Dog-Friendly Camping near Fort Washington, PA

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    Fort Washington State Park Campground features a handful of pet-friendly group camping sites with amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and drinking water access for both humans and dogs. Trails throughout the park welcome leashed pets, with waste disposal stations located at main trailheads. Evansburg State Park Campground, located just 15 miles northwest, offers additional pet-friendly camping options including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping accommodations. Both parks enforce standard leash requirements, typically 6-feet or shorter, and limit pets to designated areas away from swimming beaches. Several campsites provide spacious spots where dogs can safely remain leashed at the campsite while owners set up camp. The campgrounds accommodate up to two pets per site with proper vaccination documentation required upon check-in.

    Dogs particularly enjoy exploring the multi-purpose trail that parallels the Wissahickon Creek in Fort Washington State Park, offering shaded paths and creek access points where pets can cool off. Several creek hiking opportunities exist at Evansburg State Park, though some visitors report encountering ticks during summer months. Both parks require campers to clean up after pets and maintain quiet hours to prevent excessive barking disturbances. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, located about 30 miles south, provides a more developed alternative with dedicated pet exercise areas and pet-friendly cabins. Local veterinary services can be found within 10 miles of either park, with emergency care available in the Philadelphia metro area. Winter camping with pets requires additional planning as temperatures can drop significantly, necessitating appropriate shelter for dogs during overnight stays.

    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Fort Washington (96)

      1. Fort Washington State Park Campground

      4.1(7)1mi from Fort Washington4 sitesTents

      "Fort Washington State Park is just north of Philadelphia. It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river."

      "m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"

      from $28 - $72 / night

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      2. French Creek State Park Campground

      4.2(83)32mi from Fort Washington227 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $75 / night

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      3. Evansburg State Park Campground

      4.5(6)12mi from Fort Washington2 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

      "Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."

      from $43 / night

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      4. Alverthorpe Private Park

      2.5(4)5mi from Fort Washington100 sitesTents

      "year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"

      from $1 - $100 / night

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      5. Village Scene Park

      4.0(4)11mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Cabins

      "We’ve stayed here a couple times in past Have family in the area Grew up in this area so very comfortable and easy access to lots of places! This visit we stayed six months may to October"

      from $48 / night

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      6. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      4.3(21)23mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      7. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

      4.7(10)19mi from Fort Washington2 sitesTents

      "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"

      from $57 / night

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      8. Boulder Woods Campground

      4.5(11)20mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice place, a bit to close to the highways"

      "It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large."

      9. Tohickon Family Campground

      3.2(16)22mi from Fort WashingtonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Pros Great People beautiful surroundings Nice Bathrooms Quiet and Peaceful Accessible Nice Pool Every store U could Need is in about 15 mins Away Not Alot of Stupid rules just Be respectful Pet friendly"

      "Nothing bad about this place, I love that it's set far enough away from the main road that you don't get the noise."

      10. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024

      4.1(9)20mi from Fort WashingtonTents, Glamping

      "I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant  historically and it is enjoyable for"

      "Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."

      from $50 - $100 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Fort Washington, PA

    846 Reviews of 96 Fort Washington Campgrounds


    • Sarah L.
      Jul. 12, 2017

      Fort Washington State Park Campground

      Not a campground, but beautiful park

      Fort Washington State Park is just north of Philadelphia. It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection. It's an easy walk to the river trail and dogs are allowed everywhere.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 1, 2023

      Fort Washington State Park Campground

      Stopping Point for Valley Forge

      If, like me, you are trying to explore the wonder and splendor of Valley Forge and have stumbled across Fort Washington SP enroute, then what a little gem you have discovered. Replete with recreational facilities that would put most SPs to shame, Fort Washington is comprised of 492 acres of unbridled, very well-manicured landscapes that offer up great spots for birding, hiking and exploring. This very place lies in significance from the Revolutionary War when it housed troops led by then General George Washington on the way to Valley Forge. 

      Should you call yourself a bird watcher, you’ll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn, wherein you can view their splendor from the wonderfully built Observation Deck that sits opposite the main parking area that you will first encounter when arriving here to the park.  Other birds include: Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles, Great Horned & Barn Owls, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Rusty Blackbird, Red-wings Blackbird, Swainson's Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, Red-Belly Sapsucker as well as the Rose-breasted Gosbeak and Bald Eagle.

