Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Athens, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground maintains a pet-friendly environment where dogs can join their owners throughout the property with proper vaccination documentation required at check-in. The campground offers tent sites, RV spots with water and electric hookups, and cabin accommodations that welcome pets. Most sites feature picnic tables and fire rings with ample space between neighboring campers. Leashed pets are allowed throughout common areas including along the lake shore where many visitors enjoy fishing with their canine companions. The grounds include multiple playgrounds, sports fields, and walking paths suitable for daily pet exercise. Bathrooms and shower facilities are cleaned twice daily, providing a sanitary environment for all guests. Very limited cell reception creates an environment where families disconnect from devices and enjoy outdoor activities with their pets. Campgrounds near Athens, Pennsylvania are listed with photos on The Dyrt.
Nearby Hickories Park Campground provides riverfront camping with designated pet-friendly sites and includes a dedicated dog park where pets can socialize off-leash. The park features well-maintained grassy areas perfect for dog walking, with trash receptacles available at each campsite for convenient waste disposal. Water access points along the Susquehanna River allow dogs to cool off during summer months. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations required. Seasonal campers note the fall months offer particularly scenic dog walking opportunities with fewer crowds. Watkins Glen and Robert H. Treman State Parks, both within driving distance, maintain pet-friendly trails and camping areas with specific pet policies that require leashes no longer than six feet. Visitors should be prepared to show current vaccination records when bringing pets to any local campground.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Athens (91)
1. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
"The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."
2. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
"Site is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails."
"Check for dates on openings for pool, campgrounds, and trails."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $58 / night
3. Hickories Park Campground
"Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip."
"The dog park is a great addition to the park. There is always something going on. Also allows for an easy place right off Route I-86 to rest while driving across MY."
4. Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground
"Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $81 / night
5. Gardner Hill Campground
"I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."
6. Park Station Campground
"Sandy beach, man-made lake with enough space to swim, and boating to explore. Nice trail around the lake to walk or bike with a little difficulty."
"Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."
7. Riverside Acres Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $35 / night
8. Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
"A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. "
"This is a really great state park which has a nice campground, beautiful scenery, interesting attractions nearby, and great hiking trails. The biggest attraction are the 12 waterfalls in the park."
19 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $128 / night
9. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
"Short drive out of Ithaca proper near one of the Finger Lakes. Medium to easy trails (the ones near the gorges are steep but with nice rock steps)."
"None of the tent sites have exceptional views but you’re a short walk from the creek/gorges. Reserve ahead of time in summer."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $66 / night
10. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
"The weather was great, so we had a great view of the forest around us & the sky was amazing! KOA does a great job of keeping everything organised & clean.
It was nice & quiet. "
"We were looking to spend a couple of nights near Watkins Glen to hit the wineries, waterfalls, and nearby museums around the finger lakes of New York and this park seemed to be in a good location for us"
Drive Time
- 17 min from Elmira, NY
- 39 min from Binghamton, NY
- 47 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 20 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Athens, PA
39 Photos of 91 Athens Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Athens, PA
614 Reviews of 91 Athens Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendRobert H. Treman State Park Campground
Beautiful waterfalls!
This is a really great state park which has a nice campground, beautiful scenery, interesting attractions nearby, and great hiking trails. The biggest attraction are the 12 waterfalls in the park. Some are easy, short walks, and others are moderate and longer. The Rim and Gorge Trails make a loop which makes for a really good workout with lots of stairs and elevation change. Personally, I think the views from the Gorge Trail are better. Or, you can park in the upper lot and walk down (approximately 1/3 mile) to see Lucifer Falls and walk back. Fall is a great time to visit and enhances the views.
All campsites are back-in and have fire pits and picnic tables. Some are in the open(#49-72)with a scattering of trees, while others are tucked in the woods with lots of shade. The open sites are much easier for big rigs to navigate and back into. There is no water or sewer at sites but water spigots are located throughout the campground and the dump station is easy to access on your way out and has a dedicated water fill station away from the dump site. Our site (#52) was open which we appreciated in because the fall weather was cool and we had a clear sky for Dish satelitte. The pad was gravel and level. The patio is grass and there is nice distance between you and your neighbors Some sites are dry camping and other have electric that varies from 30 or 50-amp and the price reflects which you choose. Our site was electric only (50-amp which worked well) and we were close enough to a shared water spigot so we could add water. There are signs that say you can only hookup to the spigots for five minutes and “Y” connectors are not allowed. Swimming is allowed in the pools and river but has certain daily hours and is only open from late-June to Labor Day. Your receipt and park pass allow you access to other NY state parks in the area. Definitely check out Buttermilk Falls State Park which is just a couple of miles away and has nice hiking trails and more beautiful waterfalls. We visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (which is free) and has interesting exhibits, short films, and hiking trails.
- SSean A.
ScoutFinger Lakes RV Resort
Another fantastic stay at Finger Lakes RV Resort! This continues to be one of our absolute favorite campgrounds, and visiting during the fall made it even more special. The changing leaves and beautiful fall colors throughout the Finger Lakes were incredible.
