Shawnee State Park

Located in the beautiful region of Ohio, you can find the Shawnee State Park hidden inside the 63,000 acre Shawnee State Forest. Often called "The Little Smokies," this park's 1,095 acres in the Appalachian foothills by the Ohio River Banks features valleys, hills and forests. Best of all, your dog is welcome to explore this pawrific wilderness with you!

Got a hiker dog? There are several hiking trails that are sure to satisfy your canine explorer throughout the park and surrounding forest. The serious backpackers will enjoy the 40+ mile Shawnee Backpack Trail through the wilderness. Camping is available along the way, as are latrines and water to refill bottles. For this big hike, you'll need a permit. For the casual hiker, most of the trails range from 0.5 miles to 4.6 miles.

Water lovers have endless opportunities for fun on the Ohio River, or on Turkey and Roosevelt Lakes. Boat ramps and launches are on all three bodies of water, with various kinds of boat rentals available from the park. Fishermen can try their hand at snagging crappie, trout, and largemouth bass in the lakes, so long as they obtain a fishing license beforehand. Swimming is also available, but unfurtunately, dogs are not allowed in any designated swim areas.

Picnic areas spread throughout the park are pawfect for a rest or outdoor meal. There are also lots of sports activities to keep enthusiasts busy, including archery, mini golf, volleyball, basketball, tennis, and horseshoes. Playgrounds for the little humans in your pack are in the park too.

Got more than a day's worth of adventuring to do? Over 150 dog-friendly campsites offer all kinds of camping experiences, from group or equestrian, to primitive and electric. Toilets, showers and laundry facilities are available for some, latrines for others, but all will get you up close to furbulous nature. Cabins are also on site, and some even allow dogs!

Be sure your dog stays on a leash no longer than six feet everywhere in the park. They should also be fully vaccinated, licensed and tagged before they arrive. While restrooms and places to refill water bottles are available in various areas of the park, you'll want to bring bottles and a bowl for your adventures to share with your pup. Also have clean-up bags handy, and always stoop and scoop. 

Whether for an afternoon or weekend, you and your pup will love to get back to nature in the Shawnee State Park!