      As far as the actual campground is concerned, accessing Fort Washington SP from the eastside, you’ll enter the park from Route 73, where you’ll head west on Militia Hill Road before following the signs to the park, where after a good half mile of meandering paved roads, you’ll arrive at the Militia Hill Picnic Area, where you’ll see the raised bird-watching platform on your left and decent parking on the right. From here, you’ll have to hike up past the restroom facilities where you’ll find a paved road, but one that has been locked with a gate, so carry your gear with you. The dozen or so scattered sites are very well shaded, fairly clean with decent, not great, amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings and stand-up BBQ grill. There were also a few scattered water spigots and drinking fountains. Other than these basic amenities, you should be prepared to bring your own gear for all your camping needs. 

      Fort Washington campground is located smack dab in the middle of five nearby hamlets, including: Flourtown, Whitemarsh, Five Points, Plymouth Meeting and Lafayette Hill. What we enjoyed most about this natural enclave completely surrounded by some rather dense suburban sprawl was a very welcoming SP that has some really great hiking trails – in fact, there’s 3.5 miles of trails to explore. On the amenities front, in addition to hiking trails, there’s designated biking areas, areas with water and modern restrooms (complete with sky lights), picnicking areas, shelters and pavilions, volleyball court, ballfields, disc golf course, hawk watching deck, children’s playgrounds, sledding area and cross-country skiing trails. 

      In the event that you are up for some decent späzierengehen (German for a very good, long walk), then follow the multi-purpose trail that parallels the Wissahickon Creek, where heading eastward you will eventually come across Mather’s Mill, followed by the PA Historical & Museum Commission Site, located just south of 276. North of this location, you’ll discover another series of historically significant sites over by Fort Hill, where you’ll come across the Clifton House followed by the Historical Society Building. Should you instead head westward, you will follow the multi-purpose trail where again, you just want to straddle the creek that runs through here where the trail mirrors, where eventually you will cross West Valley Green Road, before arriving at the Flourtown Day Use Area where all of the sports fields, shelters and restrooms are at. In all, there are 6 different trails that you will enjoy ranging from beginner to difficult. 

      Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) When you grow tired of staring into your roto-molded cooler looking for what might be that next camping meal, then fret not, there’s a ton of dining options that surround you here, of which, I recommend: Tamarindos for enchiladas and Margaritas, Scoogis Italian Kitchen & Bar for some homemade short rib ravioli or a monster tomahawk pork chop along with a very nice Soave as well as Magerks, which has some OUTSTANDING Philly eats like cheesesteak eggroll, cheesesteak nachos, cheesesteak salads, cheesesteak mac & cheese (OK, I think you get the picture!) all washed down with the local Ale; (2) After a great night out under the stars, you’ll want to wake up early to hit those amazing hiking trails you’ll find here at Fort Washington SP, of which I highly recommend Militia Hill DUA Loop, which is great for birdwatching that will allow you to check out warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes; (3) Should you need to let the kids unwind for a bit to run around and explore, I would suggest a trip over to Legoland Discovery Center, which will let you and the kids build with the famous toy bricks to your heart’s content; and (4) If the amazing nature you are surrounded by isn’t enough, have no worries, explore more of the surrounding natural offerings, such as Briar Bush Nature Center where there’s some great trail hiking as well as Morris Arboretum& Gardens, which is just beautiful. 

      Happy Camping!

    • D
      May. 5, 2024

      Tip Tam Camping Resort

      Nice place to visit

      My family and I stayed at Tip Tam this weekend. The owners and staff were very friendly and accommodating. The camp store was great also. As it is very early in the season the pools were not yet open but appear to be very nice. There are alot of activities with in the campground as well that were impressive. Just from walking around I saw the two pools, an RC track, bocci, shuffle and board. They did have organized activities set up as well. There is also a pavillion in the middile of the campground with a Ms Pacman/Galaga classic arcard game, as well as a small library and soda machine. AT&T cell service was good. Te site are very close together, and you can hear your neighbors easily. There is not currently a dog park, but the owner told me that they were going to be constructing one in the future. There is a Monmouth County dog park under five minutes away that is huge. There are many close by food options and stores as well.

