Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Cowanesque Lake
Ives Run Campground accommodates pets in its spacious, well-maintained sites surrounding Cowanesque Lake. The campground features full hookups on paved pads with large grassy areas behind sites for pet activities. Tompkins Campground, another pet-friendly Army Corps of Engineers facility on the lake, maintains level, paved sites with significant distance between campers, allowing ample space for pets to enjoy the outdoors while leashed. Both campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring owners to keep dogs leashed at all times, clean up after their pets, and prevent excessive barking. The grounds are kept spotless with regular maintenance and monitoring of all areas including pet waste disposal. Sites in both locations offer various hookup options including full hookup, electric/water, and primitive sites suitable for tent camping, RVs, and some cabin accommodations.
Multiple hiking trails surround the lake area, providing excellent opportunities for leashed dogs to exercise while exploring the natural environment. The lake offers water access where pets can cool off during summer months, though swimming policies for pets vary by specific beach area. Nearby Hills Creek State Park also permits pets at campsites and on most trails, though they are prohibited in swimming areas and park buildings. Wildlife encounters are common in the region, necessitating careful pet supervision, especially during dawn and dusk hours. The rolling hills and forested areas provide scenic walking routes away from main camping areas. Wellsboro, approximately 20 minutes from the lake, offers veterinary services and pet supply stores for emergency needs or forgotten items. During peak summer months, sites fill quickly so advance reservations are essential for pet owners planning weekend stays.
