Best Dog-Friendly Camping in Pennsylvania

Fireflies illuminate Pennsylvania summer nights. Cricket song fills the air. In Autumn, a motley blaze of red and yellow leaves streaks the hillsides as a rich, earthy scent permeates the woods. Through all seasons, gurgling brooks and creeks weave their way through the countryside. Secret glens and mossy pools await. For centuries this landscape has attracted lovers of the outdoors, and there's no limit to opportunities for camping in Pennsylvania.

An indescribable yet unmistakably ancient energy fills Pennsylvania's wildernesses. It can be felt clearly in places like Bushkill Falls. There, in the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," explorers of all ages find fun and discovery.

A broad network of trails leads to and around eight beautiful waterfalls. The Twin Lakes wait for anglers. Curious travelers can explore three different historical exhibits, sluice for gemstones, or try their luck in the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze. Some people claim that if you stand still, close your eyes, and listen, you can feel the history ebbing and flowing around your feet at Bushkill Falls.

Pennsylvania's enormous population of majestic whitetail deer offer great surprises for nature-lovers camping in Pennsylvania. With a closely monitored population ranging from 1 to 1.5 million, Pennsylvania's white tail are famous for their size, grace, and beauty. Alert hikers and campers will likely catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals.

The Pennsylvania landscape is diverse and full of variety. With the Appalachian Mountains bisecting the state, the eastern and western halves are distinctive both culturally and geographically, but neither is lacking for natural wonders.

To the east, you can find camping near popular destinations like the Delaware Water Gap at the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To the west, there's the fantastic Laurel Caverns, where visitors can experience a three-hour-long tour that goes 46 stories deep into the mountainside.

Pennsylvania has plenty of rivers for the aquatically inclined. Chief among them is the Susquehanna, the longest East Coast river draining into the Atlantic Ocean. This impressive waterway offers many opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploration. Folks camping in Pennsylvania may enjoy pitching their tent or parking their camper on the Susquehanna riverside.

All of this is just a small part of what the Keystone State offers to explorers of all kinds. Many more secrets wait nestled in the countryside, waiting to be discovered.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites in Pennsylvania (688)

    1. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "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."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    2. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "There are numerous hiking trails in the park that seemed to be well marked and maintained. The park is about 20- mins from Reading, and 10 mins from Birdsbroro."

    "There is a connector trail nearby that can get you to most of the hiking trails. Site was nice. Bathrooms okay. This is a pet loop so be aware of dogs. Hiking trails in park were a nice challenge."

    3. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Sweet Valley, PA
    Website
    +1 (570) 477-5675

    $20 - $92 / night

    "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"

    "There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome!"

    4. Hickory Run State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Albrightsville, PA
    Website
    +1 (272) 808-6192

    $20 - $72 / night

    "We took the short drive to Hawk Falls Trail and also completed the Orchard Trail Loop."

    "The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly and I’m looking forward to going back"

    5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "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."

    6. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-8407

    $20 - $67 / night

    "We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."

    "We stayed in the pet friendly area for 4 days. Very nice campers, bathrooms very clean. Even with half the spaces open, still felt a little crowded."

    7. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $18 - $128 / night

    "While most of the campgrounds in the park are no pets- there are 2 loops that allow your furry companions! Loop F includes electric spots!"

    "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."

    8. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $20 - $195 / night

    "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.  "

    9. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

    33 Reviews
    Skytop, PA
    Website
    +1 (570) 676-3428

    $20 - $44 / night

    "Well we stay at knee lake had lots of fun plus they have a swimming pool and thier pet friendly ."

    "Thiers the lake beach near by plus thier pet friendly .Has lots of commendations for campers it clean an nice an peaceful .Do recommend if you like camping 🥾"

    10. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "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."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in Pennsylvania

3658 Reviews of 688 Pennsylvania Campgrounds


  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2021

    Clear Creek State Park Campground

    Great place to camp

    We have tented and RV'd at Clear Creek. A must do when camping in Pennsylvania. The Clarian river is great for kayaking . Multiple trails off of park. Biking and breweries close by. if you have RV/travel trailer do NOT recommend the non-power sites, they are not level enough, you may really have to bring up the trailer. There were wonderful campsites hosts when we there

    Pros; excellent location, great friendly people, clean and stocked bathrooms which include showers. Some sites are separated.. great camp hosts

    Cons…a few sites are really close, however not a bad thing here as we got to meet a lot of great people, so for us it was kind of a Pro.

  • 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!

  • P
    Aug. 6, 2020

    Happy Acres Resort

    Nestled in the mountains of PA

    Stayed for 5 nights with a partial hook up for our brand new 32 foot travel trailer. Other reviewers had mentioned that sites were small, so we specifically asked for a larger site. We ended up getting a corner site right on the edge of a hill looking down on the main office and playground. It was perfect. Playground was huge with multiple playsets suitable for all ages. Bathrooms/showers we're clean and well kept. There was a basketball court, shuffleboard and carpet pool that you could borrow equipment for. Our son and his family rented a wolf den cabin and it was very clean as well. Internet access was spotty, as expected but WiFi at the main office was good. We enjoyed the small, but very clean pool. Would definitely go back. Pet friendly, but there isn't a dog park/off leash area. Staff were friendly and helpful. Right across the street from little pine state park.

