Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Union Dale, PA
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Shady Rest Campground in Union Dale and Valley View Farm Campground in Waymart provide established pet-friendly camping options in northeastern Pennsylvania. Both campgrounds maintain clean facilities with full hookup sites for RV camping and designated tent areas where pets are welcome. Valley View Farm Campground features spacious campsites set within forest surroundings, offering a peaceful environment for campers with dogs. Honesdale-Poconos KOA accepts pets year-round with dedicated pet-friendly cabin options for those who prefer not to tent camp. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to be leashed at all times and proof of current vaccinations may be necessary during check-in. Campground bathrooms and shower facilities are regularly cleaned, with Valley View Farm earning particular praise for immaculate conditions.
The D&H Rail Trail near Union Dale provides excellent dog-friendly hiking opportunities with relatively flat terrain suitable for dogs of all sizes and fitness levels. Local campgrounds offer direct trail access or are situated within short driving distance of multiple pet-accessible trails. Keen Lake Resort Campground provides water access where dogs can swim in designated areas. Summer weekends at popular campgrounds like Keen Lake can become crowded, potentially creating challenges for reactive dogs or those uncomfortable in busy environments. Many campsites feature wooded surroundings that provide natural shade during hot summer months, an important consideration when camping with pets. The regional campgrounds maintain strict quiet hours that help ensure barking doesn't disturb other campers. Multiple campgrounds in the area remain open from early May through late October with seasonal closures during winter months.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Union Dale (112)
1. Keen Lake Resort Campground
"We didn’t have a view of the lake, instead we were in someone’s back yard lol. It wasn’t a big deal. The site was well maintained and flat which were the most important."
"I stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. "
2. Honesdale - Poconos KOA
"We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs). I have been camping across the country so I know what to look for. I would highly recommend this campground."
"Enjoyed walking the trails and wooded area but sprained my right ankle. So I was laid up for a few hours before I left."
3. Valley View Farm and Campground
4. Shady Rest Campground
"The beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods. There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat."
5. Ponderosa Pines Campground
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $60 / night
6. Oneida Campground & Lodge
"The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $140 / night
7. Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging
"Pets welcome"
"Nice lake for fishing . Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends . Great staff . Good utilities and clean bathrooms ."
8. Hidden Brook Glamping
Check Availabilityfrom $125 / night
9. Clayton Park RV Escape
10. Montrose Campground
"It is a little off the beaten path but is great for families (plenty of activities for kids) and pets (our dog LOVES it there)."
"Each campsite had plenty of space to drive up to without being right on top of the other campers."
Check Availabilityfrom $28 - $34 / night
Drive Time
- 33 min from Scranton, PA
- 49 min from Binghamton, NY
- 1 hr 36 min from Kiryas Joel, NY
- 1 hr 45 min from Ithaca, NY
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62 Photos of 112 Union Dale Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Union Dale, PA
752 Reviews of 112 Union Dale Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
- fferrall D.
ScoutAlder lake
October leaves starting to fall makes for a very quiet, peaceful midweek evening in one of the two dispersed car camping sites. Exactly what I was hoping for - private and empty and lovely. Easy to find - two dispersed car sites are to the left at the fork in the road before the trailhead.
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
Daniel C.ScoutHillside Campgrounds
Stay away... Unless you like 70 y/o men acting like high schoolers
This clothing-optional campground has a highly toxic, intrusive, and vindictive environment. During my stay, the seasonal permanent residents('perms') subjected me to intense harassment, inappropriate sexual advances, and severe social retaliation/rumor-spreading when those advances were rejected. The situation escalated to the point where an employee had to intervene for my safety. Furthermore, despite management allowing my photo to be taken in costume at a party, I was intentionally blocked from the community group where the photos were posted, leaving me unable to monitor how my image was being used. Avoid this place if you value your privacy, personal boundaries, and safety.
Thomas B.
RangerNeversink River Resort
Cool Riverside Campground
I'll start by saying this is a site-specific review (C20). I booked using Campspot and didn't select my own site but put in the criteria for my rig (30ft TT plus truck) and got a 50A back-in spot. The site was big but abnormal. Between the picnic table placement and the trees, I ended up right around 50ft from the electric and water, and the water spigot was so low I could barely put on my camco filter. With the uneven dirt roads, I had to unhitch with my truck in a gigantic puddle (lol). The site was otherwise fine aside from my gate code not working on Day 2. As for the campground as a whole, I thought it was pretty unique place by the river that offered several good amenities and activities, like downstream river tubing, an arcade, bathroom/shower facilities, a small store, little trails, and more. I would say this place borders the more primitive side.
Kathy L.RangerHickory Run State Park Campground
Beautiful forest
Gorgeous forested area in the Poconos. We stayed on the Rattlesnake Loop which was lovely. Sites not super private but most nestled in trees. The only bummer was that that Campground Loop didn’t have any direct links to the trail network and was far from it. The other Campground Loop was closer to trails and office. Would return!
