Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Wind Ridge, PA

Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads. Staff were super friendly! Front desk staff were knowledgeable and and helpful. We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it. Big open dog park! There are only a few shaded spots. Spot width was a little narrow where we stayed (on the hill), but perfect for a quick overnight stay. Bathrooms were fairly clean, laundry was nice. The pool looked very well maintained.

In the past 5 years, I've made 13 trips to Raccoon Creek State Park and spent 16 nights in a tent there. It is my local state park and I can tell you lots about it.

The D loop is really great tent camping at Raccoon Creek State Park. It's tents only, no RVs. So it gets a really fun, party vibe on Saturday nights during the summer. There's a trail right to the beach near the D loop, so it's a great place for families to go with pets. The sites are big, wooded, and all close to the bathroom.

The C loop, however, doesn't take pets (which stinks). When we have our dogs with us, we gravitate towards the C loop. It's fine, but it's not as fun as the D loop.

When we don't make a reservation and we have our dog, we end up in the F loop. It's not our preference (but--let's be clear--even the worst site in the F loop is better than NO trip!).

I started camping at Raccoon back in the 60's as a little person with my family. Hadn't been for several decades, but finally got back with my husband and cats the past couple of years. Great park ony a 1/2 hour outside of Pittsburgh. The campground has something for everyone - RV sites with electric (although I wouldn't recommend bringing your 40' rig...sites can be a tad on the smaller side) or secluded sites just for tenting. Restrooms are clean and well maintained. Two loops allow pets F and B, but only some sites in F have electric, so be sure to check if that is what you need. There are many hiking trails that are not too strenuous or you can take a 10 mile trip around the lake. Lots of birds for viewing, particularly near the beach. You can put in your kayak or fish on the shore at the fairly large lake. Boats do require a launch pass which you can obtain from the park office. And don't miss the Wildflower Preserve if you are there in May or late summer! Great place to take the family and relax in nature!

We headed to ride the trails at big bear lake camplands and booked here considering a recent outbreak of covid at the lake. The on call staff met us at the gated community and helped us get situated on a shaded lot. Very nice and quiet with mostly seasonal or permanent snowbirds. Small pond/lake on the property and plenty of shade. The lot was a challenge to be centered and level which led to us exiting our camper downhill. The water access was in ground and I cant imagine a camping couple that's well beyond retirement finding that convenient but it didn't impact us. Pet friendly and large lots. Bathhouse was closed due to covid. No firewood at this campground to purchase but fire ring provided and picnic tables.

This is a large state park offering electric only sites

The sites are set amounts the forest and there are several loops to choose from. Loop F is pet friendly. All sites are within walking distance to amenities 

Amenities are quite run down but functional 

Wildlife is beautiful and its a short ~10min drive to the beach area of Raccoon Creek lake. 

Two (2) dump station spots and fresh water taps location throughout the park 

NOTE: Many sites are not level, you will require blocks/timber to level out campers. Tent campers should choose their site using the photos on the state park site. 

All sites have a paved car space.

Stayed here the first weekend of October.  Nice spots and many have good spacing from your neighbors.  Pets are welcome.  Facilities are older but well kept.  Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete.  Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground.  Hiking trail maps are not great but the trails are marked well. The Lake is a good walk and looks good for kayaking and fishing.  Brought our kayaks but it was a bit too cold.  Big wide spots are 11 and 16.  Nice hammock hangers on the non-electric spots.

This was my first time actually “camping” and using a tent in the wilderness. This camp was laid out very well and had plenty of maps and trails, as well as daily activities. They have a small amphitheater with easy access, a dump and recycling area. RVs had access to water and sewage drainage. The main trail we took (was also pet friendly!!) took us down to the main stretch between DC and Pittsburgh. The views are great and there is plenty of things to do within hiking distance. The only thing I would like to see is a picture of each spot. Some spots seem to be laid out better than others or slightly bigger. The spot next to us had room for a second car while ours was rather awkward. We ended up camping in the gravel but made it work. Ops.