138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground accommodates pets across all camping options including tents, RVs, cabins, yurts, and glamping sites. The pet-friendly policies extend throughout the 2,338-acre park with numerous hiking trails suitable for leashed dogs. Sites with picnic tables provide comfortable spaces for campers and their pets to relax. Campground amenities include electric hookups, showers, and modern restroom facilities, creating a convenient environment for pet owners. The park's location near Lewisberry, approximately 20 miles from Steelton, makes it an accessible pet-friendly camping destination. Hersheypark Camping Resort also welcomes pets with well-maintained sites that include picnic tables, fire rings, and full hookups for RVs.
Lower Allen Community Park offers basic tent camping alongside the Yellow Breeches Creek, perfect for pet owners seeking a more primitive camping experience. The park features several sites that accommodate pets with nearby water access ideal for dogs who enjoy swimming. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though visitors note that portable toilets are the only bathroom facilities available. The park locks at dusk, so campers should plan accordingly. Harrisburg East Campground provides a large grassy area for dogs to play, though it remains unfenced. Several campgrounds in the region offer dedicated pet exercise areas, waste stations, and easy access to walking paths. Weather considerations are important when camping with pets near Steelton, as summer temperatures can be uncomfortably hot for dogs with limited shade at some locations.
"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
Check Availability"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."
"A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can’t bring their pets."
"There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "
from $45 - $279 / night
Check Availability"The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."
"This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
from $75 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"They had a large grass area for dogs, although unfenced. The highway bordered it on one side and while we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the noise if our door was open."
"The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times."
from $84 - $94 / night
Check Availability"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."
"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."
"We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."
GuideWe 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.
ScoutClean 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!
GuideWe 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerClean 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.
GuideWe 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.
GuideThis 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!
TravelerNice 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.
TravelerThis 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.
Situated 20 miles east of Harrisburg in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley, Steelton's camping areas provide diverse terrain options from riverside flat spots to partially wooded ridges. Summer temperatures average 82-90°F during peak camping months, while spring and fall drop to 55-75°F with increased rainfall. The area's campgrounds span Cumberland, Dauphin, and York counties, creating varied ecological zones for campers.
Fishing at Yellow Breeches Creek: Visit Lower Allen Community Park where the access to the creek creates perfect fishing spots. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Explore Northwest Lancaster Trail: The trail near River Rock Recreation offers hiking and geocaching options. "As I mentioned there is the Northwest Lancaster Trail to walk along, ride your bike, geocache or check out the Edible Forest. We found some raccoon tracks in the mud down by the river and checked out the scenery of the York Haven Catwalk."
Visit the Edible Forest: This unique attraction near River Rock Recreation lets visitors learn about natural edible plants. "There is really a lot to do so you shouldn't be bored. As I mentioned there is the Northwest Lancaster Trail to walk along, ride your bike, geocache or check out the Edible Forest."
Play disc golf courses: Two complete 18-hole courses at Pinchot Lake provide challenging options. "Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas."
Spacious waterfront sites: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers premium lakeside camping spots. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake."
Private camping experience: River Rock Recreation offers complete privacy unlike most campgrounds. "The site is almost 2 acres in size and you do not share the site with anyone. We saw no one while there and you're literally about 100-150 yards off a side road. It was definitely convenient and private."
Well-designed outdoor areas: Many campers appreciate the thoughtful layout at pet-friendly sites. "One of my favorite features other than staying right on the river was the kitchen area. There is a stone floor, covered roof, and wrap around wood countertop space complete with an outdoor sink. You can refill the water supply for the sink very easily. The lower shelf was perfect for our food bin and cooler. You really can tell the owners are campers."
Access to water recreation: Numerous dog-friendly campgrounds near Steelton offer direct water access. "Peace and quiet! We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced."
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have noise factors to consider. "The only negative I have is there is a railroad nearby. During the day you kind of don't notice it but you may hear it at night if you are a light sleeper. Just bring earplugs, all the other positives surely outweigh this one negative."
Site reservations vary by location: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Steelton require advance planning. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "This is a large KOA with lots of sites, set on a hilly/'tiered' landscape with winding roads. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of trees and separation between many sites."
Weather preparedness: Summer conditions require planning for both humans and pets. "This was a unique experience as you rent the entire campground. You pull back a stone road past the Northwest Lancaster Trail and just before the river there is a green cattle gate on your right. The gate is nice to keep closed since the trail is very close."
Limited facilities at some locations: Be prepared for rustic conditions at certain sites. "Lower Allen Community Park offers basic tent camping alongside the Yellow Breeches Creek, perfect for pet owners seeking a more primitive camping experience. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique experiences for children. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Consider beginner-friendly sites: Some campgrounds cater to first-time campers with children. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake."
Check playground options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Steelton include play areas. "The playgrounds are great and well-maintained with seemingly new equipment; the camp store is large and has everything you could possibly need; if you bring your equipment, the neighboring river is fishable."
Book sites away from busy areas: Family camping works best in quieter sections. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice."
Request level sites when possible: Hersheypark Camping Resort and other locations have varying terrain. "This was our first campground with our camper. They had pull through sites which I was looking for. Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out."
Consider noise factors when selecting RV sites: Highway and train noise affects some campgrounds. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Book early for holiday weekends: Pet-friendly RV spots fill quickly during peak times. "Nice pull through spots with a lot of shade. The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times."
Check hookup locations: Some sites have challenging utility placements. "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high. There are a few big rigs that can barely fit on a site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Steelton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Steelton, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Steelton, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 138 dog-friendly camping locations near Steelton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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