Surrounded by the rugged beauty and diverse wildlife of Rothrock State Forest, Greenwood Furnace State Park is home to a pet-friendly campground, a small lake, hiking trails, and even a touch of history.
Its scenic campground features 49 tent and trailer campsites plus two walk-in sites, with 44 of those sites boasting electric hookups. Showers, flushing toilets, sinks, and a dump station are all provided, while the campground opens on the second Friday in April and shuts down for the year in mid-November.
You don't have to pay an entry fee to visit any Pennsylvania state park, but camping costs vary depending on the type of site you choose. There's also a $2 nightly fee when you camp with your dog. Dogs are also only allowed on designated sites, so double-check to make sure you've chosen a pet-friendly site before finalizing your booking.
You'll need to make sure you stick to all posted rules about where dogs are and aren't allowed, and that your dog is kept on a leash of six feet or shorter when outside your tent or RV/trailer. Disposing of your dog's waste is also a must.
Within the park, you'll find a pretty little six-acre lake. There's a 300-foot sand beach open for swimmers from late May until mid-September -- watch out for the freezing-cold water -- while the lake is also popular for canoeing, kayaking, and trout fishing.
Hikers can choose from 10 trails of varying difficulty levels. The 0.5-mile Chestnut Spring Trail offers a pleasant stroll along a peaceful stream, while 2.75-mile Brush Ridge Trail is a more difficult proposition but rewards those who tackle it with impressive forest vistas. There's even a self-guided orienteering course that starts at the Visitor Center, while snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are popular in winter.
Finally, please be aware that this campground is in quite an out-of-the-way location. While this can be inconvenient and makes it an unsuitable destination for campers who like to be near a wide range of stores and restaurants, it also helps to keep the campground relatively quiet. So if you're seeking a tranquil outdoor escape with your pooch, Greenwood Furnace State Park is a paw-some destination!