Shady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
French Creek State Park Campground near Gilbertsville welcomes pets with designated pet-friendly sites across tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash policies requiring dogs to be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Boulder Woods Campground offers spacious pet-friendly sites with full hookups and a camp store where campers can purchase pet supplies if needed. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park accepts pets but offers more primitive accommodations without electric hookups or drinking water on-site. Tent campers report sites are lined up next to each other with limited privacy, making it challenging for reactive dogs. Hill Church Getaway provides a small, secluded option for those traveling with pets in tents or small RVs.
Hiking trails throughout these campgrounds provide exercise opportunities for dogs, with French Creek State Park featuring over 35 miles of trails through wooded terrain. Most locations require waste pickup, with disposal stations available at the larger facilities. During summer months, owners should be mindful of hot pavement and provide adequate shade and water for pets. The Rolling Hills Retreats glamping site accommodates pets in a more secluded setting, making it suitable for reactive dogs or those who need more space from neighboring campers. Guests should note that while Lake-in-Wood RV Resort and Quakerwoods Campground allow pets, their sites can be close together, and some reviewers mention strict noise policies that may impact dogs that bark frequently. All campgrounds enforce quiet hours, typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, during which pet owners must ensure their animals remain quiet.
"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."
"If you find yourself careening around the picturesque country roads here in Bucks County you will discover Quakerwoods Campground (named of course after the previous tri-cornered hat-donning Quaker residents"
"Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
from $20 - $30 / night
"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
"My family and I stayed at Lake In Wood for 4 days. The campground is very well maintained , and the staff is very nice."
"There is a quarry close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there but that was the only negative thing."
from $40 - $60 / night
"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."
from $30 - $50 / night
"Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"
Campground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
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!
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.
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Located just off US Route 1 in the upscale Princeton area, this spacious Lowe's serves up a surprisingly pleasant patch of pavement for weary road warriors looking to catch some shut-eye. Set back roughly 80 yards from the highway, this big blue home improvement retailer offers a generously sized parking lot with relatively manageable traffic, good maneuverability and a quieter atmosphere than you might expect from such a busy suburban retail corridor. The western and southern edges of the lot are particularly appealing for an overnight stay, and with Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several other retailers nearby, convenience certainly isn't in short supply. Better yet, the store management was friendly and accommodating when we called ahead to arrange our overnight visit.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spacious, paved parking lot with plenty of room to maneuver larger rigs; (2) Convenient access to US Route 1 and nearby I-95; (3) Western and southern parking areas offer quieter spots away from the busiest customer traffic; (4) Excellent nearby conveniences, including Trader Joe's, Starbucks and several dining options; and (5) Friendly store management that welcomed our overnight stay, plus surprisingly good opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Some daytime retail traffic and occasional road noise, although nothing terribly disruptive; (2) No RV hookups, dump station or dedicated overnight camping facilities; (3) Parking areas closest to the store can become crowded during business hours; (4) Limited greenery and little of the scenery you'd expect from a traditional campground; and (5) While the overnight experience was excellent, this is still a commercial parking lot rather than a destination for an extended stay.
Happy Overnighting!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
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.
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
The Gilbertsville area features rolling hills typical of southeastern Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. This region experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, ideal for water activities at local lakes. Camping opportunities near Gilbertsville provide access to wooded terrain with mixed hardwood forests creating natural shade at many sites.
Fishing opportunities: At Scott's Run Lake in French Creek State Park Campground, visitors can fish for multiple species including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, and walleye. "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," reports Ellen C.
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground offers an extensive disc golf course that hosts tournaments throughout the season. "The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well. This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day," notes Karralee B.
Horseback riding trails: Evansburg State Park provides equestrian-friendly paths for visitors bringing their own horses. "Great park to do everything outdoorsy including, hiking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing. I cought a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago!" writes J K. The park does not offer horse rentals but maintains dedicated bridle paths.
Level camping pads: Campers appreciate the well-maintained sites at French Creek State Park. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," reports Jen R. This feature is particularly helpful during rainy conditions when proper drainage matters.
Natural privacy barriers: Many sites at Blue Rocks Family Campground offer natural separation between camping areas. "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 Jen R.
Unique geological features: The boulder field at Blue Rocks creates distinctive camping experiences. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field. Upon arrival we realized that our camper was not going to fit on the site we reserved. The office was very easy to work with and we easily traded sites," shares a camper who enjoyed the unusual landscape.
Seasonal site restrictions: Lake-In-Wood Campground limits seasonal campers to newer RVs. "Three years ago, we fell in love with this campground. We knew we had to find an rv and become seasonals. Fast forward, we bought one, went to talk to them... They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed," explains Caryn I.
Navigational challenges: Some campgrounds have tight roads that require careful maneuvering. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees. Our site was a drive-through but slanted," explains Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Bathroom maintenance variability: Facilities at dog friendly campgrounds near Gilbertsville can vary widely in cleanliness and maintenance. "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," reports a camper at French Creek State Park.
Playground access: Boulder Woods Campground offers numerous activities for children. "This is a great campground. Bill and Kate are friendly and helpful. They have so much to do for kids!!" shares Shannon C. The playground equipment provides entertainment during downtime between planned activities.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Blue Rocks provides accessible trails for young explorers. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" reports Gayle B., highlighting the unique geological features that children particularly enjoy exploring.
Weather preparation: The area experiences occasional severe storms requiring appropriate gear. "Our first night there A storm came through that was so bad I was worried a tree would fall on a trailer," warns Mary C. Pack rainwear and secure equipment properly, especially during summer months when thunderstorms are common.
Site selection for larger units: At Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, site placement requires careful consideration. "The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road," notes Ra F. Larger RVs should call ahead to confirm appropriate site dimensions.
Setup assistance: Some campgrounds offer staff help with particularly challenging sites. "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight," shares Erik W. about Boulder Woods Campground.
Hookup variations: RVers should confirm exact utility connections before booking. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," explains Jen R. about French Creek State Park, noting the accessible water source despite lack of direct hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Gilbertsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Gilbertsville, PA is Boulder Woods Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Gilbertsville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Gilbertsville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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