Dog-Friendly Camping near Amberson, PA

132 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground nestled in the Tuscarora Mountains accommodates pets at both its electric back-in sites and walk-to tent areas. The campground features a dedicated dog park section within the walk-to camping area, allowing dogs to exercise off-leash while their owners enjoy the serene stream-side setting. Colonel Denning State Park Campground offers dog-friendly sites specifically positioned near water access, with particularly spacious accommodations at site 15 adjacent to trailheads. Dogwood Acres Campground provides a well-maintained fenced off-leash dog park that receives consistently positive mentions from campers with pets. The campground maintains clean facilities and enforces reasonable pet policies to ensure comfort for all guests. Most campgrounds in the region require dogs to be leashed when not in designated exercise areas and limit pets to two per site.

    Hiking with dogs proves popular across the region's connected trail systems. Fowlers Hollow connects to multiple trails right from the campground, with three lean-tos located approximately one mile back along hiking routes. Twin Bridge Campground allows pets to cool off in its creek during summer months, with many campers noting their children and dogs enjoy playing in and around the water throughout their stay. Paradise Stream Family Campground maintains pet-friendly sites while offering diverse activities for the entire family. During summer visits, dog owners should be mindful of potential overheating on hiking trails and bring sufficient water. The region's state parks maintain clean restroom facilities, making longer stays with pets more comfortable. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours that extend to barking policies, requiring owners to manage excessive noise from their dogs, especially at night.

    Shenandoah National Park Camping Guide - The Complete Guide

    Get the guide now

    View Guide

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Amberson (132)

      1. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

      4.5(31)18mi from Amberson208 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pet friendly (spaces 1-30, Campground A), nice shower houses with heat, well laid out beach, beach house, watercraft rentals, friendly park rangers & staff, and in the center of trails galore!"

      "Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop."

      from $20 - $48 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Caledonia State Park Campground

      4.4(36)21mi from Amberson163 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We stayed in the Chinquapin West side due to the restrictions of dogs. Not that I don't love dogs! It's just that it can get loud sometimes."

      "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

      from $20 - $92 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

      4.4(5)9mi from Amberson18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section."

      "Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites."

      from $18 - $45 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      4.7(26)22mi from Amberson74 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area."

      "There is a pet section and a non pet section in this campground. There is also showers and clean bathrooms here. Plenty of trails and attraction to explore."

      from $20 - $43 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

      4.8(9)16mi from Amberson50 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."

      "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head. Bathhouse is very nice and clean."

      from $20 - $38 / night

      Check Availability

      6. Twin Bridge Campground

      4.8(6)15mi from AmbersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."

      "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it. Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground."

      from $38 - $43 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Dogwood Acres Campground

      4.8(5)15mi from AmbersonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park."

      "It's close enough to 81 that's it's easy to find but tucked back in that you are not bothered by anyone."

      8. Paradise Stream Family Campground

      5.0(6)18mi from Amberson1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Tucked in the woods but near activities. The store is well stocked and also has a variety of sweet treats!"

      "It was also a gated entrance which was nice. We will definitely return."

      from $35 - $150 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Seven Points (PA)

      4.7(21)26mi from Amberson267 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"

      "It’s close to bathhouse and playground if you want those. There is parking at every bath house. There is trash receptacles at the entrance to the loop as well as firewood or sale."

      from $28 - $200 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Ye Olde Mill Campground

      5.0(1)13mi from AmbersonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      from $22 - $95 / night

      Check Availability

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time


    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Amberson, PA

    872 Reviews of 132 Amberson Campgrounds


    • barb C.
      Aug. 6, 2022

      Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      Amazing campground!

      We stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.

    • Gary C.
      Sep. 1, 2020

      Buttonwood Campground

      Beautiful Campground

      Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly. Campground has two distinct levels with open spaces with few trees above and well shaded spots with large trees for shade located down along Juniata River. Great place for fishing, tubing or just getting wet. Campground has many activities for kids. On site is a pool, winery, dog park, office/supplies located in center of campground. WiFi is available to all. Nearly all full hook-ups with back-ins and pull-thrus available. Pets allowed. 42 mile South from State College and 48 mile North of Harrisburg on Rt 322. Highly recommend!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 9, 2025

      Artillery Ridge Campground

      Great location and friendly staff

      We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

    • s
      May. 19, 2023

      Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

      Very fun place for all ages

      One of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large dogs there is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept

    • Melissa F.
      Jul. 21, 2018

      Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      Wish I stayed there under different circumstances.

      The rangers were nice and the campground hosts were sweet. I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees. I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access. Next time I will be getting a site away from the group area. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking.

    • C
      Oct. 21, 2021

      Dogwood Acres Campground

      Quiet and Friendly Staff

      Clean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.

    • P
      May. 18, 2018

      Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      Favorite state park campground

      This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.

    • Regina C.
      Jun. 12, 2018

      Jellystone Park™ Williamsport

      Great for families

      Great campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.

    • Casey L.
      Sep. 29, 2021

      Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

      Quiet Peaceful Walk-to Site

      This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section. A lot of them are labeled "waterfront" by the park site but ours did not live up to that criteria so be aware of that. We were hoping to be truly stream-side but were not that near to it. The bathrooms were modern and clean. The park is extremely quiet and peaceful, probably one of the most remote PA state parks we've been to. The camper side was pretty full while we were the only ones on the walk-to side. We enjoyed walking the roads and little trails around the campground and seeing the old stone fireplaces/chimneys. There was  a dog park area on the walk-to side which was nice. We liked it here.


