Searching for a place to camp with your dog near Stoystown? Find the best information on pet-friendly campsites and dispersed camping near Stoystown, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. These scenic and easy-to-reach Stoystown campsites are perfect for camping with dogs.
Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.
Of the 262 campsites, 149 have electric hook-ups. Some sites have full-service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity. The campground has:
Flush toilets Warm showers Sanitary dumping stations Drinking water Pets are permitted in designated sites. Please follow all pet camping rules.
The campground is open from mid-April and closes the third Sunday in October.
Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons, including one responsible individual 18 years of age or older.
The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive nights.
$29 / night
Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park. The 243-acre Lake Habeeb is known for having the "bluest water in the state." The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.
Rocky Gap Campground offers 278 individual campsites (including 30 equipped with 30 amp electric hook-ups, mini cabin and yurt Options), a family group site and two youth group camping areas. The campground also features a dump station, bathhouses with hot water in each loop, the Scales & Tales Aviary, canoe/kayak/SUP board rentals (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), a nature center, a private swimming beach, a playground, trail access, Snack Shack and a camp store. Pets are allowed in Camp Loops Ash, Birch, Chestnut, Dogwood and Elm (Sites 1- 143). Alcohol is only permitted inside personal motor homes. Check-in for campsites is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.
The family group site offers space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with electric, as well as six 30 amp electric hookups and a group fire ring. Bathhouses are located in the adjacent camp loops.
The two youth group areas are for use by valid youth groups only. Please see http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/youthgroup.aspx for more information.
RockyGap_Yurt.pngMini Cabins and Yurts There are 15 mini cabins located throughout the campground. They sleep either four or six people. The yurt accommodates 8 people and has an adjoining camp pad to increase the total site capacity to 15 people. Each has electricity (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Air conditioning and heat are not available. Check-in for mini cabins and the yurt is 3 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m.
Easter Hill Chalet Exterior of the Easter Hill ChaletThe Easter Hill Chalet accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, wrap-around deck, gas fireplaces, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. Chalet guests must provide their own linens, towels, bedding, pillows and soaps. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake. The Chalet requires a 2-night minimum stay. Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend require a 3-night holiday stay (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. The address for the Chalet is 13300 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone MD 21530. Reservations are available April-December. Make reservations online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.
$23 - $29 / night
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.
The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and their many attractions.
About 100 tent and trailer sites are available from the first Friday in April to the third Sunday of October.
Lakeside Campground is adjacent to the lake. Hillside Campground is in a more remote area of the park and accommodates those camping with pets.
Both campgrounds have a modern bathhouse. A sanitary dump station is available. Shower facilities may not be available after October 1.
The 11 modern cabins are available year round. They are located near the breast of the dam between the two campgrounds.
Three cottages, located in Lakeside Campground, sleep five people in bunk beds.
Two yurts are located in Lakeside Campground.
These round, canvas, and wood-walled tents have a wooden deck and sleep five people in bunk beds.
$15 - $166 / night
With over 40 different tent campsites available, the Que Family Rec Area is sure to have one that fits your liking. Whether you would like a heavily wooded site or one right on the lake with small boat access, or both, all sites are a short walk away from the shower house and water. There are even a few large group sites that can accommodate up to 40 guests. All guest must have day pass and leave by 9 PM.
Once your camp has been set, enjoy the swim beach, nature trails, fishing pier, playground, or sports fields.
The Que Family Rec Area can also be enjoyed by those who take a slice of home with them. With 25 different RV sites, pop-up campers, fifth-wheel trailers, travel trailers, and motor-homes all have a place at the Rec Area.
All sites have a firm packed pad, fire-ring, picnic table, and 110V / 30 amp electric service. Sites 5,6,7,8,9,10,16, 27 and 28 also have 50 amp service. Sewage dump and water are nearby and the shower house and restrooms are a very short walk. There is no water hook-up at each site. All guest must have day pass and leave by 9 PM.
$20 - $50 / night
Friendship Village Campground is a family-oriented campground with over 300 sites to chose from and providing activities and games for everyone, so be sure to bring the kids and grandkids! Our park is “big rig friendly,” offering shaded and non-shaded sites, with 84 pull thru sites and a variety of hook-ups available. We even have campsites along our lower lake and beside the trout stream
Yogi Bear Campground PA is a large family campground near Pittsburgh. The resort has many amenities and facilities. Facilities: -full hookups -restrooms -showers -laundry -camp store -cable tv -wireless internet -dog park -restaurant -pools -waterslides -minigold
Primitive Camping There are 100 designated primitive campsites dispersed throughout Green Ridge State Forest that are available to visitors throughout the year by permit. Campers must register for the campsite at the Green Ridge Headquarters prior to occupying the site. There is a $10 per night permit fee for camping. There are also 6 group sites available for groups of 20 or more that are available by reservation. Details on group site camping are available at the Green Ridge State Forest headquarters.
Primitive camping has become a rare opportunity as most public and private campgrounds have adopted a more improved and consolidated approach to managing camping facilities. Camping at Green Ridge is a primitive experience in that the sites have a picnic table and a fire ring and no other amenities or plumbing. We urge our visitors to practice the "Leave no Trace" ethic as they enjoy a primitive and remote camping experience. Back Country backpack camping is also permitted within the forest.
