Hocking Hills State Park Campground accommodates pets at all camping areas including tent sites, RV spaces, and select cabins. Leashed pets are permitted throughout the property with owners required to clean up after their animals. A.W. Marion State Park Campground similarly welcomes dogs at both electric and non-electric sites, with multiple campers noting the spacious areas for walking pets. Top O' The Caves Campground and Lake Hope State Park allow pets at their cabin accommodations with additional fees. Tar Hollow State Park Campground provides pet-friendly camping options with convenient trail access directly from many sites. Dogs must remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet in all state park properties, with proper waste disposal required to maintain cleanliness. The campsites near Huntsville typically provide grass areas for pet exercise, though dedicated dog parks are not available within the campgrounds themselves.
The 5-mile trail around Hargus Lake at A.W. Marion offers an excellent pet exercise option with multiple access points directly from the camping areas. Several sites back up to wooded areas providing natural spaces for leashed dog walks. Campers with pets should be aware that during summer months, site 32 receives full afternoon sun with morning shade, making temperature management important for animals. Wildlife encounters are possible at these campgrounds, requiring vigilant leash control, particularly at dawn and dusk. The primitive camping section at A.W. Marion provides particularly spacious sites for those camping with dogs, with site 9 noted as exceptionally large though positioned near the entrance road. Local veterinary services are available in nearby Circleville and Logan, with most campgrounds within 15-20 minutes of emergency pet care. Portable water bowls are essential as water spigots are positioned intermittently throughout the camping areas.
$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."
$25 - $40 / night
"It's has a site right behind it, but has a nice size green space for an ez-up. The pad was a nice length and held our small camper and truck with room to spare."
"There was also a path directly from our site that led to one of the hiking trails. Yay for us and our easy access; however, it also welcomed people to cut through your site."
$27 - $75 / night
"The campground is about 2-3 acres large, situated on a hill with a path dug out around the perimeter. "
"Tar Hollow State Park sits adjacent to the State Forest, in a similar setup to Scioto Trail and Lake Hope."
"The tent site was decently secluded and near a nice small pond. The campground put on a free BBQ for all of the guests one of the nights! It was very good and well thought out."
"It’s located very close to Hocking Hills State Park. Some of the tent sites are on an incline, but the RV site we had (site 24) was very spacious. There’s a a nice pool and nature trails."
"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."
"Plenty of food spots just north on the highway exit we stopped at Milstone BBQ. Plenty of fun hikes in Hocking Hills State park."
"The one down side is the tent sites close to the bathrooms was crowded so if a little more privacy is wanted choose one a short distance away. All in all a nice place and I would return.."
$40 - $70 / night
"Stacked Stones has a very nice location and the camp hosts/owners are wonderful. They truly make you feel like family."
"River right next to us and port a potty near. Allows dogs. Showers are at the check in but they are nice."
"Walked 8 miles with our dog and still have so much left to see. Will definitely be going back! Very quiet and clean campgrounds."
$25 - $45 / night
"It is pet friendly. There is a nice sized pool for summer (we camped in October so it was closed for the season)."
"Nice little campground right down the road from Lake Logan. Convenient to shopping nearby(Walmart and Kroger) About 10 miles from the caves and trails. Right off the highway. Good cheap firewood."
$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."
TravelerOnly 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.
GuideThis 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. Lots of water and dog tennis balls were available.
The dog beach was fenced so your dog can be off leash. There is even a fenced in area out in the water to keep the pooches from swimming across the Lake chasing geese.
The campground itself was quite nice and spacious. Some of the most private camping sites I’ve seen in Ohio. Shower facilities we a bit above average mad seemed to be looked after at least once a day (we were there in the off season).
IMHO, one of the nicest campgrounds in the state.
ScoutWe stayed two nights here on our tour of Ohio. After staying in state parks, the narrow sites are close with no privacy. Our pull through site was on the (inner) road, so lots of golf carts, cars and campers passing by. All pull through sites are on the road side. The site is not level and our leveling system has the front wheels off the ground. Many full time units here beautiful patios and decor. Staff is nice and friendly. Trash pickup isn’t offered and the walk to dumpster would be excessive for unfit or handicapped. We would stay again. Amenities are clean, as described and dog Park is immaculate but small.
GuideAlum 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.
The campground has good sized sites and is wooded throughout with clean bath houses, well maintained roads, and easy access for big rigs.
There is also a very nice dog park in the park including dog beaches with lake access for your pups to swim.
We love this campground and the beautiful lake and appreciate the easy access to local attractions, shopping, and more.
