Best Dog-Friendly Camping near California, PA

Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park permits pets throughout designated areas with fire rings and picnic tables at every site. Pet owners appreciate the clean facilities and multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and pet-friendly cabins. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA provides similar pet accommodation with the added convenience of a fully stocked market selling pet supplies. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort maintains well-groomed grounds with large pet-friendly sites where dogs can stay comfortably with their owners. Sites at these campgrounds offer full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections, making extended stays with pets convenient. Many campsites include picnic tables and fire rings where campers can relax with their dogs after a day of exploration.

The Great Allegheny Passage trail system offers extensive pet-friendly hiking and biking opportunities accessible from several campgrounds. Youghiogheny River access points provide water recreation where dogs can swim and cool off during summer camping trips. The Blue Canoe RV Resort positions campers along the river with direct water access though muddy conditions may occur during rainy periods. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements and request campers clean up after their pets. Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground offers free primitive camping for cyclists with pets along the GAP trail, providing basic amenities including toilets and picnic tables in a riverside setting. Wildlife encounters are possible at these campgrounds, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets. Train tracks run near several riverside campgrounds which might disturb noise-sensitive dogs with their nighttime passing.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near California, Pennsylvania (83)

    1. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    84 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "This camp was laid out very well and had plenty of maps and trails, as well as daily activities. They have a small amphitheater with easy access, a dump and recycling area."

    "Aside from the rock water slide, which is burned into the kid's memories, there's great, easy hiking trails and a pet-friendly campsite."

    2. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Bentleyville, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 239-2900

    "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer. Highly recommended."

    3. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."

    "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

    4. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm

    1 Review
    Belle Vernon, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 989-6004

    $100 - $150 / night

    "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol."

    5. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

    10 Reviews
    Washington, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 225-7590

    "Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly!"

    "Easy highway access great for overnight travel"

    6. The Blue Canoe RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Vanderbilt, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 628-4880

    $20 - $999999 / night

    "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."

    "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."

    7. Fox Den Acres Campground

    9 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

    "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

    8. Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail)

    1 Review
    Perryopolis, PA
    10 miles
    Website

    "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for"

    9. Coopers Rock State Forest

    32 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. There are gravel pull-ins for the sites, there are a couple of pull through sites for RVs."

    "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere. Also had 12yr old son with me and he had a great time."

    10. Dravo's Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sutersville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"

    "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 83 campgrounds

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near California, PA

540 Reviews of 83 California Campgrounds


  • Arlyn S.
    Oct. 11, 2023

    Hickory Hollow Campground

    A new favorite quick getaway for me and the wife

    This campground checks all our boxes. Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works. 

    This is located about an hour away from my home, so we plan on making this our go-to for quick camping getaways throughout the year. 

    Highly recommended. Definitely worth checking out.

  • Sammii D.
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Hickory Hollow Campground

    Wow!

    This may be the first campground I give a 10 out of 10! All the amenities your could want, it's clean, sites are leveled, it's maintained beautifully, there are cows in the distance, fully stocked store, friendly staff. Laundry, bathrooms, fairly spacious sites, a pool, dog park. Very, very nice.

  • Kathleen H.
    Jul. 10, 2022

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Pet friendly campsite, with electric

    While most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets- there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions! Loop F includes electric spots! Loved seeing the 'neighbors' dogs get excited and curious when I walked my 4-legged best friend around the site. Clean area , close to a modern bathroom (a few stalls & even 2 showers!) Looking forward to going back at the end of the month.

  • B
    Jul. 4, 2023

    Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

    Awesome staff!

    Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly! Front desk staff were knowledgeable and and helpful. We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it. Big open dog park! There are only a few shaded spots. Spot width was a little narrow where we stayed (on the hill), but perfect for a quick overnight stay. Bathrooms were fairly clean, laundry was nice. The pool looked very well maintained.

  • A
    Sep. 12, 2019

    Hickory Hollow Campground

    Soooo spacious!

    I was the only tenter at the time of my stay; had the whole place to myself. The sites are spread far apart and wooded. Table and fire rings are at each site. They have a brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs. If desired, there is a group campsite and the use of a pavilion too. The camp store if beautiful and has everything in it should you forget something. I’ll definitely be back.

