Laurel Hill State Park

Pennsylvania's Somerset County is home to some truly spectacular mountainous terrain. If you want to explore it all on a camping getaway with your pet, why not pay a visit to Laurel Hill State Park?

This 4,062-acre park boasts an extensive range of recreational opportunities all year round, and welcomes leashed pets with open paws. The focal point of the park is the 63-acre Laurel Hill Lake, which features a popular 1,200-foot swimming beach. The beach is open from late May to mid September and boasts a maximum depth of 5 feet. Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the beach.

The lake also offers ample opportunities for boating and fishing, with boat rentals available and the chance to catch bass, trout, catfish, bluegill, and more.

If you prefer to stay dry, 15 miles of hiking trails help you explore the park's mountainous terrain. Most trails are wide and well signposted, but there are some more difficult hikes available for those that like a challenge. Many of the trails are also open to mountain biking, and in the winter months Laurel Hill State Park becomes a popular spot for snowmobiling and sledding.

Three picnic areas boast horsehoe pits, playground equipment, and a range of other facilities, including more than 500 picnic tables when it's time for a bite to eat.

If you're staying the night, the campground offers 262 campsites and a number of cottages. Campsites 6 through 97 are pet-friendly, with a limit of 2 pets per campsite.

Throughout your stay, make sure your pet is either crated, contained in a vehicle, or on a leash. You must also pick up after your pet at all times and show courtesy to other park users.

If you can do that, there's nothing to stop you and your dog enjoying a paw-some camping trip in this spectacular state park.