Dog friendly camping options near Bennington Lake span both Oregon and Washington sides of the border, with sites ranging from developed campgrounds to primitive dispersed areas. The surrounding Blue Mountain terrain creates diverse camping conditions across elevations of 1,200-6,000 feet. Summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with daytime highs reaching 95°F while nighttime temperatures drop to the mid-40s even in July.
What to Do
Swimming and water recreation: At Jubilee Lake Campground, the lake offers clear swimming areas with variable water temperatures. "The lake is chilly but swimmable from July - September" according to Brandon K. Some areas feature unexpected amenities like "an awesome rope swing maybe half a mile from the camp site, super fun!" as Addison S. notes.
Hiking around water bodies: Several campgrounds provide accessible hiking options around lakes and streams. Jubilee Lake features "a 2.8 mile trail circling the lake with breathtaking views all along," while others have shorter exploration options. At Lewis & Clark Trail State Park, visitors note that accessing water requires some navigation: "There is no super easy walk in route to the river that we found. You may need to scramble over some stuff."
Wine tasting excursions: Campers at RV Resort Four Seasons appreciate its strategic location for exploring local vineyards. "Campground was great, plenty of pull-through spots for our rig... Campground only a 5-10 minute drive from Main Street wineries," shares Sandra V., making it an ideal base for wine enthusiasts who also want pet-friendly accommodations.
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between camping spots. At Umatilla Forks Campground, Jeff O. describes "amazing peaceful secluded sites right on the river. They are spread out with lots of trees so you can't see the other sites at all." This privacy creates better experiences for those camping with pets.
River access for cooling off: Summer heat makes water access highly valued. Lewis & Clark Trail State Park offers proximity to the Touchet River where "the river is not very deep but that helps keep the temperature at an ideal," though campers should be prepared for varied access conditions.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Blue Valley RV Park receives consistently positive reviews for its upkeep. "The shower, bathrooms and laundry were clean and well kept," notes Darla J., while others mention "nicely spaced concrete pads" that accommodate pets comfortably. Rich J. appreciates the "clean bathrooms, showers, laundry, and gathering space."
What You Should Know
Biting insects can be problematic: Mosquitoes and other insects are frequently mentioned in reviews, particularly near water sources. Clare M. warns about Lewis & Clark Trail State Park: "We were all eaten alive. We wore bug spray the whole time but it couldn't keep them at bay... If you have severe bug allergies, I would not camp here."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some dog-friendly camping spots requires preparation. For Mottet Campground, Aaron B. advises: "You will need a higher clearance vehicle to reach this campground, and signage may be limited so make sure you know your step by step directions beforehand. The road is basically a forest service road with ruts and high bumps."
Temperature fluctuations: Even summer camping requires preparation for cold nights. At Jubilee Lake, one camper reported "temperatures did get down to 26°F" at the end of summer season, while day temperatures remained comfortable. Bringing appropriate gear for pets is essential, especially for overnight temperature drops.
Tips for Camping with Families
River safety for children: When bringing kids to water access points, preparation is important. Clare M. notes about Lewis & Clark: "The river is so close to hop in... but the current is too strong for young children to play in. I highly recommend making sure you are wearing secure water shoes to help you get in and out. Some rocks were highly slippery."
Consider campground crowding: Timing affects the camping experience significantly. Jubilee Lake "is probably one of my favorite places to visit. I am definitely not the only one that feels this way because it is a little crowded during the summer months," shares Julie P. Weekdays or shoulder season visits offer better experiences with pets.
Look for natural play opportunities: Midway Campground offers uncrowded experiences for families with pets. Nick B. notes, "There are plenty of logging trails to hike within walking distance, and more a short drive away," providing natural exploration options without structured playgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and configurations: At Blue Valley RV Park, MickandKarla W. advise: "The utilities are towards the back of the pad, so I had to use two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank on our Brinkley G model." Knowing specific utility locations helps RVers with pets plan accordingly.
Satellite and connectivity considerations: RVers at Umatilla Forks Campground report "no cell service at all with TMobile. But most sites have good sky for satellite and solar," important for those needing to stay connected while camping with pets.
Leveling challenges: Some RV sites present setup difficulties. At RV Resort Four Seasons, Zanna H. warns: "The sites are annoyingly un-level. Make sure you have pads and a septic ramp. They put their tables right in the middle of your site so you have to move it before you get in."
