Coming soon: More pet camping sites at Pennsylvania state parks

The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will allow pets at more state park campsites in 2021.

Dogs, cats and caged animals such as birds and hamsters will be permitted in the parks.

Livestock such as horses, cows, pigs, sheep, and goats are not considered pets.

Pet camping started as a pilot program in the state parks in 2001. Currently, 56 of Pennsylvania’s 121 state parks allow pet camping. Additionally, 26 state parks allow dogs in designated cabins, cottages and yurts.

New pet camping sites scheduled for 2021 include:

• 13 sites at Codorus in York County

• 14 sites at Frances Slocum in Luzerne County

• 3 sites at Ohiopyle in Fayette County

• 7 sites at Ryerson Station in Greene County

• 7 sites at Tobyhanna in Monroe County

• 2 sites at Trough Creek in Huntingdon County.

Ohiopyle also will be offering an ADA-compliant cottage that permits pets.

“Both our ‘Pet Camping’ and ‘Dogs in Cabins’ programs have expanded slowly and cautiously as park officials gauge camper acceptance and pet owner compliance,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We know many of our campers say their park stays are enhanced by the presence of pets,” she added.

Pet camping regulations include proper cleanup, valid licenses, leashing, vaccinations and maximum number of pets (two, when the pets are the size of a cat or larger).

Make online reservations, as early as 11 months in advance, by visiting the state parks website or calling toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

Not all campsites permit pets, so be sure to specify to the call center operator for a campsite that permits pets.