Dog-Friendly Camping near Newtown Square, PA

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    Ridley Creek State Park offers pet-friendly group camping with electric hookups, fire pits, and picnic tables for organized camping parties. Dogs must be leashed at all times throughout the park's well-marked trails, which reviewers note are great for hiking with canine companions. Several other campgrounds near Newtown Square welcome pets, including French Creek State Park Campground with year-round availability for tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations. The trails at Ridley Creek are particularly appreciated by dog owners for their tree cover and access to small creek areas where dogs can cool off during warmer months.

    Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA accommodates pets at its tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and showers. Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the area maintain standard leash requirements of six feet or less. Fort Washington State Park Campground provides accessible trails along the Wissahickon Creek that are perfect for dog walking, though camping is limited to organized groups by reservation only. Evansburg State Park's trails running alongside creek areas offer moderate hiking opportunities with pets, though visitors should be prepared for occasionally muddy conditions that may require clean-up afterward. Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, allows pets in its free primitive camping areas without amenities, making it suitable for more adventurous campers with dogs who enjoy water access.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Newtown Square (100)

      1. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

      4.7(10)4mi from Newtown Square2 sitesTents

      "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."

      "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back"

      from $57 / night

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      2. French Creek State Park Campground

      4.2(83)25mi from Newtown Square227 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge."

      from $20 - $75 / night

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      3. Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      4.3(21)15mi from Newtown SquareRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      4. Fort Washington State Park Campground

      4.1(7)15mi from Newtown Square4 sitesTents

      "It's almost 500 acres filled with trails, woods,and river. I usually go to the parking right off of Militia hill rd.and Skippack Pike intersection."

      "m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"

      from $28 - $72 / night

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      5. Evansburg State Park Campground

      4.5(6)14mi from Newtown Square2 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It was a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors."

      "Since he was 2 years old I’ve taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for “adventures”."

      from $43 / night

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      6. Tinicum Island

      5.0(1)11mi from Newtown SquareTents

      7. Lums Pond State Park Campground

      4.5(52)35mi from Newtown Square73 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $22 - $40 / night

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      8. Alverthorpe Private Park

      2.5(4)17mi from Newtown Square100 sitesTents

      "year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:  HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"

      from $1 - $100 / night

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      9. Hibernia County Park

      4.0(8)23mi from Newtown SquareTents, Glamping

      "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."

      from $15 - $50 / night

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      10. Brandywine Creek Campground

      4.7(3)19mi from Newtown SquareRVs

      "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."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Newtown Square, PA

    972 Reviews of 100 Newtown Square Campgrounds


    • L
      Aug. 6, 2018

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Very Dog Friendly

      Campground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. 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. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 3, 2021

      Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      Really nice

      We stayed here for a night in transit. Beautiful campground — lots of trees, pond, kids play equipment, dog park, etc. facilities all clean and whole place is well maintained. Easy late arrival. Good location - convenient but far enough off the highway. Would stay here again.

    • E
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Impromtu tent camping success!

      I was able to book my site the day before the trip. 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. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.

      The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.

      The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.

      The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.

      The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.

      Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.

      All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.

    • D
      Jun. 5, 2023

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Weekend Trip To Reading

      My 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.

    • Mackenzie B.
      Aug. 4, 2018

      Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park

      love it here

      well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills.

    • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 12, 2022

      Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

      Nice Campground Near Philadelphia

      West Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy. A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!) There is a lot to do in the surrounding area like visiting the historical sites in downtown Philadelphia, Valley Forge, or exploring Amish country. 

      This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids– swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc. There is a large pool area with pavilion but it was closed during our stay since we were there early in the season. The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is a slow meandering pretty river that is great to get your feet wet or go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent if you have time and as there is very little current in the river you can paddle out and back without any trouble. There is a nice, short nature trail which was nice to walk our dog and she enjoyed getting wet in the river. 

      The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs. Some sites are “premiums” with paved patios, Adirondack chairs, fancy firepits, BBQ grill, and tables and chairs with an umbrella. These sites are really nice, but you pay a lot more for them. Some sites are located adjacent to the river with nice waterfront views, but beware some might be muddy. There are lots of camping cabins and a couple of glamping tents. 

      Overall, the campground is very clean with no trash lying around and the grass was mowed and trimmed. The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well. Garbage is picked up at your site. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants, shopping, and interesting things to see and do.

