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Rocky Gap State Park Campground's pet-friendly loops include Dogwood and Elm, where campers can bring dogs to enjoy the park's dedicated dog beach area on the lake. The campground features nine camping loops with Ash loop offering electric hookups for RVs and remaining open year-round when most other loops close seasonally. Pet owners staying in the pet-friendly sections have access to clean bathhouses with warm showers and dish washing stations. New Germany State Park Campground also welcomes pets in its Hemlock loop, though sites are generally smaller and better suited for tent camping than large RVs. The pet-friendly sites at these parks maintain strict policies requiring dogs to remain leashed when outside vehicles or campsites. Bathrooms at Rocky Gap are consistently clean with updated shower facilities, while New Germany offers more privacy with shaded, spacious sites.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for dog walking, though some parks restrict dogs from certain areas during peak season. Swallow Falls State Park allows pets within the campground but prohibits them on trails between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rocky Gap's 5-mile lake trail welcomes leashed dogs year-round, with multiple access points from the camping loops. Western Maryland's bear population requires careful food storage and pet management, especially at dusk and dawn. The region's moderate summer temperatures rarely exceed 85°F, making it comfortable for pets, though limited cell service at some campgrounds like New Germany means veterinary contact information should be gathered in advance. Campers report the dog park at Hillcrest River Kampground is exceptionally large compared to typical campground facilities, providing ample space for pets to exercise off-leash in a secure environment.
"I stayed at a primitive campsite with my dog and we found a site right on a beautiful stream."
"This was a beautiful state forest, with two state parks sort of bordering it (Big Run & New Germany). The roads were all paved which was nice."
"As soon as we stepped out of our motorhome it felt like we could relax. You could hear the birds tweeting and see squirrels playing and even butterflies dancing in the sunlight."
"We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys! The pool is a nice amenity unfortunately the weather wasn't swimming weather when we were there."
"New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."
"There are two loops- one pet friendly, one not. The larger ( not pet friendly) loop is nearer the lake."
from $18 - $117 / night
Check Availability"Great location in Western Maryland. 10 min ride to Cumberland (larger town) 5 min ride to small town of Flintstone. Lots of well marked trails that range from beginner to advanced."
"Rocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Camp site(Tent camping) Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."
"Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability"Jesse is the owners dog and she will come out for scratching and pets. You get the feeling that you are welcome there. Amazing views and very enjoyable."
"Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"There's ame space between campsites and also sites that are close for friends and family to stay nearby. Hiking trails, fishing, basketball, hot showers, and a camp store with friendly staff."
"General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there)."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability"We did have a pet friendly site reserved but found out after we arrived that dogs are not allowed out of the campground."
"Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."
from $22 - $33 / night
Check Availability"This camp was laid out very well and had plenty of maps and trails, as well as daily activities. They have a small amphitheater with easy access, a dump and recycling area."
"Aside from the rock water slide, which is burned into the kid's memories, there's great, easy hiking trails and a pet-friendly campsite."
from $20 - $54 / night
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GuideOne of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large dogs there is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept
GuideNew Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops. The Hemlock loop- the only loop that allows pets, is smaller and is mostly made for tent camping, though one site has electricity, but only big enough for a teardrop camper. There is a bathroom with a hot shower. The problems with the Hemlock loop is the proximity to the other campers. Our neighbors were loud, their kids were louder and their dog was ear- splitting loud. The tent pads are varied in size with sites 52, 53 and 57 being just big enough for a large tent and not much else. Every site has a large picnic table ( that is impressively hard to move) and a fire ring. Some sites are not very level, not not as much that your rolling out of bed in your sleep. There is water, but just at the bathroom area. This makes sense since the loop itself is very small. Deer are dense in these parts, and bears frequent the area. Summer temps usually do not get as nice 85max most of the summer. There is also cross country skiing in the winter. Despite the smaller sites, the Hemlock loop is frequently full, as is the non pet loop, which can accommodate larger tents and RV’s., but no pets.
GuideThis campground checks all our boxes. Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works.
This is located about an hour away from my home, so we plan on making this our go-to for quick camping getaways throughout the year.
Highly recommended. Definitely worth checking out.
