Dog-Friendly Camping near Shermans Dale, PA

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    Buttonwood Campground's dog park provides a dedicated space for pets to run off-leash while camping near Shermans Dale. Several pet-friendly campgrounds in the area offer accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins with full hookups. Twin Grove RV Resort features two adjacent dog parks where pets can play freely off-leash, with one reviewer noting the parks are well-maintained and conveniently located. Dogwood Acres Campground maintains a clean, fenced dog park in a quiet country setting surrounded by scenic views. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed when not in designated off-leash areas, with typical rules including cleaning up after pets and keeping them from disturbing other campers. Pine Grove Furnace State Park divides its campground into pet and non-pet sections, allowing campers to choose their preferred environment.

    The Juniata River at Buttonwood Campground offers water access where dogs can cool off during summer camping trips. Trails throughout the region provide exercise opportunities for both pets and owners, with Pine Grove Furnace State Park offering access to the Appalachian Trail for dog-friendly hiking. Campers report that most campground bathrooms and shower facilities are kept clean despite the presence of pets. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with shaded sites being particularly important during summer months. The open field pet-friendly sites at Codorus State Park provide ample space but lack shade, making them significantly hotter than interior loop sites during warm weather. Wildlife encounters are common in the area, with one camper witnessing a snapping turtle laying eggs at their Gifford Pinchot State Park campsite, highlighting the importance of keeping pets supervised at dog-friendly campsites throughout the region.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Shermans Dale (124)

      1. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

      4.5(19)9mi from Shermans Dale52 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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      2. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      4.2(57)23mi from Shermans Dale295 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      4.7(26)21mi from Shermans Dale74 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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      4. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

      4.8(9)13mi from Shermans Dale50 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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      5. Buttonwood Campground

      4.9(14)17mi from Shermans DaleRVs, 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. Riverfront Campground

      3.8(5)9mi from Shermans DaleRVs, Tents

      "Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river. The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing. Bath houses are a bit rough, hence the 4 stars."

      7. Paradise Stream Family Campground

      5.0(6)13mi from Shermans Dale1 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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      8. Dogwood Acres Campground

      4.8(5)13mi from Shermans DaleRVs, 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."

      9. Hersheypark Camping Resort

      4.1(31)26mi from Shermans DaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      10. Deer Run Campgrounds

      3.4(8)16mi from Shermans DaleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Shermans Dale, PA

    816 Reviews of 124 Shermans Dale 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.

    • Chris G.
      Jul. 23, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Great campground! Lots of fun

      We 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.

    • Kathy S.
      Oct. 18, 2022

      Jonestown/Hershey KOA

      Beautiful Park

      This 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!

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      Nice 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.

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      This 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.


    Guide to Shermans Dale

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground provides hiking trails and clean facilities near Shermans Dale, with campsites positioned along a creek for water access. Pine Grove Furnace State Park serves as the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, offering historical attractions alongside camping options. The campgrounds in this region typically operate from April through October or December, with varying terrain from riverside locations to wooded mountain settings.

    What to do

    Hiking Flat Rock Trail: At Colonel Denning State Park Campground, the challenging trail rewards hikers with panoramic views. "Trail head close to site and was a very difficult hike with amazing views!! Wide open area to swim that was very clean and well kept," reports Casey L.

    River activities: Floating on the Juniata River offers a refreshing summer activity. "Tubing down the river is so fun and the highlight of a stay here," notes Heather G. about her experience at Buttonwood Campground.

    Visit historical sites: The region contains numerous historical attractions. "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 Carly E. from her visit to Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.

    Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park features dual 18-hole disc golf courses in separate day-use areas. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!!" warns Danielle V.

    What campers like

    Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. "The campsites are spacious. If you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest!" explains Amanda H. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground.

    Clean facilities: Campgrounds in this region maintain well-kept bathhouses. "Bathhouse is very nice and clean," notes Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park. Another camper mentions, "Bath houses were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced" at Gifford Pinchot State Park.

    Water access: Creekside and lakefront sites are popular options. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!" states a visitor to Colonel Denning. At Buttonwood Campground, "Large grassy sites right on the Juniata River. Tubing, canoeing, swimming," provides water recreation options according to Darcy S.

    Family activities: Organized events and recreation amenities keep families entertained. "This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!" reports Ray L. about Buttonwood Campground.

    What you should know

    Train noise: Some campgrounds experience train traffic. At Riverfront Campground, "The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing," notes Jim N.

    Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in this region close during winter months. Pine Grove Furnace operates "March to mid December" while Buttonwood Campground runs "Apr 15 to Oct 31."

    Site selection considerations: Campsites vary significantly in size, privacy, and access to facilities. "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," warns Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park.

    Limited cell service: Connectivity can be unreliable. "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon)," advises Carly E. about Pine Grove Furnace State Park.

    Weather impacts: Seasonal conditions affect campsite comfort. "The open field pet-friendly sites provide ample space but lack shade, making them significantly hotter during warm weather," notes one camper about regional conditions.

    Tips for camping with families

    Swimming options: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers various water recreation. "So many things to do here! Very family oriented. Pedal carts, mini golf, swimming pool, ceramic painting, hiking, fishing, bike riding, sluicing for gems," describes Jen R.

    Ranger programs: Educational activities provide learning opportunities. "We did have a nice bat spotting walk with a Ranger when we were there and there's an interesting historic mill you can tour," shares Christopher E. about Little Buffalo State Park.

    Dog-friendly areas: Many campgrounds accommodate pets with designated sections. Pine Grove Furnace State Park "divides its campground into pet and non-pet sections, allowing campers to choose their preferred environment," making it ideal for families with or without pets.

    Playgrounds and activity areas: Facilities for children vary between campgrounds. "Nice playground with a small basketball court," notes a visitor to Dogwood Acres Campground, while another mentions "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones" at the pool in Little Buffalo State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Site leveling: RV campers should prepare for varying terrain. "Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious," notes Stephen W. about Hersheypark Camping Resort.

    Site dimensions: Check carefully before booking larger rigs. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck," warns Mike J. about Hersheypark Camping Resort.

    Hookup locations: Utilities may be positioned inconveniently. One camper at Colonel Denning State Park noted their site "was not the greatest layout (electric was on the wrong side of the site for our door and canopy to open to the fire ring)."

    Dump station access: Some campgrounds have challenging dump station locations. At Paradise Stream Family Campground, "The dump was up on the other side so had to pull a U turn, luckily our camper was small enough to make the turn," explains a reviewer.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Shermans Dale, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

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