8 More Pennsylvania State Parks Become Pet Friendly

Good news for Pennsylvania parks and pet lovers: you'll have more opportunities to bring your furry friends along on your upcoming outdoor adventures.

Governor Tom Wolf and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources this week announced they have expanded opportunities for campers to bring their pets to some of Pennsylvania’s State Parks.

According to officials, new pet-friendly camping sites have been established at five additional parks and pet-friendly cabins are now available at three additional state parks.

New state park pet camping sites have been established this season at Codorus, York County; Colonel Denning, Cumberland County; Greenwood Furnace, Huntingdon County; Shawnee, Bedford County; and Sizerville, Cameron County.

The cabin sites for pet owners are now available at Codorus State Park, as well as Cook Forest, Clarion County, and Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County, where walled tents will be utilized.

All told, 56 state parks now offer accommodations for pets.

Surveys, feedback to park managerial staff, and reservation information all played a key role in the department’s decision to continue expanding a pets policy that began in 2001 with nine parks, Pennsylvania officials said.

“Since the pilot program started, we have heard repeated calls to allow pets in more state park campgrounds and today we’re thrilled to respond to the requests,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We’ll listen closely to the responses to the expanded project to judge its effectiveness, and gauge how park campers, both with and without pets, like these changes.”

Pet owners at selected state park sites must comply with many program regulations, which include leashing, barking, aggressive behavior and proper cleanup of feces. The maximum number of pets allowed is two and pets must have valid licensing and vaccinations.

To learn more about camping in Pennsylvania with your pet, visit www.dcnr.pa.gov.