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Fox Den Acres Campground welcomes pets at its spacious, shaded tent sites and full-hookup RV areas near Irwin. Dogs must be kept on leashes throughout the campground, with designated pet exercise areas available for off-leash play. The campground features clean facilities with shower houses a short walk from most sites, though tent campers note the primitive section lacks nearby water sources. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA provides similar pet accommodation options with tent sites, RV spots, and pet-friendly cabins, though guests should check specific pet policies for cabins as restrictions may apply. Both campgrounds maintain pet waste stations and require owners to clean up after their animals. Fox Den's military-positive atmosphere includes well-maintained grounds, fishing ponds, playgrounds, and a swimming pool where families can enjoy recreation while pets remain in designated areas.
Bush Recreation Area offers pet-friendly camping with electric hookups along Loyalhanna Creek, providing shore access where dogs can cool off during summer months. The area features spacious sites with newer composite picnic tables that can be easily moved to accommodate pet needs. Leashed pets are welcome on the surrounding walking paths and green spaces, though owners should be prepared for encounters with local wildlife including raccoons at Dravo's Landing, where free bike-in campsites along the Youghiogheny River welcome pets. Pet owners camping at Keystone State Park Campground benefit from proximity to hiking trails suitable for dog walking. Most campgrounds in the region require vaccination records for pets, so travelers should carry documentation, especially during busy summer weekends when host checks may be more frequent.
"They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
"The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
"The campground was family and pet friendly on the hillside section. For the whole family enjoy."
"I camped in the Hillside Loop (Dog Friendly). Not a bad walk to the lake. Site was reasonable leave and plenty of room for my 32 foot Motor home and car."
from $18 - $79 / night
Check Availability"It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
"Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"This camp was laid out very well and had plenty of maps and trails, as well as daily activities. They have a small amphitheater with easy access, a dump and recycling area."
"Aside from the rock water slide, which is burned into the kid's memories, there's great, easy hiking trails and a pet-friendly campsite."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"
"This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."
"The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."
from $25 - $999999 / night
Check Availability"Stayed 3 nights because I wanted to be centrally located to the he Flight 93 Memorial and Falling Water (about 30 miles to each). The non pet section is heavily wooded and very shady."
"The pet loop was essentially a field with trees around it. The none pet loop was in the trees and so you sometimes had more space and sometimes were right beside you."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"
"The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."
"gravel lots with wood boarders lots of grass on each site as well
full verizon coverage lte
30 + 50amp services
grey water dump on most sites
water
open year round
cons
no kids park
no dog"
"We recently stayed at this campsite with our 3 very young kids and dog. What amazing views from this location!"
from $48 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis campground checks all our boxes. Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works.
This is located about an hour away from my home, so we plan on making this our go-to for quick camping getaways throughout the year.
Highly recommended. Definitely worth checking out.
GuidePreface: if your main objective is activities for children, you have come to the right place. This place is loud and full of kids.
We booked a site but chose not to pay to select which one. All the pictures looked great! We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities.
Also bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order.
Aside from all the above, the Dog Park is awesome. It’s the size of a real, normal dog park. The ice cream on site is also a nice perk.
RangerThis may be the first campground I give a 10 out of 10! All the amenities your could want, it's clean, sites are leveled, it's maintained beautifully, there are cows in the distance, fully stocked store, friendly staff. Laundry, bathrooms, fairly spacious sites, a pool, dog park. Very, very nice.
TravelerWhile most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets- there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions! Loop F includes electric spots! Loved seeing the 'neighbors' dogs get excited and curious when I walked my 4-legged best friend around the site. Clean area , close to a modern bathroom (a few stalls & even 2 showers!) Looking forward to going back at the end of the month.
ScoutVery conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly! Front desk staff were knowledgeable and and helpful. We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it. Big open dog park! There are only a few shaded spots. Spot width was a little narrow where we stayed (on the hill), but perfect for a quick overnight stay. Bathrooms were fairly clean, laundry was nice. The pool looked very well maintained.
Scoutnice campsite the closest to Pittsburg that i found. 35 mins
pros
amazing views at this mountain top campsite
45 per night for me ymmv
clean campgrounds
level gravel lots with wood boarders
lots of grass on each site as well
full verizon coverage lte
30 + 50amp services
grey water dump on most sites
water
open year round
cons
no kids park
no dog park
no cable hookups
moderate wi-fi (to be expected)
no black sewer hookup (does have dump station and honey wagon)
TravelerI was the only tenter at the time of my stay; had the whole place to myself. The sites are spread far apart and wooded. Table and fire rings are at each site. They have a brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs. If desired, there is a group campsite and the use of a pavilion too. The camp store if beautiful and has everything in it should you forget something. I’ll definitely be back.
GuideStayed 3 nights because I wanted to be centrally located to the he Flight 93 Memorial and Falling Water (about 30 miles to each). The non pet section is heavily wooded and very shady. The pet section is more of a loop set up with some trees. The no pet section had no, zero, zilch cell service so my stay was super quiet. Site 173 was easy to back into and had a large picnic area with a fire ring next to the brook. There is a lake with a small beach and a boat launch and numerous hiking trails. The park will s very nice pretty and during the week fairly empty. I would recommend
TravelerIn the past 5 years, I've made 13 trips to Raccoon Creek State Park and spent 16 nights in a tent there. It is my local state park and I can tell you lots about it.
The D loop is really great tent camping at Raccoon Creek State Park. It's tents only, no RVs. So it gets a really fun, party vibe on Saturday nights during the summer. There's a trail right to the beach near the D loop, so it's a great place for families to go with pets. The sites are big, wooded, and all close to the bathroom.
The C loop, however, doesn't take pets (which stinks). When we have our dogs with us, we gravitate towards the C loop. It's fine, but it's not as fun as the D loop.
When we don't make a reservation and we have our dog, we end up in the F loop. It's not our preference (but--let's be clear--even the worst site in the F loop is better than NO trip!).
Camping sites around Irwin, Pennsylvania sit in the western foothills of the Appalachians, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet. The area receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forests and waterways. Summer temperatures average 83°F during the day, dropping to comfortable overnight lows in the mid-60s, making tent camping particularly pleasant from late May through September.
Hiking nearby trails: At Keystone State Park Campground, several moderate trails weave through the wooded areas within walking distance of most campsites. "There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town. Great place to spend the weekend," notes camper Luke K. The Lakeside Trail provides a 1.2-mile loop suitable for all skill levels.
Mountain biking: The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground," explains Shari G. The crushed limestone surface makes for accessible riding, with trailhead parking available for day riders.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer shore fishing access, with Laurel Hill State Park Campground providing a 63-acre lake stocked with trout, bass, and bluegill. Permits required (available online). "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," according to Erik E., who adds that the "kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen."
Spacious sites: Fox Den Acres Campground earns consistent praise for its generous spacing between campsites. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," reports Dena L. Most sites feature 30-40 feet between camping areas, allowing for privacy without isolation.
Camp amenities: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Irwin feature modern facilities that campers appreciate. "Very peaceful and friendly place, bathhouse are extremely clean," notes Tanner B. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. For families seeking recreation beyond hiking, Msmetoo48 S. points out Fox Den Acres has "play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store."
Mountain views: Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name with panoramic vistas. "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned," writes Corey L. Sites 41-48 are particularly sought after for sunset viewing across the valley. Jennifer N. confirms: "We had the most amazing views from our site. Water and electricity were easy to access and hook up."
Limited water sources: At some rustic campgrounds, water access can be challenging. "No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites," reports Heather H. about Fox Den Acres. Bring extra water containers if staying at primitive sites.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds trade convenience for quiet. "Quiet despite being by the highway," notes Joanne H. about Donegal Campground, though others report difficulty sleeping: "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you," warns Indy A.
Seasonal availability: Most pet-friendly camping options near Irwin operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. Check opening dates as they vary widely: Fox Den Acres runs May 1-Oct 31, while Keystone operates from "1st Fri April to 3rd Sun October."
Activity planning: For families with young children, look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy since essentials, and a few luxuries," mentions Heather H. about Fox Den Acres, adding they "provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week."
Swimming options: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park offers natural water play areas. "Just outside town as you climb the hill, to the left is Sliding Rock. Get there early to get a parking spot...and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun," advises Dave V. The natural water slide extends about 100 feet as it winds through rock formations.
Site selection for tents: When tent camping with kids, check site terrain carefully. "Our tent site was more like an RV site as we had a hill side but each site has a 30ft concrete pad to park on so I just put our tent on the concrete pad," explains Daniel F. about his stay at Keystone State Park.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require extra equipment for RV leveling. Patience W. notes about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA: "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped."
Hookup locations: Check utility post placement before arrival. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Pull-through availability: For easier parking, consider Bush Recreation Area which features pull-through sites. "Our picnic table was (nearly) brand new composite material and easy to move around," notes Tim J., who stayed in spaces 16-17, adding they were "on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Irwin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Irwin, PA is Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Irwin, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 dog-friendly camping locations near Irwin, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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