- KKelly B.Guide
Little Pond Campground
Nice quiet lil campground
We went the 2nd week of October and seems like we had just missed the foliage peak but it was still beautiful.
Everyone minded their business and most sites were 2-4 people, showers were clean and warm but the kind where you gotta push the button every 30 seconds. Toilets were clean and running smoothly (we were in the southernmost loop, closest to the camp office)
No cellphone reception but we could get satellite signal to text our loved ones that we were alive and well!
We loved the hiking and especially kayaking on the pond
Guide to Union Dale
Northeastern Pennsylvania features extensive woodland areas with elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,100 feet in the Union Dale region. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75-80°F and cold winters with temperatures frequently below freezing. Many campgrounds in northeastern Pennsylvania remain open from April through October, with a handful offering year-round accommodations for campers seeking pet friendly options in all seasons.
What to do
Trail access year-round: Shady Rest Campground provides easy access to local trails that remain open throughout all seasons. "The beautiful setting around is nicely within the woods. There is also a playground and the rates are hard to beat. The campground is on 16 acres, and if you'd like you may hike around, there is a beautiful creek," notes Kasey M.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers numerous water-based recreation options for visitors and their pets. "We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch. Each day we would paddle over to the swimming area on the lake. It was awesome," shares Shannon C. The resort maintains designated swimming areas where dogs can cool off during summer months.
Winter recreation options: Some regional parks and campgrounds maintain winter activities when other facilities close. At Lackawanna State Park, visitors can enjoy winter hiking trails when properly equipped. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," notes Michael, highlighting year-round recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Valley View Farm Campground receives consistent praise for its forested camping areas. "One of the best places I've stayed all year. Great spots to setup your own tent as well as cabins and trailers. My daughter and I highly recommend this campground to anyone who loves the forest and the peace and tranquility that comes along with it," writes Steve in his review.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high among visitor priorities throughout the region. "The owners are very nice and helpful. Very clean sites and bathrooms. Quiet and peaceful at night and the other campers were very friendly," shares Dawn C. about her experience at Valley View Farm Campground, highlighting the attention to maintenance that enhances camping comfort.
Pet-specific amenities: Honesdale-Poconos KOA maintains dedicated facilities for campers with pets. "Exactly what we expected. KOAs are known for being clean and this was no exception. We had a fantastic first camping experience for the kids (and dogs)," reports Corey M., noting the campground's accommodation of both children and pets.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some campgrounds offer significantly different experiences depending on site location. At Honesdale-Poconos KOA, tent sites may have limitations: "I was disappointed with the location they put us as tent campers. We paid for water and electric. The electrical outlet and water was half way across the 'circle lot' they put us and we had to share it with other campers," reports Samantha S.
Winter restrictions apply: Many campgrounds limit water services during cold months. At Pickerel Point Campground, Mara S. notes: "Sites have electric but no water. Spigot close by. Heated cozy bathhouse with clean showers. The park is large with many hiking trails and ice fishing."
Varying cell reception: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. "The only negative is that I had almost no cell reception with Verizon," mentions Mara S. about Pickerel Point Campground, an important consideration for those needing to stay connected during their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and structured activities: Cherry Ridge Campsites offers planned activities for children throughout the camping season. "Multi site facility with many activities. Campfires permitted, fishing, row boat rental, bath house, dance hall. Country kitchen has breakfast and lunch on Saturday, breakfast only on Sunday," mentions Beverly J., highlighting options that keep children entertained.
Kid-friendly water features: Lakes with gradual entry points provide safer swimming for families with young children. "The lake is crystal clear and the beach is spotless. You absolutely have to bring a kayak/inflatable boat, but if you don't own one, don't worry, you can rent one," advises Debbie W. about Pickerel Point Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several area campgrounds feature nature programs specifically designed for children. "There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network of hiking and horse riding trails," Janet R. notes about Lackawanna State Park, offering learning experiences alongside recreational activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region sit on uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Very hilly campground. Sites aren't level. Nice place," James P. mentions about Shady Rest Campground, suggesting that RVers bring adequate leveling equipment.
Hookup reliability concerns: Older electrical systems at some campgrounds may not support multiple high-draw appliances. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," cautions David about Lackawanna State Park.
RV-specific sites: For more comfortable RV camping, specific site selection matters. "The KOA campgrounds are always extremely well maintained with all the amenities we want. Love the KOA patio sites, worth the few extra dollars," Rebecca S. recommends about pet-friendly options at Honesdale-Poconos KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Union Dale, PA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Union Dale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Union Dale, PA is Keen Lake Resort Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Union Dale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 112 dog-friendly camping locations near Union Dale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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