HARRISBURG — Gov. Tom Wolf and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced Monday increased opportunities for campers to bring their pets to some of Pennsylvania’s State Parks — including Sizerville in Cameron County.
“As travelers prepare for camping season in Pennsylvania, we’re thrilled to announce that state park visitors will find more campsites and cabins open to pets,” Wolf said. “Travelers to 56 parks across Pennsylvania can now pursue their happiness and experience the beauty of the commonwealth with their pets at their side.”
New state park pet camping sites have been established at Sizerville State Park, while newly designated cabin sites are being offered for pet owners at Codorus State Park, as well as Cook Forest in Clarion County and Ohiopyle State Park in Fayette County, where walled tents will be utilized.
“Since the pilot program started, we have heard repeated calls to allow pets in more state park campgrounds,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “We’ll listen closely to the responses to the expanded project to judge its effectiveness, and gauge how park campers, both with and without pets, like these changes.”
Surveys, feedback to park managerial staff, and reservation information all played a key role in the department’s decision to continue expanding a pets policy that began in 2001 with nine parks.
The changes affecting pet owners come as the Bureau of State Parks continues to upgrade its online camping reservation system, and provide electrical and water service at more state park campgrounds across the state.
Pet owners at selected state park sites must comply with many program regulations. They govern leashing; barking and other noise; maximum number of pets allowed (two, when the size of a cat or larger); aggressive behavior; proper cleanup and disposal of feces; valid licensing when required; and needed vaccinations.
Violations could require campers to remove their animals from park grounds. Park officials are empowered to determine whether animals meet the definitions of “pet,” which are commonly kept in household captivity, and “caged pets,” which will not be released from their cage while at the park.
