Three of the Most Scenic Campgrounds in the US You Can Camp at With Your Dog

Jul 15, 2024

When you’re planning a camping road trip, one of the first things you think about is a change in scenery! You’ll seek a place that’s picturesque, offers a chance to experience novel environments, affords a glimpse at the most pristine scenes in nature, is located in an area with plenty of interesting things to do, puts you up close and personal with a unique selection of plants and wildlife to observe.

Each of the places on today’s list fulfills that goal, and then some! We’re bringing you selections of some of the most beautiful places to go camping across the US. From Dark Sky designated parks to mountainscapes and glistening lakes, we bet our britches that you’ll find heaven on earth at each one!

Today we’re bringing you three of the most scenic and unique places to camp in the US, along with several other recommendations for further exploration. As an added bonus, each of these three places offers dog-friendly and pet-friendly options so you don’t have to leave your furry friend behind with a sitter.

Pawtuckaway State Park in New Hampshire

As one of the largest state parks in southeastern NH, this 5,000 acre preserve is a hot spot for camping and outdoor recreation. The lake has pristine, crystal clear blue water that’s perfect for swimming and boating. There are 32 miles of hiking trails to level up your trekking skills, including the dual 900-foot summits of both North and South Pawtuckaway mountains.

Reserve a campsite out of the 192 sites available nestled deep in the fresh pine woodlands and plenty of which offer incredible views of Pawtuckaway Lake. Amenities include 24-hr bathhouses, a camp store, and on-site canoe and kayak rentals. Each campsite here has their own open fire ring, picnic table area, tent-friendly flat ground, and parking.

To make the most of your stay and take advantage of the beauty here, visitors recommend checking out the following trails for amazing views: South Mountain Lookout Tower Trail (5mi), North Mountain and South Mountain Trails (6.1mi), North Mountain and Boulder Trail Loop (9.5mi). If you’re kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, visitors recommend heading over to the southern area of the lake in the late afternoon to dusk to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the calm lake. The area is incredibly diverse with wildlife and plants, and you may even luck out and spot an elusive Loon on the lake or a Moose traipsing through the trees. For fishing, this is the place to be with plenty of coves, rocky shorelines and calm waters to catch some impressive specimens! Remember to secure a local fishing license at a nearby store or business before fishing.

If you’re looking to bring pets in tow, please note that they’re only allowed at the campgrounds and beach areas from September 30th through May 1st; pets are prohibited during summer season. You and your furry pals will be able to explore the hiking trails through Reservation Road and Round Pond Road Only, and pets must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet and you must clean up their waste.

Acadia National Park in Maine

This 47,000 acre national park boasts a stunning rocky coastline with gorgeous waves crashing below, quintessential New England lighthouses, it has remarkably dark skies affording unmatched views of The Milky Way and constellations. It’s also home to a protected area of nesting peregrine falcons, so keep your eyes peeled to spot them as they hunt and fly!

The park offers two designated camping areas that you’ll need to reserve up to 2 months in advance in the Mount Desert Island area or Schoodic Peninsula, as well as 5 lean-to shelters on Isle au Haut. You can choose from the Blackwoods Campground is on the east side of Mount Desert Island and Seawall Campground is on the west side. Schoodic Woods Campground is on the mainland. Duck Harbor Campground is on Isle Au Haut and requires a mailboat to access. There is also the Wildwood Stables Campground for those with stock animals in tow! There is no backcountry camping permitted and no lodging available.

To make the most of the park, visitors recommend the following hikes (please note that some may be more challenging than others, so plan for your skill level): Precipice Trail (2.5mi), Ocean Path Trail (4mi roundtrip), South Bubble Trail (1 to 4mi), Jordan Cliffs and Jordan Pond Path (3.5 mi). For kayaking and canoeing, you’ll want to check out the inland lakes and ponds such as Bubble Pond, Jordan Pond, Seal Cove Pond, Echo Lake, Eagle Lake, and take a trip for some sea kayaking around the Cranberry Isles off the southern coast of Mount Desert Island!

Unlike many other national parks, this one is quite pet friendly, and your buddy can even become an official Bark Ranger! There are 100 miles of dog-friendly trails and 45 miles of dog-friendly carriage roads in Acadia, but your pup will need to be leashed on a line no longer than 6-ft, must not be left unattended at any time, and you must clean up after their waste. Pets are also welcomed at Blackwoods, Seawall, and Schoodic campgrounds!

Lake Bistineau State Park in Louisiana

While it’s one of the smaller entries on the list, this state park certainly is not short on excitement and adventure! This unique park is renowned for its natural beauty featuring a mixed hardwood forest, magical cypress and tupelo trees, scenic trails through the southern wilderness, and a gorgeous open water reservoir to explore.

The park offers a large lodge area, cabins for rent, and reservable campsites. Many of the campsites offer water and electric hookups, as well as there are restrooms, showers, and a dumping station on the park grounds. Pets can join you on the campgrounds and some designated trails, and must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please note they are not allowed in any of the cabins; pets must be leashed or kenneled outside the facilities.

There are five different hiking trails to try with varying surfaces and difficulty levels: Willis Homestead Trail (3.8mi), Blue Wing Trail (1.2mi), Koasati Trail (2mi), Pintail Loop Trail (1.3mi), Discovery Circle (0.4mi), and a delightful 6-mile Equestrian trail if you’ve brought your own horse along! The park is a hotspot for birding enthusiasts and if you’re observant you might be blessed to spot a Great Egret, Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, many varieties of song bird and woodpecker and owl, and perhaps even a Roseate Spoonbill! It’s the perfect place to enjoy some kayaking and canoeing along the 11-mile canoe trail. You can even try your hand at something new with the 18-hole disc golf course on site.

Other gorgeous State and National Park areas that you may wish to visit:

What are your favorite pet-friendly places to visit that offer incredible scenic views and majestic natural wonders? Let us know in the comments on our social media!