16 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lazy River at Granville welcomes pets at all camping accommodation types including cabins, tent sites, and RV spaces. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Newark maintain standard pet policies with leash requirements and designated pet waste disposal areas. Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA, located about 20 minutes south of Newark, accommodates pets in their cabins and tent sites with ample space for walking dogs around the property. LA-Z Acres Campground in Nashport provides full-service hookups at pet-friendly sites with seasonal availability from April to October. The staff at these campgrounds are known for being helpful and accommodating to campers with pets. At Rustic Knolls Campground, pet owners appreciate the well-maintained grounds and accessibility to restroom facilities throughout the property.
Campers report that Lazy River at Granville offers excellent options for families with dogs, with trails and creek access where pets can cool off during summer months. Hidden Hill Campground in Newark provides more basic amenities but allows pets at their electric sites. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times when outside the camping unit, and owners must clean up after their animals. Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours that extend to pet noise, as barking dogs have occasionally disrupted other campers' experiences. When booking a pet-friendly cabin, it's advisable to check specific pet policies as some locations restrict pets to certain cabin types or require additional cleaning fees. Nearby attractions like Dawes Arboretum offer additional pet-friendly outdoor exploration opportunities when camping in the Newark area.
"Always something for family and dog to do."
"There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain ("
"I camped at this state park in the very scenic rolling hills of central Ohio on a hot and sunny weekend and was happy to find plenty of shade."
"I have been extremely disappointed with Ohio State Park campgrounds."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $160 / night
"Then outside is the picnic table. Due to health code rules you have to cook and do food outside of the cabin. "
"Not as close to the lake as we first thought but close enough. Will probably be back."
"This was the only park we’ve gone to this uear with both a large dog park AND a fenced in dog beach! Folks were friendly at the dog park with bunches of chairs set around like a conversation pit."
"Alum Creek State Park is a beautiful park and great campground just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Columbus and minutes away from attractions such as the Columbus Zoo."
Available this weekend
from $19 - $70 / night
"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
"A little further back in the campground to be close to the shower house that was open. Then found out that comfort station next to us was open - nice!"
"It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."
Available this weekend
from $23 - $220 / night
"Rustic is down a gravel road, well off the beaten path, and a little more remote than the boondocks. Frank, the owner, and his team are great."
"Great walking trail back through the woods. Pet friendly and the bathrooms were very nice. Well....I guess we did! We are now in a search for a Diesel pusher to go full-time!"
"Conveniently located to Columbus. Lots of seasonal campers. Only gray water hook up available."
"Not far from I-70, near the river, quiet and clean… almost too quiet."
"Doesn’t make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late."
from $48 - $75 / night
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
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.
ScoutWe camped here for the first time this year and ended up booking 2 more trips here. We just finished our last trip. We love this campsite. No other place has sites this big and give you this much space. Awesome place to camp
GuideThis is the cleanest park we've ever used! The bathroom is tidy; the showers are roomy and convenient to use. There is a nice playground for younger kids as well as a pickleball court and basketball court for teens and adults. There also is a pleasant hiking trail. We stayed in Site 42, a concrete site, which was fantastic for my spouse's mobility issues. The sites are not super spaced apart, but, with the graduated elevation, we didn't feel smashed together. We visited Amish Country to absorb the beautiful fall scenery, to shop at local stores, and to relax by a campfire in the evening . The campground was perfect for us. If you're seeking a wilderness adventure , this park is not for you .
ScoutCould not ask for a better site. Absolutely beautiful setting. A nice small lake for fishing, and a perfect shallow stream for kids to play in, running right by the sites. The pool house and facilities are spotlessly clean. On top of that, the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. We even needed a jumpstart for our truck when we were towing the camper out on a rainy Monday morning and someone came around to help. 100% will come back and 100% would recommend to anyone.
GuideWell maintained campground with friendly staff. Super spacious and clean bathhouse. Close to Berlin and Millersburg for exploring Amish country. Some road noise due to location on main highway.
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.
ScoutRight close to Columbus this campground is a staple for locals trying to just get away for the weekend. There is an amphitheater, a camper’s beach, nature center, and more all within the campground. Alum creek state park is a larger facility surrounding the campground with a public beach, walking paths, mountain bike trails, archery range, hunting areas, boat marina and more. The public beach is rather gravelly but has nice shower houses and grills available. We are attending during fall fest where they put on many activities for the campers and it is a lot of fun. You have to reserve 6 months in advance to be able to get in on fall fest unless there is a last minute cancellation. Our site is relatively flat parking, we didn’t need to level the rig. It did rain the morning we got here and the area around the fire pit was a bit muddy. The view out the back of this camp site is nice and wooded, you’re not looking at your neighbors out the back window. The sides you can definitely see each other but it’s still wooded and secluded enough between the sites here.
