The Paradise Lakes Family Campground in Bristolville, Ohio, is a 100-acre resort with lakes and many family-friendly activities. This campground is an hour’s drive through beautiful Ohio farm country to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A great area to enjoy hiking, biking, roadside farmstands and the scenic rolling hills and valleys of northeastern Ohio.
Key Campground Takeaways:
Family friendly, RV park in northeastern Ohio
Transient sites are level with full hookups
Dog-friendly with easy access to green space
Features include a stocked fishing lake, swimming pond, miniature golf
The Paradise Lakes Family Campground in Bristolville, Ohio, is a 100-acre resort with many family-friendly activities. The campground encompasses several lakes featuring a 26-acre stocked fishing lake. Nice park, nice people. We chose this northeastern Ohio park for a stopover on our way to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park about an hour’s drive west. This camp is well maintained with many long-term residents who come back year after year. Our site was level with full hookups and a really nice BBQ ring with attached grill, perfect for grilling fresh corn on the cob from local farm stands. With lakes, swimming pond, mini golf and clubhouse, there is plenty to keep the family busy at this campground.
Paradise Lakes Family Campground
What to do:
Take the backroads to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and enjoy the gentle rolling hills and manicured farms. It’s evident that folks in these parts are proud of their properties and proud of their country. At the park, stop at the Boston Mill Visitor Center for maps and recommendations on family-friendly or dog-friendly trails. We were happy to learn that all the trails in the park are dog friendly — rare for a National Park. Park Rangers recommended the Brandywine Gorge Loop Trail to the stunning Brandywine Falls. We opted for the Ledges Trails, a two-mile trail with unique rock formations and plenty of shade for the dogs. Take the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad that runs through the Cuyahoga valley along the Cuyahoga River for a unique way to experience the park.
Drive the Riverview Road through the National Park and stop at Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm and Market. Shop for fresh fruit, vegetables and local goodies. Enjoy the food stands — best hot dog I’ve ever had — and live music. Don’t forget to pick up some awesome corn! Take a short detour off River Road in Peninsula to visit the Everett Covered Bridge.
Cuyahoga Valley National ParkSzalay’s Farm MarketSzalay’s Farm MarketEverett Covered Bridge
Chili & Cedars’ Review: 4.7 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We had a short stay at the Paradise Lakes Family Campground but found lots of other dogs to meet and sniff. Mom could pop us out behind our campsite for a short walk to grassy areas. No complaints about this park. We really liked the Ledges Trail at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. As always, Cedar enjoyed her ride through the countryside with head hanging out the window, ears flapping and fresh country air.
Chili & Cedar at Everett Covered BridgeRelaxing at Everett Covered BridgeThe Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valey National ParkThe Ledges Trail at Cuyahoga Valey National Park
Next up: Indigo Bluffs RV Resort, Empire Michigan/Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Nestled in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Ives Run Recreation Area is a hidden gem on Hammond Lake. With close proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge, this north central Pennsylvania campground is great find. The sites are generously spaced with large green spaces – and very dog friendly.
Key Takeaways:
Well-maintained Corps of Engineer RV Park and Recreation Area
Large, wooded sites with plenty of green space for the dogs
Swimming beach and marina on Hammond Lake
Close to the Pine Creek Gorge and the Pennsylvania Wilds regions
Dog friendly
Our Stay:
A perfect, woodsy, park with generously spaced sites! The Ives Run Recreation Area, a Corps of Engineer Park, is the first stop on our trip to the Great Lakes Region and westward to Washington State. We chose this park for its proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. It’s rare to find an RV park with so much green space between sites. The park offers a marina and swimming beach on Lake Hammond and access to local hiking trails. We talked to several campers from the local area who drive a short distance for regular stays at this park. It’s a great camping experience for kids and dogs. With all the green space, it was easy to walk the dogs and let them explore the large grassy area behind our camper. Some of the paved spaces present a challenge for leveling but that is the luck of the draw. Overall, a great park for a short stay on our way through the area. We’d also recommend this park for longer stays for those who like the laid back, woodsy experience.
What to Do:
View the spectacular Pine Creek Gorge from two nearby state parks: Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. This glacially carved canyon is 50 miles long and 1,000 feet deep. Both parks offer scenic overlooks and historical programs. Numerous hiking trails begin at the park. We enjoyed the flat Pine Creek Rail Trail, a trail that follows the Pine Creek 62 miles through the Gorge. Chili and Cedar said it was too hot to hike the entire trail, but they enjoyed a short hike starting at the Darling Run Parking Area. We’d love to come back to this area in the fall to see the changing of the leaves. Explore the nearby historical borough of Wellsboro. The annual Laurel Festival was just starting during our stay, featuring a parade, concert, craft festival and food trucks. We recommend the excellent food and beers at the Wellsboro House and Brewery.
Pine Creek Gorge Pine Creek Gorge, PA
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We love grass and friendly dog people so this campground rocks! A fun place to walk the paved roads or the large grassy areas. We also liked out hike on the Pine Creek Trail and even met some horses pulling a covered wagon. Lots of relaxing time here!
