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Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Ohio

3,089 Reviews

Nestled between the Great Lakes and the Appalachian Mountains, Ohio offers a plethora of unforgettable outdoor experiences. Beautiful Lake Erie beaches give way to caves, escarpments, and waterfalls, so if you’re looking to go camping in Ohio, you’re bound to find the perfect spot!

Starting in the northern tip of the state, bordering Lake Erie, campers will find serene beaches and natural coves full of picturesque summertime fun. Kelley’s Island State Park, a 677-acre park on the northern tip of the island, offers campers year-round adventure. Unique natural history and geographical features make Kelley’s Island an excellent choice for camping in Ohio’s unique Great Lake region.

East Harbor State Park, another camper’s haven along the shores of Lake Erie, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, 10 miles of hiking trails, and three boat ramps make this amazing campground the perfect spot for avid outdoorsmen and family campers alike.

South of Lake Erie, near the border of West Virginia, campers will find Ohio’s famous Hocking Hills area. Stunning cliffs and waterfalls, deep hemlock forests, and world-famous caves make this area one of the most popular for year-round camping in Ohio. The most well known cave in the Hocking Hills is Old Man’s Cave, so named for hermit Richard Rowe who lived in the cave for 30 years after settling in the area around 1800. The Old Man’s Cave area provides trails along a breath-taking gorge, which was carved 150 feet into the sandstone by the waters of Old Man’s Creek.

Campgrounds located in the Hocking Hills and Old Man’s Cave areas provide unique opportunities for waterfall hikes, climbing, and canoeing along the Hocking River. The geologically unique Hocking Hills region offers up some of the most beautiful natural beauty in the state and the country.

From pristine Great Lake beaches to the rugged beauty of the Appalachians, let The Dyrt help you find the best camping in Ohio!

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Ohio (483)

    1. Hocking Hills State Park Campground

    109 Reviews
    South Bloomingville, OH
    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."

    2. Alum Creek State Park Campground

    80 Reviews
    Lewis Center, OH
    Website
    +1 (740) 548-4039

    "This 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."

    "Alum 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."

    3. East Fork State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Concord, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 734-2730

    $29 - $30 / night

    "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 was several miles of bike trails , bridle trails and hiking trails."

    4. East Harbor State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Kelleys Island, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 734-4424

    "A great campground in Ohio. So clean and so many things to do. Campsites are close together but they do honor quiet hours. Great trail around the lake and a fun and challenging disc golf course."

    "this is probably my favorite park in Ohio . it’s always clean people are so friendly and the lake is just beautiful !"

    5. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, OH
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "Lots of families and pets. Not great for tents but theres a couple ok spots. Not secluded. Very little shade but lots to do at the park and its very clean."

    "We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!"

    6. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    "Very large park with playgrounds, fishing, swimming, creek access, dog park, archery practice area or walk over to the damn."

    "They’ve also added in a dog park which is perfect for my fur babies! There’s plenty of trails for hiking and adventuring. Archery range, plenty of spots to fish and keep everyone occupied!"

    7. Mohican State Park Campground

    43 Reviews
    Loudonville, OH
    Website
    +1 (419) 994-5125

    "A little further back in the campground to be close to the shower house that was open. Then found out that comfort station next to us was open - nice!"

    "It’s not the most secluded spots but if you are looking for something tucked away there a few sites. The ability to tube down the river and walk back to your camp site was so much fun."

    8. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "Put on those hiking boots to enjoy 10 varying difficulty trails, bring your bike for one, and hit the multi-use for mountain biking."

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    9. Findley State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Wellington, OH
    Website
    +1 (440) 647-0534

    $25 - $50 / night

    "Beware, the sites are close to these roads and quite shallow, but because each road dead ends in a cul de sac, traffic is very light, even when the campground is full, as when we visited."

    "Lots of walking trails, lots of nature. Once off my favorite local ohio parks."

    10. Geneva State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    Madison, OH
    Website
    +1 (440) 466-8400

    $25 - $41 / night

    "The pads are paved and they left a section of trees/woods behind each site to provide some privacy between neighbors. The bathrooms are very clean and the staff were helpful and friendly."

