Dog-Friendly Camping near Steubenville, OH

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    Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest provides free pet-friendly camping with a 14-day limit. The paved sites include picnic tables and fire rings with self-registration required at the pit toilet building. Pets must be kept on leashes and under control at all times. Several other pet-accommodating options near Steubenville include Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, Jefferson Lake State Park, and Raccoon Creek State Park, all offering designated pet-friendly camping areas. The gun range near Hidden Hollow operates until 11pm, making this location potentially challenging for noise-sensitive pets. Camping accommodations range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups and cabin rentals, with most campgrounds enforcing standard pet policies requiring vaccination records and proper waste disposal.

    The hiking trails throughout Fernwood State Forest welcome leashed dogs, though some trails may have downed trees blocking sections. Jefferson Lake State Park features 18 miles of multi-use trails suitable for hiking with pets, with clean water access points where dogs can cool off. Austin Lake provides lakeside camping with various water activities, though pets must remain leashed at campsites and are restricted from beach and swimming areas. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to be attended at all times, with barking disturbances potentially resulting in removal without refund. Campers should pack sufficient water for pets, as drinking water availability varies between campgrounds. The limited cell service at some locations like Austin Lake means having offline veterinary contact information is essential for emergency situations.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Steubenville (71)

      1. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

      4.3(49)15mi from Steubenville180 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "While most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets- there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions! Loop F includes electric spots!"

      "There's a trail right to the beach near the D loop, so it's a great place for families to go with pets. The sites are big, wooded, and all close to the bathroom."

      from $18 - $128 / night

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      2. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground

      4.3(19)13mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pets are welcome.  Facilities are older but well kept.  Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete.  Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground. "

      "There are trails and fishing so plenty to do. Fairly sparse in April but a lot of people still driving and walking by. Alcohol prohibited"

      from $28 - $40 / night

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      3. Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

      4.2(11)6mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Tents

      "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."

      "The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit. The best part - it's free!"

      4. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins

      4.0(9)9mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Cabins

      "Adjacent to the lake. Multiple amenities close by. Plenty of activities for the family. Great family owned campground."

      "Kart friendly and great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side."

      from $70 - $250 / night

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      5. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

      4.0(7)11mi from Steubenville44 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."

      "Fire pits have a nice grate to flip over and cook on (this varied highly bw Ohio campgrounds).
      Nice hiking trails and the lake is nice. Lots of geese and the expected goose poop."

      from $23 - $33 / night

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      6. Beaver Creek State Park Campground

      4.3(18)25mi from Steubenville47 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "map]](http://parks.ohiodnr.gov/Portals/parks/PDFs/parks/Maps/Beaver_Creek/beavercreekcampmap.pdf)

      • 6 electric sites
      • 44 non-electric sites
      • Dump station
      • No showers; no flush toilets
      • Pets"

      "Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "

      from $23 - $50 / night

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      7. Ronsheim Campground — Harrison State Forest

      4.3(3)18mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Tents

      "It’s nothing much, there isn’t much in the way of activity save a few trails."

      "Gun range nearby."

      8. Barkcamp State Park Campground

      4.1(18)30mi from Steubenville151 sitesRVs, Glamping

      "This was a nice place to stop for a few days on my drive west into Ohio. I knew nothing about the campground prior to this visit."

      "I grew up in the Ohio valley and I love living here."

      from $35 - $150 / night

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      9. Whispering Pines Family Campground

      4.3(3)21mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      10. Sally Buffalo Park

      5.0(1)20mi from SteubenvilleRVs, Tents

      from $25 - $40 / night

      Check Availability

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Steubenville, OH

    387 Reviews of 71 Steubenville Campgrounds


    • Blaine V.
      Feb. 20, 2022

      Shadow Lake RV Resort

      Great place and service

      I stayed here in the worse month possible for camping in ohio but the owner made it a great experience. They are very accommodating. Even though every thing was snowy and muddy I could tell this is a very well taken care of place. Shower house was clean and warm. The laundry mat washed and dried great. As a construction worker I have payed way more for way less. This place is gem for construction/oil field workers in the area.

