Is your pet as much of a Happy Traveler as you are? Don’t worry about calling a sitter — bring your furry traveler along to explore the lake destinations of Pennsylvania that welcome four-legged friends with open arms. These lake destinations come with action-packed adventures including hiking trails, kayaking, boating, swimming, and scenic views that are ideal for you, your family, and your pet!
1. KIASUTHA CAMPGROUND
Kane
Nestled on a large creek off the Allegheny Reservoir, Kinzua Lake offers countless outdoor activities that will have you and your furry friend pawing for more. Camp out at the Kiasutha Campground, a creekside campground that sits on forested hills off the 29-mile Longhouse Scenic Byway. Visitors can enjoy swimming, relaxing, and using the boat ramp and dock. If you and your furry companion are the hiking type, there are several hiking trails steps away.
Know before you go: Pets must always be on a leash and are not to be left unattended at the campsite. Dogs are not allowed on the beaches.
2. LAMPE CAMPGROUND
Erie
Experience the wonders of Lake Erie at Lampe Campground at Port Erie at the Lampe Marina Campground. It offers 42 waterfront camping sites and a variety of outdoor adventures. Grab a leash and take the bike path to Erie’s Bayfront District and Presque Isle State Park for scenic views of one of our most popular lakes or use the free boat launch for a day of boating.
3. CEDAR LAKE CAMPGROUND
Dover
This 75-acre campground is full of adventures and outdoor activities for the entire family. With nothing but scenic views, Cedar Lake Campground boasts a seven-acre lake. Enjoy catching and releasing the fish (except for trout!) while soaking in the views of Cedar Lake from dawn until dusk. If you’re looking for more interactive experiences with the entire family, the campground offers swimming pools and a full schedule of activities the family and your furry friend are guaranteed to enjoy, including holiday celebrations, barbeques, fishing tournaments, crafting, and even free prize bingo! The campground even has a dog walk park area for your fur babies.
Know before you go: Pets are to be kept on a leash maximum length of eight feet and must always be under the control of the guest/visitor. To learn more, visit the Cedar Lake Campground website.
4. EDINBORO LAKE RESORT
Edinboro
Looking to stay in a log cabin for a getaway but don’t want to leave the pup behind? Edinboro Lake Resort has you covered! This Erie County resort has dog-only, pet-friendly cabins available and quipped modern amenities with lakefront views of Lake Erie! Bring the pup along for activities like kayaking, paddle boarding, or swimming, or rent a pontoon boat for fun on the water.
Know before you go: Dogs must always be leashed and cleaned up after. Use the “Are you bringing a Dog” drop box in step 2 when booking online and the resort will assign you to a pet-friendly cabin. Offered in the one-bedroom cabins only.
5. KEEN LAKE CAMPING & COTTAGE RESORT
Waymart
Ready to play fetch on the beach with your pet? You’re in luck! Keen Lake’s Pet Beach is exclusively for your furry friends. Let the pooches enjoy the lake by swimming in the water, rolling in the sand, and catching Frisbees. Keen Lake also has adventures everyone in the family will enjoy. Situated right in the Pocono Mountain, Keen Lake offers comfortable and convenient experiences while providing an array of amenities that ensure a successful trip. From boat shed rentals to paddle boarding and playgrounds, you’re guaranteed to have a lake adventure filled with memories!
Know before you go: Visit the Keen Lake website to view pet beach rules and read about ways to keep your pet safe.
6. LAKE GLORY CAMPGROUND
Catawissa
Hop in the RV or tent with your pooch at Lake Glory in Knoebels! Set by a beautiful and secluded lake, you can take a dip, enjoy the picturesque views of the reflective water, or take a stroll to the creek for a day of fishing! Don’t forget to visit the Knoebels Amusement Park for the day — America’s largest free-admission amusement park!
Know before you go: Pets are permitted on leash, under control, and with owners assuming responsibility. Pets should not be left unattended for extended periods such that they create a hazard or nuisance. No pets are allowed in Cozy Log Cabins, Eagle Roost Units, or restrooms and showers!
7. CLAYTON PARK CAMPGROUND
Lake Ariel
This Pocono Mountains seasonal campground and boat launch is pet-friendly! Originally a boat livery in the early 1900s, Clayton Park has expanded into a camping and rental destination that takes pride in relaxing experiences in the countryside. Enjoy the fishing hole at the 310-acre, man-made Lake Henry with natural-fed springs and relax on the campgrounds after a full day of activities. You can also enjoy weekend entertainment, including a campfire music seriesand epicurean events.
Know before you go: Visit the Clayton Park website for additional information on bringing your pets to the campground.
8. OTTER LAKE CAMP RESORT
East Stroudsburg
Enjoy a fun, relaxing getaway at Otter Lake Camp Resort with the entire family and the pooch! Otter Lake, in the Pocono Mountains, is centered on a glistening 60-acre lake that is perfect for boating (no gas motors allowed), swimming, and bass fishing with no fishing license required. You’re guaranteed to have a perfect trip at Otter Lake, whose tent and RV sites are packed with amenities, including Wi-Fi, lakefront views, showers, and dressing rooms.
Know before you go: Quiet pets that are kept on a leash and cleaned up after are allowed. Pets may not be left alone at your site, in your RV, or any other area of the park. Proof of rabies vaccination should be provided upon request. Pets must be kept quiet and not allowed to disturb other guests.
9. SUSQUEHANNOCK CAMPGROUND
Hesston
Susquehannock Campground is a destination where you and your four-legged friend can really stretch your legs! The 8,300-acre Raystown Lake offers numerous outdoor activities including fishing, boating, picnicking, and hiking for you and your pup to have the ultimate adventure. Fishing is the most popular activity at the lake, where you can catch muskies, small and largemouth bass, and brown trout. If you’re looking to get your feet wet, try fishing at the nearby stream and river while your pup can take a dip to cool off! Want your pet to join you on the trail? Visit nearby trails — such as the Allegrippis Trails, Old Loggers Trail, Hillside Nature Trail, and Terrace Mountain Trail— to explore nature with your furry companion by your side.
Know before you go: Dogs are allowed at Susquehannock Campground, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet when outside your vehicle. For more information on pet restrictions, please call 814.658.6809.
10. LAKE RAYSTOWN RESORT LODGE
Entriken
Bunk up with the family and the pup! Offering pet-friendly cabins, Lake Raystown Resort is Central Pennsylvania’s top destination for a lake vacation and is next to Raystown Lake, the largest lake in the state of PA. With 400 acres of waterfront property, endless activities, and top-rated accommodations for any budget, this is an ideal family vacation. From campfire fun and swimming to paddle boarding and geo-caching, you and your entire family (pet included) will leave feeling refreshed!
Know before you go: Visit the Lake Raystown Resort website for the pet rules and regulations.
To learn more about lake vacations, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly Happy Thoughts e-newsletter so you never miss an update.