wooded areas attract diverse bird species. "The campground has a beautiful lake you fish or kayak on and there are a ton of birds so bring your binoculars," reports Shannon G. at Bicentennial Campground.
Free camping with basic amenities: Sand Hollow offers no-cost sites with essential facilities. "Very secluded, perfect for those nature lovers looking to get away from it all. No cell service and very little light pollution at night so perfect for looking at stars. Many waterfront sites, picnic tables, fire pits and bathrooms," writes Greg K. about Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park.
Water access for kayaking: Several campgrounds offer direct lake or pond access. "We pulled in around 7:30, just as it was starting to get dark. The campgrounds were pretty quiet and roads were well maintained," notes Matt H. about Bicentennial Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The lack of light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "Down by the small pond/lake which is alive with the music of nighttime bugs and frogs," describes Bernadette H. about the waterfront sites at Bicentennial Campground.
Limited facilities: Most dog friendly campgrounds near McConnelsville provide only basic amenities. "The downfalls of this campground is the water was recently shut off so you need to be sure to bring plenty of jugs of water, not a big deal though. Also, the bathroom houses not my favorite part to say the least," explains Haley J. about Sand Hollow.
Vault toilets condition varies: Cleanliness of restroom facilities depends on timing and usage. "The vault toilets were really gross and had not been restocked with toilet paper. I don't know if there had been exceptionally large and messy groups there over the weekend or if this is the normal state of maintenance," reports Rachael at Bicentennial Campground.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions. "The trails can be a bit muddy after it rains and probably take a long time to dry out down in the valleys," notes Steve C. from Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed.
Visit Burr Oak Group Camp: This area provides ample space for families. "This is a great place to camp! Very spacious with lots of fire rings and picnic tables. The Blue Trail goes through here and provides a fun hike," explains Sarah G. about Burr Oak State Park Campground.
Pack extra bug spray: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. "It may have just been the time of year that we went but the bugs were especially terrible at this campground. We used spray and still had so many bites," warns Jacquie J. about Wildcat Hollow.
Look for playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. "Has a playarea for kids with basketball court," notes cyndy F. about Wolf Run State Park Campground.
Check site levelness: Many campsites have uneven terrain. "Ranchers are kind and informative and the facilities are well kept. 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," advises Spencer S. about Burr Oak Cove Campground.
Consider water access requirements: Filling tanks requires advance planning. "They have water, (fill your rig) Sewer Dump and electricity. Cell service is good," reports Justin M. at Burr Oak Cove Campground.
Riversedge offers full hookups: For pet-friendly camping with RV amenities, Riversedge provides waterfront access. "We stayed at one of the riverside tent sites. It was beautiful!!! The sites are well maintained & the bathrooms are clean. Kelly is a great host & makes you feel more than welcome," shares salena about this dog-friendly campground near McConnelsville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near McConnelsville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near McConnelsville, OH is Burr Oak State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McConnelsville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 115 dog-friendly camping locations near McConnelsville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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