Dog-Friendly Camping near Shermans Dale, PA

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.