Dog-Friendly Camping near New Germantown, PA

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    Colonel Denning State Park Campground accepts dogs at all campsites within its small, quiet camping area nestled against the mountains. Paradise Stream Family Campground offers pet-friendly tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options with spacious accommodations for families traveling with animals. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with modern restrooms and showers accessible to pet owners. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground provides a dedicated dog park area in its walk-to tent section, creating separation between camping areas while accommodating pets. Most campgrounds in the region enforce standard leash policies and require proof of vaccinations. Dogwood Acres Campground features a fenced off-leash dog park that provides ample space for pets to exercise safely while camping. Campsites at these locations typically include picnic tables and fire rings with pets allowed to remain at sites when owners are present.

    Hiking trails accessible directly from Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground provide excellent walking opportunities for dogs, with multiple paths leading to scenic overlooks and lean-to shelters approximately one mile from the camping area. Colonel Denning State Park offers dog-friendly sites near water where children and dogs can play throughout the day. Several campgrounds in the New Germantown area feature creeks or streams where pets can cool off during summer camping trips. Free Spirit Campground maintains tent sites along the tree line with water and power access, making extended stays with pets comfortable while providing reasonable bug protection despite proximity to wooded areas. The Tuscarora Mountain region offers extensive natural areas for exploration with pets, though campers should be prepared for occasional wildlife encounters and maintain proper control of their animals at all times.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near New Germantown (124)

      1. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

      4.8(9)8mi from New Germantown50 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."

      "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head. Bathhouse is very nice and clean."

      from $20 - $38 / night

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      2. Paradise Stream Family Campground

      5.0(6)8mi from New Germantown1 siteRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Tucked in the woods but near activities. The store is well stocked and also has a variety of sweet treats!"

      "It was also a gated entrance which was nice. We will definitely return."

      from $35 - $150 / night

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      3. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

      4.4(5)3mi from New Germantown18 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section."

      "Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites."

      from $18 - $45 / night

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      4. Dogwood Acres Campground

      4.8(5)10mi from New GermantownRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "It's close enough to 81 that's it's easy to find but tucked back in that you are not bothered by anyone."

      5. Buttonwood Campground

      4.9(14)19mi from New GermantownRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly."

      "One is along the River and the other is situated near the camp store, playground and pool. This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"

      from $30 - $78 / night

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      6. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      4.7(26)24mi from New Germantown74 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area."

      "There is a pet section and a non pet section in this campground. There is also showers and clean bathrooms here. Plenty of trails and attraction to explore."

      from $20 - $43 / night

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      7. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

      4.5(19)22mi from New Germantown52 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Camping trails, grills to cook on but bring ur own charcoal, giant lake to fish and boat on, hiking for all experience levels, great fishing, lots of space, wildlife is everywhere and there is even an"

      "A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."

      from $22 - $92 / night

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      8. Caledonia State Park Campground

      4.4(36)28mi from New Germantown163 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We stayed in the Chinquapin West side due to the restrictions of dogs. Not that I don't love dogs! It's just that it can get loud sometimes."

      "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

      from $20 - $92 / night

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      9. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

      4.5(31)29mi from New Germantown208 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Pet friendly (spaces 1-30, Campground A), nice shower houses with heat, well laid out beach, beach house, watercraft rentals, friendly park rangers & staff, and in the center of trails galore!"

      "Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop."

      from $20 - $48 / night

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      10. Free Spirit Campground

      5.0(1)12mi from New GermantownRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Bugs weren’t too bad for being right next to the woods. I think we paid $35. Camp hosts were super nice, they don’t leave the picnic tables out so they bring one out to you."

      from $30 - $50 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near New Germantown, PA

    760 Reviews of 124 New Germantown 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.

    • Gary C.
      Sep. 1, 2020

      Buttonwood Campground

      Beautiful Campground

      Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly. Campground has two distinct levels with open spaces with few trees above and well shaded spots with large trees for shade located down along Juniata River. Great place for fishing, tubing or just getting wet. Campground has many activities for kids. On site is a pool, winery, dog park, office/supplies located in center of campground. WiFi is available to all. Nearly all full hook-ups with back-ins and pull-thrus available. Pets allowed. 42 mile South from State College and 48 mile North of Harrisburg on Rt 322. Highly recommend!

    • 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.

    • P
      May. 18, 2018

      Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      Favorite state park campground

      This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.

    • Casey L.
      Sep. 29, 2021

      Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

      Quiet Peaceful Walk-to Site

      This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section. A lot of them are labeled "waterfront" by the park site but ours did not live up to that criteria so be aware of that. We were hoping to be truly stream-side but were not that near to it. The bathrooms were modern and clean. The park is extremely quiet and peaceful, probably one of the most remote PA state parks we've been to. The camper side was pretty full while we were the only ones on the walk-to side. We enjoyed walking the roads and little trails around the campground and seeing the old stone fireplaces/chimneys. There was  a dog park area on the walk-to side which was nice. We liked it here.

    • Paul P.
      Sep. 19, 2018

      Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      Beautiful campground!

      Smaller campground, but big on amenities!

      Staff was friendly, attentive and the Campground is extremely well-cared for. Sites vary in sizes and are well-defined. They have a great camp store and their mini-golf was just remodeled and a lot of fun to play. In addition to that, there is a bounce pad, shuffle board, horseshoes, chess, over-sized jenga, playground, dog park, gem mining, basketball, bikes, wood, propane, etc. and they pick up trash daily right at your site. All of this in a beautiful wooded spot near Gettysburg.