Backpack Camping Backpack camping is also permitted throughout the forest. Backpackers must register at the Green Ridge Headquarters prior to embarking on backpacking adventure by payment ($10/night) and including itinerary with names of all campers. Campfires are permitted except during drought conditions. Leave No Trace guidelines apply to backpack camping as well.
Firewood use on Green Ridge State Forest Firewood for camping must be purchased from local vendors or gathered on site. Please DO NOT bring personal firewood into the State Forest. A wide variety of forest insect pests are accidentally transported and introduced to new areas by transporting personal firewood between distinct geographic locations. Please keep our forests safe!
$10 / night
Guide
This was my first experience camping with no hookups. The park is very large, with interesting trails to explore. I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It’s extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars. And while it’s not free, it’s only $10/night.
Traveler
We chose Sullivan’s Camp Cacapon for our first “glamping” trip, and we are so glad we did that! The camp is quiet and immaculately maintained, and it is situated in a lovely area along the river. We stayed in two brand new, enormous glamping tents. Each tent had two comfy queen-size beds, a heater, a fan, and two lamps with USB ports (a touch of luxury). The wi-fi in the camp worked very well for us, and we used it to exchange photos taken while hiking in the nearby Cacapon Resort State Park. The owners thought of everything—they even provided carts to transport your belongings to the site. The pavilion was nice and spacious, and it protected us from rain during dinner. The camp hosts were warm and friendly. We highly recommend this camp, and will be returning for sure!
Traveler
This park has many trails but mostly there more rapids to enjoy. The trails however are of a higher class of terrain though they aren’t necessarily difficult. There is much to see. The most unique part about this place is the small town in the middle of it. The shops are all mom and pop made from scratch food and hand made jewelry and clothing. There is a small pub right up the street and the entire town has an amazing view of the river just across the parking lot, which you can swim in up to a point. Ohiopyle is an amazing place, I have visited it many times and I plan to visit many times in the future.
Ranger
Nice little park& campground. Very Clean, cozy and quiet, except for the road noise. Right off Route 31, minutes from I-76 makes it a very convenient place to stop along your travels. Bathrooms are clean, grounds very well kept. The park area is lovely, but the lake is currently very low. Trout stocked but I wouldn’t count on fishing here right now. Short walking trail along a creek. Very lovely cabins and cabin areas and tent sites. RV sites are small but adequate and most are pull though. Honestly some of the best attention and details we’ve seen at a state park. We would stay again. We stayed at site 12E and site 1E. Be aware that site 1E is not very level on pull through gravel surface.
Ranger
Very nice campground with multiple pools,playsets,cabins and river sites. So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river. Food ice cream and biking access and sites.
Traveler
I left a review but Dyrt keeps wanting to give another one. We stayed 2 weeks. I'm originally from the area but live in Florida. I was back for a family reunion and to visit friends and former classmates. I had no idea this gem was here, but after finding it, when I come to visit, which is once a year or every other year, if I bring the motorhome, I will definitely stay here.
Guide
I have stayed at this campground MANY times and it has been TERRIBLE every time with kids screaming and music blasting at 1 in the morning the staff don't care they just care about the bottom line by selling 13 dollar milkshakes and serving you 20 dollar salads! This Campground Is Poorly Maintained And It is evident that they just want to take your money this campground is frequently at capacity and is oversold frequently! The Pools Are Dirty And Were Closed On 2 Of The 3 Days staff would not tell us what happened and would not give us our money back. While you were swimming you were touching hair every other time you moved and their were many leaves in the pools that staff did not care and were super rude
Traveler
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.
ScoutWe recently stayed at Sullivan's Camp Cacapon and were truly impressed by the experience. The campsite is extremely well-maintained and offers a great mix of nature and comfort. We appreciated the cleanliness of the camp and the friendly owners who greeted us upon our arrival and even took us on an ATV ride down the river! Waking down to the Cacapon River was a highlight, providing a peaceful and refreshing start and end to each day. It's an ideal spot for anyone looking to escape day-to-day life and enjoy some quality time outdoors. We highly recommend for both new and seasoned campers!
ScoutI’ve done a lot of camping over the years in a variety of places across the US. Sullivan was unequivocally one of the best places I’ve been and it’s second only to the hospitality of the owners and even the janitorial staff, who do a phenomenal job by the way. If you’re looking for a quiet place away from the world, this is it. Don’t be concerned by the reviews of no signal, yes they are true, but isn’t that part of the appeal?
Scout
Stayed with family over the weekend. Very quiet, secluded and peaceful. The bathrooms are a bit of a walk if you're tent camping but they were clean and well stocked. The shower is a little tricky washing all your bits because the shower head doesn't tilt enough and the water is a bit warm (not adjustable) but when you're camping in August clean water and soap is all that matters lol.
TravelerWhen we arrived, Donnelly showed us a few sites that we may like. He does ride a mower because he had a double knee surgery. I'm from this area and didn't realize this campground gem was here until recently. Our stay is 2 weeks.
