Camping sites near Arendtsville, Pennsylvania sit within the northern reaches of the Blue Ridge Mountains at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with crisp autumns featuring colorful foliage and summers averaging in the mid-80s. Winter camping requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures, particularly at higher elevation sites bordering Michaux State Forest.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground connects directly to the Appalachian Trail, offering excellent day hikes for campers with dogs. "The park is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail! We did a very nice run from our campsite out to the scenic viewpoint on top of Pole Steeple (about 7ish miles). The lake is great to jump in and cool off after a summer run," writes Carly E.
Lake activities for all seasons: Codorus State Park Campground offers extensive lake-based recreation options with pet-friendly policies. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," notes Catherine H.
Historical tours and battlefield exploration: The area surrounding Gettysburg Battlefield KOA offers extensive historical sites where leashed dogs can join their owners. "The campground is about a 5 minute drive to downtown Gettysburg. The campsites were all a very good size with nice fire-pits. Very well maintained," reports Dave B.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: Gettysburg Campground provides sites along Marsh Creek popular with pet owners. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. Not far to go anywhere walking. Porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," says Kelly J.
Swimming options during hot months: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers multiple water features that campers appreciate. "This park was definitely on point. Great amenities, incredibly friendly staff and camp host, two lakes to swim/fish/boat in, lots of trails to bike or hike on, nice DRY firewood!" Jeffrey H. explains.
Well-stocked camp stores: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Arendtsville maintain on-site stores for essentials. "Mountain Creek Camp Ground store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in. My husband loved finding frogs and fish. Lots of activities going on even during the week," Emily shares.
Clean facilities despite rural locations: Artillery Ridge Campground maintains high standards for their facilities. "Clean, friendly, nice showers and laundry. Close to battle sites," notes Eric Y.
What you should know
Campground seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds near Arendtsville have limited operating seasons. "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane," explains Catherine H. about Codorus State Park, which operates from April through November.
Spacing between campsites varies significantly: Artillery Ridge Campground provides a range of site types with varying privacy levels. "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," explains Justine I.
Wildlife considerations: Pet owners should be aware of natural hazards at Mountain Creek Camp Ground. "Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters. Negatives: Bathrooms and activities can be a hike. Some areas flood when it rains hard," warns Barb C.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have spotty connectivity. "Clean wooded and clean State Park. There is an Appalachian Trail Museum, tons of wildlife and a nice General Store here to see. The cell service is 'spotty' as they state on their website, but hey you are camping," Adam P. mentions about Pine Grove Furnace.
Tips for camping with families
Dog exercise areas: Mountain Creek Camp Ground provides space for dogs and children to play safely. "Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground. Lots of pets, bikes and golf carts. Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters," recommends Barb C.
Planned activities for all ages: Gettysburg area campgrounds often schedule family-friendly events that accommodate pets. "The resort had great amenities for all ages. We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating. The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours," explains Michael R.
Pet-friendly hiking options: Multiple trail networks accommodate families with varying abilities and dogs. "We have stayed here twice. 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," reports Amber about Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Gettysburg Campground provides various RV site types with important distinctions. "The amenities of Gettysburg Campground are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad. The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together," Jim G. notes.
RV site access considerations: Artillery Ridge Campground has recently expanded their RV facilities. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier. Friendly staff. Lots of trees. Mini golf and pool. We will stay again," advises Bill B.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal parks, select pet-friendly campgrounds offer extended season camping. "Clean bathrooms, full hookups with paved spots, firewood and ice for sale based on an honor system - so nice. 1 bar ATT, 2 bar T-Mobile, 50-100mbps with Starlink with obstructions," reports Erin M. about Caledonia State Park Campground.