    • L
      Aug. 6, 2018

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Very Dog Friendly

      Campground 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!

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 3, 2021

      Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      Really nice

      We 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.

    • E
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Impromtu tent camping success!

      I 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.

    • D
      Jun. 5, 2023

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Weekend Trip To Reading

      My 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.

    • Mackenzie B.
      Aug. 4, 2018

      Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

      love it here

      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.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 12, 2022

      Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

      Nice Campground Near Philadelphia

      West 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.


    Guide to Fort Washington

    Fort Washington, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 200 feet above sea level in the Piedmont region characterized by rolling hills, deciduous forests, and small creeks. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching into the 90s and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. Camping options range from primitive group sites to full-service RV facilities within 30 miles of Fort Washington.

    What to do

    Hiking trails for dogs: At Evansburg State Park Campground, trails offer creek-side walks where "lots of tree cover running along a small running creek" provides shade during summer months, as noted by Gary O. Another visitor mentions it's "great for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully" - important information for dog owners checking their pets after hikes.

    Frisbee golf course: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that attracts serious players. One visitor noted, "The disc golf course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," while another camper mentioned, "That's where we fell in love with disc golf" and appreciated that "they rent and sell discs" for newcomers wanting to try the activity.

    Bird watching opportunities: Hawk watching is popular at Fort Washington State Park, where visitors can view "raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn" from "the wonderfully built Observation Deck." According to one reviewer, bird species include "Dark-eyed Junco, Common Loon, Blue Heron, Osprey, Cooper's Hawk, Bald Eagles" and many others.

    What campers like

    Private, spacious sites: French Creek State Park Campground receives praise for its site layout, with a camper noting "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other." Another visitor appreciates that "there is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well" with "three separate loops to camp at."

    Clean facilities: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Fort Washington maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. One camper at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA reported "The restrooms were immaculate compared to most campgrounds" while another mentioned the campground was "so well maintained" with staff who are "so friendly and helpful."

    Group camping options: For those camping with multiple families and their dogs, Fort Washington State Park offers dedicated group sites. A visitor notes the park has a "Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks" and mentions "There's at least two fire pits per camp ground" with firewood sometimes provided.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, particularly for weekend stays. French Creek State Park allows online reservations through a "very easy to use" website, or campers can "call a phone number and they can help you book your stay at any State Park."

    Seasonal access limitations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. Tohickon Family Campground runs from "April 1 to October 31," while Washington Crossing State Park has the same seasonal window but notes it's "TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024" according to current information.

    Tick prevalence: Several campgrounds report tick issues, particularly in warmer months. At Evansburg State Park, a visitor mentioned, "we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully" - critical information for dog owners to prepare with appropriate preventative treatments before arrival.

    Tips for camping with families

    Look for playgrounds: Ridley Creek State Park offers "a great picnic area with grills" and recreational areas for children. Boulder Woods Campground has "Lots of activities for kids" according to a reviewer, while French Creek features "a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground" with a zipline that kids particularly enjoy.

    Consider accessibility: Some campgrounds require carrying gear to reach sites. At Evansburg, a visitor noted the "only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. some are further than others," which can be challenging with young children and dogs.

    Kid-friendly water features: Several parks offer creek access for splashing. At Ridley Creek State Park, a reviewer mentioned "I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful," making it an ideal spot for families to cool off during hot summer days.

    Tips from RVers

    Site dimensions matter: Village Scene Park has sites that "are narrow and can feel cramped, so don't expect big pull-throughs," according to one reviewer. Another mentioned that French Creek has sites that may be too small for larger rigs, recommending to "double check what sites can accommodate your RV to ensure you have enough room."

    Full hookup availability: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. At Tohickon Family Campground, a visitor appreciated the "nice new gravel and hook ups" and "spacious sites," while noting "WiFi good. ATT poor" for connectivity considerations.

    Consider proximity to civilization: For RVers wanting easy access to Philadelphia, Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA provides a good base. A camper noted it's "a 20 minute ride into Philly and Uber was was quick and responsive," while another mentioned it's "just over the Delaware River from Philly" and "big rigs fit easily."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fort Washington, PA is Fort Washington State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Fort Washington, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.