    • Kevin D.
      Sep. 12, 2021

      Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

      Family and pet friendly

      OverLl great campground. The sites are a little close together but we still enjoyed our time there. Staff is super friendly and there was plenty for the kids to do, pool, arcade, fishing, and playground. Decent size dog park to let your dogs run and decent trails nearby.

    • Staci R.
      Oct. 26, 2017

      Salt Fork State Park Campground

      The right side of the fork

      Dog park!! and right on the lake!! Found this by mistake on our way out, and the dogs loved it. Access to lake, a beach, well fenced. I would give Salt Fork SP extra stars for this one, especially if there were campsites co-located.

      Camp ground is easily accessible being just 6 miles from I70, leaving the convenience of Cambridge and city amenities close by while allowing for great trails and solitude. Stayed in campground A, and the front end has little shade, but being here in autumn was perfect for lots of sunshine on site. Sites with trees for tree tents is minimal. Drinking fountains are dispersed fairly frequently throughout campground, but RV hookups with water were limited during my stay. Shower houses and comfort houses all have flushers and sinks.

      TICK WARNING!!!! After a morning hike down wooded Trail, we spent A LONG TIME pulling ticks from dogs...even though the temps were in the 30's overnight and everyone was treated with flea & tick protection.

    • Owen I.
      Apr. 16, 2023

      Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

      Always a good place for a weekend getaway!

      Sites are super big and is a great family owned campground! Super close to a local ice cream shop and has a great dog park and is fully paved. Large fishing area and Camp store! I love that you can use Campers App at this campground and I love getting the Notifications when I camping there!

    • Kellie A.
      May. 24, 2021

      Salt Fork State Park Campground

      My Go-to Weekend Getaway

      Saltfork is located about 45 minutes from my house, and makes for the perfect overnight trip. 

      There are tons of things to do, and lots of space in which to do them. My favorites includes hiking trails, and the lakeside dog park. 

      I stay in the primitive camping, it allows for more privacy and quiet. Although it also means you are relegated to the pit toilets. I personally don't mind them, but I know some campers will make the drive to the nicer shower house in the RV heavy side of the park. 

      Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, the fire rings in the primitive section need some work, as the grates are very old and small.

    • J
      Apr. 28, 2021

      Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

      Amenity and Pet Friendly, but Where are the Kids?

      Good location for outdoor and city experiences, along with a relaxing getaway. Workers and permanent campers are very friendly with all the amenities necessary on site, including nice dog park. A small campground that didn’t have many kids for ours to play with during our visit. In addition, hill keeps permanent campers separate from temporary campers.

    • Kathleen H.
      Jul. 10, 2022

      Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

      Pet friendly campsite, with electric

      While most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets- there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions! Loop F includes electric spots! Loved seeing the 'neighbors' dogs get excited and curious when I walked my 4-legged best friend around the site. Clean area , close to a modern bathroom (a few stalls & even 2 showers!) Looking forward to going back at the end of the month.

    • B
      Jul. 4, 2023

      Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

      Awesome staff!

      Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly! Front desk staff were knowledgeable and and helpful. We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it. Big open dog park! There are only a few shaded spots. Spot width was a little narrow where we stayed (on the hill), but perfect for a quick overnight stay. Bathrooms were fairly clean, laundry was nice. The pool looked very well maintained.

    • M
      Aug. 3, 2020

      Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

      Let a Local Give You The Scoop!

      In the past 5 years, I've made 13 trips to Raccoon Creek State Park and spent 16 nights in a tent there. It is my local state park and I can tell you lots about it.

      The D loop is really great tent camping at Raccoon Creek State Park. It's tents only, no RVs. So it gets a really fun, party vibe on Saturday nights during the summer. There's a trail right to the beach near the D loop, so it's a great place for families to go with pets. The sites are big, wooded, and all close to the bathroom.

      The C loop, however, doesn't take pets (which stinks). When we have our dogs with us, we gravitate towards the C loop. It's fine, but it's not as fun as the D loop.

      When we don't make a reservation and we have our dog, we end up in the F loop. It's not our preference (but--let's be clear--even the worst site in the F loop is better than NO trip!).


