Jay B.
Ranger
RangerWolf 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.
Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Chauncey, OH
Burr Oak State Park Campground permits dogs at two specific areas - Dock 3 and Dock 2 - with Dock 3 sites positioned directly on the water while Dock 2 sites sit approximately 200 yards from the shoreline. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Chauncey maintain standard leash requirements, typically six feet, including Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail in Wayne National Forest where dispersed camping is available at no cost. Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers family-friendly and pet-friendly sites just minutes from Old Man's Cave, providing a quiet, relaxing experience for campers with dogs. Lake Hope State Park Campground, Strouds Run State Park, and Zaleski State Forest all welcome pets with varying amenities from primitive tent sites to full hookup options. The campgrounds at Burr Oak Cove provide water access with hiking trails to the lake for scenic pictures and bonding moments with children and pets.
Wayne National Forest trails accommodate dogs but require them to remain on a six-foot leash at all times. Hiking with pets at Wildcat Hollow offers free dispersed camping opportunities with established fire rings available at some sites. Campers should be cautious of widow-maker trees when setting up tents with pets. The Buckeye Trail section running through this area provides excellent backpacking terrain for those camping with dogs. Hiking trails throughout Hocking Hills remain accessible to leashed pets, though the swimming beach at Lake Hope prohibits furry friends. Campgrounds like Campbell Cove Camping and Hocking Hills Jellystone provide more developed options with full hookups while still accommodating pets. Weather conditions can affect trail conditions significantly - many paths become very muddy after rain, particularly in the Burr Oak area where geocaching opportunities abound along the trails in Wayne National Forest.
Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Chauncey, Ohio (101)
1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground
109 ReviewsSouth Bloomingville, OH22 milesWebsite$20 - $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."
2. Burr Oak State Park Campground
31 ReviewsGlouster, OH11 milesWebsite+1 (740) 767-3683$25 - $55 / 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."
3. Lake Hope State Park Campground
35 ReviewsNew Plymouth, OH12 milesWebsite+1 (740) 596-5253$25 - $35 / 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."
4. Strouds Run State Park Campground
10 ReviewsAthens, OH6 milesWebsite+1 (740) 592-2302"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."
5. Zaleski State Forest
17 ReviewsZaleski, OH15 milesWebsite+1 (740) 596-5781"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."
6. Burr Oak Cove Campground
9 ReviewsGlouster, OH11 milesWebsite+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."
7. Lake Snowden Campground - Hocking College
9 ReviewsAlbany, OH12 milesWebsite+1 (740) 698-6373"Lake Snowden is a great alternative to camping at Strouds. The lake is large and clean, with an awesome new “water park” opened during the summer. Great shelters, facilities, and optional bathrooms."
"We were able to camp right by the lake. The trails are great for hiking and some more intermediate mountain biking. And there are boat rentals of many different types."
8. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
9 ReviewsCorning, OH13 milesWebsite"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."
9. Campbell Cove Camping
18 ReviewsLogan, OH20 milesWebsite+1 (740) 385-2994"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."
10. Hocking Hills Jellystone Campground
4 ReviewsNew Plymouth, OH9 milesWebsite+1 (740) 385-6720"Free tricycles to ride around. Bouncy area, lake with a trampoline and activities all the time."
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Chauncey, OH
95 Photos of 101 Chauncey Campgrounds
Taylor P.
Dorr-Run Red Oak Trailhead
Andy B.
Burr Oak State Park Campground
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Lake Hope State Park Campground
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Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed
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Zaleski State Forest
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Campbell Cove Camping
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Hocking Hills State Park Campground
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Palmerosa Horse & Hike Campground
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Forked Run State Park Campground
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Sand Hollow (Campground C) — Jesse Owens State Park
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Tar Hollow State Park Campground
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Ashland RV Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chauncey, OH
653 Reviews of 101 Chauncey Campgrounds
- SSeána B.
