M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Dog-Friendly Camping near Bristol, PA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Washington Crossing State Park accommodates pets throughout its trails and designated camping areas where many campers enjoy the quaint historical surroundings with their dogs. Several campgrounds near Bristol allow pets with varied policies - Brendan Byrne State Forest and Atsion Family Camp both permit pets at tent sites, RV spots, and cabins with required leashing at all times. The park grounds remain consistently clean for pets and their owners, especially along the canal paths ideal for dog walking. Fort Washington State Park Campground features pet-friendly group sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though camping is limited to organized groups rather than individual campers.
Nearby trails along the Delaware River provide excellent walking routes for dogs and their owners, with multiple access points for water-loving pets to cool off during summer months. Pet owners should note that Washington Crossing State Park enforces leash rules strictly, and visitors must bring waste bags as stations are limited at some locations. Several campgrounds including Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provide dedicated pet exercise areas. The heavily wooded sites at Turkey Swamp Park offer shade during hot weather, making them ideal for camping with dogs during summer months. Campers requiring emergency veterinary services can find clinics within 20-30 minutes of most Bristol-area campgrounds, including 24-hour facilities in nearby Langhorne and surrounding communities.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Bristol (85)
1. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
"Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
2. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Allows dogs after a deposit. Must purchase their firewood. Good bathrooms/showers. Great location for hitting the 4x4 trails."
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
3. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites (4, 8, 10, 12, 20 and 22) early as they are popular."
"This was a nice large site in the“pet-friendly” section(sites 26-34) of the campground. Site 34 is close to Atsion Road, so there was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."
4. Timberland Lake Campground
"They do their own haunted walk through that is just awesome! Everyone decorates. They have a dj every Saturday! Plenty of activities for the kids. They have cool raffles!"
"As a kid - close to 6 flags where we had season passes... it was Jellystone yogi bear at the time. Very close to 6 flags great adventure."
5. Turkey Swamp Park
"Heavily wooded and supremely quiet, it’s located not far from anywhere you’d want to be. 30 minutes to the shore. Every site is a pull-through, large and spacious with great woodland views. 30amp and"
"Electrical and water are at the outer edge of each site so you might want an extension cord and/or hose."
Check Availabilityfrom $42 - $79 / night
6. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
7. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival."
"The neighbor’s sewer connection is right next to our picnic table! But, the sites are large enough for large RVs, they have 30/50 amp hookups and water & sewer."
8. Batona — Wharton State Forest
"I grew up near the pine barrens and would camp here many times with friends. If you want off the beaten path and not close to anyone... this is IT! You might even see the Jersey Devil :)"
"Best part about the campground is that it's right on the 50 mile Batona Trail so it's a great stop-over assuming you've made reservations. No first-come first-serve."
9. Lowe's - W Windsor
"Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye."
"Despite being conveniently located right off US1 and just 15 to 20 minutes west of I95 – as this retailer is located in a fairly normal-paced suburban location, you are going to like that yes, while there"
10. Goshen Pond — Wharton State Forest
"It's only a one minute walk from the parking area to the site. Our site was right next to the Mullica River, and had excellent views if you walked just a couple steps from the tent."
"Great sites, great trails, lots of hiking and off road trails for dirt bike/atv/ trucks. Pretty good boating/ fishing. Just gotta check often for chiggers and ticks."
Drive Time
- 10 min from Trenton, NJ
- 16 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 5 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Bristol, PA
38 Photos of 85 Bristol Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bristol, PA
776 Reviews of 85 Bristol Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
Edwin R.ScoutCheesequake State Park Campground
Park uses county cops to shut down park by 9pm.
On Friday, September 4, 2026, I rented a trailer and brought my family to Cheesequake State Park to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary over the extended Labor Day weekend. Around 9:20 PM—well before the park's designated 10:00 PM quiet hours—we were sitting inside our canopy, playing Jenga, and listening to low background music. Two officers from the Matawan Police Department approached our campsite. They were polite and courteous, simply offering a standard reminder to wrap things up by 10:00 PM. Before they could leave, however, a third, senior officer intervened. Wanting to"show them how it's done," he made the two polite officers return and stand by to watch as he demonstrated how to aggressively harass campers. Flashlight in hand, the senior officer approached with an immediate hostile attitude, treating us like criminals as he demanded to know who rented the site. He began reiterating rules and claimed we had too many vehicles. We had three cars, one belonging to my brother-in-law's girlfriend, who was visiting with her daughter. She had paid the$10 visitor fee at the main office and was instructed by staff to obtain the gate access code from us, the primary renters, if she got locked in. No staff member ever informed her of an 8:00 PM visitor departure deadline, leading us to reasonably assume visitors were permitted until quiet hours began at 10:00 PM. The officer rudely snapped that she had been given wrong information. The senior officer then used profanity in front of three small children, aggressively telling her to ("get her shit and get the fuck out!") in that manner or use profanity, the officer went from hostile to furious. He angrily declared that these were official violations and threatened that he could be issuing us tickets instead. Desperately searching for anything and everything to throw at us, he demanded that we turn off our idling car—which was supplying power to our campsite—and instructed us to make sure the campfire was doused before shutting down for the night. He then proceeded to shine his flashlight into our private setup—including our canopy, tents, and the inside of our trailer—searching for any other possible violation while the two polite officers were forced to watch. What was supposed to be a special 10th wedding anniversary celebration with my family was completely ruined by a senior officer misusing his authority to put on an unnecessary display of intimidation. Worse than just ruining our night, he spent that evening teaching those two police officers how to be bad cops. He corrupted two officers in real time, demonstrating firsthand exactly why most people have lost faith in the police force. The next day we was ready for them. We turned off our lights and quietly by the fire while they went next door to harass an asian family that had just set up camp and had their leds lights on.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Guide to Bristol
The Bristol area sits at an elevation of approximately 20 feet above sea level in Pennsylvania's Delaware River Valley, characterized by its mix of deciduous forests and river access points. Camping options range from state parks with historical significance to private campgrounds with modern amenities. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate 60-75°F conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hopewell Lake and Scott's Run Lake at French Creek State Park Campground contain "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish." These lakes allow ice fishing during winter months when ice thickness is monitored for safety.
