French Creek State Park Campground permits pets in designated areas of its 7,526-acre wilderness setting. Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Chadds Ford, this expansive park features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurt accommodations where four-legged companions are welcome. Ridley Creek State Park maintains pet-friendly group camping sites with clearly marked trails ideal for hiking with dogs. Hibernia County Park allows pets at its Lake Campground, offering primitive sites with fire rings and picnic tables for $15 per night. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies, typically requiring pets to be on leads no longer than 6 feet. The tent sites at Hibernia border hiking trails, providing convenient access for morning dog walks, though some campers note the lack of privacy between sites.
Brandywine Creek Campground provides spacious tent sites along the creek where dogs can enjoy the water sounds at night. The campground is strategically located near Longwood Gardens, making it convenient for day trips while keeping pets at camp. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers full-service amenities for pet owners, including drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Many of the hiking trails throughout these parks remain dog-friendly with proper leash control, though off-leash areas are limited. Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park provides water access where pets can cool off during summer months. Visitors report that park rangers enforce pet waste cleanup policies, with most campgrounds providing designated disposal stations. The wooded sites at Hibernia offer ample hammock hanging opportunities with enough space between trees for dogs to rest in shade during hot summer days.
$20 - $75 / night
"There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro."
"There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge."
$57 / night
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
"We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"
$22 - $40 / night
"We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course."
"The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area. Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side."
"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."
"Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."
"Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."
$15 - $50 / night
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
$21 - $55 / night
"Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff"
"Our go to State Park for camping as it is pretty close to home. Standard State Park with all the amenities you need. We are tent campers/ non electric (no pets/ no kids)."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"So we make sure to get close spots so we can walk. You can bring pets but we choose not to as we are not at the camp much. We do go fishing while we are here and my daughter loves this place"
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"Small dog park, too small for our two labs. We were in site 50 for this trip, however if you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
TravelerCampground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!
RangerWe stayed here for a night in transit. Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival. Good location - convenient but far enough off the highway. Would stay here again.
GuideI was able to book my site the day before the trip. The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area.
Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.
The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.
The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.
The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.
The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.
Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.
All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.
GuideMy family and I stayed at French Creek State Park while attending an event in Reading. The park was clean and well maintained. We stayed in Loop A which had no camp host. The camp hosts were in loops B & C. We had a full hook up site. The water and electric worked great! The campground was well patrolled by Rangers throughout our stay. The bathhouses appeared to be clean and maintained. The quiet time starts at 9pm and seemed to be followed by most campers. There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro. There are many stores and restaurants in the area for food and supplies if needed. We had good cellular service with both AT&T and T-Mobile. The one downside was that there was no off leash dog park. We had to take our dog to a dog park in Birdsbroro. We would stay at this park again.
TravelerOur first visit (March 2018) was just prior to peak season (lower rates) and we had a site literally 10 ft. from the water! Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice. There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open. The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds. There was a pet exercise/walking area, but could use some sprucing up. However, no one really made an issue of walking your dog around the campground and as the weekend came around, more and more dogs were around.
You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution. Would like to try Bar Harbor again sometime.
Guidewell marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills.
LegendWest Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy. A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!) There is a lot to do in the surrounding area like visiting the historical sites in downtown Philadelphia, Valley Forge, or exploring Amish country.
This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids– swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc. There is a large pool area with pavilion but it was closed during our stay since we were there early in the season. The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is a slow meandering pretty river that is great to get your feet wet or go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent if you have time and as there is very little current in the river you can paddle out and back without any trouble. There is a nice, short nature trail which was nice to walk our dog and she enjoyed getting wet in the river.
The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs. Some sites are “premiums” with paved patios, Adirondack chairs, fancy firepits, BBQ grill, and tables and chairs with an umbrella. These sites are really nice, but you pay a lot more for them. Some sites are located adjacent to the river with nice waterfront views, but beware some might be muddy. There are lots of camping cabins and a couple of glamping tents.
