Keystone State Park

Planning a family camping vacation less than an hour from Pittsburgh and want to take your dog along too? Keystone State Park could be the perfect destination.

Located around 35 miles east of Pittsburgh, this 1,200-acre park offers a beautiful campground and heaps of recreational opportunities all year round. The main attraction in Keystone State Park is the 78-acre Keystone Lake, which features a sand beach open from late-May to Labor Day. However, please note that pets are not allowed on the beach. The lake is also open to boating (electric motors only) and fishing, with boat rentals available near the main boat launch.

Hikers can explore the eight miles of trails that wind their way through the park. Most trails are easy but the 1.5-mile Stone Lodge Trail provides more of a challenge, including a steep climb sure to get your heart rate up. There's also plenty of fascinating plant and animal life to admire along the way, including a diverse range of bird species that migrate through the park.

When winter arrives, cross-country skiing is permitted on park trails and sledding is allowed on the park's slopes. Ice skaters are also welcome on the natural ice of the lake.

For those planning on staying a night or three, the campground features around 100 tent and trailer sites. While Lakeside Campground doesn't welcome pets, your pooch is more than welcome to join you in the more remote Hillside Campground.

When camping with your pet, make sure you abide by all park rules. These include keeping your pet leashed and under control at all times, and making sure your pet is always well behaved. As always, clean up after your pet and properly dispose of their waste whenever necessary.

Keystone State Park is the ideal destination for a pet-friendly camping vacation, so why not pack up your pooch and explore the best this beautiful park has to offer.