Dogs Allowed to Stay with Owners in Select State Park Cabins Starting April 2012

Seven State Parks Currently Taking Reservations

HARRISBURG, Pa., April 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dogs will be allowed to stay with their owners at select state park cabins and camping cottages under a pilot program that will begin in April 2012, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said today.

"Every year a number of visitors ask us whether their dogs can stay with them at a state park cabin," said Bureau of State Parks Director John Norbeck. "To better serve our customers, we've created this pilot program and will evaluate the success of the program for possible expansion."

Norbeck said pets are currently allowed to spend the night at designated sites in 47 state park campgrounds.  

The pilot program will apply only to dogs and will involve select cabins and camping cottages at seven state parks: Chapman, Warren County; Cowans Gap, Fulton County; Kooser, Somerset County; Poe Valley, Centre County; Prince Gallitzin, Cambria County; Promised Land, Pike County; and Pymatuning, Crawford County.

Dogs will not be allowed to be left alone in cabins and cottages. They also must be kept on a leash when in the park, and must stay in the areas designated for pets.

There will be a $5 fee added each night for the modern and rustic cabins and deluxe camping cottages, and a $2 nightly fee for a standard camping cottage. No more than two dogs will be permitted per cabin and other rules will apply.

Reservations for all state park overnight accommodations can be made online at www.visitPAParks.com or by calling toll-free at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Media contact: Christina Novak, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources