M
Michael M.
Scout
ScoutTurkey Swamp Park
Water/power at the campsite, and and centrally located dump station. Lots of trees and nice separation of sites
Dog-Friendly Camping near Philadelphia, PA
1 campground with availability next weekend
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Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA's pet-friendly camping facilities accommodate tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping options approximately 30 minutes from Philadelphia. Fort Washington State Park Campground and Evansburg State Park also welcome dogs, with Fort Washington offering group camping on nearly 500 acres of forest land ideal for hiking with pets. Ridley Creek State Park permits dogs at their tent camping areas with electric hookups available. The parks generally require pets to remain leashed at all times and owners to clean up after their animals. Alverthorpe Private Park allows pets at their tent sites but restricts camping to local residents. KOA campsites provide the most amenities for pet owners, including clean facilities and designated pet areas. Bathrooms at most locations are well-maintained according to user reviews, though Fort Washington features primitive, non-flush facilities.
Trail access varies considerably among the pet-friendly options. Fort Washington State Park features 3.5 miles of hiking trails where pets can join campers for bird watching and nature exploration. Tinicum Island offers a unique boat-in camping experience where dogs are allowed but requires owners to pack in all supplies as no amenities exist on the island. Seasonal considerations affect several locations - Washington Crossing State Park's pet-friendly areas are closed for 2024, while French Creek State Park remains open year-round with pets permitted. The Philadelphia camping region experiences significant summer humidity and mosquito activity, making spring and fall more comfortable for dogs at most locations. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours to prevent excessive barking, with several reviewers noting the campgrounds remain surprisingly peaceful despite their proximity to urban areas.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Philadelphia (96)
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. Alverthorpe Private Park
"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"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
3. Atsion Family Camp — Wharton State Forest
"Some sites have lake-side water access, so bring your canoes and kayaks and reserve these sites (4, 8, 10, 12, 20 and 22) early as they are popular."
"This was a nice large site in the“pet-friendly” section(sites 26-34) of the campground. Site 34 is close to Atsion Road, so there was car noise, but it wasn’t really an issue to us."
4. Tinicum Island
5. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"I always look forward to going because it is consistently clean, great for riding bikes and taking pets for a walk and children for a stroll PLUS it is significant historically and it is enjoyable for"
"Washington Crossing Historic Park, straddling Pennsylvania and New Jersey along the Delaware River, is one of those rare places where you can literally camp in history."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
6. Old Cedar Campground
"This row of sites lacked the trees for shade and privacy found at most other sites around the campground. The pool was nice and clean."
"Not close off the highway, but wooden sites. Seems as though people spend their summers there. Pool was beautiful and looked new. Mini golf was decrepit and looked abandoned. Store was nice."
Check Availabilityfrom $31 - $50 / night
7. 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
8. Hospitality Creek Campground
"The park was easy to find and located a short distance from the highway. We were met at the entry gate with a personalized folder containing lots of helpful information for our stay."
"We love the lake side campsites."
9. Brendan Byrne State Forest
"Allows dogs after a deposit. Must purchase their firewood. Good bathrooms/showers. Great location for hitting the 4x4 trails."
"Campsite decent size, but some don't have clear boundaries to neighbors, and sometimes not optimally configured (e.g., the site next door's fire pit was placed on the edge of its site/right next to my"
Check Availabilityfrom $3 - $60 / night
10. 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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $27 - $45 / night
Drive Time
- 26 min from Trenton, NJ
- 45 min from Vineland, NJ
- 1 hr 2 min from Reading, PA
- 1 hr 8 min from Allentown, PA
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Philadelphia, PA
56 Photos of 96 Philadelphia Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Philadelphia, PA
873 Reviews of 96 Philadelphia Campgrounds
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!
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!
- 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.
- DDiane M.Scout
Brendan Byrne State Forest
Just ok
Restrooms are filthy with mold and mildew.
Water puddled on the restroom floor.really gross.
Cabin was mostly clean. The windows were full of dirt and bugs on the tracks.mattresses were terrible.The fireplace was nice. Kitchen was clean.
Can t wait to move on to a cleaner park.
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.