LegendLots 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
TravelerAlum Creek is just beautiful, nice sites, most of them are at least partially shaded, lots of woods, hiking trails, the lake, it is what I think of when I think of State Park campground camping in Ohio. There are a couple problems. 1. Only ONE little dump station. This is a big campground, so if you're leaving Sunday, you better get up at the crack of dawn to get to the station, otherwise be prepared to wait in a long long line of RV's. We by-passed the long line and stopped at a different State Park campground on the way home and paid 10.00 to use their dump station. 2. They never answer their phone at the campground office. I mean NEVER. If you have a question you will just have to deal with the reserveamerica people who really know nothing other than what they read on the campground website. So basically you know as much as they do. It's maddening. We will go back, but it's a 2 hour drive so it won't be anytime soon.
Scoutgreat state park campground. There are some full hook ups but mostly just electric. They have pancake breakfast on Saturday mornings through summer and doughnuts on Sunday. Helpful camphost. There is a campground beach and boat launch. Lost of hiking paths in the campground and in the park area. A great dog park with lake entrance for the pups. tmThere is also some mountain bike trails. Plenty to do for everyone.
ScoutVery 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.
ScoutIn addition to having a pretty lake, lovely campsites that are spread apart nicely, clean facilities, lots of shade, boat ramps, etc.. this park is unique for it's Dog Park facility.
2 large fenced in field areas. One for small dogs, and one for large. There is enough room for several games of dog frisbee to happen at once. Then, there are 2 large fenced in areas for lake access. Balls, dog doo bags, trash bins.. all there. Lots of shade, water fountains, and plenty of running room. I can't rave about this park enough!
The only downside is there is poison ivy lacing the trail from the campsite down to the water, and the Dog Park portion is about 2 miles from the campsites.
Alum Creek State Park
Campground details
Dispersed camping areas near Huntsville, Ohio offer woodland settings surrounded by the foothills of the Appalachian region. The terrain features moderate elevation changes between 700-1,200 feet with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape. Most campgrounds in this area experience temperature ranges from mid-80s in summer to below freezing in winter, with shoulder seasons providing the most comfortable camping conditions.
Hiking unique trails: From Tar Hollow State Park Campground, access miles of forested paths directly from campsites. "The North Ridge campground is in an entirely separate area of the park than the RVs and there aren't many campsites, so in that way it feels a little more remote and secluded," notes Sydney, who appreciates the natural setting despite some terrain challenges.
Water recreation options: Lake activities abound at Campbell Cove Camping, where kayaking opportunities provide wildlife viewing. "Kayaking on the lake is amazing and hiking is abundant. Beautiful sunset view," shares Ann H., who makes this location her regular camping destination. The lake access points allow for both casual paddling and fishing opportunities.
Outdoor facilities: Several campgrounds maintain recreational areas for families beyond natural features. "There are plenty of things for the kids to do, including a very large bounce pad and a pretty nice looking playground. There's a somewhat small swimming area, but it seems to be pretty clean for a pond," writes Kevin C. about Campbell Cove. Sites typically provide fire rings and picnic tables at each camping spot.
Secluded camping sections: Hocking Hills State Park Campground offers walk-in family camping away from the main campground. "The sites are mostly far apart from one another and the area is fairly dense woods leaving you feeling a peaceful solitude," explains Kate W., who appreciates the separation from other camping areas. This isolation provides a more authentic outdoor experience.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a basic camping experience without full hookups, Hocking Hills Camping & Canoe provides riverside sites. "Really enjoy this spot. Been to it a couple times now. Primitive camping and you can pick a spot right on the river. We were able to walk down from the site and swim," shares Danielle T., highlighting the direct water access many campers value.
Level site selection: Finding flat tent sites can be challenging in this hilly region. "Site 106 is a great site if you choose to stay here. It is very flat, one of the most flat sites (I think 105 is more flat) and so my night's sleep was great," mentions Caroline about Tar Hollow's tent-only area. Research site-specific reviews when booking to ensure appropriate terrain for your equipment.
Site drainage concerns: Heavy rainfall can impact low-lying camping areas. "The campfire ring was beat up and missing the grill. We were camping with fiends so we were able to use theirs," reports Shannon G. about A.W. Marion, where site maintenance varied. Choose sites on slightly elevated ground when possible, especially during rainy seasons.
Distance to attractions: Some campgrounds advertise proximity to Hocking Hills but require significant driving time. "It's over 15 miles to State Park and all of 30 minute drive. Has not been updated or maintained in decades," reports Mike about one location. Confirm actual driving distances to planned activities before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Huntsville, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Huntsville, OH is Hocking Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 109 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Huntsville, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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