ScoutMountwood 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.
TravelerDock Area Campsites — Burr Oak State Park
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.
GuideHocking 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.
LegendMountwood 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.Scout
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
- Amber R.Traveler
Big Sycamore Family Campground
Great small family campground
We enjoyed our 3 night stay here! Some sites are full hook up, some sites are electric and water, and some are primitive. The dump station is easily accessible if you need it. 5 acres with everything we could need. The owners were amazing. Very friendly and helpful! They had only owned the campground for 2 weeks and were in the process of making several improvements. The shower house and bathrooms were clean and adequate. There is a small playground for kids. It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer (we camped in October so it was closed for the season). Located within a short drive (about 10 miles/15 minutes) from everything Hocking Hills has to offer. There is even a restaurant close by that will deliver to your campsite. Kroger and Walmart are within 5-7 minutes driving for supplies. The only downside is that it is close to a highway so at night you can hear the traffic. This didn’t bother us so much but might be a problem for some.
- KKay M.Traveler
Dillon State Park Campground
A Weekend at Dillon State Park
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. There are 183 electric sites in this campground, many shady, and almost all having at least partial shade. Pets are permitted in all sites except 1 through 32. These electric sites are divided into three sections with restrooms with flush toilets, shower houses and playgrounds in each. The restrooms and shower houses I used were very clean.
There is also a walk-in section of non electric sites that are different than what I usually think of as walk-in sites because parking was just yards away.
The camp store was well stocked and probably has anything you forgot. They also sell firewood.
The huge 18 hole disc golf course seemed to be a popular attraction.
I enjoyed the five well marked hiking trails through the woods. These trails range from easy to difficult, the longest being 4.4 miles.
From the campground, you will have to drive to the beach or hike a couple miles though the woods as I did. My only complaint about this campground is the beach. There are no lifeguards or concessions and I am told, that after a rain, this beach can look uninviting. Near the beach is a wading pool with a fountain for younger children. Adjacent to the beach area there are tennis courts, basketball courts and a very shady picnic area with tables and pavilions.
There are boat launches for your boats at the marina but the only watercraft that can be rented are kayaks and canoes.
- KKenpocentaur K.Legend
Maple Grove (Campground G) — Jesse Owens State Park
Jesse Owens State Park (Ohio) but also AEP Maple Grove
If you are confused by this campsite that makes sense. This was an AEP ReCreation campsite. It has recently been purchased by the State of Ohio. The ReCreation AEP campsites has an outstanding FB (Facebook) page. I would recommend you keep close tabs on that site to figure out what you need to know about this site or others. The new sign does make it easy to find. It is also one of the closest campsites to the Miner's Memorial Park with the Big Muskie bucket. If you don't know what that is do go and check the site out.
I would also say print maps and also take photos of maps. This one wasn't too bad to find as it is on the current paper map that AEP printed dated January 13, 2020. If you have kids that like horses I would go over to see if anyone is at the Equine area that is close by as well. So a fun filled day of looking at a giant mining bucket and horses.
Cell phone coverage is extremely limited out here. Verizon got service in most of the areas. It wasn't 100%. If you do need coverage the Mining Memorial is the main spot to go. Other carriers never seemed to have a signal.
These campsites allow 2 cars per site. Pets are allowed if leashed. As Ohio is taking over the campsites think Ohio State Park rules. You can still camp here for free at the moment.
https://www.aep.com/recreation/areas/recreationland
https://www.cleveland.com/open/2018/07/first\_phase\_of\_ohios\_new\_jesse.html
https://birding-in-ohio.com/morgan-county/jesse-owens-state-park-and-wildlife-area-maple-grove-campground/
Guide to Chauncey
Dispersed camping around Chauncey, Ohio allows campers to experience the rolling Appalachian foothills at elevations ranging from 650 to 1,000 feet. The region's mixed hardwood forests create distinct seasonal camping conditions with moderate summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and cooler spring and fall camping seasons. Wayne National Forest's dispersed camping areas don't require reservations and provide more primitive options than the developed campgrounds in the region.