Adeline M.GuideBrendan Byrne State Forest
Beautiful campground, loud campers
Beautiful campground but made the mistake of going on a holiday weekend, the campgrounds next to us were screaming and blasting music all day and throughout the night so we ended up leaving early. A beautiful campground when there aren’t noisy capers ruining it.
Kelvin R.ScoutTohickon Valley County Park
First time camping
As far as experience it was good. The main issue was the campsite where we were was uneven and caused many of the sleeping arrangements that we had to be not level. This seems to be a specific issue to the group campsite number two as when we went inwards it seemed like everything else was much better.
Guide to Philadelphia
Camping options surrounding Philadelphia provide varied experiences for those traveling with pets. French Creek State Park remains open year-round with pet-friendly camping across its 7,526 acres of forested land. Sites feature paved level areas with electric hookups, clean bathroom facilities, and access to over 35 miles of trails. The Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA offers dedicated pet areas about 20 minutes from the city, with reviewers noting the text alerts for campground activities and helpful staff who assist with RV parking. Tinicum Island permits dogs at its primitive boat-in sites that require campers to bring all supplies including drinking water. The campground at Atsion Recreation Area in Wharton State Forest features spacious waterfront sites where pets are welcome, with several campers mentioning the easy kayak launch access directly from certain sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: French Creek State Park offers two lakes with diverse fish species for anglers. "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," says one reviewer who camped at French Creek State Park.
Watercraft adventures: Sites at Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area offer direct water access. "Our site was right on Wading River and we launched our kayaks right at the site! Our tent has a full view of the sky and at night it was like a planetarium as we admired the sky from our cots," shares a camper who stayed at Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area.
Historical exploration: Group campers can experience Revolutionary War history. "On the Pennsylvania side, you'll find the visitor center, historic McConkey's Ferry Inn, Bowman's Hill Tower, and interpretive programs that bring the Revolutionary War era to life," notes a reviewer who visited Washington Crossing State Park.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront camping: Some sites at Atsion Recreation Area offer remarkable water views. "I had a waterfront site, although you can't really see the water from the site itself. Two paths led down to the lake, about 20 feet," explains a camper from Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area.
Spacious, level sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed sites at Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA. "The park is clean, quiet, full of families. The staff are friendly and welcoming. It's easy to navigate to the park from the interstate, and big rigs fit easily," reports one visitor.
Natural night sky views: Campers often mention the stargazing opportunities. "We were able to shower and be completely dry - no damp areas whatsoever - and then I wrapped up my hair to dry. It held every drop of water - no leaks," shares a reviewer discussing their camping gear at French Creek State Park.
What you should know
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on individual camping. "Located just due south of Abington and north of Cheltenham right outside of Philly, Alverthorpe Private Park is a hidden gem tucked into the forested wilds...although you'll need to be a resident in order to camp here, which was a major bummer to learn," reports a visitor to Alverthorpe Private Park.
Seasonal closures: Washington Crossing State Park's camping areas are temporarily unavailable. "There is a large bag as well available which looks like it would be great for a family. I am overall extremely impressed with the quality," notes a camper reviewing equipment at French Creek State Park.
Boat-access only camping: Tinicum Island requires watercraft to reach. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," states a reviewer from Tinicum Island, emphasizing the necessity of having your own boat.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a huge lake where you can rent canoes and kayaks. A huge pool that has a beautiful view overlooking the lake. There are trails for mountain biking or hiking, a frisbee golf course, playground at the campground and at the lake," explains a visitor to French Creek State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer organized programs. "This campground was so well maintained. 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," shares a camper from Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA.
Waterfront sites for exploration: Certain campgrounds offer direct water access ideal for families. "I always get site #8 and it has an amazing view of the lake. While camping at atsion family campground, you have free access to the recreation center (the beach and some trails)," notes a camper at Wharton State Forest Atsion Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Campgrounds vary in RV accommodation quality. "Checked out the other loops for future use and found Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C," advises a camper from Fort Washington State Park.
Hookup arrangements: RVers should prepare for shared utilities. "The water hookups are shared every other site (at least in the Fence Loop). I was lucky my 75' hose barely reached the distance needed. Be sure to bring extra hoses," warns a visitor to Old Cedar Campground.
Winter access options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round. "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 a winter camper from French Creek State Park.
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Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Philadelphia, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Philadelphia, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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