Little Pine State Park
Set among the mountains of Tiadaghton State Forest, Little Pine State Park gives campers a taste of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
The park is home to 88 campsites, 83 of which can accommodate a trailer of up to 20 feet, while the remaining five are tent-only sites. Some sites are shaded while others are out in the open, and a small number are found along the shores of Little Pine Creek -- so check a campground map closely before booking your spot.
Entry to Pennsylvania state parks is free, but the cost of camping varies depending on the type of site you select. Pets are permitted on 30 designated sites for a nightly fee of $2, and there's a limit of two pets per site. You'll need to make sure your pet is leashed when outside your tent or trailer and that you properly dispose of their waste. There are also three camping cottages and two yurts available, but these are not pet-friendly.
Once you and your dog have settled in, you can then start exploring the many attractions on offer. Bald eagles have been nesting in the park since 2004, so a visit to the viewing area is a must for wildlife lovers, particularly at dawn and dusk. Songbirds frequent the park in summer, while everything from deer and bears to raccoons and mink also call this region home.
To catch a closer glimpse of the native flora and fauna, take a hike along the park's 10-mile trail network. The Carsontown Trail takes in stunning wildflowers and is recommended for families with children, while the 2.9-mile Panther Run Trail offers a difficult climb and rewards hikers with stunning vistas.
Little Pine State Park also features a 60-acre lake with a small swimming beach. The beach is open from late May until the middle of September, but pets are prohibited in this area. A boat launch area and 25 seasonal mooring spaces are provided, while a boat rental stand also operates on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Little Pine is a pretty park in a peaceful location. If you're looking for an uncrowded campground that offers plenty of recreational activities to keep campers of all ages happy, it's a good choice.
