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Cowans Gap State Park Campground designates sites 1-30 in Campground A as pet-friendly, allowing campers to bring their dogs while enjoying the park's amenities. The campground features clean shower houses with heat, well-maintained bathroom facilities, and tent sites with paved pads. Twin Bridge Campground also welcomes pets throughout their property with water and electric hookups at most sites. The campground operates from April 15 to October 15 and offers a relaxed setting where dogs can accompany their owners. Many families have found Twin Bridge particularly accommodating for children and pets, with the stream access providing entertainment for both. Michaux State Forest permits dogs at their primitive camping areas, offering a more rustic experience for those seeking to camp with their pets.
Several hiking trails throughout the region allow dogs on leashes, making the Upper Strasburg area ideal for active pet owners. The Tuscarora Trail near Cowans Gap provides challenging terrain with some steep sections and rock scrambles that adventurous dogs can navigate alongside their owners. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed at all times, typically with a 6-foot maximum leash length. The creek at Twin Bridge Campground gives dogs a place to cool off during summer months, though owners should bring supplies as pet amenities are limited. No dedicated dog parks exist within the campgrounds, but the extensive trail systems provide ample exercise opportunities. Weather in the mountains can change quickly, so pet owners should pack accordingly for their dogs' comfort in varying conditions.
"Pet friendly (spaces 1-30, Campground A), nice shower houses with heat, well laid out beach, beach house, watercraft rentals, friendly park rangers & staff, and in the center of trails galore!"
"Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop."
from $20 - $48 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in the Chinquapin West side due to the restrictions of dogs. Not that I don't love dogs! It's just that it can get loud sometimes."
"Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."
from $20 - $92 / night
Check Availability"This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."
"Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it. Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground."
from $38 - $43 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"In addition to that, there is a bounce pad, shuffle board, horseshoes, chess, over-sized jenga, playground, dog park, gem mining, basketball, bikes, wood, propane, etc. and they pick up trash daily right"
"Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
"Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"There's a parking area which fits several cars, and I actually counted 4 campsites there is immediate access to."
"Great campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly. "
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $95 / night
Check Availability"This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section."
"Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites."
from $18 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Friendly staff and bonus that it’s pet friendly. Watch out for falling black walnuts in October. We heard them hitting ours and other rigs during our three day stay."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
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.
GuideOne of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large dogs there is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept
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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
ScoutThis 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. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.
RangerThis is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section. A lot of them are labeled "waterfront" by the park site but ours did not live up to that criteria so be aware of that. We were hoping to be truly stream-side but were not that near to it. The bathrooms were modern and clean. The park is extremely quiet and peaceful, probably one of the most remote PA state parks we've been to. The camper side was pretty full while we were the only ones on the walk-to side. We enjoyed walking the roads and little trails around the campground and seeing the old stone fireplaces/chimneys. There was a dog park area on the walk-to side which was nice. We liked it here.
The mountainous landscape of Upper Strasburg sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation within Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing with summer highs averaging in the 80s. Most campgrounds in the area maintain operations from April through October, with several state forest sites offering year-round primitive camping for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Creek exploration and cooling off: Twin Bridge Campground features a stream where guests can splash and wade during summer months. "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it," notes one visitor, mentioning the "relaxing setting" that makes it perfect for families seeking water-based activities.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground serves as the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail. "You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat!" reports a camper. The park recommends taking a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for scenic views across the valley.
Historical tours and battlefield visits: With Gettysburg just 30 minutes away, many campers use the area as a base for Civil War history exploration. "The campground was just minutes from downtown Gettysburg," reports a visitor at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, which offers convenient access to battlefield tours and museums.
Wooded privacy: Many sites at Caledonia State Park Campground provide natural screening between neighbors. Though one visitor notes: "Sites didn't have much privacy and bathrooms were small and outdated, although adequate," the campground compensates with "beautiful lake and scenery" and excellent access to trails.
Clean facilities: Gettysburg Campground maintains well-kept bathroom and shower facilities that regularly receive positive mentions. "The porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain," remarks one tent camper, appreciating the campground's commitment to sanitation despite weather challenges.
Seasonal firefly displays: During summer evenings, campers witness remarkable natural light shows. A visitor to Caledonia notes being surprised by "synchronous firefly shows we saw in July" — an unexpected wildlife experience that many campers don't anticipate when planning their trips to the area.
Weather fluctuations: Mountain weather changes quickly in the Upper Strasburg region, particularly during spring and fall. Temperatures can vary by 30 degrees within 24 hours. Pack extra layers even during summer camping trips.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Caledonia State Park Campground receives mixed reviews about site proximity. "Sites are very close to each other, there's no privacy, and you can hear everyone and everything," reports one camper, while others appreciate the community atmosphere. Research individual site dimensions before booking.
Permit requirements for state forest camping: When camping in Michaux State Forest's primitive areas, specific rules apply. "Camping is free in several areas throughout Michaux State Forest, BUT you usually need to have a camping permit (also free) and you can only stay in designated campsites," explains a forest visitor. Permits must be arranged before arrival through the State Forest District Office.
Water recreation options: For families seeking summer water activities, Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground offers creek-side sites with water sounds that children enjoy. A camper describes it as "nestled between a hillside and a stream with a great sound of running water" — providing natural entertainment for young campers.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Certain locations specifically cater to families with playground equipment and organized activities. "This is the campground to come to with kids! If you're looking for activities and fun and friendliness this is the spot," writes a visitor to Twin Bridge Campground, noting structured recreation programs throughout the season.
Educational opportunities: Several area campgrounds offer junior ranger programs and history lessons. Pine Grove Furnace provides historical context with its old iron furnace and Appalachian Trail Museum. A visitor recommends: "Make sure you visit the Furnace and the AT Museum, make sure you hear the store about the first through hikers!"
Hookup availability: North Michaux State Forest Campsites provide more primitive conditions than commercial campgrounds, so come prepared. "This is a primitive site so all that is there is a fire ring. Sites are free, but you must reserve them online and get a permit," explains one RVer.
Site accessibility: Several reviewers note challenging access at some locations. At Ye Olde Mill Campground, water and electric hookups are available, but some navigation may be required. A visitor recommends: "Superb campground with water and electricity hookups!" but suggests arriving during daylight hours to easily locate connections.
Dump station locations: Pine Grove Furnace State Park offers convenient dump stations. "Easy access to dump station," notes one RV camper, appreciating the straightforward layout that accommodates larger vehicles without difficult maneuvering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Upper Strasburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Upper Strasburg, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Upper Strasburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 142 dog-friendly camping locations near Upper Strasburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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