    • Ellen B.
      May. 23, 2019

      Lums Pond State Park Campground

      Great place in the back yard

      We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.

      Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well.

      Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 9, 2021

      Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA

      Best KOA I’ve been to

      This is unquestionably the best KOA I’ve been to. I usually do not like KOA, except when there are no alternatives. This one is way above average. Typically these places are all gravel and dust. This one has paved roads, grass and trees. There is a pond for fishing, too. The only complaint is that, like all KOAs, the sites are on top of each other. 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. There are cabins and large tents you can rent. There is a playground, pavilion, laundry, and several shower/bathrooms. (The one near us didn’t have hot water. The office people said they were working on it.) There us also a large, grassy, fenced dog park which my 2 spaniels appreciated.

    • Tamara P.
      Jul. 8, 2020

      French Creek State Park Campground

      Great Park!

      We stayed at site 18 in Loop A. There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge.


    Guide to Newtown Square

    Camping near Newtown Square offers diverse landscapes and moderate terrain across seasons. Located in Pennsylvania's coastal plain region, the area sits at approximately 384 feet above sea level with temperatures ranging from 25°F in winter to 85°F in summer. The region's mixed deciduous forests create natural boundaries between many campsites and provide shade during warmer months.

    What to do

    Trail exploration with dogs: French Creek State Park Campground features moderate hiking trails with diverse terrain. "Beautiful area to explore and the campground is fairly nice. Bonus points for accepting four legged friends!" notes Derek M., highlighting the park's pet-friendly policy.

    Birding opportunities: Fort Washington State Park Campground attracts bird enthusiasts year-round. "If you call yourself a bird watcher, you'll be particularly interested as from this very spot you can view the beautiful raptors that migrate here on a seasonal basis in both the Spring and Autumn," explains Stuart K., who recommends the park's observation deck.

    Water activities: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, campers enjoy kayaking and fishing. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," mentions a reviewer. The park restricts motors to electric only on its 200-acre pond.

    What campers like

    Private wooded sites: Many campers praise the separation between sites at French Creek State Park Campground. As Dan X. notes, "Plenty of foliage between sites keeps them pretty private. Plenty of space, picnic table, fire ring, basic bathroom facilities."

    Year-round availability: Seasonal flexibility allows for camping during less crowded times. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports Galit P. about French Creek, one of several dog-friendly campgrounds near Newtown Square that remains open during winter.

    Creek access: Evansburg State Park Campground provides water features that enhance the experience. "Great place to creek hike, nice for horses, we did get a lot of ticks, but not deer ticks, thankfully," shares Meg F. about this pet-welcoming option within driving distance of Newtown Square.

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds near Newtown Square require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park.

    Group-only restrictions: Some parks limit individual camping. "Great historical park along Washington's route to Valley Forge - however, camping is group camping by reservation only, not nightly camping for individuals," Sue C. clarifies about Fort Washington.

    Weather considerations: Hibernia County Park can become muddy after rainfall. "I find Evansburg to be the muddiest State Park I've ever experienced; I always bring a pair of sneakers to change out of my hiking boots," suggests Andrew C., highlighting the need for extra footwear.

    Pet leash policies: All pet-friendly campgrounds near Newtown Square enforce strict leash rules, usually six feet or shorter. "There are two separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets," notes Jen R. about French Creek's pet policies.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers family-friendly amenities. "There was so much to do there a pool, lake, horseshoes, cornhole, playground, big pillow and even more. They offer so many activities during the day and text you so you don't forget," reports Nicole S.

    Fishing opportunities: Many parks provide dedicated fishing areas for children. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," Anna notes about Hibernia County Park, which offers a special pond for anglers 12 and under.

    Bathroom proximity: Consider site selection based on facilities. "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, its a hike," advises al K. when camping with kids at Lums Pond.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup arrangements: Brandywine Creek Campground provides necessary amenities for RVers. "Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downtown, Septa or Amtrak to town," shares Jackie M.

    Site leveling: Pay attention to campsite grading when setting up. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," Jennifer S. advises about Hibernia's RV-compatible sites.

    Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "We camp in a 28ft 5th wheel for the most part... though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper," mentions Jennifer S. about navigating pet-friendly campgrounds near Newtown Square with larger rigs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Newtown Square, PA is Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Newtown Square, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Newtown Square, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.