Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Dalton, PA
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Highland Campgrounds in Dalton offers pet-friendly sites with full hookups for RVs and tent camping options from April through October. Keen Lake Resort Campground and Lackawanna State Park Campground also welcome pets with proper vaccination documentation. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area provide designated pet exercise areas, with some featuring dedicated dog parks where pets can socialize off-leash. Campsites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to clean shower facilities. The pet-friendly loops at state parks like Frances Slocum and Tobyhanna tend to fill quickly during peak season, especially on weekends, as these areas represent only a portion of the total campground.
Hiking trails throughout the region offer excellent opportunities for dog owners, with Ricketts Glen State Park's Falls Trail system providing access to 22 waterfalls along pet-friendly paths. Mountain Vista Campground receives high marks from pet owners for its large dog park and overall pet-friendly atmosphere. When camping with dogs in Pennsylvania state parks, pets must remain on leashes no longer than six feet and cannot be left unattended at campsites. Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Dalton enforce quiet hours beginning at 9 pm, which helps minimize barking disturbances between neighboring sites. Campers should be aware that some lakes in the region may contain harmful algae or bacteria, making them unsafe for pets to swim in, so checking with park staff about current water conditions is advisable before allowing dogs in the water.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Dalton (104)
1. Keen Lake Resort Campground
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
"I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. "
2. Cozy Creek Family Campground
"Campground is based around kids, there’s a lot for them to do!"
Check Availabilityfrom $17 / night
3. Highland Campgrounds
"This campground was very nice and had so much hiking in and around it. They were very helpful with getting us a site since it was so last minute on a holiday weekend Will be visiting again"
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $100 / night
4. Hickory Run State Park Campground
"We took the short drive to Hawk Falls Trail and also completed the Orchard Trail Loop."
"The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly and I’m looking forward to going back"
61 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $72 / night
5. Shore Forest Campground
6. Stony MT Family Campground
7. Clayton Park RV Escape
8. Shady Rest Campground
"The beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods. There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat."
9. Slumber Valley Campground
"The campground is located close to market- a 3 minute drive into town for any food you may need."
10. Valley View Farm and Campground
Drive Time
- 17 min from Scranton, PA
- 50 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 26 min from Allentown, PA
- 1 hr 38 min from Elmira, NY
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Dalton, PA
49 Photos of 104 Dalton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Dalton, PA
751 Reviews of 104 Dalton Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Council Cup Campground
Better than nothing
Small campground with rude owner. Everything I asked about was putting her out. It was cheap though at $36 for water and electric with a military discount.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Kathy L.
RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
Guide to Dalton
Camping near Dalton, Pennsylvania centers around the wooded northeastern Pennsylvania Appalachians, where elevations range from 800-1,500 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures between 70-85°F. The region encompasses several water features including lakes, creeks, and waterfalls that provide diverse camping environments from April through October, with peak season typically running Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What to do
Hiking waterfalls trails: Ricketts Glen State Park offers 44 miles of trails with the Falls Trail system providing access to 22 waterfalls. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" reports Anne P.
Boating on local lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground provides boat rentals for their large lake. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," shares Shannon C.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the region offer water access. "The swimming beach looked nice. They do have boat rental. Our site and the others we saw were nicely shaded," notes Amy V. from Lackawanna State Park, which also features a large pool area for swimmers who prefer chlorinated water.
What campers like
Lakeside campsites: Lackawanna State Park Campground has recently added new full-hookup sites. "Stayed in the fairly new ledges loop that are all full hookup sites. Nice large sites, beautiful area, friendly rangers. Nice play area for kids, water craft rentals, nice lake," reports Cheryl M.
Creek-side tent camping: Smaller waterways offer tranquil camping experiences. "The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine," Louis P. mentions about Cozy Creek Family Campground.
Winter recreation options: Some campgrounds in the area maintain winter operations. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," says Michael from Lackawanna State Park, noting year-round appeal for certain parks.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies: Frances Slocum State Park Campground has mixed reviews on site spacing. "The camping sites were really packed in together tightly," notes Natalie B., while Jackie F. found "Site 44 in the Stony Point loop... by far the largest campsite on the property."
Water quality concerns: Lakes in the region occasionally have water quality issues. "DO NOT take your pups to the water. There is a weird bacteria or algae currently growing in the lake, it's completely visible. There are advisories around about it too," warns Jackie F.
Seasonal facilities: Many parks close entirely from late October through April. "Real Quiet in Early Spring. Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RVs and strictly walk in tent sites. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet," reports David G. from Lackawanna State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused activities: Cozy Creek Family Campground designs their amenities around children. "Campground is based around kids, there's a lot for them to do!" says Michael B., making it ideal for family outings.
Playground access: Highland Campgrounds features vintage playground equipment. "Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin," notes Jennifer R.
Educational options: Some parks offer learning opportunities. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails," explains Janet R. about options at Lackawanna State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hickory Run State Park Campground has different sections with varying amenities. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," reports Shirley M.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. "The road in (Vacation lane) is dirt, rough and narrow," notes April L. about Cozy Creek Family Campground, which can be important for larger rigs.
Electric reliability: Electrical systems at some parks have maintenance issues. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," warns David from Lackawanna State Park, suggesting bringing surge protectors.
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