Dog-Friendly Camping near Saxton, PA

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    Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons accommodates tent campers, RV travelers, and cabin guests with pets across its hillside setting. Dogs are welcome at this family-run campground with sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. The recently remodeled bath facilities remain spotless and well-maintained according to multiple reviewers, who note the crystal-clear pool and friendly staff as highlights. Lake Raystown Resort also permits pets throughout their accommodation options, including waterfront tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, cabins, and glamping yurts. Pets are allowed in designated areas with standard leash requirements, though some visitors note the waterfront sites can be awkward for tent camping with dogs due to uneven terrain. The KOA maintains a small dedicated dog fence area measuring approximately 6 feet by 6 feet, sufficient for feeding pets and brief containment.

    Pet owners visiting the area can access nearby Raystown Lake's multiple water access points approximately 15-20 minutes from the campgrounds. Trough Creek State Park offers pet-friendly trails with opportunities to view Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock while accompanied by leashed dogs. Timber Run Campground (formerly Four Seasons) provides dedicated pet amenities including a dog park alongside other recreation options like a swimming pool and playground. The campground's sloped terrain requires careful site selection for larger pet enclosures. During summer months, shaded sites are valuable for pets, with Lake Raystown Resort offering tree coverage that provides relief from heat. Bathrooms remain clean and accessible throughout the camping areas, with most facilities offering modern shower facilities and flush toilets for extended stays with pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Saxton (109)

      1. Lake Raystown Resort

      4.5(13)7mi from SaxtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Both RV sites and lots to rent to pitch your own tent, fishing, huge lake with beach, lots of activities for the kids throughout the summer, one of the nicest parks we have camped at!"

      "Fantastic lake side camping resort. Best for campers or using their cabins but it has freeway access to the lake and beautiful views."

      2. Seven Points (PA)

      4.7(21)15mi from Saxton267 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"

      "It’s close to bathhouse and playground if you want those. There is parking at every bath house. There is trash receptacles at the entrance to the loop as well as firewood or sale."

      from $28 - $200 / night

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      3. Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons

      5.0(7)4mi from SaxtonRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den)."

      "The staff here at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA are great. They a friendly, willing to help anyway they can, and keep the place spotless."

      from $100 / night

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      4. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

      4.5(31)23mi from Saxton208 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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      5. Trough Creek State Park Campground

      3.7(6)10mi from Saxton29 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We wanted to be close to Raystown Lake. Trough is quiet and small. It's really great if you're looking for a spot to "rough" it (not really, but closer than most!) with the kids. Awesome sites."

      "Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plently of space between sites. The trails are nice and very sceinic."

      from $23 - $25 / night

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      6. Susquehannock

      4.3(11)16mi from Saxton64 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "We camped at Suquehannock for the first time in August 2020 and had a fantastic time with our dog!"

      "We ended up with spot 3, which was on a cliff’s edge. So, it looked like it may be near the water, but there was no way down, and the forest obscured any view that may have been there."

      from $25 - $32 / night

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      7. Shawnee State Park Campground

      4.0(27)23mi from Saxton205 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Shawnee State Park is a very large campground (319 campsites with mixed electric and non-electric, some pet friendly, some not) about 10 minutes off highway 76 and 20 minutes from the Flight 93 National"

      "The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."

      from $20 - $110 / night

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      8. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

      4.7(13)18mi from SaxtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "One of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large"

      "The campground is nestled on the outskirts of Bedford Pennsylvania and is a very easy location to travel to regardless of your rig size."

      9. Lake Raystown Resort and Lodge

      5.0(2)8mi from SaxtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Perfect views of the lake and very spaced out."

      10. Point Campground

      4.8(5)14mi from SaxtonRVs, Tents

      "Lost a star for the long and steep incline walk to the bathrooms. Accessibility note: Careful if you have mobility issues. Many of the sites are terraced and require using steps."

      "Wonderful views of the lake and the lake go-ers!"

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Saxton, PA

    617 Reviews of 109 Saxton Campgrounds


    • s
      May. 19, 2023

      Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

      Very fun place for all ages

      One of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large dogs there is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept

    • 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.

