Pike Lake State Park

Nestled amongst scenic woodland and rolling hills in southern Ohio, Pike Lake State Park is a relaxing and scenic park that also boasts a lovely pet-friendly campground. If you're looking for a place where you can escape the daily grind and enjoy a quiet nature escape with your dog, this is it.

Covering just 587 acres, the park is small in size compared to some other state parks around the country. However, one thing it's big on is rustic charm, as this is a park you can very easily fall in love with.

Pike Lake State Park features a pretty little 13-acre lake which is open to non-powered watercraft and boats with electric motors only. Rowboats, canoes and pedal boats are available for rent, while anglers can try their luck catching largemouth bass, channel catfish, bullheads, bluegill, and crappie. If you're looking to cool off in the summer heat, a sand beach is available and swimming is allowed in designated areas.

When you're not on or in the water, you might like to tackle one of the park's five short hiking trails with your dog. An 18-hole disc golf course is also provided and there are 10 picnic areas located in scenic locations around the park.

If you want to stay the night, the Pike Lake State Park campground features 80 pet-friendly sites with electricity, 18 of which are walk-in only. Three of the park's 24 cabins also welcome dogs.

As is the case in most state parks around the nation, you'll need to keep your dog leashed and under control at all times. Take care to ensure that you only stick to designated pet-friendly areas and always remember to clean up after your pooch.

One final word of warning: don't confuse this state park with the Pike Lake Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Wisconsin. Make sure you're researching and reserving a site in the correct campground before making a booking.