This Douglas Lake RV Park is true luxury. Against the backdrop of the Smoky Mountains, the park has stunning views of Douglas Lake. Many sites have large brick outdoor fireplaces. Anchor Down RV Resort is meticulously maintained with 170 sites. It’s truly a beautiful park. We did notice that the park had a lot of “Resort Rules” and a crew running around in golf carts to monitor enforcement. The park offered golf carts for rental and campers were charged a fee to use their own golf card. Despite the rules and numerous fees, this campground is worth a visit. According to fellow campers, plan your visit far in advance for this popular park. With all the park amenities, Douglas Lake activities, proximity to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountain National Park, this is a great park for a week or two-week stay. The park is open March thru December 1st, but keep in mind that the lake water levels are lowered in the fall and winter.
Anchor Down RV Resort, Dandridge, TNAnchor Down RV Resort Lake Douglas view
What to do:
Enjoy all the amenities this resort offers to include swimming pool, lake swimming beach, paddle board/kayak rentals, volleyball, basketball, pickleball, gaga ball, playground, and dog park. Launch your boat or jet ski directly from the park. Rent a pontoon from the resort during the summer months or from local marinas. We rented a dog-friendly pontoon from the Mountain Harbor Marina. Our two-hour boat trip was a wonderful way to see this stunning lake.
For extended stays, check out the attractions in nearby Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Tour the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via car or hike the numerous trails. See my review for my post on the Gateway to the Smokie Mountains for more ideas.
Anchor Down RV Resort BeachAnchor Down RV Resort Walking PathAnchor Down RV Resort Dog ParkDouglas Lake
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
The Anchor Down RV Park is definitely dog friendly. There was plenty of green space and even a nice size dog park. We also had fun on the pontoon ride! Next time we want more swimming time, mom!
Chili enjoying a pontoon ride on Douglas LakeDouglas Lake, TennesseeCedar Lounging Douglas Lake, TN
Great Smoky Mountain RV Stay near the attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Quiet, wooded RV park with swimming pool, laundry, dog park and full hookups.
Key Takeaways:
Close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Close to the attractions at Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
Wooded spacious sites with full hookups
Swimming pool, bathhouse, laundry, cable & wi-fi
Enclosed dog park
Our Stay:
If you are looking for a great Smoky Mountain RV stay close to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg attractions, the Gateway to the Smokies RV Park and Campground is a great choice. The wooded, spacious sites include a concrete pad and full hookups. With 79 sites, it’s a smaller RV park that offers a quiet stay but just minutes away from Dollywood and all the attractions of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
What to do:
Take a road trip in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the Gatlinburg entrance, stop by the Sugarland Visitor’s Center for maps and souvenirs. Follow Clingmans Dome Road through the park and stop at several scenic pullouts for expansive views of the Smokies. The seven-mile route ends at a large parking area. From there it’s a half mile walk to Clingmans Dome. Dogs are not allowed on the path to the dome. It’s a strenuous walk but well worth it. At 6,643 feet, it’s the highest point in the park. The observation tower at the summit offers stunning 360-degree views of the Smokies.
Walkway to Clingmans DomeClingmans DomeGreat Smoky Mountain Vista
Hike the dog-friendly Gatlinburg Trail that runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The 1.9 mile trail runs from the Sugarland Visitor’s Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg. It’s a flat, easy hike with spots for the dogs to access the river for a quick swim.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park VistaHiking the Gatlinburg Trail
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.5 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We liked the Gateway to the Mountains RV Park. The dog park was nice but on the small side. We enjoyed our walks around the campground. We also liked our car ride through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There were only two dog-friendly hiking trails but we really liked the Gatlinburg Trail and yes, we jumped into the river along the way! After hiking, we visited the dog-friendly Gatlinburg Brewing Company in Sevierville – nice!
Next Up: Douglas Lake, Tennessee/Anchor Down RV Resort
Great Asheville RV park location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate. With level sites and full hookups, the Rutledge Lake RV Park is a great jumping off point to explore the Asheville area.
Key Takeaways:
Close to Asheville, NC and the Biltmore Estate
Full hookups, cable, laundry, bath house
Full size pool
Our Stay:
Rutledge Lake RV Park is located 15 miles south of Asheville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We chose this park for its proximity to Asheville and the Biltmore Estate. The park includes a small lake with a few short walking trails. While the park was dog friendly, the pet walking area was very dirty.
From the park, we took an easy day trip to Asheville to explore the city. Our dinner at Tupelo Honey Cafe in Downtown Asheville was excellent. The dogs enjoyed a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a stop at the Hillman Brewing Company. We spent a day at the Biltmore Estate with a self-guided tour of the grounds, an audio tour of the house and a wine tasting at the estate winery.
What to Do:
Explore the arts and music scene of scenic Asheville. Check out the Asheville beer scene. With more breweries per capita than any U.S. city, you won’t run out of beers to taste! Bring the dogs to one of 28 dog-friendly breweries. Take the dogs for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hike and bike the numerous trails in area state parks and forests.
Take a day to visit the Biltmore Estate. With over 8,000 acres, this National Historic Landmark is well worth a visit. You will need to make a reservation at least a day ahead of time and plan to stay for the day. The grounds are dog friendly, and they do have kennels for use while you tour the house. Don’t forget to sign up for a wine tasting at the Antler Hill Village & Winery. We arrived several hours before our house tour appointment time and toured the grounds and the winery. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the Biltmore Estate grounds.
We enjoyed our brewery stop at Hillman Brewing Company in Ashville. We also liked our ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Check out Cedar’s video: Happiness is the wind in my face. The Rutledge Lake RV park was just okay – nothing special for us.
