5 Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in Northeast Ohio (That Actually Like Dogs)

Let’s get one thing straight: leaving your dog at home when you go camping is a huge bummer. Dogs belong in the woods. They want to sniff trees, stare intently at squirrels, and sleep by the campfire just as much as you do.

When my wife and I started Wanderous Rentals in Stow, Ohio, back in 2023, making our campers pet-friendly wasn’t even a question. It was mandatory. In fact, a portion of our pet fee goes straight to local animal shelters because we are huge dog people.

But not all campgrounds are created equal when it comes to pets. Some say they are "pet-friendly" but then hit you with a rulebook thicker than a dictionary. You want a place where your dog is actually welcome, not just quietly tolerated.

If you are looking for an easy camping Northeast Ohio weekend with your furry best friend, here are 5 genuinely dog-friendly campgrounds within a 50-mile radius of Stow. And remember, if you use our camper delivery in Cuyahoga Falls or Akron, you don’t even have to tow the rig. We bring it right to the site.

1. Camp HiYo (Homerville, OH)

Camp HiYo is a fantastic, laid-back spot about an hour west of Stow. What makes it great for dogs? The sheer amount of open space. It’s not overly cramped like some corporate RV parks. You have room to walk your dog without constantly bumping into someone else's grill.

They have lots of shaded spots, which is crucial for keeping your dog cool during a warm Ohio summer. The staff is wonderful, the vibe is relaxed, and it’s the perfect place to just sit back with a cold drink and let your dog chew on a giant stick.

2. Jellystone Park Akron-Canton (Uniontown, OH)

You might think Jellystone is just for wild, sugar-fueled children. And yes, there are a lot of kids and water slides. But it is surprisingly accommodating for dogs. They have a designated bark park where your dog can run off-leash and burn some energy.

This is a great option if you have kids AND a dog and need to keep everyone entertained. We do a ton of camper rentals with delivery near Akron right to Jellystone. We set the camper up, turn on the AC, and you just show up with your family and your pup.

3. West Branch State Park (Ravenna, OH)

If you and your dog prefer trees over water slides, West Branch is the move. It’s super close to Stow and Cuyahoga Falls, and it’s gorgeous. The camping area is heavily wooded, meaning plenty of shade and endless smells for the dog.

They also have miles of hiking trails that are dog-friendly (just keep them on a leash). The lake is massive, and while dogs aren't allowed on the main public swimming beach, there are plenty of spots along the shore where they can splash around and cool off.

4. Findley State Park (Wellington, OH)

Findley State Park is famous for its towering pine trees. Walking through it feels like you aren't in Ohio anymore. The trails are excellent for dog walking, and the campsites are usually spacious enough that your dog won’t be constantly distracted by the neighbor's yorkie.

State parks are generally very welcoming to pets, provided you follow the basic leash laws and clean up after them. Plus, it's incredibly peaceful. If you want an RV rental in Stow OH to take somewhere quiet, Findley is a solid bet.

5. Countryside Campground (Mogadore, OH)

This is a hidden gem right in our backyard. It’s right near the Mogadore Reservoir, meaning it is incredibly scenic and quiet. It’s rustic, simple, and very dog-friendly.

Because it’s a bit more low-key, it’s a great spot for dogs that might get anxious in crowded, noisy parks. You can spend the day fishing on the reservoir, hiking the trails, and hanging out by the fire. We love delivering here because it’s a straight shot from our home base in Stow.

How Our Pet-Friendly Camper Rentals Work

Bringing your dog camping is great, but sharing a tiny, hot tent with a wet, muddy dog is tough. That’s why you rent a camper.

When you book a camper rental with delivery near Akron through Wanderous, here is what happens:

1. You book your site at one of these parks.

2. We tow the camper there, back it in, and level it.

3. We hook up the power and crank the AC so your dog doesn't overheat.

4. You show up.

Our campers come stocked with linens, kitchenware, and basic toiletries. We even offer add-ons like a 10 ft kayak ($40) if you want to get out on the water at West Branch or Findley.

All we ask is that you keep the dogs off the beds (or bring a blanket to cover the furniture) and wipe their muddy paws before they track Ohio clay all over the floor. At the end of the weekend, you just pack up your dog and drive home. We handle the dirty work of dumping the tanks and towing it back.

Ready to treat your dog to the best weekend ever? Check out our pet-friendly campers and grab your spot at [https://www.wanderous.co/](https://www.wanderous.co/)