      I highly recommend!

    • C
      May. 26, 2018

      Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

      Memorial Day

      Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can’t bring their pets. We always camp over the holiday weeks or weekends depending on my where we stay and our out of state children come visit and sometimes stay with us but not here because we did not realize their pets were not allowed! Otherwise it has several pet parks for your own pets, several pet trails, there are people trails, mini golf, playground activities, a shuttle to hershey park & things to do nearby.


    Guide to New Germantown

    Campsites near New Germantown sit within the Tuscarora State Forest at approximately 1,200-1,500 feet elevation, creating a cooler microclimate than surrounding valleys. Summer temperatures typically range 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby Harrisburg, with mountain ridge camping locations experiencing stronger winds. The region features numerous natural springs feeding local creeks that flow through several campgrounds.

    What to do

    Hike to scenic overlooks: Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground offers multiple trail access points directly from the camping area. "Lots of trails come right into the camp. If you know where to hike to there are 3 leantos starting about a mile back," notes Jessica M., highlighting the accessible backcountry structures for day trips or overnight excursions.

    Visit historical attractions: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground features preserved iron furnace structures and an Appalachian Trail museum. "The park has an old iron furnace (hence the name) with historical information about it. There is an Appalachian trail museum, which was very neat to check out, and the old Ironmaster's Mansion serves as a hostel and event venue," explains Nate & Erika L.

    Observe wildlife: The Tuscarora Mountain region supports diverse bird species. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," reports a visitor to Colonel Denning State Park.

    Watch for synchronous fireflies: Several mountain campgrounds in the region host these special insects in summer. "We chose this park for the nice pool (short walk from campsites) but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July!" shares Stephanie S. about her experience at Caledonia State Park.

    What campers like

    Natural water features: Cowans Gap State Park Campground centers around a mountain lake with multiple recreational options. "We drove down to the lake from our site after we finished packing up. The lake was beautiful. There's a beach and swimming area. There's a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there," describes Sarah N.

    Separation from technology: The mountain ridges create natural cell service barriers at many sites. "Our first time at Cowans Gap and we loved it. 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out," shares Tom R., highlighting the digital detox aspect many campers appreciate.

    Spacious walk-in tent sites: Several state parks offer dedicated walk-in areas with greater privacy. "This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites... The park is extremely quiet and peaceful, probably one of the most remote PA state parks we've been to," notes Casey L. about Fowlers Hollow State Park.

    Reliable bathhouse facilities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Bathhouses were very clean and park was beautiful, only negative comment would be how close sites are to each other," comments Andres C., reflecting the general sentiment about state park facilities in the region.

    What you should know

    Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "Sites are labeled 'waterfront' by the park site but ours did not live up to that criteria so be aware of that. We were hoping to be truly stream-side but were not that near to it," warns a camper about expectations at certain parks.

    Seasonal closures: Buttonwood Campground and most private campgrounds operate from April through October only. "This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip," mentions Pam B., highlighting the seasonal accessibility.

    Activity fees: Some parks charge separately for recreational facilities. "You have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!! I am pretty sure it's the most expensive state park in PA!" notes Amanda H., explaining the additional costs at Little Buffalo State Park.

    Weather preparedness: The mountain elevation creates unique weather patterns. "We showed up after dark and it was a bit hard to find our way to our site—advise arriving during the day! Great little campground. Very quiet. Nestled between a hillside and a stream with a great sound of running water," recommends Greg K., emphasizing the importance of timing arrivals.

    Tips for camping with families

    Dog-friendly hiking options: Paradise Stream Family Campground provides extensive trail systems suitable for dogs and children. "We had an awesome long weekend here. This campground doesn't cut corners and the attention to details makes all the difference. My kids enjoyed the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts," shares Melissa.

    Dedicated pet exercise areas: Dedicated spaces for pets make family camping more manageable. "Clean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park," reports Coffee&Camping T. about Dogwood Acres Campground.

    Multiple water recreation options: Several campgrounds offer both natural water features and pools. "The pool here is top notch and it's good for fishing but the hiking isn't super great. We did have a nice bat spotting walk with a Ranger when we were there," notes Christopher E. about facilities at Little Buffalo State Park.

    Educational programs: State parks often run family-oriented nature activities. "There was a chaplain who came around offering a Sunday morning church service at the amphitheater," mentions Nate & Erika L., highlighting the community aspects available at Colonel Denning State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site accessibility challenges: Free Spirit Campground offers full hookup sites with some limitations. "The tent sites are just along the tree line in the grassy field, they have water and power at them. Looks like they have cabins and they have rv spots as well. Bugs weren't too bad for being right next to the woods," explains AdventureStang.

    Arrival timing considerations: Many campgrounds have challenging access roads. "This campground is on the smaller side but very nice, campsites were nice size big enough for my 32 foot motor home and mid size suv. Surrounded by state forest and the road in is dirt which doesn't bother me, i just wanted to give the info," advises Paul B. about Fowlers Hollow State Park.

    Limited services in remote locations: The distance from towns means preparation is essential. "There's NO CAMP STORE. No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping. And this campground is in the middle of nowhere," cautions Sarah N. about Cowans Gap State Park.

    Electrical considerations: Hook-up availability varies significantly. "We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility," shares Tiff T. about her experience at Colonel Denning State Park, noting the site selection trade-offs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near New Germantown, PA is Colonel Denning State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 9 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near New Germantown, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 124 dog-friendly camping locations near New Germantown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.