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Dog-Friendly Camping near Wellsville, PA

123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground's designated pet-friendly loops separate dogs from campers who prefer quiet without barking. This 339-site park offers electric and non-electric options with pet-specific areas clearly marked throughout the campground. Many waterfront sites accommodate pets with short paths to the lake where dogs can cool off after hiking. Cedar Lake Family Campground and Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm also welcome pets with spacious sites that provide adequate room between neighbors. The park is clean with great amenities though some campers note having to clean up broken glass and trash at certain sites upon arrival. Tent pads in the pet areas typically back up to trees, creating natural buffers between neighboring campsites.

    The 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail circling Pinchot Lake provides excellent dog walking opportunities with multiple access points from pet-friendly camping loops. Pet owners should be aware of wildlife in the area, including snapping turtles that have been observed laying eggs near campsites. Most pet-friendly sites require dogs to be leashed at all times, with designated areas for pet relief. The extensive trail system offers options for both short and long walks with pets, though some trails cross through disc golf courses and may have poison ivy along the paths. Bathhouses throughout the campground provide convenient facilities for campers, though quality varies with some showing age and wear. The park's location provides reasonable access to Harrisburg, Hershey, and Lancaster for day trips while camping with pets.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Wellsville (123)

      1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      4.2(57)2mi from Wellsville295 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 $24 - $89 / night

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      2. Codorus State Park Campground

      4.3(42)19mi from Wellsville187 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We got a spot for two nights in the pet area. We were shaded by trees, but the spots weren’t very private. Bathroom facilities are nice."

      "The open field pet friendly sites are also large but provide no shade and it gets hot!  You can feel the difference between these sites and the interior loop sites.  "

      from $24 - $280 / night

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      3. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

      4.6(9)6mi from WellsvilleRVs, Cabins

      "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."

      4. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      4.7(26)19mi from Wellsville74 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 $24 - $43 / night

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      5. Cedar Lake Family Campground

      5.0(6)5mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again"

      "Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."

      from $60 - $100 / night

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      6. Hersheypark Camping Resort

      4.1(31)20mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      7. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

      4.3(16)16mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      8. Pinchot State Park Campground

      4.0(4)6mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Lake to kayak. Playground for the kids. Plenty of trails and road to walk. A beach to swim at. Or my favorite, sit around the fire and look at the lake. FYI tent campers get site 280."

      "This campground has a great little lake to take out a kayak in. The sites are decent size and there are some great hiking trails!"

      9. Deer Run Campgrounds

      3.4(8)12mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."

      10. Artillery Ridge Campground

      4.3(26)23mi from WellsvilleRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We 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."

      "Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them! This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Wellsville, PA

    961 Reviews of 123 Wellsville Campgrounds


    • barb C.
      Aug. 6, 2022

      Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      Amazing campground!

      We 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.

    • Gary C.
      Sep. 1, 2020

      Buttonwood Campground

      Beautiful Campground

      Clean 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!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 9, 2025

      Artillery Ridge Campground

      Great location and friendly staff

      We 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.

    • Melissa F.
      Jul. 21, 2018

      Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      Wish I stayed there under different circumstances.

      The 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.

    • C
      Oct. 21, 2021

      Dogwood Acres Campground

      Quiet and Friendly Staff

      Clean 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.

    • Chris G.
      Jul. 23, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Great campground! Lots of fun

      We 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.

    • Kathy S.
      Oct. 18, 2022

      Jonestown/Hershey KOA

      Beautiful Park

      This 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!

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      Nice 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.

    • Tiffany S.
      May. 15, 2019

      Twin Grove RV Resort

      Beautiful Campground

      This 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.


    Guide to Wellsville

    Wellsville sits in central Pennsylvania's rolling hills where the landscape varies from farmland to forest. The elevation around Wellsville averages 450-550 feet, with camping options typically nestled along creeks or near small lakes. Summer temperatures reach the mid-80s with evening lows in the 60s, while spring and fall camping brings temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.

    What to do

    Hiking the Appalachian Trail: 20 miles southwest of Wellsville, Pine Grove Furnace State Park provides direct access to the iconic trail. "The park is the halfway point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," notes Jeffrey H. about Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.

    Farm animal interaction: 8 miles south of Wellsville at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can participate in scheduled animal feedings. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family," reports Robert M. about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.

    Creek tubing and fishing: 25 miles west in Gardners. "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and tubing. I didn't think site sizes were bad but it depends on which site," explains one reviewer at Mountain Creek Camp Ground. "My husband loved finding frogs and fish. Lots of activities going on even during the week," shares Emily.

    What campers like

    Clean bathhouse facilities: At Codorus State Park Campground, visitors appreciate "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," according to Mike C. Another camper noted, "The bath house was clean. Not a lot to do at the park. The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice."

    Multiple swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water recreation beyond what's mentioned at Pinchot. "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," explains Catherine H. about Codorus State Park.

    Spacious sites at some locations: While some campgrounds have tight spacing, Cedar Lake Family Campground gets high marks for site size. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout. The animal area could stand a good cleaning, but my little one enjoyed them," notes Nate J.

    What you should know

    Train noise impacts sleep: At Hersheypark Camping Resort, campers report significant disruption from nearby tracks. "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!" warns Kit.

    Site selection matters: When booking pet-friendly camping near Wellsville, Pennsylvania, carefully review site maps and descriptions. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," explains Cat R. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.

    Seasonal limitations: Not all facilities operate year-round. "Tent site near the lake is HUGE," says Lee P. about Cedar Lake Family Campground, which remains open all year while most others close from November through March.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground proximity: When selecting sites for camping with kids near Wellsville, look for locations near play areas. "Nice wooded sites and a great little lake to take out a kayak in. The sites are decent size and there are some great hiking trails!" advises Tracey about Pinchot State Park Campground.

    Rainy day options: Weather can change quickly in central Pennsylvania. "The camp store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in," shares Emily about Mountain Creek Camp Ground, providing alternatives when outdoor activities aren't possible.

    First-time camping spots: Choose beginner-friendly sites for new campers. "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," Julie Y. explains about Gifford Pinchot State Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Water and electric details: Many RV sites near Wellsville offer partial hookups. "I stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean," notes Kevin M. about Codorus State Park.

    Parking configurations: Check site layouts before booking. "Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig," advises Mike J. about Hersheypark Camping Resort.

    Seasonal RV considerations: For pet-friendly RV camping near Wellsville, Pennsylvania, be aware of seasonal site availability. "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" shares Nate J. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wellsville, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wellsville, 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 Wellsville, PA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Wellsville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.