Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Paint Creek Lake

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Paint Creek Lake, OH has a lot to offer. Paint Creek Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Paint Creek Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Paint Creek Lake (73)

    1. Paint Creek State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Paint Creek Lake, OH
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 981-7061

    "Cute, charming Ohio State Park. Enjoy 4 lovely hiking trails that showcase the parks features by taking you through the woods and fields. Fish is offered and their is boat dock ."

    "It ended up being a great site for us and our dogs. There was space between us and our neighbors and we had access to the water."

    2. Rocky Fork State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Hillsboro, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 393-4284

    "The camp grounds we stayed in was nearly full and had every conceivable form of camping from tents to full size motor coaches."

    "Camp sites available next to the lake. Beautiful lake for kayaking, boating and swimming. Only downfall is that you have to drive a few miles to get to the beach."

    3. Long's Retreat Family Resort

    13 Reviews
    Sinking Spring, OH
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 588-3725

    "Of course, relaxing by the campfire, grilling hot dogs and making s’mores is really what makes the time with the kids special."

    "We have been going here for the last 6 summers with a big group (nearly 30 kids with us). Everyone always has such a great time and it is the highlight of all the kids summers."

    4. Pike Lake State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Latham, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 493-2212

    "Ranger Review: Morsel Spork at Pike Lake State Park

    Campground Review:

    We stayed at site 67 next to the camp host. The camp site was nicely shaded with a small creek behind it."

    "We were able to run a line between trees for a dog run. Great neighbors on both sides but right across the site is the playground. It’s a little noisy but if you have kids, it works."

    5. Lizzy’s Acres

    1 Review
    Bainbridge, OH
    7 miles
    +1 (740) 438-2678

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Lizzy's Acres is a new listing on the Dyrt, but they offer a great location for those looking to explore the area.  Check them out and show them some love!"

    6. Shady Trails Campground

    2 Reviews
    Hillsboro, OH
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 393-5618

    "Right across from the North Beach of Rocky Fork Lake"

    7. Scioto Trail State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Waverly, OH
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 663-2125

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We chose to camp at Scioto Trail State Park because of it's proximity to Salt Creek Kayak Adventures. While I had hiked at Scioto Trail in the past, this was our first visit to the campground."

    "Walk-in sites with pit toilets and potable water. The map of how the sites are laid out online is extremely inaccurate, I would not have picked my site if it had been accurate."

    8. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    45 miles
    Website

    $29 - $46 / 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."

    9. Sun Valley Campground

    4 Reviews
    Chillicothe, OH
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 775-3490

    "Peaceful nice place, pets okay. I'd recommend it."

    "We were able to reserve a drive-thru site on the same day we wanted it.  It looks like there are quite a few seasonal campers there.  Sites have space between them, many are shaded. "

    10. Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Wilmington, OH
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 382-1096

    "Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry."

    "We love camping @ Cowen Lake State park! There are organized activities on the lake and through the nature center. You can also do your own thing."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Paint Creek Lake

704 Reviews of 73 Paint Creek Lake Campgrounds


  • Joaquim P.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Scioto-Grove Metro Park

    Can only stay there on Fridays and Saturdays

    Only weekend stays and it ends in wintertime. I’m sure it’s pretty and all, but it’s hard to find legit, free dispersed camping in Ohio! Oh well, rest stops always work for car camping.

  • Dave B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Large Campground

    Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.

  • Brian B.
    Jun. 14, 2020

    Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA

    Fantastic Place

    This KOA sets the bar for the Ohio locations we have visited. The bathrooms are amazing and private. The tent site we had was huge and there were actually trees for our suspended tent and hammocks. The dog park wasn’t huge, but larger than most. The campground was completely full but still quiet and peaceful. The staff are amazing.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2016

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Splish, splash

    Lots of room! Privacy, some sites have accommodations for several tents as well as full hook up for campers. Some are adjacent to the playground There are tons of things to do: Miniature golf Disc golf BMX trails Small dog park Golf course Horse camp

  • M
    May. 31, 2018

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    One you will always return to

    Very clean, well maintained. A lot of nearby activity, private and open sites, lake, beach, trails, marina, bikes, putt putt, dog park, playground, laundry, water close, electric at sites, many "comfort stations" "wash houses" so not far from one.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park-Ohio River Campground

    Very Peaceful, Very Clean

    We stayed in Site 09. The sites are spacious with level, asphalted pads. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table.

