Best Dog-Friendly Camping near New Lexington, OH
Burr Oak State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites accommodate both tent and RV campers, with many sites offering water and electrical hookups. Wildcat Hollow Hiking Trail Dispersed camping area provides free primitive camping with a pet leash requirement of 6 feet. Most campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though pet owners should note that many dispersed camping locations lack facilities like running water or waste stations. The 15-mile trail loop at Wildcat Hollow offers numerous campsites positioned every few miles along the path, making it ideal for backpacking with dogs. Hocking Hills State Park Campground and Lake Hope State Park both permit pets at their developed sites with modern amenities including showers and trash service. The trail connecting Burr Oak Cove Campground to the lake spans 1.3 miles and offers moderate hiking terrain suitable for dogs needing exercise.
Monday Creek OHV Dispersed camping areas provide primitive options for pet owners seeking off-grid experiences near New Lexington. Trails in Wayne National Forest feature seasonal mud conditions that can challenge hikers with dogs, particularly along stretches between trailheads and loops. Spring visitors to Wildcat Hollow enjoy forest floors carpeted with wildflowers while maintaining pets on required leashes. Water sources along trails should not be relied upon for dogs, even with filtration, due to posted warnings at trailheads and ongoing oil drilling operations in some hollows. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with ridge areas offering connectivity while valleys create dead zones that complicate emergency veterinary access. Primitive campsites typically consist of cleared areas with stone fire rings, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water for themselves and their pets. The spring wildflower season makes this region particularly attractive for campers with dogs who enjoy natural exploration while keeping pets secured on mandatory leashes.