  • 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.

  • s
    May. 19, 2023

    Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

    Very fun place for all ages

    One 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

  • Nicole L.
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    Beautiful

    Cooks forest is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to returning as there are a lot of hiking opportunities we missed. We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground. Our site was right next to a drinking water spigot and a path to the bath house. The sites near ours were in a wooded area, which felt more private than many of the other sites we saw. There was a fore pit and a picnic table. Our fire pit was behind where the camper was parked, which also felt more private. There is no alcohol permitted in PA state parks, so alcohol is prohibited in the campground as well. It was a great spot, and we look forward to returning.

  • S
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Love this place!

    This is my favorite campground so far in PA.

    For the most part, there isn’t a bad site (although we didn’t see any of the walk up sites, and I recommend not booking a site immediately next to the bathrooms since the ones without showers are more like “outhouse” toilets and can stink). The sites are private, flat, surrounded by trees, and have plenty of space. The ground is quite rocky though, so bring plenty of heavy duty tent steaks.

    Highlights include: the reservoir (beautiful and clean! You can swim with your dog from the access points at the campground), quiet, friendly staff (a kind older gentleman helped us jump my car and refused to take any money as a thank you), updated/very clean showers, not buggy, reception is great (we have Verizon), plenty of room to social distance, and 2 trading posts about 1 mile away with milk, eggs, basic supplies, etc.

    Cons: the bathrooms without showers aren’t flush toilets, and there is no campground office so you must see the hosts for any issues.

    Things to do nearby (last 5 pictures): the Kinzua Skywalk Bridge free- an old train bridge that was partially destroyed by a tornado in the early 2000’s. The bridge is handicap/stroller accessible, pets are allowed. There is a small indoor museum & gift shop, and a hiking trail along the wreckage. If you hike, wear good sneakers, the path is rocky and VERY steep. The hiking path is not recommended for small children). Bathrooms on site.

    The Kinzua Dam free - beautiful. Handicap/stroller accessible, pets permitted. Bathrooms were closed due to social distancing.

    Rimmrock overlook free- just a small distance from the parking lot. NOT stroller/handicap accessible, and there are rock steps, however we saw numerous families with small children go through the path with no issues. Pets permitted. Bathrooms on site.

    Nearby towns of Kane and Ridgway looked cute, but we didn’t spend time there due to our efforts to social distance.

  • 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.


Guide to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic trails to well-equipped campgrounds, there’s something for every pet owner.

Tips for camping with dogs near Pennsylvania

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Raccoon Creek State Park

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at Hickory Run State Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the pet-friendly campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers numerous pet-friendly camping options across the state. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA provides clean facilities with a small dog park and hiking paths. Dogwood Acres Campground, a family-owned property with beautiful countryside views, features a very nice fenced off-leash dog park. Other pet-welcoming options include Cook Forest State Park with its dedicated pet trail through the woods, Buttonwood Campground along the Juniata River, and Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. Many state parks have designated pet-friendly loops or sites. For RVers, campgrounds like Happy Acres Resort and Pioneer Lakes RV Park accommodate pets with varying amenities. Always check specific pet policies when booking, as rules regarding leash requirements and designated pet areas may differ.

Are dogs allowed at Allegheny National Forest campgrounds?

Yes, dogs are generally allowed at Allegheny National Forest campgrounds. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest is particularly pet-friendly and offers excellent camping opportunities with your furry companions. The forest provides numerous trails where you can hike with your leashed dogs. While pets are welcome, standard National Forest regulations apply - dogs must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet when outside your vehicle or camping unit, and you must clean up after your pet. Some areas may have specific restrictions during certain seasons or in sensitive wildlife areas. Always bring waste bags, portable water bowls, and sufficient food for your pets. Check with the ranger station for any temporary restrictions or advisories before your visit.

Do Pennsylvania pet-friendly campgrounds require reservations?

Most pet-friendly campgrounds in Pennsylvania do recommend or require reservations, especially during peak camping season (May through October). Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins offers pet-friendly areas but fills quickly, making advance booking essential. Clear Creek State Park Campground also operates primarily on a reservation system for its pet-friendly sites. Many private campgrounds like Buttonwood and Hickory Hollow strongly encourage reservations to secure pet-friendly accommodations. While some campgrounds may keep a limited number of first-come, first-served sites, relying on walk-up availability is risky, especially on weekends and holidays. Reservation windows typically open 6-12 months in advance for state parks and 3-12 months for private campgrounds. Check specific campground policies, as some may charge additional pet fees requiring advance payment.

What amenities should I look for at pet-friendly campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

When camping with pets in Pennsylvania, look for dedicated dog parks where your furry friends can run off-leash. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park offers a spacious dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs, plus a walking path around a pond. Many pet-friendly campgrounds like Hickory Hollow Campground feature well-placed fire rings, full hookups, and designated pet areas. Other valuable amenities include pet-friendly hiking trails, waste stations, nearby veterinary services, and pet washing stations. Some campgrounds may offer pet sitting services or pet-friendly cabins for those not tenting or RVing. Always check for pet policies regarding leash requirements, breed restrictions, and any additional pet fees before booking.