What to do
**Hiking opportunities: Wayne National Forest offers pet-friendly trails with varying difficulty levels. At Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed, "Secluded spot and an easy yet pretty trail. Perfect place for a first time backpacking trek...The trail has a smaller loop and a larger loop. Both are fairly easy hikes. I recommend visiting Wildcat hollow in the springtime as the forest floor will be carpeted with beautiful wildflowers."
**Water activities: Lake access varies across campgrounds with some offering direct waterfront sites. At Campbell Cove Camping, "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view." The campground provides lake access points and is located on Lake Logan with boat rentals nearby.
**Stargazing sessions: Clear nights offer excellent viewing opportunities away from city lights. Strouds Run State Park is noted for this specifically, with one camper noting it's "Amazing at night for stargazing!" The open areas around some campgrounds provide unobstructed views of the night sky when weather permits.
What campers like
**Privacy levels: Sites vary from secluded to communal depending on campground selection. Zaleski State Forest offers backpacking sites where "All of the campsites have multiple areas for different hikers and each is relatively secluded from the others so you can be by yourself. All campsites have an outhouse and potable water all within easy reach from all camping areas."
**Water views: Lakefront camping provides scenic settings at several locations. Lake Hope campers appreciate the natural setting: "The park has nice camp sites, cabins if you like that kinda thing! But watch out for the FOG on the lake at night! It gets so bad you can't see past the end of your boat!"
**Bathroom facilities: Quality and availability differ significantly between campgrounds. At Hocking Hills State Park Campground, "There's outhouses with no running water but also a relatively new bath house with nice showers and toilets." This contrasts with more primitive options at dispersed sites which often have no facilities.
What you should know
**Seasonal conditions: Spring brings muddy trails while summer offers better ground conditions. One camper at Wildcat Hollow warns, "If it has rained recently then expect numerous mudpits." Another notes, "The campsites looked OK. Dry. No water available to filter. Cautioned against using the water. But the trail was a cesspool of mud in too many places."
**Site limitations: Level spaces can be hard to find at some campgrounds. At Lake Hope State Park Campground, "Camp sites are very small and very unlevel, had to raise back of camper and put front about a 1/4" off ground to get close to level. Site around is sloped in all directions."
**Water availability: Not all sites offer reliable drinking water sources. Some campgrounds have specific warnings about water quality, with Wildcat Hollow specifically cautioning against filtering stream water. Lake Hope offers "No internet or phone service so great to disconnect."
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. At Lake Snowden Campground, "Playground has a kid sized wooden train and a large tower/swing set." Another reviewer mentions the "Nice little beach area along the lake. Several large pavilions. Playground for the kids."
**Swimming options: Beach areas provide safe water recreation for children. Campbell Cove has "a great playground for kids and a swimming hole" and "a somewhat small swimming area, but it seems to be pretty clean for a pond."
**Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer learning experiences at select parks. Burr Oak has unique wildlife viewing opportunities, with one camper noting, "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!"
Tips from RVers
**Hookup availability: Electric options are limited at some state parks. At Burr Oak Cove Campground, "The sites are clean with picnic tables and fire rings and can accommodate small RVs. There are a couple of vault style outhouses, dump stations and a couple of water stations as well. No electric or water hookups, though."
**Site leveling: Bring extra blocks for uneven terrain at most campgrounds. One camper at Burr Oak Cove mentions, "if you are brining a trailer or RV it can be a challenge to level them as the parking pads are sloped."
**Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds have tight turns or narrow roads. Lake Hope campsites are "mostly small and tight on hilly terrain" but still workable for smaller rigs, as one camper notes, "We have stayed here a couple of times in a tent and a class a motor home... I would still recommend this as a nice weekend getaway."
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chauncey, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.
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