Community Forums

Bug512 · 11-15-2010, 07:01 PM

Hello, we are looking to stay at one of the Pennsylvania State Parks that allow pets. I see that the website states "No more than two non-caged pets are allowed to stay on any one campsite" .

You guessed the problem.. we have three dogs.

Has anyone ever stayed with more then two?

Do they ask?

wingnut60 · 11-16-2010, 08:22 PM

Not familiar with PA CGs, but when faced with this type situation, my wife and I just never walk all the dogs at the same time--and 2 of ours are similar looking. Have never been 'audited' for dog count.
Joe

Frank P. Martin · 11-16-2010, 08:29 PM

This is going to be a tough question to answer. But, let's look at it from this perspective:

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in PA state parks. Yet, look in any PA state park campground dumpster and you'll see more liquor and beer bottles, cans, cases, boxes or whatever, than you can shake a stick at. With all this drinking going on, I have only witnessed one incident where campers were ejected from the campground; and only because the two intoxicated guys started fighting over a girlfriend(?) they had brought with them.

I've camped with my cat in a non-pet site. While this violates the camp rules, it's actually better for the cat because when I camp in the pet sites, there are usually so many dogs barking and being walked on the street that it becomes upsetting to the cat. However, I do get concerned that kitty will be seen by the ranger while she's sitting in the doorway just looking out the screen door and minding her own business.

A lot is also going to depend on the park itself. Some parks are more "stuffy" than others in enforcing the rules, and, if the park is short staffed, patrols through the campground will likely be few and far between. Even when you plan to camp makes a difference. Rangers will be less tolerant to rule violations during times when the campground's full than when there are only a handful of campers in residence.

In the end (bottom line), I believe that whether you are "called" for violating the two dog rule will hinge upon whether anyone complains to the park ranger or you've done something to irritate the ranger (like excessive barking from your dogs) and he's looking for some violation to boot you out. If your dogs are quiet, not too large or mean, I'd bet that no one will give a rats rear end whether you have three. But, I wouldn't "advertise" that fact.

In your post you wanted to know if they ask how many dogs. Well, I don't know about dogs but they always ask if you have alcoholic beverages. But, I'm sure they could eject half the campground for all those who answered "No" yet still bring them in. So, You shouldn't feel guilty lying if they ask how many dogs and you say "two".

**NLOVNIT** · 11-16-2010, 08:45 PM

We've camped in a few PA state park campgrounds & I have witnessed, twice, a campsite with more than 2 dogs & the dogs were small - 3 mini doxies one time & 2 toy poodles & a pug another time. They didn't spend much time outside their respective RV's so if it weren't for the fact they sat on the dash looking out, I wouldn't have even known they were there. Both incidents were in the "off season" (fall) with few other campers around so it probably wasn't an issue.

Frank is right that if the dogs are quiet & another camper doesn't complain (how many of them know 2 is the limit?) you'll probably get away with it.

Lori-

Bug512 · 11-17-2010, 05:57 AM

Thanks for the great replies. Yes they are quiet (and old).. George is going to be 13, Shadow 12 and Gracie is 7.

We have camped wit them in the past. If they are outside they are tied.
To be honest they have two things on their checklist every day. Get up, eat and go for a walk, after that its back to bed to sleep.

Thanks again. I want to go to Rickets Glen State Park in April.

Ed S · 11-17-2010, 07:04 AM

Just wondering to myself what this means??
"No more than two non-caged pets are allowed to stay on any one campsite"

Four dogs in an expen, is that caged???
Six dogs in crates in the rv, is that caged???

ok, bird in cage....sure

Superslif · 11-17-2010, 07:07 AM

Frank what do you mean PA

Quote:

Alcoholic beverages are not allowed in PA state parks

that wouldn't be camping.

Yes, I have noticed the last two years upon check-in you are asked if you have any alcoholic beverages in your RV. Last year I forgot I made a reservation at Clear Creek on the site right next to the camp host, so all 4 evenings I had to kind of watch it....keep it (bottled beer in a can cozy) in a box next to my recliner while outside by the fire.

OK, back to the pet ? My parents a few years back were kicked out of I believe Prince Gallitzin State Park near State Collage because their dog tag was expired. Upon check-in they were asked if the shots and tag were up to date. Here the next day the park called Ohio to check on the Ohio tag and found out it had expired. All shots were current, the dog had an ID tag, they had paperwork that showed the shots were current. But had an expired Ohio dog tag. They were told to leave and were not refunded any of the other 3 days they paid for....

**NLOVNIT** · 11-17-2010, 11:56 AM

Holy cow, Jim! I think PA went way overboard enforcing that rule. They could've just given them a warning & told them to be sure tags & all were current before coming to PA SP's to camp again. I suppose they have to draw the line somewhere, but, yeesh.

Lori-

Superslif · 11-17-2010, 06:26 PM

I think they were miffed over not getting the 3 days site fees back, after being kicked out. To this day, they have not visited a PA. park for that reason. They know now they make sure their dog tag is current....They said the ranger dude was overly aggressive and young, trying to make a name for himself....

PA State Parks over the last 3-4 years have been expanding parks allowing pets. I remember checking into Laurel Hill State Park east of Pittsburgh if pets would ever be allowed there. He said "pets will never be allowed in my park period". Well, I guess he never got the memo from Harrisburg. They now allow pets in the bottom loop at LH....as of 2 or 3 years ago.

Chuck 1935 · 11-18-2010, 02:24 PM

I like ,Don't ask don't tell and even if they ask ,Don't tell. I never volanteer anything. Nitwits with badges are just that. Penn also has everything listed for 30ft trailers. We stayed at Racoon Creek for two weeks and there was plenty of room for our 34ft MH and Toad. When I inquired, I was told they had no spaces for anthing over 30ft. When we got there the place was empty and there were plenty of spaces for 40ft MHs.
NEVER NEVER give a semi official too much information. It just confuses them and prompts them to make a stupid decision.
Peace and Love.