Dog-Friendly Camping near Cranberry, PA

The Pocono Mountains and Lehigh Valley regions offer camping experiences about 70 miles northeast of Cranberry, Pennsylvania. The area features mixed hardwood forests at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with snow accumulation, while summer camping typically sees daytime highs in the 70s and 80s with cooler evenings.

What to do

Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park features a 16-acre boulder field formed during the last ice age. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," shares Amber A. who camped at Hickory Run.

Waterfall hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park offers trails to 22 named waterfalls within a 13,050-acre wilderness. "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," notes Lee D. about their experience at Ricketts Glen.

Water recreation: Most campgrounds offer lake access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm... I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," explains Lisa S.

What campers like

Modern facilities: Some newer campgrounds offer updated amenities. At Lakewood Park Campground, "The park is relatively new. Everything is clean and in great working order. All kinds of maintenance was going on throughout each day, and it shows," according to Matt S.

Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including deer and occasionally bears. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," mentions Jennifer D. from her stay at Hickory Run State Park, adding "All in all a pretty Park."

Lake views: Waterfront sites are particularly valued. One camper at Mauch Chunk Lake Park reports, "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."

What you should know

Pet policies vary: While many campgrounds offer pet-friendly camping near Cranberry, Pennsylvania, specific rules differ between facilities. At Locust Lake State Park Campground, "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded... Pretty basic amenities but everything was clean enough and well-kept," notes Dan N.

Water access considerations: Sites with lake views are often reserved by seasonal campers. "There are only 2 on the lake that aren't (3 and 7) 25 is also non-seasonal is close to the lake. We were in 3 and enjoyed it," explains melissa from her experience at Lakewood Park.

Bear safety: The Pennsylvania mountain region requires proper food storage. "All campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site," cautions Shirley M. about camping at Hickory Run.

Cell service limitations: Many parks have limited connectivity. At Moyers Grove Campground, "Be advised that there was no cell service or internet for AT&T users. (Verizon did have some service.) Also, there is no cable and our antennae was unable to pick up any TV channels."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Jennifer D. observed at Hickory Run, "Not much of a playground. All in all a pretty Park." This contrasts with Tuscarora State Park which includes "a playground for kids to play in that is well maintained."

Swimming beaches: Lakes with designated swimming areas provide kid-friendly water activities. At Tuscarora State Park Campground, "The main attraction for this park is their lake, which you can swim in, fish, kayak or drop in a boat. There is a playground for kids to play in that is well maintained," according to Tiffany K.

Educational opportunities: Some parks offer interpretive programs. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," notes Shayna about Hickory Run State Park.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Electric sites are common, but full-hookup sites are limited. A Lakewood Park camper notes, "Our site(#74) was plenty big enough for our 45' motorhome and Jeep plus lots of room to spread out."

Site leveling: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain. At Mauch Chunk Lake Park, "Our site was for the most part clean, the fire pit was so full of ash and trash and giant rocks? that we had to clean ourselves right when we arrived."

Water connection length: Some sites require longer-than-standard hoses. At Moyers Grove, "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot."

Seasonal timing: Most campgrounds operate from April through October. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort is open "April 1 to October 31," offering pet-friendly accommodations during the main camping season.