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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Washington, DC

600 Reviews

Greenbelt Park Campground's pet-friendly facilities attract dog owners seeking camping near the nation's capital. The campground offers multiple loops with tent and RV sites where pets are welcome, all set within a forested area just minutes from Washington DC. Visitors with pets can choose from several accommodation options, including tent sites in loops B and C, or RV spots in loop D for vehicles up to 35 feet. The park maintains clean, well-maintained sites with picnic tables and fire rings where campers and their dogs can enjoy the natural setting. While there are no electric hookups or sewer connections, the campground provides water spigots throughout the loops and bathhouses with hot showers. Reviews consistently mention wildlife sightings including deer that frequently wander through the camping areas. Campground data and reviews near Washington, District of Columbia is regularly updated on The Dyrt.

Nine miles of hiking trails throughout Greenbelt Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs and their owners. The trails are well-marked and maintained, though campers should apply tick and mosquito prevention for themselves and their pets, especially during warmer months. The park's location offers the unique benefit of proximity to urban amenities while providing a quiet forest retreat where dogs can explore natural surroundings. The Metro station is normally accessible via a walking path from the campground, though as of late 2023, the connecting bridge was damaged and awaiting repairs. Many campers appreciate the park's safety and quiet atmosphere despite its proximity to urban areas. Pet owners should note that park rules require dogs to remain on leash at all times, and the $20 nightly camping fee makes this an affordable option for visiting the DC area with pets.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Washington, District of Columbia (69)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "This is the closest site to Washington DC.  Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.  "

    "As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "This mid-sized campground is just 2 miles from Washington D.C. area traffic, shopping centers, etc."

    "The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom."

    3. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."

    "We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."

    4. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 471-5414

    $30 - $70 / night

    "A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing"

    "We stopped here to go tour Washington DC. We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level."

    5. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 631-0550

    $39 - $100 / night

    "Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."

    "We stayed at Bull Run Regional Campground on our visit to Washington DC. It was fall and the colors were gorgeous. The sites are all pull-through off the roads through the campground."

    6. Burke Lake Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Burke, VA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 323-6600

    "We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."

    "This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."

    7. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    8. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 868-1397

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."

    "Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."

    9. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

    4 Reviews
    Fort Belvoir, VA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 805-3081

    $55 / night

    "Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"

    "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system. Nice views of river. Eagle’s nest were interesting."

    10. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "Location wise, it's great to see things in area.  Both Washington DC and many area's along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc.  The sites are very close but adequate."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 69 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Washington, DC

57 Photos of 69 Washington Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Washington, DC

600 Reviews of 69 Washington Campgrounds

  • Laura G.
    Mar. 21, 2020

    Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Convenient Pull-through

    Snug campground with nice, clean bathroom and pool. Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city. The downside is that there are no trails accessible onsite and the campground is pretty close to main road. It is a slight drive to the main park entrance.

  • moonbeans
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Cedarville State Forest

    Great beginner’s campground

    Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC.

    If you’ve forgotten anything you can pop on by the Target or Costco right outside the forest.

    Also, you can purchase wood while checking in and the Rangers don’t mind if you take a bit extra. Just bring your own starters and kindling (or a small hatchet/saw).

    Planes do occasionally fly over the area so consider bringing earplugs if you are a sensitive sleeper. The noise wasn’t really noticeable when I went on a Saturday (the neighboring campsite’s dogs were louder).

  • Linda B.
    Jul. 7, 2019

    Cherry Hill Park

    Actually a 10!!!

    This is a campers dream site.  Everything you can think of is offered here.  You have to check their website to see all.  This is the closest site to Washington DC.  Great location with access to all forms of transportation.  Store fully stocked to include groceries.   Two pools. Hot tub.   Play areas to include a game room and miniature golf.  Pets are pampered here.  Even dog walking service available.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2018

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Quiet Oasis Surrounded by Chaos

    What a crazy, but well-placed spot for a campground! This mid-sized campground is just 2 miles from Washington D.C. area traffic, shopping centers, etc. Honestly, we didn't hear the traffic at night and just a bit when we woke up in the morning, but not loud enough to bother us. It's a great place to camp if you want to make a visit to D.C. very affordable, as it's located just 1.5 miles from the nearest Metro Station. You can leave your car behind and visit the sites on foot or bike.

    Campground is pretty well maintained, though they recently had some tree damage that has a handful or so of the sites closed for awhile. Each site has a firepit and picnic table. There is a tent only campground as well as RV specific sites, and all are non-electric. The bathroom is relatively clean, but very old and needs some maintenance. There is one hot shower per bathhouse. Some sites have a good amount of privacy (perimeter sites) but the ones in the middle do not.

    As this campground is run by the NPS, they offer ranger programs and nighttime campfire talks. Hiking trails are nicely graded, but bikes are not allowed on them. We found some bike trails very close to the campground in a nice green space (Indian Creek Trail and Painted Creek Trail, part of the Anacostia Tributary TrailSystem). There is a small picnic area separate from the campground which has a small playground for the kiddos.

    Reservations are required for this campground, no more iron ranger on site as of 2018.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2021

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Very convenient to National Park

    This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.

  • singinajf@aol.com
    May. 26, 2021

    Ramblin' Pines

    Quiet Spot

    The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly. The bathrooms are incredibly clean. We love all the games there are to play and the dog park is our favorite spot. Overall, it's peaceful and quiet in a nice, wooded setting.

  • J
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Brunswick Family Campground

    Great but only a few things I noticed

    Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2021

    Cherry Hill Park

    Impressive Campground

    Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.

  • Megan K.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

    Great spot with hookups by PW park

    If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process. 

    Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk 

    Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend 

    Small pool 

    Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter 

    Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well. 

    Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable 

    Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained. 

    Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out. 

    Overall: great experience, would recommend

Guide to Washington

If you're looking for pet-friendly camping options near Washington, D.C., there are several great spots where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Washington

  • At Cherry Hill Park, pets are welcome, and the campground offers a variety of activities, including guided tours to nearby attractions.
  • Pohick Bay Campground features hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for outdoor adventures with your dog.
  • Lake Fairfax Campground allows pets and provides access to a lake for kayaking and fishing, perfect for a day of fun with your pet.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities available

  • Greenbelt Park Campground offers clean facilities and plenty of tree cover, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
  • At Burke Lake Park Campground, you can enjoy well-maintained restrooms and a camp store stocked with essentials, making it easy to care for your pet while camping.
  • Cedarville State Forest features electric hookups and pet-friendly policies, allowing you to enjoy modern conveniences while having your pet by your side.

Pet owners like the community atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Washington, DC?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Washington, DC is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Washington, DC?

TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Washington, DC, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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