Campsites near Newark, Ohio sit within gently rolling terrain at elevations between 800-1,100 feet above sea level. The area experiences warm summers with average highs of 85°F in July and cold winters reaching lows of 22°F in January. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, though several offer year-round accommodations for campers seeking off-season experiences.
Creek exploration: Rustic Knolls Campground offers a swimming pond with inflatable attractions for cooling off during hot summer days. "The camp sights are well maintained. I have stayed there several times, and I plan on going back. Swimming pond and fishing pond. Restrooms are all over for convenience," notes Kris K.
Basketball and games: Wolfie's Campground provides recreational options beyond hiking. "Nice pool, 1/2 court basketball court, playground, laundry and store," according to Steve E. The game room features additional entertainment: "Kids and I spent many quarters playing pool in the game room, which also has a 90's Sega arcade game," shares Jenny G.
Overnight facilities: Buckeye Lake-Columbus East KOA offers varied cabin options for visitors seeking pet-friendly accommodations. "The design is nice as the bunk beds are in their own separate room. This means the back room will sleep four individuals. They also included little tables and benches so you can organize yourself in the room," explains Kenpocentaur K.
Clean bathrooms: Most visitors to Alum Creek State Park Campground appreciate the well-maintained facilities. "Really impressed. Owner took us to our site helped us get settled in and made sure we had everything we needed. Bathrooms clean pool was clean. Pond was great for fishing or just hanging out," notes Angie S. from LA-Z Acres.
Pet-friendly trails: Many Newark area campgrounds maintain hiking paths suitable for dogs. "The campsites are spacious and private, surrounded by trees and brush. Beautiful walking trails. There's also a great mountain biking trail in the vicinity," reports Catherine at Alum Creek State Park.
Seasonal activities: Mohican State Park Campground offers year-round outdoor options for pet owners. "Beautiful area to see in the winter & not as busy. You will mainly see people fishing for trout. During the summer I hear it gets pretty busy with people tubing on the river," explains Renée C.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Newark fill quickly, especially on weekends. "The park fills up fast. Go early," advises Michael J. from Lazy River at Granville.
Winter facilities: For off-season camping with pets, verify which services remain available. "There is nice several mile through trail that goes from the dam area following the river to the primitive camping area and then to the camper/rv camping area... One heated bathroom with a shower is open in the winter," notes Renée C. about Mohican State Park.
Noise considerations: Wolfie's Campground receives praise for cleanliness but has noise issues. "Bathrooms very clean. Loved the free games. Cabin was very clean and had comfortable beds. Doesn't make sense to have quiet time at dark when bar nearby plays loud music outside till late," reports Jean A.
Activity planning: Families seeking pet-friendly camping near Newark should consider campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "This is a small, family owned campground that is perfect for families with kids of all ages! Beautiful creek that runs along side some nice deep sites! Two pools, tons of activities!" writes Libby W. about Lazy River.
Weather contingencies: Prepare for Ohio's variable weather when camping with children and pets. "There was a huge thunderstorm one of the nights, where we initially retreated to our vans; but then decided to drive up to the store and got ice cream which made the kids super excited about the rain. And they let all the tent dwellers use the game room to relax in and ride out the worst of the storm," shares Amanda D.
Space considerations: LA-Z Acres Campground offers roomier sites for families with pets. "Lots of spaces! Lots of permanent campers. They have mobile phone service and wifi on site... Full service hookup was awesome! New stage area is the party place on the weekends!" reports Rebecca F.
Site selection: RVers with pets should research specific site characteristics before booking. "Sites are nice with some sites able to boat up to them. Be careful with rainy weather, some sites have flooded in poor weather," advises Katelyn P. about Alum Creek State Park.
Entrance navigation: Access roads can be challenging at some Newark-area campgrounds. "They only challenge is you don't want to meet a rig going out while you're coming in. We are a 38 foot class A and met a 36' 5th wheel on the curve at the entrance. We literally passed with less than an inch between us," cautions Steve E. at Wolfie's Campground.
Hook-up locations: Check utility placement when reserving RV sites. "The new section (sites numbers in the 200s) have hook ups at the front of the sites so you may have to buy longer hoses," notes Ryan H. about Lazy River at Granville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Newark, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Newark, OH is Lazy River at Granville with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Newark, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 125 dog-friendly camping locations near Newark, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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