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sorcha A.
Traveler
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.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Mertztown, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Blue Rocks Family Campground and Allentown KOA provide pet-friendly accommodations near Mertztown, Pennsylvania. Both campgrounds welcome pets with designated areas for dogs to exercise and play. Blue Rocks offers cabin camping options that accept pets, along with tent and RV sites where dogs can stay with their owners. Allentown KOA features a large fenced dog park with apparatus for pets to play on, creating a safe space for dogs to run off-leash. The campground's location alongside a creek provides a tranquil setting for pet owners and their animals. Many campgrounds in the area maintain clean, well-maintained pet areas with waste stations to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.
Hiking trails throughout the region accommodate leashed pets, with French Creek State Park offering pet-friendly camping loops specifically designed for visitors with dogs. Loop A at French Creek State Park is designated as a pet loop, though it lacks electrical hookups. Loop C provides the only dog-friendly electric sites in the park, though some campers note it feels more crowded than other areas. The park's connector trails link to most hiking paths, allowing campers and their pets to explore directly from their sites. Several campgrounds enforce quiet hours that help manage barking and other pet noise. Twin Grove RV Resort stands out with two separate dog parks located next to each other, giving pets ample space to exercise and socialize off-leash during their camping stay.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Mertztown (136)
1. Blue Rocks Family Campground
"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."
2. Allentown KOA
"However the drive jn set the stage. It was a long winding road through the forest with a creek running below the road. Utterly magical. Had to park to check in and were led to our site."
"This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays."
3. Quakerwoods Campground
"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"
4. Robin Hill Campground
"You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."
"This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!!"
5. 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."
6. Pine Hill RV Park
"It is set in a rural area surrounded by fields and pastures which makes for a peaceful setting. Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate the roads and sites."
"I have a friend nearby, so she came to visit us and bring us dinner."
Check Availabilityfrom $58 / night
7. Tohickon Family Campground
"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."
8. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
9. Rolling Hills Retreats
"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"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
10. Hill Church Getaway
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $50 / night
Drive Time
- 23 min from Allentown, PA
- 29 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr from Lebanon, PA
- 1 hr 10 min from Philadelphia, PA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Mertztown, PA
104 Photos of 136 Mertztown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mertztown, PA
1154 Reviews of 136 Mertztown Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
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!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
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.
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!
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!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
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.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
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!
Roger V.TravelerBake Oven Knob
solid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
- 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.
Guide to Mertztown
French Creek State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles southeast of Reading, offers tent and RV camping options near Mertztown, Pennsylvania. The 7,526-acre park spans across Chester and Berks counties, providing a convenient base for exploring the region's natural beauty. At an elevation ranging from 500-800 feet, the park experiences moderate temperatures with summer averages in the mid-80s and winter lows around 20°F.
What to do
Disc golf course access: At Boulder Woods Campground, the 18-hole disc golf course attracts many enthusiasts. "This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day. They sell disc golf things in the store as well," notes Karralee B., who enjoyed the convenient layout of the course adjacent to camping areas.
Fishing in multiple lakes: French Creek State Park Campground features two lakes stocked with diverse fish species. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by," writes Dan X. The lakes contain "northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish."
Hiking opportunities: Deep Creek Campground offers multiple marked trails for day hikes. "Green Lane Park is a lovely park with several well marked trails for hiking," mentions Katrina Z. In addition to designated trails, many campers appreciate the ability to access trails directly from campsites.
What campers like
Natural rock features: Blue Rocks Family Campground offers a unique geological attraction with its boulder field. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," says Terri S. The campground also provides "access to a lot of amenities, all the while keeping a 'primative' feel," according to Amy C.
Creek-side sites: Several campgrounds offer water-adjacent camping spots. Matt R. from Allentown KOA shares, "Our spot backed up right to a creek and it was beautiful. It's very secluded, no highway noise." Similarly, at Tohickon Family Campground, Harry L. mentions the "beautiful rustic setting" with "a large stream with fishing."
Spacious, level sites: At Pine Hill RV Park, campers appreciate the well-maintained areas. "The campsites are nice, the park is clean, and convenient to I-78. Roads and campsites are gravel and very easy for RVs of any size to navigate," notes Nancy W. The park's rural setting "surrounded by fields and pastures makes for a peaceful setting."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact tent camping experiences. At Tohickon Family Campground, LU D. warns, "Don't come if you're in a tent And It Has Been or will rain, It Becomes Flooded or turns into A mudPit." Similarly, Leah C. mentions that "rain made the dirt in the tent campground turn to pure mud."
Bathroom quality varies: Facility cleanliness differs between campgrounds. Cheryl K. at French Creek State Park notes, "Bathrooms were just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned. Showers were odd - one large stall but no separate dressing area."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. Jen from Deep Creek Campground cautions, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Robin Hill Campground offers multiple recreation options for children. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials. Not to mention a great place for bike riding as well," explains Jen R., noting the variety of activities available.
Kid-friendly water features: Allentown KOA provides swimming options that appeal to families. Kelly J. says, "Loved being right next to the stream... Bathrooms very clean and stocked with stuff you might need." Becky M. adds that it "has many kid friendly amenities as well as being very relaxing."
Family-oriented activities: Boulder Woods Campground organizes regular events for younger campers. "This is a great campground. Bill and Kate are friendly and helpful. They have so much to do for kids!!" Shannon C. enthuses about the structured activities that keep children entertained throughout their stay.
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility: For those with larger rigs, site access can be challenging at some locations. At Boulder Woods Campground, Erik W. advises, "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."
Hookup considerations: When choosing pet friendly camping near Mertztown, Pennsylvania, electrical options vary by campground. At Rolling Hills Retreats, primitive camping means no electrical hookups, which may affect pet owners needing climate control. Meanwhile, French Creek State Park offers limited electric sites, with Katie M. noting, "Loop C provides the only dog-friendly electric sites in the park."
Seasonal site restrictions: Age limitations exist for long-term stays at some facilities. Caryn I. shares her experience at Boulder Woods: "They only allow seasonal campers to be 10 years old or newer. Ours is 13. Very disappointed. But for a weekend away, it's a great place."
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mertztown, PA is Blue Rocks Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mertztown, PA?
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