  • James B.
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Mountain Top Campground

    very nice for me but ymmv

    nice campsite the closest to Pittsburg that i found. 35 mins 

    pros

    amazing views at this mountain top campsite

    45 per night for me ymmv 

    clean campgrounds

    level gravel lots with wood boarders

    lots of grass on each site as well

    full verizon coverage lte 

    30 + 50amp services

    grey water dump on most sites

    water 

    open year round 

    cons

    no kids park

    no dog park

    no cable hookups

    moderate wi-fi (to be expected) 

    no black sewer hookup (does have dump station and honey wagon)

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2021

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Nice state park with a lake

    Stayed 3 nights because I wanted to be centrally located to the he Flight 93 Memorial and Falling Water (about 30 miles to each). The non pet section is heavily wooded and very shady. The pet section is more of a loop set up with some trees. The no pet section had no, zero, zilch cell service so my stay was super quiet. Site 173 was easy to back into and had a large picnic area with a fire ring next to the brook. There is a lake with a small beach and a boat launch and numerous hiking trails. The park will s very nice pretty and during the week fairly empty. I would recommend

  • M
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Let a Local Give You The Scoop!

    In the past 5 years, I've made 13 trips to Raccoon Creek State Park and spent 16 nights in a tent there. It is my local state park and I can tell you lots about it.

    The D loop is really great tent camping at Raccoon Creek State Park. It's tents only, no RVs. So it gets a really fun, party vibe on Saturday nights during the summer. There's a trail right to the beach near the D loop, so it's a great place for families to go with pets. The sites are big, wooded, and all close to the bathroom.

    The C loop, however, doesn't take pets (which stinks). When we have our dogs with us, we gravitate towards the C loop. It's fine, but it's not as fun as the D loop.

    When we don't make a reservation and we have our dog, we end up in the F loop. It's not our preference (but--let's be clear--even the worst site in the F loop is better than NO trip!).

  • Casey L.
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Be Sure to Pick the Right Loop

    There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy. We drove through the other one and it looks so much nicer. Campsites more spread out with trees in between and way quieter. Will definitely stay there if we return.


Guide to California

The Monongahela River Valley near California, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with dramatic seasonal temperature variations. Winter lows frequently drop below freezing while summer temperatures regularly climb into the 80s. Fall camping offers comfortable daytime temperatures and crisp nights, making it an ideal time for pet owners to explore the extensive trail networks with their dogs.

What to Do

Water activities on the Youghiogheny River: Campers staying at The Blue Canoe RV Resort can easily access the river. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. The only thing we didn't care for was the fire rings are all in sight of each other. Like a row parallel to the sites all the way down the line; not much privacy while cooking or enjoying your fire," notes Rob S.

Gap trail biking with dogs: The extensive trail system allows pet owners to exercise with their dogs. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance," explains Shari G.

Visit Cucumber Falls: Located near Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, this natural attraction welcomes pets on leash. "As you journey further up the mountain toward Kentuck campground, Cucumber Falls is on the right. Again, get there early for one of the few parking spaces to walk down to the falls," advises Dave V.

What Campers Like

Free primitive camping options: Budget-conscious travelers with pets appreciate no-cost sites. "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire," reports Lauren C. about Dravo's Landing Campground.

Well-maintained swimming facilities: Hot summer days call for cooling off with your pet. "Great: The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service," writes Heath T. about Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort.

Off-peak tranquility: Visiting during less busy periods enhances the experience for pet owners. "We camped at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups. Site 10 was at the campground at the top of the hill, sparsely populated, and had beautiful views beyond the trees," shares Danielle S. about Coopers Rock State Forest.

What You Should Know

Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," cautions Robert C.

Train noise affects pets: Many riverside campgrounds experience nighttime train activity. "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up – so bring good earplugs if you hope to sleep!" warns Shari G. about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground.

Wildlife encounters: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" advises Sarah Q. This applies especially to campers with pet food, which should be secured at night.

Tips for Camping with Families

Look for flat, accessible sites: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. "Site 166 is not flat what so ever. We recommend checking out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away," notes Tanner W.

Consider seasonal timing: Spring and fall offer fewer crowds but variable conditions. "We camped at Kentuck Campground two weekends before the typical summer camping season (2 weeks before Memorial Day)...The campground itself was buggy, not well maintained, and covered in poison ivy," reports Danielle V.

Choose dog-friendly trails wisely: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers good pet exercise options. "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas. Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games," mentions Evelyn T.

Tips from RVers

Navigational challenges: Mountain roads present difficulties for larger rigs. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites..sites not level and noisy, next to highway," warns Chris H. about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.

Site selection for level parking: "Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," explains Dena L. about Fox Den Acres Campground.

Seasonal RV considerations: "The sites are spread out. Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," notes William B., information particularly useful for pet owners who need reliable hookups for climate control when pets are in the RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near California, PA is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 84 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 83 dog-friendly camping locations near California, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.