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Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA's dedicated dog parks and pet-friendly cabins accommodate campers traveling with animals throughout the camping season from May to November. Several campgrounds near Mount Joy offer pet-friendly accommodations including Thousand Trails Hershey, Pinch Pond Family Campground, and Hersheypark Camping Resort. Most locations maintain designated pet areas with specific rules requiring pets to remain leashed when not in enclosed exercise areas. Campgrounds typically limit pets to two per site, though policies vary by location. The pet-friendly loops at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground provide electric hookups and access to hiking trails while keeping pets separate from non-pet camping areas. Many campgrounds feature fenced dog parks where pets can exercise off-leash, with Twin Grove RV Resort offering two adjacent dog parks for different sized animals. Bathhouses and facilities remain spotlessly clean despite the presence of pets throughout the grounds. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.
Hiking trails connected to many campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with some parks offering pet-specific paths separate from main recreation areas. French Creek State Park maintains pet-friendly camping in Loop C with full hookup sites, though some reviewers note the sites feel somewhat crowded compared to non-pet loops. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours starting at 9 PM, which helps minimize barking disruptions. Seasonal considerations include summer heat precautions for pets, with many campgrounds providing shaded sites and water access. The Lancaster area's numerous Amish farms and country roads require careful driving with pets, as horse-drawn buggies are common. Pet owners should note that while most campgrounds welcome dogs, some restrict certain breeds or sizes, and nearly all require proof of current vaccinations upon check-in. The spacious off-leash areas at several campgrounds provide ample room for dogs to run and play after long drives.
"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
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"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"
"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."
"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
Check Availability"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"
"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
"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."
"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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GuideWe 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.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerClean 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThis 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!
TravelerNice 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.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideMy family and I stayed at French Creek State Park while attending an event in Reading. The park was clean and well maintained. We stayed in Loop A which had no camp host. The camp hosts were in loops B & C. We had a full hook up site. The water and electric worked great! The campground was well patrolled by Rangers throughout our stay. The bathhouses appeared to be clean and maintained. The quiet time starts at 9pm and seemed to be followed by most campers. There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro. There are many stores and restaurants in the area for food and supplies if needed. We had good cellular service with both AT&T and T-Mobile. The one downside was that there was no off leash dog park. We had to take our dog to a dog park in Birdsbroro. We would stay at this park again.
The Susquehanna River valley surrounding Mount Joy sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level, with the landscape characterized by rolling hills and fertile farmland. Temperatures typically range from the mid-20s in winter to mid-80s in summer, with higher humidity levels from June through August. The region's network of waterways creates natural corridors for wildlife movement, making it an ideal location for observing native Pennsylvania species while camping.
Kayaking on the Susquehanna: Access the river directly from River Rock Recreation where you can rent equipment onsite. "We brought two 5 gallon collapsible water containers and separate drinking water. When we stay longer we bring a solar shower bag full of water as well for showering," notes Megan S., who regularly uses this location as a kayak launch point.
Disc golf courses: Try the 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with varying difficulty levels. "The Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier," explains one camper who explored both courses.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways offer abundant fishing spots within 20 minutes of Mount Joy. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," reports Zach R. after staying at River Rock Recreation.
Spacious camping areas: At Pinch Pond, sites are designed with privacy in mind. "Our campsite was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy. The office and grounds keeping staff were super friendly and helpful," writes Melissa Y., who appreciated the room to spread out.
Rural countryside views: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country places you in authentic Amish farmland. "This campground will put your mind at ease and let you uncover the lost culture of this unique community. I remember going to the market and learning about culture that I was not necessarily familiar with before," shares Meag F.
Water recreation access: Many local campgrounds feature water features for summer enjoyment. "The large beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area," reports a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat requires preparation, especially with pets. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D," notes one camper at Thousand Trails Hershey, where shade availability varies by section.
Environmental factors: Some campgrounds have specific environmental challenges. "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online... Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," warns Scott B. about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Background noise considerations: Environmental sounds can affect your experience. "Unless you have multiple grub sticks it would take forever to cook for a lot of people. This worked great to make some appetizers and desserts however I couldn't imagine cooking a full meal for a group of people," shares Jen R. when reviewing cooking methods at River Rock Recreation.
Entertainment options: Old Mill Stream Campground offers direct access to attractions. "Nice campground with a creek that runs along the backside of the campground! Even though the amusement park wasn't open yet, kids still had a good time! The grounds are clean and there's also a small playground and basketball court!" shares Ray L.
Swimming areas for children: Look for designated swimming zones with safety features. "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," shares Julie Y. about her experience at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Mount Joy include programmed entertainment. "My kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," writes Davie Q. about Thousand Trails Circle M, where seasonal activities keep children occupied.
Site leveling: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some locations. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level. It is absolutely beautiful out. The grounds are well-kept," shares Nick E. about Circle M RV Resort.
Hookup considerations: Services vary widely between campgrounds. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," explains Kasey M. regarding PA Dutch Country RV Resort's site allocation policy.
Maneuverability between sites: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig," advises Chuck W. about Old Mill Stream Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mount Joy, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mount Joy, PA is Thousand Trails Hershey with a 3.8-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mount Joy, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 122 dog-friendly camping locations near Mount Joy, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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