Birdwatching excursions: Fort Washington State Park offers excellent bird spotting with "Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at." A reviewer mentioned that the "Militia Hill DUA Loop is great for birdwatching that will allow you to check out warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes."
Kayaking and canoeing: Multiple water access points are available at Turkey Swamp Park where "There is a lake with a boat dock and a small boardwalk. Kayaking/Canoeing, fishing, and swimming. In the summer, canoe, kayak, paddle boats, and row boats are available for rental."
Historical exploration: Washington Crossing State Park contains significant Revolutionary War sites. One visitor recommends "Visit the park's historic reenactments, especially the Christmas Day Crossing event as it's easily the most memorable history lesson you'll ever get outdoors."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Brendan Byrne State Forest campsites offer good separation from neighbors. A camper noted, "Very Decent Camp in the Pine Barrens, Lots of potable water hydrants around the campground so not far of a walk to fill any water needs you may have... most the sites have pretty decent privacy from the other ones."
Well-maintained facilities: Facilities at pet-friendly campgrounds are regularly serviced. At French Creek State Park, visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean."
Spacious campsites: Turkey Swamp Park sites provide ample room. According to reviews, "Sites are all level, very generous in size, and reasonably spaced apart for privacy. A lantern hook, picnic table, and fire ring complete each site."
Natural surroundings: The heavily forested settings create a true outdoor experience. One Brendan Byrne State Forest visitor explained, "I will start by saying you have to drive a good amount of distance to get into the campground and that is something I really enjoyed! Made me feel super secluded and disconnected from the outside!"
What you should know
Seasonal ticks: Some campgrounds have significant tick populations in warmer months. A Turkey Swamp Park reviewer warned, "By the 2nd day I had 3 ticks on me. My dog had one and by the end my husband had 2... we were just sitting by our camper."
Campsite surface variations: At Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest, be prepared for natural terrain. A visitor noted, "Size-wise, very spacious and open - which is good in some ways but I had to account for shade as well as a place to rig a ridgeline for my tarp."
Limited hookup options: Not all dog-friendly campgrounds offer full services. Brendan Byrne State Forest "doesn't have primitive campsites so you're stuck paying the higher rate even though you don't need the hookups."
Noise considerations: Road proximity can affect some camping experiences. At Atsion Family Camp, "The campsite runs along a local road that doesn't get much traffic, but you'll definitely hear cars going by at 50 mph."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature dedicated children's play areas. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA has "a playground, basket ball, beautiful pool and for an extra fee beach access." Another visitor mentioned "a big pillow" jumping feature kids enjoy.
Activity planning: Scheduled events keep children engaged. A Clarksboro KOA visitor observed, "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget."
Tent site selection: For family tent camping, choose sites carefully. French Creek State Park visitors caution that "many of the sites surrounding ours were very rocky and left little option for a larger than normal sized tent so keep this in mind if you have a large family sized tent."
Multi-generational options: Some parks offer varied accommodation types. Turkey Swamp Park provides "Tent Camp, Van Camping, Open Field, BBQ, Kayaking, Canoeing. The list goes on."
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: At Timberland Lake Campground, RVers should note that "They do offer full hookups that include cable if you have the outdoor wire. Plenty of activities for kids with park area and pool."
Utility placement: Water access can require planning. A Turkey Swamp Park visitor advises to "Bring a LONG water hose" as hookup locations vary significantly between sites.
Leveling requirements: Site preparation varies across campgrounds. At Timberland Lake, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other."
Weather precautions: For dog friendly campgrounds near Bristol, plan for temperature extremes. At Timberland Lake, "The heavily wooded sites offer good shade during hot weather, making them ideal for camping with dogs during summer months."
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bristol, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bristol, PA is Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024 with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Bristol, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Bristol, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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