    Guide to Steubenville

    The Steubenville area offers camping destinations within the forested hills of eastern Ohio, where elevations range from 800-1,200 feet. Campers find a mix of free state forest sites and established fee-based campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Fall temperatures typically drop into the 40s at night while summer highs reach the upper 80s with moderate humidity.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: At Tomlinson Run State Park, the lake provides fishing and boating options. "Beautiful campground, quiet, not to crowded... Nice campground with a quiet stay," notes Darrel and Mary W., who made multiple visits to the park.

    Trail exploration: Beaver Creek State Park offers direct connections to multiple trail systems. "Direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park," reports Tracy H. The park features both wooded and creek-side trails with varying difficulty levels.

    Equestrian camping: Barkcamp State Park provides dedicated facilities for horse owners. "This is set up with a whole section for horse camping with tie outs and trailer/truck sites. Lots of bridle trails and a really quiet park," explains Andrea F., highlighting this unique camping option near Steubenville.

    Lake activities: Jefferson Lake State Park offers a small lake for wading and creek access. The park provides "18 miles of multi-use trails" and clean water access points where visitors can enjoy nature at a slower pace.

    What campers like

    Budget-friendly options: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest costs nothing to camp. "It is a very well maintenance campsite most have fire pits a lot of level ground for tent camping pull in parking spots for RVs and campers... can't beat it for FREE," explains Justin T., highlighting the appeal for cost-conscious campers.

    Secluded atmosphere: Raccoon Creek State Park campers appreciate the natural setting. "I enjoyed my stay at this park. We had a tent site for the weekend. It was a beautiful area and I really enjoyed exploring," writes Alice M., emphasizing the exploration opportunities.

    Level camping spots: Whispering Pines Family Campground provides comfortable sites. "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day," according to John R.

    Water recreation: Many area campgrounds feature water activities beyond the standard swimming options. At Tomlinson Run, campers enjoy "Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" as mentioned by David A.

    What you should know

    Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds near Steubenville have limited operating seasons. Tomlinson Run operates from "April 1 to October 31," while others may close facilities during winter months though camping might remain available.

    Limited amenities: Jefferson Lake has restrictions campers should know about. "They also advertise a water filling station but neglected to mention that it is non-potable water so if that's something you're looking for then keep that in mind," warns Alex S.

    Noise factors: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins has a public address system that operates throughout the grounds. "Super loud PA system throughout the whole park that wakes you up at 8am every morning like you are in prison!" notes Owen I., providing important information for light sleepers.

    Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely between campgrounds. At Whispering Pines, reception is typically good, while other locations have spotty service. This matters for pet owners who may need emergency veterinary contacts.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Multiple campgrounds provide play areas for children. At Barkcamp State Park, "There are playgrounds, basketball courts, a beach. Fishing is good and you can rent kayaks and boats," according to Joshua B., making it suitable for families needing entertainment options.

    Swimming options: Raccoon Creek State Park provides water recreation for families. "A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the 🌞 sun. The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris," Jim L. explains, highlighting maintenance standards important for family safety.

    Site selection: When booking at Jefferson Lake, be strategic about which sites you reserve. "Some sites are small and very sloped. Others have lots of room to spread out," advises Kellie A., helping families find comfortable accommodations.

    Seasonal programming: Check with campground offices about special events when planning family trips. Barkcamp offers occasional star-gazing programs: "Oglebay comes out and has star gazing when it's in season," notes Fred R.

    Tips from RVers

    Terrain challenges: Many campsites near Steubenville have elevation changes that affect parking. At Austin Lake, "Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K. 4wd low helps, not cause you need 4wd just for the lower gears," advises Mathew H.

    Site leveling: Barkcamp State Park requires additional preparation for RVs. "A lot of the RV spots are unlevel up a hill, so backing in would be a hassle," warns Connor M., providing practical information for larger vehicles.

    Electric options: Check specifics when booking electric sites as many campgrounds offer limited hookups. Hidden Hollow offers electric hookups but no water connections at sites, requiring campers to fill tanks before arrival.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Steubenville, OH?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Steubenville, OH is Raccoon Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 49 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Steubenville, OH?

    TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Steubenville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.