Dog Friendly Camping Sites in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Pet Owners

Dog Friendly Camping – For Pennsylvania campers who love dogs, the 2022 season brought good news: many more spots in the Pennsylvania State Parks system are now open to dogs. Over 130 new pet-friendly campsites have been added in six state parks as part of the growth. This shows that more and more people want to enjoy the outdoors with their pets.

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Expanding Access to Dog-Friendly Campsites

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn says that the choice to add more pet-friendly sites was made because more and more people like to bring their pets with them. The “Pet Camping” and “Dogs in Cabins” programs have been carefully expanded to make sure they meet the needs of both pet owners and people who don’t have pets. Park officials are keeping a close eye on how well these programs are received. In order to make sure that all campers have a good time, the goal is to allow pet owners to bring their animal friends with them.

Cook Forest State Park in Clarion County is part of the Cook Forest & the Ancients area in the Pennsylvania Wilds. For the 2022 season, more camping will be pet-friendly at this park. Now that this has been added, almost all Pennsylvania State Parks, except for Cherry Springs State Park Dark Skies, offer camping with pets.

Exploring the Pennsylvania Wilds with Your Dog

Over two million acres of public land make up the Pennsylvania Wilds, a great place for tourists and their pets to have fun in the outdoors. There are 29 state parks, 8 state forests, and the Allegheny National Forest, which is Pennsylvania’s only national forest, in this area. The different settings give you a choice of places to camp, hike, and explore with your dog.

There are many pet-friendly places to stay that can be reserved in the Allegheny National Forest. Because there are so many choices, pet owners can make trips that fit their needs, whether they want to stay in a remote area deep in the woods or at a developed campsite with all the comforts of home.

Rules and Regulations for Camping with Pets

It’s great that there are more campsites that allow pets, but pet owners need to know the rules so that everyone has a good time. Some important rules are to always keep your pet on a leash, make noise, and clean up after your pet. Another rule in parks is that only two pets (at least cats) are allowed per campsite, and all pets must have current licenses and all necessary vaccines.

There are different fees for bringing pets to different types of accommodations. To give you an idea, pets stay in cabins, luxury cabins, and yurts for $5 per night, regular cabins for $3 per night, and campgrounds for $2 per night. These fees help pay for the extra costs of training and care that come with allowing pets.

Top Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Here’s a closer look at some of the most dog-friendly campgrounds in Pennsylvania, offering a mix of amenities and natural beauty:

Cook Forest State Park – Located in Clarion County, this park is a favorite among pet owners for its towering old-growth forests and scenic hiking trails. The park’s expanded pet-friendly campsites offer easy access to the Clarion River, where you and your dog can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Ohiopyle State Park – Known for its waterfalls and whitewater rafting, Ohiopyle offers several pet-friendly campsites. The park’s trails, including the popular Great Allegheny Passage, are dog-friendly, making it an ideal destination for active pets and owners.
Ricketts Glen State Park – Famous for its 22 named waterfalls, Ricketts Glen offers pet-friendly camping amidst some of Pennsylvania’s most stunning natural scenery. The park’s Falls Trail is dog-friendly, but be prepared for a challenging hike with steep and rugged terrain.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park – Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, this park offers a variety of dog-friendly camping options, including sites near two lakes. The park also provides access to the Appalachian Trail, where dogs can enjoy long walks through the forested landscape.
Presque Isle State Park – While camping is not allowed directly within this park, nearby campgrounds offer pet-friendly options. Presque Isle’s sandy beaches and numerous trails are perfect for dogs who love water and outdoor exploration.
Promised Land State Park – Located in the Pocono Mountains, this park offers a serene setting for camping with pets. The park’s two lakes and numerous hiking trails provide plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities with your dog.

Tips for a Successful Dog-Friendly Camping Trip

Camping with your dog can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does require some extra preparation. Here are a few tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly:

Pack the Essentials: Make sure to bring enough food and water for your dog, along with bowls, a leash, a bed or blanket, and waste bags. It’s also a good idea to pack a pet first-aid kit and any medications your dog may need.
Know the Rules: Each park or campground may have specific rules regarding pets, so be sure to review them before your trip. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure you’re prepared to comply with all regulations.
Prepare for the Weather: Check the weather forecast before you leave and pack accordingly. If it’s going to be hot, bring extra water and consider bringing a cooling vest or mat for your dog. If it’s going to be cold, pack a doggy jacket or blanket.
Practice Campground Etiquette: Respect other campers by keeping your dog under control at all times. Avoid excessive barking and keep your dog on a leash when outside your campsite. Always clean up after your dog to keep the campground clean and enjoyable for everyone.
Plan Activities: Research the area ahead of time to find dog-friendly trails and activities. This will help you plan a trip that’s enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Exploring Beyond State Parks: National Forests and Private Campgrounds

There are many places to camp in Pennsylvania’s state parks that allow dogs, but there are also things to do outside of these parks. In the Allegheny National Forest, for example, there are both marked sites and places to camp in the wild. Dispersed camping lets you set up your tent in places that haven’t been developed yet, giving you a more natural and private experience. Please remember to follow the Leave No Trace rules and see if there are any rules about pets.

Private campgrounds also let dogs stay, and they usually have extras like dog parks, paths, and houses that are pet-friendly. You can narrow your search for campsites that accept dogs on sites like KOA and Hipcamp. This makes it easier to find the right place for your trip.

Conclusion

Pet-friendly campsites have been added to more Pennsylvania state parks, which is great news for campers who love dogs. You and your dog can enjoy the beauty of Pennsylvania’s wild scenery together if you plan ahead and follow the rules. If you and your furry friend want to go on a journey, Cook Forest State Park has old woods to explore, Ricketts Glen has rough trails to hike, or the Allegheny National Forest is a great place to spend a night under the stars.