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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near McConnelsville, OH

629 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near McConnelsville, OhioExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near McConnelsville, Ohio (95)

    1. Burr Oak State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 767-3683

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park

    12 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    8 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Hook Lake (Campground A) — Jesse Owens State Park

    6 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    9 miles

    "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). "

    4. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Corning, OH
    11 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."

    5. Burr Oak Cove Campground

    9 Reviews
    Glouster, OH
    13 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."

    6. Riversedge Campground

    3 Reviews
    McConnelsville, OH
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 962-2267

    $30 - $60 / 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."

    7. Wolf Run State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Caldwell, OH
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 732-5035

    "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!!"

    8. Blue Rock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blue Rock, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 674-4794

    "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!"

    9. Bicentennial Campground

    8 Reviews
    Cumberland, OH
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 962-1205

    "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."

    10. Sawmill (Campground D) — Jesse Owens State Park

    4 Reviews
    Cumberland, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 962-1205

    "Just outside the towns of Zanesville and Cumberland where you can find Ohio's famed Wilds there's heat opportunity for free camping."

    "How special is that:) 

    I also liked this campsite as you could be by the cattails, grassy area, pine tree area, on a small island behind the covered bridge."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near McConnelsville, OH

68 Photos of 95 McConnelsville Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near McConnelsville, OH

629 Reviews of 95 McConnelsville Campgrounds

  • Blaine V.
    Feb. 20, 2022

    Shadow Lake RV Resort

    Great place and service

    I 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.

  • Staci R.
    Oct. 26, 2017

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    The right side of the fork

    Dog 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.

  • 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.

  • Kellie A.
    May. 24, 2021

    Salt Fork State Park Campground

    My Go-to Weekend Getaway

    Saltfork 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.

  • S
    Jul. 18, 2023

    Mountwood 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.
    Jul. 29, 2017

    Burr Oak State Park Campground

    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.
    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.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 24, 2017

    Mountwood 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.
    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

Guide to McConnelsville

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near McConnelsville, Ohio, where several pet-friendly campgrounds offer a perfect escape into nature.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Burr Oak State Park Campground

  • Enjoy spacious sites and a serene atmosphere at Burr Oak State Park Campground, where pets are welcome, making it ideal for family adventures.
  • This campground features amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • With access to hiking trails and a nearby lodge offering food and drinks, you and your dog can explore and unwind together.

Dog owners appreciate Wolf Run State Park Campground

  • At Wolf Run State Park Campground, you can find well-maintained sites that cater to pets, allowing for a relaxing getaway.
  • The campground offers electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with dogs.
  • Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take your dog for walks along the scenic trails that wind through the park.

Tips for camping with dogs near McConnelsville

  • When visiting Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park, remember to bring plenty of water for your pet, as there are limited water hookups available.
  • Keep your dog leashed and clean up after them to maintain the natural beauty of the area, especially in popular spots like Burr Oak Cove Campground.
  • Plan for outdoor activities such as fishing or hiking, and ensure your pet is comfortable and safe while exploring the beautiful landscapes around 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 33 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McConnelsville, OH?

TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near McConnelsville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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