K
Karen G.
Scout
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Clean bathrooms and hot showers, great hiking and beautiful sites.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Malvern, PA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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French Creek State Park Campground permits pets at designated campsites throughout its 843-acre property near Malvern. The park offers a variety of pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces with electric hookups, and cabins where dogs are welcome. Leashed pets must be attended at all times on the campground premises. Ridley Creek State Park's group camping area also welcomes four-legged companions, with well-marked trails ideal for dog walking. Many campers appreciate the park's pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to enjoy creek access at several points. Both parks maintain a strict leash policy, typically requiring pets to be on leads no longer than 6 feet.
Hibernia County Park provides primitive tent camping with pets allowed from May through October. The Lake Loop campsites feature fire rings with built-in grills and picnic tables, though they sit further from the water than maps suggest. Clean porta-potties are available, but no running water bathrooms. Brandywine Creek Campground's tent sites border the creek, providing pleasant background sounds for camping with dogs. Several hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed pets, with Evansburg State Park offering excellent terrain for dog walking with miles of pet-accessible paths. Pet owners should note that wildlife encounters are possible, and proper waste disposal is required at all facilities. Veterinary services are available in Malvern and surrounding communities should emergency care be needed.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Malvern (91)
1. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
"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."
2. Hibernia County Park
"This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the “sites” are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters."
"Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $50 / night
3. Brandywine Creek Campground
"Girlfriend and I stayed here while we visited nearby Longwood Gardens. The tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view."
"Close to Valley Forge military park, and convenient to Philadelphia by train."
4. Lake-In-Wood Campground
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $60 / night
5. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"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."
"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."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $27 - $45 / night
6. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
7. Boulder Woods Campground
"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."
8. Spring Gulch Resort Campground
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
9. Village Scene Park
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $48 / night
10. Lancaster-New Holland KOA
"Small dog park, too small for our two labs. We were in site 50 for this trip, however if you have a decent sized rig I would steer clear of this row."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
Drive Time
- 30 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 36 min from Reading, PA
- 42 min from Trenton, NJ
- 58 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Malvern, PA
70 Photos of 91 Malvern Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
Boulder Woods Campground
Hill Church Getaway
Lake In Wood Resort
Spring Gulch Resort Campground
Lancaster-New Holland KOA
Adventure Bound Camping Resorts Oak Creek
Rolling Hills Retreats
Beacon Hill Camping
Dutch Cousin Campground
Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Malvern, PA
967 Reviews of 91 Malvern Campgrounds
- s
sorcha A.
TravelerShady 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.
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
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!
- Stuart K.Legend
Lowe's - W Windsor
Upscale Parking Paradise at This Home Fixer-Upper
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!
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
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!
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
- bbob J.
GuideAtsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
Pine Barrens New Jersey
This campground is part of the Wharton State Forest and has several campgrounds in the area. Great wooded sites right on a lake. Pretty good separation between sites with good tree separation between sites. Some road noise not overly affecting site.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
Thomas B.
RangerTohickon Family Campground
Simple, peaceful FHU
We stayed just a couple nights here on our way north. The camp host was helpful before our stay and during check-in. Our site was pretty isolated from the others, so it was very quiet (no complaints here). There is a decent mix of sunny sites by the river and shady sites under the trees. The weather was perfect mid September. There wasn't anything spectacular for me, but it was a good experience and it was a nice taste of fall PA scenery. Beware that the roads are tight for a big rig. Side note, it did seem like most campers lived there.
Guide to Malvern
French Creek State Park offers year-round camping across 843 acres of wooded terrain at 750 feet elevation, 8 miles southwest of Malvern. The park's diverse ecosystems include mixed hardwood forests and wetlands, creating microclimates that keep summer evenings cooler than surrounding areas. Campsites throughout the region experience frequent morning fog from April through October due to the proximity to creeks and ponds.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: French Creek State Park Campground features two lakes stocked with diverse fish species. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," according to one reviewer.
Disc golf courses: Courses near Malvern range from beginner to advanced. "There is also a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!" notes a camper who visited French Creek State Park.
Water activities: Seasonal kayak rentals provide access to local waterways. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking" are available according to one visitor.
Winter activities: Several parks maintain winter recreation options when others close. "Cross country ski, or disc golf, and the trails along the Wissahickon Creek" are available at Fort Washington State Park according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Well-spaced sites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Malvern feature adequate separation between campers. At Green Lane Park, "the sites are large but there is NO privacy. The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them," notes one visitor, showing the variation in site privacy across the area.
Creek access: Waterside sites provide ambient sounds and cooling effects. At Brandywine Creek Campground, "the tent sites are spacious and they all border the creek which is a nice sound at night, as well as a good morning view. Each site comes with fire pit and picnic table."
Level parking areas: Many campsites feature constructed elements to facilitate easier setups. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," explains a French Creek camper.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rank high among camper priorities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," writes a visitor to Lums Pond State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary significantly across parks. "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," explains a camper at Hibernia County Park.
Limited hookups: Water access points may be restricted at some pet-friendly locations. At Hibernia County Park, "there are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Reservation requirements: Some parks require advance bookings for specific events. "Hibernia annually hosts the (super fun!) 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Site variations: Terrain and layout differ substantially even within the same park. "The campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the 'sites' are smaller and it's more open," notes a Hibernia County Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly amenities vary across dog friendly campgrounds around Malvern. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers "a playground, so good for kids, but not so much an all adults stay."
Fishing spots for children: Designated areas exist specifically for younger anglers. At Hibernia, "the children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it ideal for introducing kids to the activity.
Kid-specific events: Scheduled activities occur regularly at larger facilities. "They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," shares a KOA visitor, highlighting the family-focused programming.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites near campgrounds provide learning experiences. "Nearby there is Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails as well," notes a French Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: RV capacity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Evansburg State Park Campground, the "only downside is having to haul gear by foot to the campsite. Some are further than others," which affects larger rigs and equipment.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustments for comfortable parking. At Hibernia County Park, sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Service accessibility: Cell coverage fluctuates throughout the area. A Clarksboro KOA visitor noted the "wifi was fairly fast but was prone to disconnects," which is typical of the region's variable connectivity.
Hookup positioning: Utility access points may require special setup considerations. One camper noted at a park near Malvern that "the site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Malvern, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Malvern, PA is Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Malvern, PA?
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