    • Whistle P.
      May. 30, 2023

      Pioneer Lakes RV Park

      This place was not for us

      Preface: if your main objective is activities for children, you have come to the right place. This place is loud and full of kids.

      We booked a site but chose not to pay to select which one. All the pictures looked great! We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities.

      Also bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order.

      Aside from all the above, the Dog Park is awesome. It’s the size of a real, normal dog park. The ice cream on site is also a nice perk.

    • 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.

    • C
      Aug. 24, 2020

      Rocky Gap State Park Campground

      Lovely camping and hiking, disappointing swimming IMO

      We chose this campground for its proximity to home with the chance to swim in the lake.

      The camping did not disappoint. We always try to book “outside” loop sites so we don’t have “back neighbors” but none near the lake were available, so we took our chances on an “inside” site in E loop. It was great, smallish, but plenty of vegetation to make it feel private. (Some poison ivy around the edges, though.) The pull-in sites in general seem a bit small (space for our two 4-person tents and that’s it), but are well shaded and separated from neighbors by small patches of woods or bushes. The pull-through sites in our loop were more exposed to the road, but had a bit more space.

      There was some noise from the interstate. There were surprisingly few mosquitoes. The bathhouse was clean, but showers were not very warm.

      The swimming was unfortunately disappointing. The roped-off swimming area was 3 feet deep at the most. Warm water in August, nice for kids to splash around, but not really good for actual swimming. Bonus for dog people: pets allowed on the beach and in the lake.

      During COVID-19, the bathrooms/bathhouses at the beach area are closed; porta-johns only.

      We rented paddle boards and a canoe one afternoon and paddled around to one of the lake inlets, which was actually deep and had a good swim. But this is technically not allowed.

      If you feel okay about rule-breaking and have water-safe family members (and no pets), I would absolutely choose a site in I loop close to the lake. The sites in E loop closest to the lake are actually up a fairly steep hill from the lake path.

      Hiking trails were nice. My kids especially liked the rock scramble-ish up and down the stream gorge on Evitt’s Mountain trail.

    • R
      Apr. 24, 2023

      CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2

      Great place to stay

      What a fun campground.  Host are amazing and friendly ( and Jesse parents are pretty nice too, haha). Jesse is the owners dog and she will come out for scratching and pets. You get the feeling that you are welcome there. Amazing views and very enjoyable.

    • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2018

      Rocky Gap State Park Campground

      Where you take the family for a no hassle weekend

      The campground is easily accessible- there are 9 loops and a group site. The best loops for families with pets are Dogwood and Elm. No pets? Go to Ironwood loop and get a site close to the water. Water is readily available. The bathrooms are clean and the showers warm. After October, most of the loops close, the exception being Ash loop, which offers electric hookup for RV. The camp store is stocked well, but dinner may have to come from a local market if you’re planning a cookout at your site. The beach is also pet friendly. There is boat rental and several opportunities for Ranger led activities for all. Recently, the park has been taking part in American Chestnut revitalization. If there is any detractors at all, it’s the casino on the other side of the park. It’s bright and loud ( though and outdoor events are quiet by 10 ish) There is a strict no alcohol policy unless your in an RV or a cabin. Meaning the alcohol must stay inside at all times. Firewood is readily available. The sites can be a bit close, but as a family camper with a load of six people plus two dogs, we never have felt claustrophobic in our site choice. The web site offers limited photos of the sites. This park is our go to place for a weekend with kids and as it’s cheap and nearby, it’s well worth it. As a side note, the food at the casino isn’t bad. Just not a good place for kids. The trails are well maintained. Keep a careful watch for snakes and bears.

    • christian G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 19, 2025

      Hartman Center Campground

      Nice, quiet, & clean

      Clean and well taken care of, pretty quiet. Would definitely stay here again but a few things to keep in mind.

      For kids the play grounds are run down. Also no real “dog run”. All in all if your a couple wanting to go relax its great, but if you have pets and or younger kids there isn’t much on the grounds.

    • Paul B.
      Aug. 8, 2024

      Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons

      It's now Timber Run Campground

      We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were "oh it's so good". On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party. The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den). Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too and our 17 year old helped out with the craft.