Overall, the campground is very clean with no trash lying around and the grass was mowed and trimmed. The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well. Garbage is picked up at your site. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants, shopping, and interesting things to see and do.
GuideWe do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.
Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well.
Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!
LegendThis is unquestionably the best KOA I’ve been to. I usually do not like KOA, except when there are no alternatives. This one is way above average. Typically these places are all gravel and dust. This one has paved roads, grass and trees. There is a pond for fishing, too. The only complaint is that, like all KOAs, the sites are on top of each other. 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. There are cabins and large tents you can rent. There is a playground, pavilion, laundry, and several shower/bathrooms. (The one near us didn’t have hot water. The office people said they were working on it.) There us also a large, grassy, fenced dog park which my 2 spaniels appreciated.
French Creek State Park offers 7,526 acres of forested terrain with multiple camping options located within 20 miles of Chadds Ford. The park features a diverse mix of sites across several loops including the pet-friendly Loop C where dogs are welcome at tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Winter camping is available year-round with heated bathrooms maintaining comfortable temperatures even during colder months.
Kayaking at Hopewell Lake: Visitors can rent kayaks at French Creek State Park Campground to explore two scenic bodies of water. "We spent Saturday afternoon fishing but not catching anything at Scott's Run. It's a beautiful location and it was still a fun way to spend the day with the kids away from the site," notes one camper who appreciated the lake amenities despite not having fishing success.
Visit Turkey Point Lighthouse: A short drive from many campsites, this historic landmark offers expansive views of the Chesapeake Bay. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends)," recommends a regular visitor who frequents the trails.
Go Ape Adventure Course: Located at Lums Pond State Park, this treetop adventure challenge provides thrilling outdoor activity for older children and adults. "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful," says a camper who enjoyed the diverse recreation options near their campsite.
Private wooded sites: Many campsites feature natural separation between neighbors. At French Creek State Park Campground, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," notes a frequent visitor who appreciates the privacy.
Accessible water views: Multiple campgrounds provide waterfront options. "The tent sites all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view," explains a Brandywine Creek Campground visitor who enjoyed the calming water sounds throughout their stay.
Family activities: Planned events keep children entertained throughout camping seasons. "Very family friendly park. Full amenities. Lots of things to do. A little pricy, but worth it especially with kids," reports a visitor to Yogi Bear Jellystone Park who found the organized recreation worthwhile despite higher costs.
Limited hookups at primitive sites: Many smaller campgrounds have minimal services. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," advises a camper about Hibernia County Park who emphasizes preparation is essential.
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality and cleanliness of facilities differs between parks and loops. "I was very disappointed in the cleanliness of the women's bathroom. Let me just say I went one time and didn't go back. Luckily, we have a cassette toilet in our camper," shares a French Creek visitor who found inconsistent maintenance standards.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a Lums Pond camper, while another notes, "I understand why it is so difficult to get a reservation at Lums Pond. I don't know if it's the host campers or the management, but they're definitely doing something right."
Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, location matters. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," shares a parent whose child loved the play equipment despite some design concerns.
Children's fishing pond: Dedicated fishing areas provide kid-friendly angling opportunities. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes a visitor to Hibernia County Park who found the specialized fishing area perfect for young anglers.
Budget-friendly options: Cost-conscious families can find affordable alternatives. "Great price at $15/night as well," comments a Hibernia camper about the excellent value of their primitive site, particularly appreciated by families staying multiple nights.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require careful setup for recreational vehicles. "Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available," reports an Elk Neck State Park Campground visitor who appreciated the well-designed RV accommodations.
Full hookup availability: For RVers seeking complete amenities, certain loops offer comprehensive services. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," explains a French Creek camper who found the infrastructure well-designed for larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads can present navigation challenges. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," cautions a visitor to Lake-In-Wood Campground who found maneuvering larger vehicles required careful attention in some dog friendly campgrounds near Chadds Ford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Chadds Ford, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chadds Ford, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 83 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Chadds Ford, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 dog-friendly camping locations near Chadds Ford, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