    "Geneva State Park Campground:  This was our first trip here and given the COVID situation it was still very pleasant. "

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos in Ohio

392 Photos of 483 Ohio Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Ohio

3089 Reviews of 483 Ohio 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Kimberly A.
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    it used to be so much better

    the campground is seriously in need of some tlc and they have gotten rid of the deer exhibit and replaced it with a dog park which is sad because my family spent a few hours each trip just petting and feeding the deer before. also the nature center isn’t what it used to be. bathrooms are always nasty. it’s sad because this used to be our go to campground.

  • Vicki H.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Would be 5 star except for this

    Alum 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.

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2020

    Cross Creek Camping Resort

    Very nice resort

    We 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.

  • Gary J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2018

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    The dog’s favorite campground!

    This 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.

  • 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.

  • Marshall P.
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Alum Creek State Park Campground

    Beautiful State Park close to Columbus Ohio

    Alum 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.

Guide to Ohio

Ohio offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic trails to well-equipped facilities, these campgrounds cater to both pets and their owners.

Dog owners appreciate ample amenities for their pets

Pet-friendly campgrounds include exciting activities

Pet owners like the welcoming atmosphere

  • The Findley State Park Campground is known for its friendly environment, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • At Geneva State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the clean facilities and the nearby beach, which is perfect for a fun day out with your dog.
  • The Salt Fork State Park Campground is popular among pet owners for its spacious sites and well-maintained trails, allowing for enjoyable walks with your furry companions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best pet-friendly campgrounds in Ohio?

Alum Creek State Park Campground stands out with its spacious, partially shaded sites and both a large dog park and fenced dog beach. The dog park features plenty of seating arranged like a conversation pit, with water and tennis balls available for canine guests. Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA offers premium patio sites and two dog parks alongside three lakes (one with a fishing pier). Other excellent options include Deer Creek State Park with its dog park and multiple recreational activities, and Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA which offers private bathrooms and larger-than-average dog park facilities. For a quieter experience, Hocking Hills State Park provides wooded sites with hiking trails your leashed dog will enjoy.

What amenities should I look for at dog-friendly camping sites in Ohio?

When seeking dog-friendly camping in Ohio, prioritize campgrounds with dedicated dog parks like Deer Creek State Park Campground, which features a specialized area for dogs to play off-leash. Look for sites with adequate space between neighbors and shade, especially during summer months. Lebanon-Cincinnati NE KOA offers larger-than-average dog parks and private bathrooms that make managing pet care easier. Other valuable amenities include nearby walking trails, waste stations with bag dispensers, water access for cooling off, and sites with enough room for tie-outs or portable pet fencing. Some campgrounds provide dog washing stations, pet-sitting services for day trips, or dog-friendly cabin options for those not tent camping.

What rules and restrictions apply to camping with dogs in Ohio?

Most Ohio campgrounds require dogs to be leashed (typically 6-foot maximum) when outside your camping unit. Pets must not be left unattended at campsites and owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals. At Mohican State Park Campground, like many state parks, dogs are prohibited in buildings, cabins, lodges, and designated swimming areas unless they're service animals. Vaccination records may be requested at check-in, particularly at private campgrounds like Shadow Lake RV Resort. Excessive barking is grounds for removal from most campgrounds. Some facilities have breed or size restrictions, particularly private RV parks, so always call ahead to confirm specific pet policies before booking.

Are there any dog-friendly beaches at Ohio campgrounds?

Alum Creek State Park Campground features an exceptional fenced dog beach where pets can enjoy off-leash water access in a secure environment. This unique feature allows dogs to swim and play freely while owners relax, knowing their pets are safely contained. The beach includes water access specifically designed for dogs and is completely separate from human swimming areas. East Harbor State Park Campground offers beach access where leashed dogs are permitted in designated areas, though not in the main swimming zones. While not all Ohio campgrounds have dedicated dog beaches, many have shoreline areas where leashed pets are welcome. Always check current pet policies before visiting, as rules may change seasonally or annually.

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