      After the weekend though, all the activity slows down. There are seasonal campers that stay around, and they're constantly working on improving and fixing up sites during the week. Expect lots of quiet time just relaxing during the week. There's the pool, dog park, bounce pillow, playground, but not tons to do which if you're looking for is great. Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away - we fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms.

      Now to the site description: Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft. it was big enough for our 2 labs to fit into when we fed them. The site wasn't hard to level our RV but overall the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill.

      The owners and workers were friendly and great hosts! We love what they're doing there.

      One last tip: if traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour.


    Guide to Saxton

    Raystown Lake camping sites connect to an extensive trail system and water recreation areas between 700-1,000 feet elevation in the Appalachian Mountain region. Seasonal temperatures range from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer, with highest visitation from May through September. Multiple camping areas provide varying levels of service within 30 minutes of Saxton, Pennsylvania.

    What to do

    Mountain biking on Allegrippis Trails: Access 36+ miles of IMBA-standard trails from Ridge Camp at Seven Points (PA). "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," notes Travis S. Trails remain open year-round regardless of weather conditions.

    Fishing at multiple access points: Raystown Lake spans 8,300 acres with multiple fishing areas. "Easy access and very clean. Beautiful lakeside sites," explains Pharon M. about Lake Raystown Resort. For boat-in camping options, Susquehannock offers "waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in."

    Visiting historical sites: Bedford's Fall Foliage Festival occurs in October with dedicated transportation options. "They provide a shuttle for Bedford's annual Fall Foliage festival, which is a bonus," writes Shelby B. The nearby Flight 93 Memorial provides historical significance approximately 45 minutes from Saxton.

    What campers like

    Clean, modern shower facilities: Bathhouse amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons, "they may have recently remodeled the bathrooms/showers (3 of the 4 look brand new), and the pool has been crystal clear," reports Chuck M. This reflects upgrades made by new owners who maintain facilities "like it is being inspected the next day."

    Varied waterfront access options: The lake offers multiple swimming locations beyond the main beach. "This campground offers tent sites, RV Sites, cabins and hotel accommodation. The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown," notes Britt B. Sites range from shoreline access to elevated views overlooking the water.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem supports birdwatching and wildlife observation. "There's a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there," explains Sarah N. at Cowans Gap State Park Campground. The park maintains informational displays about local wildlife.

    What you should know

    Site selection impacts experience: Terrain varies dramatically across campgrounds, affecting site comfort. At Susquehannock, "most of the campsites are on a slight slope but they're still bearable. Also a lot of them are waterfront sites which is convenient for swimming in the summer!" explains Madelyn D. Research site specifics before booking.

    Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "There is no cell service at all, nor OTA TV," reports Gary P. about Trough Creek State Park. Prepare for limited or no phone service, particularly in wooded sites and low-lying areas.

    Water quality varies by location: Water sources differ between campgrounds. "Water available in the campground loop and actually tasted good enough to use for hydration needs during our rides," notes Travis S. at Seven Points, while other locations require bringing water or filtering from lake sources.

    Tips for camping with families

    Best playground locations: Family-friendly amenities cluster in specific campground areas. "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area... A playground near the sites at the entrance also," explains Travis S. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park offers "3 play grounds all different and all well kept" according to Steve K.

    Quieter camping loops for families: Noise levels vary by location within each campground. "Ridge camp is also the quietest of the loops and although there were still plenty of boaters in the camp there were just as many bikers," notes Travis S. Midweek stays typically offer lower noise levels.

    Swimming beach accessibility: Beach access points offer varying amenities. "There is a sandy beach which is perfect for swimming," writes Britt B. Cowans Gap features "a very beautiful, clean, and relatively quiet" day-use area with "nice snack and bathing facilities close to beach," according to Jen V.

    Tips from RVers

    Level site availability: Terrain challenges affect RV setup. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "my wife and I stayed for two nights and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," notes Gerard. However, "many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."

    Dump station convenience: Service facilities vary between locations. Seven Points offers an "ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" with Tim J. noting "The dump station had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one." This multi-lane system prevents backups during peak checkout times.

    Water connection planning: Hookup availability differs significantly. "Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It's not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points," explains Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park Campground. Water spigots at non-hookup sites may require significant hose length.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Saxton, PA is Lake Raystown Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Saxton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.