    Guide to Amberson

    Raystown Lake Recreation Area forms the scenic anchor for dog friendly campgrounds near Amberson, nestled in the ridges of the Tuscarora Mountains at elevations ranging from 700 to 2,000 feet. The area contains numerous streams and waterways that flow down through the valleys, creating varied camping terrain across state parks and private facilities. Seasonal temperature variations can be significant, with July highs averaging 84°F and January lows reaching 19°F.

    What to do

    Hiking to panoramic overlooks: Caledonia State Park Campground features access to numerous mountain trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Visitor Kyle J. notes the campground is "near I-81" making it convenient for hikers seeking quick trail access, while Stephanie S. reports seeing "synchronous fireflies" during July visits, adding a unique natural viewing opportunity to evening hikes.

    Creek exploration and water play: Twin Bridge Campground provides excellent stream access where "kids love playing in and around the creek." One visitor mentioned their experience was enhanced because "our kids love the creek and playing in and around it," noting the campground offers a "relaxing setting" ideal for visitors seeking water-based recreation without the crowds of larger lakes.

    Mountain biking on dedicated trails: Seven Points Campground connects directly to the Allegrippis Trail system with "a trail head" right from the entrance of Ridge Camp. According to Travis S., these are "IMBA standard built trails that are open year round and in any weather" providing "a full day of fast flowing singletrack."

    Winter outdoor activities: Ye Olde Mill Campground (formerly Burnt Cabins) stays open year-round, allowing visitors to experience the area during less crowded winter months. The campground provides "water and electricity hookups" even during colder seasons, making it suitable for winter camping near creek access for winter fishing.

    What campers like

    Clean, modernized facilities: Colonel Denning State Park Campground consistently receives praise for maintenance standards. Casey L. described it as having the "cleanest facilities of the year so far" with "amazing large flat sites," while another visitor commended the "very nice and clean" bathhouse, noting it was "adequate" despite being small.

    Family-oriented activities: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers diverse recreation options beyond standard campground amenities. Melissa described their "awesome long weekend" noting the campground "doesn't cut corners and the attention to details makes all the difference." Children particularly enjoy "the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts."

    Off-grid experiences: Cowans Gap State Park Campground provides a technology break with "no cell or wifi to stress us out," according to Tom R. who spent "5 nights, 6 days" disconnected. Judy H. confirms you are "totally off the grid as far as cell, WiFi, and TV signal" allowing for a genuine nature experience.

    Well-maintained dog areas: Dogwood Acres Campground features a "very nice off leash fenced dog park" that receives consistent positive mentions from pet owners. Coffee&Camping T. described it as a "clean well kept family owned campground" noting the dog park is particularly appreciated by those traveling with pets.

    What you should know

    Campsite privacy varies significantly: Caledonia State Park Campground sites are "very close to each other, there's no privacy, and you can hear everyone and everything," according to Kyle J. Similarly, Leah C. noted "neighbors were right on top of you so it was kind of crowded," advising that peak season brings "lots of kids and folks partying until late."

    Water access limitations: While many campgrounds advertise water access, actual proximity varies. Casey L. noted at Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground that some sites labeled "waterfront" by the park "did not live up to that criteria," advising visitors to research specific site layouts before booking if stream access is important.

    Reservation timing strategies: The most desirable waterfront sites at Seven Points fill extremely quickly. Laure D. reported that "even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken," suggesting booking exactly at the reservation window opening for prime locations.

    Seasonal amenities: Some facilities close during shoulder seasons. At Caledonia State Park, Sarah C. found winter camping challenging because "the park was poorly lit" with "no lighting at all, not even at the little information kiosk" and noted "every turn led to a dead end or closed gate with little to no signage."

    Tips for camping with families

    Creek-based activities: Twin Bridge provides natural water recreation for children. A reviewer noted "our kids love the creek and playing in and around it" while another mentioned it's "more of a relaxing campground" where children can safely explore shallow water areas under supervision.

    Look for flat, accessible sites: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers "nice level spots for RVs" according to Pam B., making setup easier with children. The campground also features "two lakes for swimming" with designated beach areas that provide safer water recreation than creekside camping.

    Consider campground terrain: Colonel Denning State Park has challenging elevation changes. A visitor notes that "if you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," which may be difficult for families with young children or mobility concerns.

    Pack extra supplies: Cowans Gap State Park has limited purchasing options nearby. Sarah N. warns "there's NO CAMP STORE" and notes the campground is "in the middle of nowhere" with "no Walmart's or grocery stores for several miles," making advance planning essential for family trips.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger units: Paul B. found that Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground provided "campsites were nice size big enough for my 32 foot motor home and mid size suv," but notes the "road in is dirt" which might concern some RV owners during wet weather.

    Dump station access: Seven Points offers exceptional waste disposal facilities. Tim J. described "the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" with "wide lanes" that "made the experience an easy and clean one" with minimal waiting even during busy periods.

    Electric hookup locations: At Colonel Denning State Park, site layout can affect convenience. Nate & Erika L. discovered their site "was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)," suggesting careful review of site maps before booking.

    Water fill procedures: Since many campgrounds offer electric-only sites, knowing water fill locations is important. At Seven Points, Laure D. appreciated that "we arrived and filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" where the "fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Amberson, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Amberson, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Amberson, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 132 dog-friendly camping locations near Amberson, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.