I always read the recent reviews before coming and wasn't sure what to expect and truthfully was a bit nervous. Now that I know those horrible reviews are not true, I feel better. It's a shame people would give such horrible reviews on such a cute place and super nice owner.
Scout
If your looking for cleanliness find another campground. The bathrooms and Showers in the campground and the beach house are Gross all the time. The swim area leaves a brown residual stain in your swimwear and on your person. A simple shower won't get the stuff off your skin you will have to scrub multiple times to get clean. Forget getting a peaceful night's sleep because you won't due to dogs barking and the amount of traffic traveling through the area or by the campground. The Lack of rangers presence and lack of cleanliness has made this place go from a nice place to spend time to a absolute last resort when it comes to camping for my family.
TravelerThe campground is beautiful and everything is well maintained. The bathroom is clean. There is open space and tree cover. There is river access.
We love it here. The first year we stayed on a tent site. We upgraded to the cottage the last 2 years. For the amazing comfortable beds and the ac. The upgrade is worth it.
The owner is amazing and goes out of his way to help his campers and make sure everyone is enjoys their time.
I can't say enough good things about the camp.
Scout
This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded. Very clean park and shower house does not have the timed showers of Lakeside. Both times very much appreciated the presense of DCNR - on foot this time. Very nice park to hike, swim, walk, bike, and kayak. The little store has drinks and snacks. Because the beach was closed we had considered going to Deery Community Pool 7 miles away - another option in the area.
Guidejust pulled in and 1st spot looks great except it says on the sign THAT YOU NEED A PERMIT , DYRT So F'ing glad I paid for pro to show me the free campsites OH WAIT I JUST PAID $51.50 FOR 3 NIGHTS TO STAY AT THIS "FREE" SITE. Greed Is Killing America. Dyrt should give refunds.
ScoutDonelly decided that we were Muslims and told us to get off his property. I'm not making this up - it really happened.
Guide
This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach. The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping.
Guide
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
ScoutWhen we arrived at the campground we were greeted by a grumpy and very rude old man named Don. Don rolled up on his sputtering riding lawn mower, driving right past us and took a cruze around our fifth wheel. Upon his inspection and without introducing he said "why do you people buy such large RVs. "Why can't you buy something smaller like normal people." Then he went on a rant indicating how the construction workers there who were staying were tearing everything up. I look around and could not figure out what he was talking about. The place had a few trailers and operated a small lawnmower business as well. After a few moments Don said follow me and I'll show you where you can park and abruptly tore off on his riding lawnmower. I walk behind him for approximately 100 yards to the spot. Don indicated I need you to park exactly like this and that is how it needs to be and don't tear up my grass, you know driving around backing up turning your wheels. The whole area is grass are you kidding me! After shoring up the area I was able to back up into my spot approx 75 yards. After several attempts and due to the soft ground, grass and uneven ground I was unable and to properly level my rig. Believe, I had been driving all day and was ready for a cold one. However, and without hesitation I looked at My wife and we made the call to exfil the campground. We were both throughly were upset and disgusted at the lack of professionalism of Don and the operation Hillcrest. Never to return and will steer others away. I think Don needs to change his operation to a turf company wheee he can enjoy his days feeding and cutting the grass!
ScoutThis is a former KOA campground, but still has the same management. The good: pretty campground, clean and nice amenities. Bad: the management is rude and unfriendly. Also, the seasonal campers are also salty. We were driving a golf cart, going less than the speed limit and the seasonal guests shook their fingers at us to slow down… Unfortunately we won’t come back bc of the people. The site itself is great.
Traveler
Lots to do. Very convenient. Huge pool (indoor/outdoor).
Scout
It was my first time camping at a State Park Campground and it wasn’t as bad as anticipated! Very clean shower houses they were a bit dated as expected but overall in working clean condition.They have paddle boats, kayak and canoe rentals. We rented canoes and spent few hours out on the water. Our site 135 was fairly easy to access with our 36ft fifth wheel but could be an issue with anything larger or without an experienced driver. All in all a great stay I would recommend to everyone!
RangerVery nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable.
ScoutWe had a great overnight stay here. The host was very friendly and helpful, and the spots were very spacious. We had a such a beautiful view! We'd definitely stay here again if we're ever back in the area.
GuideExcellent clean park and easy to get to from Pittsburgh. The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops.
The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable.
The park ranger drove through multiple times a day. Overall the dog loop was quite and at night we could hear the coyotes in the distance.
The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat.
Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake.
GuideIf you are looking for lots of amenities - swimming pool, organized activities, mini golf etc. and don’t mind being stacked together with other campers, this is the place for you. Camp sites have no privacy, lots of golf carts going by regularly. There is a large quantity (100s) of permanent sites. Bath houses certainly not designed for lots of people in terms of size, but the showers were free, hot, clean and had good water pressure. Here for a gathering of 50 or so campers. Nice pavilion area. Would probably only return for a similar event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Stoystown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Stoystown, PA is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 79 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Stoystown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 105 dog-friendly camping locations near Stoystown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