    Toward the front of the campground is a great splash pad, playground, and dog park, which includes an agility course. These are located away from the RV's; therefore, the campground was very quiet and peaceful.

    Nearby was a marina, fishing access, and an archery range. The surrounding hills are pretty.

    The bath house was clean. A laundry room was available.

    The only drawback was the lack of shade. Because this place is relatively new, in time--as the planted seedlings grow--this problem will lessen.

  • Jen S.
    Jul. 9, 2018

    East Fork State Park Campground

    Overall great state park

    Generous sized campsites, a lot of them are wooded which we prefer, with around 400 sites there are plenty to choose from! Bathroom/shower facilities are updated and usually well maintained. There is a large public beach but it's on the other side of the park so you have to drive all the way around to get to it, no short cuts. They have a camp ground beach but it's been closed the last 2 years. Lots of hiking trails, bridal trails and a bike path. Wish list for this park: Boat rental, dog park, dog beach/water access. Overall a beautiful park.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Large beautiful diverse fun.

    Just a beautiful park. Clean well maintained. Lots of amenities. Paddle boats, marina, 18 hole disc golf, bike park, huge dog park, store,archery range, playground and trails.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2020

    Deer Creek State Park Campground

    Small, but perfect site for us

    This was a last minute reservation and only available due to a cancellation. The campground was full for the weekend. The campground is pretty big with different types of sites. Some are smaller, close to neighbors while other have seclusion with trees. From past experience, if it rains, some of the sites do flood. We had great weather this weekend. The site we reserved had a hill right next to the passenger side/door side of your camper. If you had a big camper, it might be tight to open your slides and an awning. You most likely would not sit right outside your camper door. In fact, the fire ring is behind the site and up a small hill. We set up our ez-up in the back and out of the way, it worked for us. There was also a path that led you into the playground. Speaking of playgrounds, you will hear a lot of kids if the weather is nice. We were right across from the camp host (very nice lady) and very short walk to the bathhouse. The bathhouse had 4 flushable toilets and I think 3 showers. The showers did not have benches in the stall, only on the outside directly across. With a full campground, the bathrooms were kept very clean with the amount of people using it. We walked around and noticed a lot of bathhouses and another playground. We took a hike that led us to the lodge - it was an in and out and just under 5 miles. On our way back we stopped at the camp store which was well stocked with items you may need or not. There is a putt putt course, frisbee disc course, horse trails, dog park, nature center, golf course and more trails nearby. There are plenty of things to do if you like to keep busy or are trying to keep kids entertained. (The bees and stinkbugs were out and about while we were there.)


Guide to Paint Creek Lake

Camping with your furry friends near Paint Creek Lake in Ohio offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors together. With several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area, you can create lasting memories while exploring nature.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Paint Creek Lake

Tips for camping with dogs near Paint Creek Lake

  • Ensure your pet is leashed at all times while exploring the grounds of Pike Lake State Park Campground to keep them safe and respect other campers.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, especially when visiting Scioto Trail State Park Campground, where you can enjoy long hikes together.
  • Pack a pet-friendly first aid kit and familiarize yourself with the nearest vet services, as recommended by fellow campers at Shady Trails Campground.

Pet owners appreciate the amenities at these campgrounds

  • Lake Hill Campground provides electric hookups and clean facilities, making it a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • At Waters Edge Canoe Livery, you can enjoy canoeing and kayaking while your dog relaxes by your side.
  • Trackside Camping is known for its clean and quiet environment, perfect for a peaceful getaway with your four-legged companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Paint Creek Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Paint Creek Lake is Paint Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Paint Creek Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 73 dog-friendly camping locations near Paint Creek Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.