Photo by Robin Jonathan Deutsch on Unsplash
Weekends are meant for kicking back and relaxing, but in reality? Most of us have so many responsibilities that we often don’t have a lot of time to just enjoy two carefree days. When we can squeeze in some time off, we usually want to make the most of it. Whether you prefer to indulge in luxury or embrace nature with an old-fashioned camping adventure, these dog-friendly getaways in Pennsylvania promise the perfect opportunity to bond with your pup.
1. The Lodge at Glendorn – Bradford
Escape to the quiet of nature at The Lodge at Glendorn, an idyllic weekend destination, especially if you enjoy pampering (spa) and long walks through the forest (hiking trails) with your dog. The forest retreat offers nearly half a dozen dog-friendly cabins with an array of luxurious amenities, including a wood-burning fireplace. A maximum of two dogs are allowed in each cabin with a fee of $75 for the first dog and $25 for the second. Dogs must be crated when you’re not in the room.
The nightly rate at The Lodge at Glendorn promises some pretty spectacular amenities, including unlimited ice cream from the on-site, self-serving ice cream parlor, bikes and helmets, a seasonal heated outdoor pool, ice skating and cross-country skiing in the winter, and water and towel service.
Address: The Lodge at Glendorn, 1000 Glendorn Dr, Bradford, PA 16701
2. Nemacolin Resort – Farmington
Billing itself as one of the East Coast’s most dog-friendly resorts, Nemacolin makes it easy to escape for a weekend getaway with your pup, offering such dog-friendly amenities as a pet spa, resort, and vet clinic onsite. Pamper your beloved dog with a stay at the Woodlands Pet Resort & Spa while you’re out exploring. The resort and spa features large kennels with nearly 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor play space. Cats are also welcome and will stay in two-story condos brimming with toys. If you prefer your dog get the full Nemacolin experience, add an upgrade or two. Nature walks, swimming sessions, and individual playtime are all available.
Address: Nemacolin Resort, 1001 Lafayette Dr, Farmington, PA 15437
3. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg
Treat the whole family, including your pooch, to an unforgettable weekend of fun and good eats at Knoebels Amusement Resort. The pet-friendly amusement park welcomes pets to join the family on a day out. Dogs can even ride select rides like the carousel and train. With all that Knoebels offers, from swimming to rides, a single day might not be enough, so why not turn that day trip into a weekend getaway? Pitch a tent or park your RV at Knoebels Campground. While the campground is pet-friendly, pets are not permitted in the cabins, cottages, rental trailers, or any campground buildings. Knoebels is a seasonal attraction.
Address: Knoebels Amusement Resort, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824
4. Camelback Resort – Tannersville
A popular year-round destination in Pennsylvania known for its epic indoor and outdoor waterparks and snow tubing hills, Camelback Resort promises an action-packed weekend of fun, and your pup’s invited. However, they’ll have to meet a few criteria. Your dog must weigh no more than 50 pounds, have all vaccinations, and be “well-socialized” with both pets and people. Only one dog is allowed in a room.
Camelback Resort offers plenty to keep you and your dog busy. Indulge in a delicious meal on one of the patios of its pet-friendly restaurants, including Berrelli’s Italian Chophouse and Trails End Pub and Grille. Speaking of trails, go on long, leisurely walks on the property and relax on one of the open patios.
Address: Camelback Resort, 193 Resort Dr, Tannersville, PA 18372
5. Keen Lake Resort – Waymart
Indulge in long leisurely days at the beach with your pooch at Keen Lake Resort. Toss a Frisbee into the lake; join your dog in the water to cool down at the pet-friendly beach, or soak up the sun on the grassy area leading to the water on one of the best pet-friendly weekend getaways in Pennsylvania.
A seasonal destination, Keen Lake Resort offers several pet-friendly accommodations. Enjoy sweeping views of the lake when you park your RV in the campground; pitch a tent at the water’s edge; combine luxury with the camping vibe by reserving a glamping tent; or rent one of the pet-friendly cottages or homes. Only one pet is allowed per glamping tent while two are permitted in all other pet-friendly accommodations.
Pets are not allowed in all areas of the resort. However, the resort is brimming with amenities, including a people-only beach, a heated pool, a children’s garden, playgrounds, and a game room.
Address: Keen Lake Resort, 155 Keen Lake Rd, Waymart, PA 18472
6. Omni Bedford Springs Spa & Resort – Bedford
Pamper yourself and your pooch with a dog-friendly weekend getaway at Omni Bedford Springs Spa & Resort. The luxurious resort offers a pet-friendly menu that will leave your pup barking for more. Choose from such gourmet meals as chopped sirloin or chicken and rice with peas and carrots. If your pup has a sweet tooth, order the frozen bananas with peanut butter, hardboiled eggs, or a homemade dog biscuit.
Two dogs maximum are permitted in each room, and the resort charges an additional $200 fee, not including tax, per stay for your pups. Pet-friendly rooms are only in the Anderson House. Dogs are not allowed in the room alone and are not permitted in several spaces, including meeting rooms, the indoor and outdoor pools, the spa, and restaurants.
When you and your pup aren’t out exploring the adorable small town of Bedford, check out the many amenities at the resort. From golfing to dining, the luxurious resort in Pennsylvania makes it easy to relax and recharge. Carve out time, too, to go on a hike on the resort’s property. You can also sign up for a guided scenic hike.
Address: Omni Bedford Springs Spa & Resort, 2198 Sweet Root Rd, Bedford, PA 15522
7. Jim Thorpe Camping Resort – Jim Thorpe
Sometimes all we need is a weekend to reconnect with nature, and that’s just what Jim Thorpe Camping Resort offers. Pitch a tent, pull your RV into a quiet parking space, or book one of the one-room camping cabins or two-room family cabins for one of the most relaxing dog-friendly weekend getaways in Pennsylvania. (The camping resort also features deluxe cabins that sleep up to six guests. However, they are not pet-friendly.)
All guests are expected to follow the campground’s rules to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. When you’re not relaxing at the campground, explore some of Jim Thorpe. Well-known and loved as the Switzerland of Pennsylvania, Jim Thorpe offers plenty to do, from shopping and dining out to hopping aboard a scenic train ride with Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway.
Address: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, 129 Lentz Trail, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
8. Seven Springs Mountain Resort: Slopeside Hotel – Champion
Whether you plan to sashay down the slopes on a snowy winter afternoon or soak up the summer sun while playing a round of disc golf, you’ll find plenty to turn a normal weekend into one packed with adventure at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. You can even bring your dog and stay in one of the limited pet-friendly rooms at the Slopeside Hotel or book a stay at Sassafras Cottages, a dog-friendly home at the resort. While pets are allowed in the hotel’s lobby, dogs are not permitted in several spaces, including festival grounds, on the slopes during the ski season, on chair lifts, and in restaurants and shops.
Seven Springs boasts a full menu of amenities no matter what season you visit. Wintertime means skiing, snow tubing, and snowboarding while the warmer months feature disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, kayaking, trampoline jumping, and hiking. If you prefer to stay indoors, pamper yourself at the spa, or try your hand at ax throwing, bowling, or mini golf.
Address: Seven Springs Mountain Resort, 777 Water Wheel Dr, Champion, PA 15622
Finding pet-friendly weekend getaways may take a little bit of digging, but you’ll still find plenty of destinations that welcome you and your pup. Always confirm with your chosen destination that it is still pet-friendly before making reservations or hitting the road.
