Dog-Friendly Camping near Highspire, PA

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    Harrisburg East Campground provides a dedicated unfenced grass area for dogs near Highspire, Pennsylvania, allowing pets at all campsites across their RV and tent areas. Located at 1134 Highspire Road, the campground maintains well-kept sites that accommodate various camping setups including RVs with full hookups and primitive tent sites. Hersheypark Camping Resort also welcomes pets throughout their camping areas, offering tent sites, RV spots with water and electric hookups, and cabin accommodations. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities with shower access and trash collection. While some campsites at these locations are situated close together, larger sites are available with advance reservation. The highway borders one side of Harrisburg East Campground, creating occasional noise when RV doors are open.

    Dog owners staying at these pet-friendly campgrounds have access to nearby walking areas and regional trails. Hersheypark Camping Resort features a creek running through portions of the property where some campers report their pets enjoy cooling off during hot summer days. Both campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring owners to clean up after their animals and keep them leashed when outside the designated pet areas. The free shuttle service at Hersheypark Camping Resort runs throughout the day, providing convenient transportation for campers with pets who wish to visit nearby attractions while returning to check on their animals. Several reviewers note that securing campsites away from high-traffic areas like train tracks or highways provides a more peaceful experience for nervous pets. Local pet supply stores and veterinary services are accessible within short driving distance of both campgrounds.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Highspire (133)

      1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      4.2(57)13mi from Highspire295 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees."

      "Our site was in the pet loop and was set back off the road a good amount which kept a lot of the road noise down. It was very large and Iffered gIId trees fIr strIngIng up tarps and hammocks."

      from $20 - $89 / night

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      2. Hersheypark Camping Resort

      4.1(31)7mi from HighspireRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

      "We stay here every September during the Hershey Dog Grooming Expo. We have never had any complaints. Office personnel are very friendly and helpful."

      3. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

      4.3(16)8mi from HighspireRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can’t bring their pets."

      "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

      from $45 - $279 / night

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      4. Thousand Trails Hershey

      3.8(22)14mi from HighspireRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."

      "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

      from $50 - $60 / night

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      5. River Rock Recreation

      4.8(5)8mi from Highspire1 siteRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."

      "https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"

      from $75 - $90 / night

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      6. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

      4.5(15)17mi from HighspireRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"

      "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

      7. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

      3.7(14)18mi from HighspireRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."

      "Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"

      8. Harrisburg East Campground

      4.0(2)2mi from HighspireRVs, Tents

      "They had a large grass area for dogs, although unfenced. The highway bordered it on one side and while we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the noise if our door was open."

      "The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times."

      from $84 - $94 / night

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      9. Hershey Road Campground

      4.5(2)9mi from HighspireRVs, Cabins

      "Very close to Hersheypark.  Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "

      "Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic. Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!"

      10. Lower Allen Community Park

      5.0(1)7mi from HighspireTents, Glamping

      "The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."

      from $10 - $25 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Highspire, PA

    949 Reviews of 133 Highspire Campgrounds


    • barb C.
      Aug. 6, 2022

      Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      Amazing campground!

      We stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.

    • Gary C.
      Sep. 1, 2020

      Buttonwood Campground

      Beautiful Campground

      Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly. Campground has two distinct levels with open spaces with few trees above and well shaded spots with large trees for shade located down along Juniata River. Great place for fishing, tubing or just getting wet. Campground has many activities for kids. On site is a pool, winery, dog park, office/supplies located in center of campground. WiFi is available to all. Nearly all full hook-ups with back-ins and pull-thrus available. Pets allowed. 42 mile South from State College and 48 mile North of Harrisburg on Rt 322. Highly recommend!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 9, 2025

      Artillery Ridge Campground

      Great location and friendly staff

      We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

    • Melissa F.
      Jul. 21, 2018

      Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      Wish I stayed there under different circumstances.

      The rangers were nice and the campground hosts were sweet. I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees. I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access. Next time I will be getting a site away from the group area. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking.

    • C
      Oct. 21, 2021

      Dogwood Acres Campground

      Quiet and Friendly Staff

      Clean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.

    • Chris G.
      Jul. 23, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Great campground! Lots of fun

      We loved it here. It accommodates a large family reunion with plenty of space. The campground was well populated but we didn’t feel cramped at all. Super dog friendly. Many little dog parks throughout. Great pool.

    • Kathy S.
      Oct. 18, 2022

      Jonestown/Hershey KOA

      Beautiful Park

      This camp boasts a stream and beautiful city bridge for water play in the summer and photography in the cooler months. Grounds, bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, dog park, everything. This park is wonderful!

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      Nice campground with well taken care of sites. There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids.

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      This is an amazing campground! There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash. And for the kids there is an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides. On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat. There is also a ice cream place to get a nice cold treat. The RV spots are really nice and well kept.


    Guide to Highspire

    Camping near Highspire offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 300-400 feet above sea level along the Susquehanna River. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for camping. Local campgrounds often provide river access points where campers can launch kayaks or fishing boats.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways near Highspire provide excellent fishing spots. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, campers report good catches from shore. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes one visitor. The park requires fishing licenses, which rangers actively check.

    Hiking trails: Explore local trail systems offering various difficulty levels. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shared a Gifford Pinchot visitor. For shorter hikes, the Northwest Lancaster Trail near River Rock Recreation offers accessible paths with wildlife viewing opportunities.

    Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses for guests. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course," explains a camper at Gifford Pinchot. While courses vary in difficulty, beginners should note potential hazards: "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."

    What campers like

    Waterfront sites: Riverside camping provides both recreation and relaxation. River Rock Recreation offers "two large wooden decks keep you level and off of the ground" with sites right on the Susquehanna River. Another camper adds, "Staying right on the river was both fun and relaxing for us. We even booked a second trip for this July."

    Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate campgrounds near Highspire with dedicated dog areas. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers "several pet parks for your own pets, several pet trails, there are people trails" according to visitors. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Highspire.

    Well-maintained bathrooms: Clean facilities matter to campers. One visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA noted, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites." Another camper shared, "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly. Price is fair and not nearly as expensive as many other KOAs but the quality is just as good!"

    What you should know

    Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one camper warned: "Trains are all night" while another advised, "I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" Site selection significantly impacts your experience.

    Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campsites in the region. A visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country reported, "Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites."

    Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. A Pinch Pond visitor noted, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner." Another camper added, "If you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking."

    Tips for camping with families

    Kid-friendly animal interactions: Farm-themed campgrounds provide unique experiences for children. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids." Another family shared, "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even llamas."

    Beach access for children: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor. Some campgrounds offer both pool and beach options for cooling off.

    First-timer friendly sites: Some locations specifically cater to new campers. At River Rock Recreation, "They said they would eventually like to be able to provide more items like tents, kayaks, bicycles, fishing gear and anything you would need for camping." This is ideal "for someone who has never camped before and just wants to try it to see if they like it."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs. For RVers at Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out." Another RVer advised, "The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there. The Lazy River section is far away from the noise."

    Full hookup considerations: Water pressure and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. A PA Dutch Country visitor noted, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay." Check reviews for specific utility issues before booking.

    Pull-through availability: RVers seeking easier setup should target specific campground sections. "We chose a pull through site for our 30 ft TT since we are newbies (our 4th trip). There is ample space between you and your rv neighbor and no real obstructions to park," shared a camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highspire, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 133 dog-friendly camping locations near Highspire, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.