As always, the campground was beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean, and peaceful, with spacious sites and gorgeous views. The family that owns and operates the resort is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. You can really tell how much pride they take in the property and in making sure their guests have a great experience.
We had a wonderful time exploring the area this trip. We hiked Watkins Glen Gorge and Buttermilk Falls Gorge, both absolutely stunning with the fall foliage. We also visited Watkins Glen International Raceway, enjoyed some great food and drinks at Grist Iron Brewing, and spent time at Hector Wine Company and Red Newt Cellars. The wineries were fantastic, and we especially appreciated how welcoming and dog-friendly the area was.
The location really is hard to beat, with so many great hikes, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and attractions just a short drive away. It’s a wonderful destination for families traveling with young children and dogs.
We always look forward to coming back to Finger Lakes RV Resort, and this visit was no exception. Between the beautiful campground, wonderful owners, and everything the Finger Lakes has to offer, it’s a place we never get tired of visiting. Already looking forward to our next stay!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- SSophia F.
TravelerSugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
Amazing campground for free camping- with amenities
We got here late at night and thought we weren’t at the right place with the fog and everything but trust keep driving. Campsites are easy to locate with a picnic table, fire pit with attached grill, and a standing little grill. There was no running water to use for dishes or filling water but the bathroom sink works along with flushing toilets!!! Overall and amazing stay!!
- RRobert L.Traveler
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Great Car Camping Stay
Spent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
- kkeith R.Scout
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Great location
Second trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
- llori T.Traveler
Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
Very nice
Stopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
Guide to Athens
Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground sits among the rolling hills of northern Pennsylvania's rural farming area at approximately 1,400 feet elevation. The terrain features wooded areas surrounding a central lake with limited cellular reception throughout the region. During summer months, temperatures average in the high 70s while fall brings cooler temperatures and dramatic foliage changes.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Hickories Park Campground offers riverfront fishing along the Susquehanna River where eagles can often be spotted. "Eagles fish here. You can too. Good beginning or end for a canoe trip," notes Bruce H. The park maintains water access points specifically designed for anglers.
Swimming in natural settings: Watkins Glen State Park Campground features natural swimming areas during summer months. The park has "a large playground for the kids," according to Jennifer D., who adds that "some sites have shared fresh water hookup between the sites." The swimming area typically closes in early fall.
Hiking historic trails: Explore the region's Revolutionary War history at Newtown Battlefield State Park. "History, lite hiking, great camp sites," writes מלאכי א., who adds that "trails are well signed at intersections, and they are well worn, but mostly without blazes." The park contains interpretive signs explaining the site's historical significance.
What campers like
Natural water features: Robert H. Treman State Park Campground offers distinctive swimming opportunities. "Everyone says how great the water falls are. And yes they are. But this is truly a great place to camp," mentions Paully B. The park maintains a swimming area at the base of a waterfall complete with diving board.
Wooded privacy: Tent campers appreciate secluded spots at Pine Cradle Lake. "The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there. The tent sites were the most wooded and cozy site we have camped in all year. So much room for tents/hammocks. Trees galore," writes Katye M.
Diverse camping terrain: Worlds End State Park Campground provides varied campsite options. "Loop B offers more secluded campsites for tents with a few walk up sites as well," according to Ally S. Campers should note that "most of the sites are nicely wooded" but "the pet-designated sites are close to the road," as Lee D. explains.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal throughout the Athens area camping locations. At Pine Cradle Lake, campers note "there is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it," according to Tracey, who adds "we had to put our phones and devices down and just relax."
Reservation systems vary: Hickories Park Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round. "I pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed. Drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river," reports alyssa F., who was able to self-register on arrival.
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds in the region close or reduce operations during winter months. Park Station Campground operates from "Memorial Day to Labor Day" with limited shoulder season availability, while Robert H. Treman State Park runs from "April 22 to November 20."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom accessibility: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground receives high marks for family-friendly facilities. "The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each. It's the only shower camping this year my 4yr old wasn't afraid of because we had the whole room to ourselves," notes Katye M.
Recreation options: Park Station Campground offers multiple family activities. "This campground has a nice small beach area with sand for the kids. Water is very shallow however, so not the best place for swimming for older kids," explains Jessica G., adding that "there is also a newer and good sized playground in the day visit area."
Dog friendly accommodations: Many campgrounds near Athens accommodate pets with specific guidelines. At Worlds End State Park, "they have designated sites for pets," reports Jennifer F. Consider campground-specific pet policies when planning, as some parks restrict dogs from certain areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers varied RV accommodations. "We stayed in the large loop, which is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views," notes Lee D., but cautions that "there are no hookups at all in the park" and water availability may be limited at times.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Watkins Glen, "the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," according to Laura L., who visited with a "30 ft. motorhome." Research site access before arriving with larger rigs.
Level sites availability: Robert H. Treman State Park warns that "electric sites are not the best though. Rocky and unlevel. Not made for large campers," according to Victoria. Many dog friendly campgrounds near Athens feature gravel sites which may require additional leveling equipment.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Athens, PA is Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
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