19 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $70 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $45 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $21 - $55 / night
"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."
from $45 - $150 / night
"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."
"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
"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.."
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutActually talked to the Grandson of one of the miners at the park around the corner ( down the hill, and up the hill to the right) he was sitting in the bucket and came out and talked to me about it very cool. My lucky day
GuideCamped here for the Mothman Festival in mid-September. Fine folks running the place - the 90+ y.o. matriarch takes the money and calculates tax by hand. Make note that the pictures posted on the website are VERY outdated; the facilities are derelict in comparison. We were just there to camp so it was fine for our purposes (i.e., no need to use the event space (closed I think), pool, playground, etc.). Tent camping is a free-for-all first-come first-serve. If rain is in the forecast, don't pitch a tent by the river; many sites on the floodplain had washed out after a heavy overnight rain. Also notable, the bathrooms were perhaps the nastiest I've seen at any campground. I don't think they cleaned them once during our two-night stay, and just progressively smelled more and more like urine as the weekend progressed.
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.
ScoutLaid back rv park on the Ohio river plenty of room. 10/10
RangerWe managed to get several sites near each other for 6-7 families and we had a blast. Near bathrooms, quiet, and within walking distance of the kayak launch.
GuideWe used Site 53, which is a pull thru. The site was spacious and level. The fire pit location is across a tiny stream; we enjoyed a campfire in the woods! There were no loud folks. The loudest thing we heard was the occasional bark of a dog (which we didn't mind).
The restrooms were new and extremely clean. The staff at the camp store was friendly.
There are plenty of places and opportunities to enjoy Pine Lake: you can sit on a bench or rent a canoe.
We'd love to return to Tar Hollow when the fall foliage is beautiful.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nelsonville, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Nelsonville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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