Cherry Hill Park in College Park features a pet-friendly environment with multiple dog walking areas and waste stations throughout the grounds. Campgrounds accepting pets near Sandy Spring include Little Bennett Campground, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, and Ramblin' Pines, all maintaining pet-friendly policies with designated areas for dog exercise. The parks offer various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabin options that welcome four-legged companions. The dog parks are well maintained with grass areas specifically designed for pets to run and play safely. Premium sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and enough space to comfortably accommodate families with pets.
Paved walking trails around Cherry Hill Park's perimeter provide excellent opportunities for dog walking with conveniently placed waste receptacles and bag dispensers throughout the grounds. Some campgrounds offer specialized pet services, including Cherry Hill's dog walker service that allows campers to spend extended time exploring nearby attractions without worrying about their pets. The proximity to Washington DC makes these campgrounds popular with pet owners who want to sightsee while having a comfortable base for their animals. Most campgrounds require pets to be leashed when outside designated off-leash areas and request that owners clean up after their pets. Wildlife encounters are possible in the more wooded campgrounds like Patapsco Valley State Park, requiring extra vigilance when walking dogs on trails.
$999 / night
"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. "
"As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."
$20 / night
"The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom."
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
$30 - $70 / night
"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."
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
$19 - $27 / night
"Pet friendly. Very quiet. I only gave it 4 stars because the camp sites are too close together. Fire pits were well designed, bathrooms were relatively clean."
"It may be close to suburbia (a neighborhood right through the trees) and convenient to major highways (literal minutes to I95), but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods."
$20 - $51 / night
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
$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 set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"We did not take our dog this time with us but would seriously consider it next time."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
$150 - $200 / night
GuideWe stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.
GuideWe have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutOverall 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.
TravelerOur first visit (March 2018) was just prior to peak season (lower rates) and we had a site literally 10 ft. from the water! Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice. There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open. The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds. There was a pet exercise/walking area, but could use some sprucing up. However, no one really made an issue of walking your dog around the campground and as the weekend came around, more and more dogs were around.
You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution. Would like to try Bar Harbor again sometime.
RangerThis 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.
ScoutSmaller campground, but big on amenities!
Staff was friendly, attentive and the Campground is extremely well-cared for. Sites vary in sizes and are well-defined. They have a great camp store and their mini-golf was just remodeled and a lot of fun to play. In addition to that, there is a bounce pad, shuffle board, horseshoes, chess, over-sized jenga, playground, dog park, gem mining, basketball, bikes, wood, propane, etc. and they pick up trash daily right at your site. All of this in a beautiful wooded spot near Gettysburg.
I highly recommend!
RangerWhen we pulled the rangers where blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full. OMG they were right. No wonder Maryland is a hot spot for covid 19. After about an hour we were able to get to a camp site. Not the one I reserved. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. After setting up we ventured out to the camp store that is located at the concessions near the packed beach of the lake. We didn't find anything that resembled camping items. So we decided to go mushroom 🍄 hunting. Wow we hit the jackpot. The showers were fairly close and clean. There were a lot of signs that pet prohibited 🚫 in the park. But the cedar loop did have 🐕 dogs. They are just not allowed in the rest of the park. We had good cell service and no reception on the tv
Camping options near Sandy Spring, Maryland sit within the Piedmont region at elevations between 300-400 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 87°F while spring and fall deliver mild 60-75°F temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds remain open April through October, though several offer year-round availability with heated facilities during winter months.
Hiking trails access: Little Bennett Campground features over 25 miles of well-maintained trails through mature forests. "The trails are good and well maintained," notes Georgia H., who regularly hikes in the area with groups.
Water recreation options: At Patapsco Valley State Park, the river provides natural swimming areas accessible from campground trails. "You can even swim in this river. Fishing looked like fun too," writes Travyl Couple, who enjoyed the riverside activities during their stay.
Historic exploration: Greenbelt Park Campground serves as a convenient base for visiting the National Mall and Smithsonian museums. "You can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," explains one camper who appreciated this balance between urban attractions and natural settings.
Adventure activities: The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring features North America's largest aerial challenge course adjacent to group camping areas. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America," writes Elizabeth R. about the specialized group camping facilities.
Natural environment: Many campsites maintain wooded settings despite urban proximity. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area, campers appreciate the balance of accessibility and seclusion: "Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground."
Convenient location: Washington DC / Capitol KOA provides strategic positioning between multiple cities. "It was centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC," reports Stephanie H., who used the campground to visit multiple destinations during a single trip.
Well-spaced sites: At Little Bennett Campground, the layout enhances privacy between campsites. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service," reports Ray & Terri F., who stayed for four days and appreciated the separation between camping areas.
Transportation options: Several campgrounds offer connections to public transit. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall)," explains Laura M. about Greenbelt Park, though she notes a bridge outage required alternative transportation during her visit.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Sandy Spring require advance booking through specific systems. At Greenbelt Park: "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Lake Fairfax Campground runs from "March 22 to September 7" according to their official information, while Patapsco Valley State Park campgrounds typically open "April 1 to October 30."
Wildlife awareness: Patapsco Valley State Park has active wildlife requiring attention, especially after storms. One camper noted: "After the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking." This indicates the need for weather awareness when planning activities.
Pet restrictions: While most campgrounds allow pets, specific areas may have limitations. At Washington DC / Capitol KOA, one reviewer observed a rule that "non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool," which suggests various health-related restrictions may apply to facilities across campgrounds.
Playground access: Lake Fairfax Campground offers extensive recreational facilities on-site. "There's a water park, paddle boats, playgrounds, trails, skate park, sports fields," reports Brittany V., who gave the campground five stars for its family-friendly amenities.
Educational opportunities: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area includes specialized children's features. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," notes Angel G., who found the park "perfect for keeping the kids entertained."
Site selection: For families with tents, consider topography when booking. At Lake Fairfax, a visitor observed: "Many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant." Requesting specific sites can prevent uncomfortable sleeping arrangements.
Weekend timing: Most campgrounds experience higher weekend occupancy. "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week," reports a reviewer about Patapsco Valley State Park, suggesting weekday visits provide more space and quieter conditions.
Leveling requirements: Prepare for varied site conditions at regional campgrounds. At Little Bennett Campground, an RVer noted: "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," suggesting leveling blocks are essential equipment.
Hookup availability: Ramblin' Pines offers complete utility connections for larger rigs. "Nice large sites with friendly staff," reports Christopher M., who frequents the campground for its accommodations and proximity to home.
Size restrictions: Access roads may limit larger vehicles at some locations. For Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area, travelers are warned: "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
Signal considerations: Cell service and internet access vary significantly. At Little Bennett, an RVer measured: "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," indicating technology-dependent travelers should research connectivity before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Sandy Spring, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Sandy Spring, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Sandy Spring, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Sandy Spring, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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