Here in Pennsylvania, there’s nothing better than getting outdoors, exploring, and spending nights under the stars when we pay a visit to our local state parks. However, not all of us can stay away from home overnight. We have furry friends, like our pups, waiting at home for us to feed, to care for, and to love them. Fortunately, some state parks already welcome our pets. Bring your dogs for a camping adventure at these six Pennsylvania state parks.

In recent years, state parks in Pennsylvania have become much more pet-friendly. The program “Pet Camping,” initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), began with nine state parks back in 2001.
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Today, more than 50 out of 121 campgrounds in PA’s state parks welcome our furry friends. That number recently increased with the addition of six Pennsylvania state parks, including Codorus State Park, Frances Slocum State Park, and Ohiopyle State Park.
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Ryerson Station State Park, Tobyhanna State Park, and Trough Creek State Park round out the six state parks that recently joined the Pet Camping program.
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Acceptable pets include dogs, cats, and those pets in cages – hamsters, rabbits, and birds, for example. All pets must either be on a leash or crated during their time at the park.
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Some animals that we may consider pets, such as horses and goats, are considered livestock by the DCNR and are not permitted in the state parks.

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Pets are already permitted in the day-use areas of all 121 state parks. However, if you’ve brought your pup to the park, you cannot take him to such restricted areas as beaches, swimming areas, and buildings. You also cannot leave him unattended.
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When you reserve a camping site, make sure it is pet-friendly. You’ll have to follow rules – such as leaving food inside of your car or tent so it doesn’t attract wild animals – to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Pet owners should take precautions as they would anywhere else – picking up after their pet, making sure the pet isn’t too noisy, and showing common courtesy for others in the campground and in the park.
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Click here for the DRNA fact sheet which provides you with everything you need to know to bring your pet (safely) to the parks.
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Are you excited that you get to bring your pets when you visit these six Pennsylvania state parks? What are your favorite dog-friendly state parks to visit in Pennsylvania? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Are you more of a cat kind of person? Then, a visit to Kawaii Kitty Cafe in Pennsylvania is a must-visit!

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State parks to visit in Pennsylvania

Sarah M. | January 28, 2022

What are some other dog-friendly places to visit in Pennsylvania?

If you enjoy taking Fido on your hiking adventures here in the Keystone State, you'll be pleased to learn about the following dog-friendly trails! Spanning just two easy but beautiful miles through Allegheny National Forest, Hector Falls Trail is a picture-perfect way to spend a few hours, and it's a perennial pup favorite -- just keep Fido on leash! Another dog-friendly hike in PA is at Indian Echo Caverns. This hidden gem is a pet-friendly Pennsylvania cave that permits visitors to bring their pets underground -- provided the pet is held by someone. Prepare to do a lot of walking inside the caverns, which are not handicap accessible, that date back some 440 million years. The Susquehannock Indians are said to have been the caverns' first visitors in 1670 with the public first going underground in 1929. Scenic, historic, and pet friendly? What a fun PA adventure!

What are some no-reservation campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

Sometimes you just need to escape into nature on a moment's notice, and during these times, you'll need a campground that doesn't require advanced reservation. Luckily there are some really great options in the Keystone State! A perennial Pennsylvania favorite is Ravensburg State Park. Sleep under the stars at the cozy 78-acre Ravensburg State Park in Jersey Shore, near Tiadaghton State Forest. Bring your pooch to this pet-friendly campground that's open until the last weekend in September. Another no-reservation campsite we adore is Riverside Campground in Montgomery, where you will enjoy picture-perfect views of the stream right from your tent. The year-round campground promises a rustic experience, with no electric or water near the tents (bathrooms and showers are available nearby, however). To check into the dry camping tent site, which doesn't require reservations, go to the office when you arrive at the campground. However, the site gets extremely busy during the Little League World Series in August, so during that time, each family can only rent one tent. Please note: No reservations mean camping spots are available on a first come first serve basis. You may find a campground has no or little space or you can’t find the kind of space where you want to pitch your tent.

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Featured Addresses
Codorus State Park, Marina Dr, Hanover, PA 17331, USA
567 Mt Olivet Rd, Wyoming, PA 18644, USA
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
Ryerson Station State Park, 361 Bristoria Rd, Graysville, PA 15337, USA
Tobyhanna State Park, PA-423, Tobyhanna, PA 18466, USA