Best Dog-Friendly Camping near National Mall & Memorial Parks
Greenbelt Park Campground's pet-friendly sites offer a close proximity to Washington, DC while providing a forest setting for camping with dogs. Located just 12 miles from the National Mall, this National Park Service campground features multiple loops with tent and RV sites where pets are welcome year-round. Campers must keep dogs leashed at all times while in the campground and on the park's hiking trails. The campground provides trash receptacles throughout for pet waste disposal, though several reviewers note that designated pet waste stations would be a welcome addition. Both Cherry Hill Park and Pohick Bay Campground also accommodate pets with varying amenities. Campground hosts regularly check sites and are described as friendly and welcoming to campers traveling with pets. The bathhouses remain clean and warm, which proves especially valuable during colder months when returning from walks with dogs.
The perimeter trail at Greenbelt Park offers a five-mile loop suitable for dog walking, though hikers should apply tick and mosquito repellent, as reviews frequently mention encounters with these pests. Wildlife sightings, including deer grazing near camping areas, add to the natural experience while requiring proper pet control. Morning groundskeeping activities with leaf blowers and weed trimmers begin around 7:30 am, which may disturb dogs sensitive to noise. The campground's proximity to the Metro system allows campers to visit DC attractions while leaving pets at their campsite during the day. Most sites feature adequate shade trees, which helps keep pets cool during warmer months. The campground's location creates an unexpected green space in the suburban area, though traffic noise from the Baltimore-Washington Parkway can sometimes be heard from certain camping loops.
