Dog-Friendly Camping near Jacobus, PA

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    Codorus State Park Campground provides large, secluded pet-friendly sites across multiple camping loops, with a dedicated area specifically for campers with pets. Located near Hanover, sites are shaded with ample space between them, particularly in Loop A which offers non-electric tent camping under forest canopy. Electric hookups are available in other loops, and the campground accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, glamping, and yurts. Indian Rock Campgrounds offers more rustic pet-friendly camping alongside a creek with primitive tent sites and RV options. Cedar Lake Family Campground and Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm round out the pet-friendly options near Jacobus with full-service amenities. Campgrounds near Jacobus, Pennsylvania are listed with photos on The Dyrt.

    Hiking trails accessible directly from campsites offer excellent pet exercise opportunities, with the historic rail trail at Indian Rock providing miles of dog-friendly paths. The spacious layout of Codorus State Park ensures dogs have room to explore while remaining leashed. Lake Marburg at Codorus offers shoreline access for pets, though swimming is prohibited for both humans and animals. Most campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring leashes no longer than 6 feet, proof of vaccinations, and proper waste disposal. Bathroom facilities throughout these campgrounds are consistently clean and well-maintained, with hot showers available. Barking restrictions are enforced during quiet hours, typically from 10pm until morning. The pet-friendly sites in open fields at Codorus lack shade and become noticeably hotter than wooded sites, an important consideration during summer camping trips.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Jacobus (125)

      1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      4.2(57)16mi from Jacobus295 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. Codorus State Park Campground

      4.3(42)13mi from Jacobus187 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We got a spot for two nights in the pet area. We were shaded by trees, but the spots weren’t very private. Bathroom facilities are nice."

      "The open field pet friendly sites are also large but provide no shade and it gets hot!  You can feel the difference between these sites and the interior loop sites.  "

      from $20 - $195 / night

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      3. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

      4.0(19)13mi from JacobusRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Our dog was welcomed. Will definitely be going back. This was our first trip with our camper ever and everyone was helpful"

      "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

      4. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

      4.6(9)14mi from JacobusRVs, Cabins

      "The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."

      "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."

      5. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

      4.3(16)18mi from JacobusRVs, 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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      6. Cedar Lake Family Campground

      5.0(6)13mi from JacobusRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again"

      "Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."

      from $60 - $100 / night

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      7. Indian Rock Campgrounds

      4.0(2)3mi from JacobusRVs, Tents

      "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. There’s a spot right next to it but was unoccupied while we were there so we were all alone."

      8. Pequea Creek Campground

      4.5(14)20mi from JacobusRVs, Tents

      "Pet friendly and very lush with greenery."

      "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."

      9. Otter Creek Campground

      4.7(10)18mi from JacobusRVs, Tents

      "Pet friendly!"

      "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

      10. Thousand Trails Circle M

      3.9(19)22mi from JacobusRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."

      "I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Jacobus, PA

    1109 Reviews of 125 Jacobus 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.

    • 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.

    • singinajf@aol.com
      May. 26, 2021

      Ramblin' Pines

      Quiet Spot

      The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.


    Guide to Jacobus

    Camping areas around Jacobus, Pennsylvania center around the rolling foothills of the Susquehanna River valley at elevations between 400-700 feet. The region's temperate climate features distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching 85°F and crisp fall camping temperatures in the 50-60°F range. Many campgrounds in this area contain mixed deciduous forest with oak and maple trees that create spectacular fall color displays from late September through October.

    What to do

    Hiking historic rail trails: Indian Rock Campgrounds offers direct access to the rail trail system with miles of flat, well-maintained paths. "We spent a lot of time on the historic rail trail that you can get to straight from the property," notes one camper at Indian Rock Campgrounds.

    Fishing Lake Marburg: Codorus State Park Campground provides lake access for anglers seeking bass and bluegill. "Nice campground. Very clean facilities. We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake," reports Catherine H. who adds "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina."

    Visit farm animals: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers children and adults a unique camping experience with on-site animals. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family," shares Robert M.

    Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two complete 18-hole disc golf courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: 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," warns Danielle V.

    What campers like

    Large wooded sites: Campers appreciate the spacious, treed sites at many campgrounds near Jacobus. At Otter Creek Campground, "Sites are spacious and nice!" says Gerald B., while Scott M. describes the location as "secluded and lovely, great campsite right on the Susquehanna!"

    Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, Melissa C. notes, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely."

    Swimming options: Despite lake restrictions, many campgrounds offer swimming alternatives. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, a reviewer mentions, "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," while Mike C. from Codorus State Park Campground appreciates their "very well maintained park" with "paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms."

    Campground activities: Many locations feature planned events and recreation facilities. "We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" states Amy R. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, where Brian S. adds, "This campground has lots to offer. They have upgraded many of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great."

    What you should know

    Site selection considerations: The terrain at various campgrounds presents different experiences. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, Scott B. warns about tent area layout: "When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."

    Seasonal variations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," explains a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, while at Pequea Creek Campground, a reviewer warns about seasonal river conditions: "Unfortunately, with all the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris."

    Pet restrictions: While many campgrounds are dog friendly near Jacobus, each location maintains specific rules. "The pet friendly sites in open fields lack shade," notes a reviewer, while Melissa F. at Gifford Pinchot observes "It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking."

    Advance reservations required: Popular locations fill quickly during peak season. "Advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!" advises Wendy W. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, which offers "tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, Leanne B. reports, "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."

    Camping lakeside: Waterfront sites offer direct water access for families. Julie Y. from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground shares, "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."

    Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for amenities. Bonnie T. notes about Codorus State Park Campground, "It was a shock we had to pay to swim when we camped there," though another camper clarifies, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."

    Holiday weekend activities: Campgrounds often plan special events during holidays. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, Melissa E. recalls, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting setup. At Pequea Creek Campground, J.W. advises, "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail."

    Water and electric connections: Access to utilities differs between campgrounds and loops. Kevin M. explains about Codorus State Park Campground, "No water but the bath house was close and very clean," while Victoria G. shares about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "Site was spacious, clean and trees between sites so you don't feel crowded in."

    Dump station accessibility: Some campgrounds offer on-site sewage services. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, Kasey M. notes, "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)."

    Private entrance roads: Access conditions can affect arrival. At Pequea Creek Campground, a reviewer mentions, "I realize that the private entrance road is long to maintain but patching some of the holes, clearing debris from the dump site deck, and wiping down the bathrooms would have netted a 5th star."

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Jacobus, 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 Jacobus, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 125 dog-friendly camping locations near Jacobus, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.