GuidePreface: if your main objective is activities for children, you have come to the right place. This place is loud and full of kids.
We booked a site but chose not to pay to select which one. All the pictures looked great! We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities.
Also bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order.
Aside from all the above, the Dog Park is awesome. It’s the size of a real, normal dog park. The ice cream on site is also a nice perk.
RangerThis may be the first campground I give a 10 out of 10! All the amenities your could want, it's clean, sites are leveled, it's maintained beautifully, there are cows in the distance, fully stocked store, friendly staff. Laundry, bathrooms, fairly spacious sites, a pool, dog park. Very, very nice.
ScoutGreat location in Western Maryland. 10 min ride to Cumberland (larger town) 5 min ride to small town of Flintstone. Lots of well marked trails that range from beginner to advanced. Lake holds opportunity for numerous activities from swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle board, and canoeing. No motorized boats which can be a good thing sometimes. The lake even has areas for pets to swim! Campground has tent sites, cabins, camper sites and group sites. All loops have bath houses with showers. Several loops have sites with electric hook ups and pets friendly loops as well. Casino and golf course located on the opposite side of the lake if you wish to visit them while camping.
RangerRocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly. We always stay on Dogwood loop, and the camp hosts are there if you need them, but otherwise leave you be to enjoy your stay.
My only complaint is the sounds from the highway. You can hear the trucks go by, and that does take away from the experience a bit.
We just got our tent this year, so we have always stayed in one of the cabins, when camping here. The rest of the sites are rather separated though, and a great camping experience. I'm attaching several photos from our years of camping at Rocky Gap,, in cabin 104 Dogwood.
We usually stay on Dogwood Loop, which has a nice, direct path from one of the sites down to the beach area. I would say that it is about a 1/4-1/3 mile walk from the loop to the beach/playground area. That said, when going to the beach to swim, we took our car. However, for a trip to the playground or just for a nice walk, the path is great.
The beach area here is, by far, my favorite in the area. I've been to Greenbrier and Herrington Manor, and the beach area at RGSP is, in my opinion, superior. There is a roped off area for swimming, an area for dogs and an area for fishing. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards & canoes for about $5-10 an hour (depending on the type) and going out on the lake is a great way to spend the day! The water is incredibly clean and the best part, is that the 'day use' area for the general public is seperate. So, when you go to the beach at Rocky Gap, it is just other campers. This keeps the beach clean, quiet and not crowded.
There is also a roughly 5 mile loop trail the goes around the lake, and starts and finishes near the camp store. I have not done this hike, but often see runners and hikers coming in and out and have heard it is fantastic. There is also a small trail that comes off of the dogwood loop, across from the camp host's site. My small dog and I have done about 1/2 mile of it- it is rocky, but beautiful.
My son was 6 when we came here last and he was able to ride his bike around the dogwood loop just fine. It is a little hilly, but not too much and I've also enjoyed running the loops in years past.
I've been to 6 Maryland campgrounds this year, and I have to say that Rocky Gap has, by far, the best bathhouse. The women's room has 2-3 very updated shower stalls, roughly 5 bathroom stalls and is always clean. Outside of the bathhouse, is a dish washing station with hot water and a garbage disposal.
You can purchase bundles of firewood for $5 at the campstore and ice is around $3. They also don't have trash dumps on the loops, and you take your trash to the main trash area near the camp store.
GuideWe chose this campground for its proximity to home with the chance to swim in the lake.
The camping did not disappoint. We always try to book “outside” loop sites so we don’t have “back neighbors” but none near the lake were available, so we took our chances on an “inside” site in E loop. It was great, smallish, but plenty of vegetation to make it feel private. (Some poison ivy around the edges, though.) The pull-in sites in general seem a bit small (space for our two 4-person tents and that’s it), but are well shaded and separated from neighbors by small patches of woods or bushes. The pull-through sites in our loop were more exposed to the road, but had a bit more space.
There was some noise from the interstate. There were surprisingly few mosquitoes. The bathhouse was clean, but showers were not very warm.
The swimming was unfortunately disappointing. The roped-off swimming area was 3 feet deep at the most. Warm water in August, nice for kids to splash around, but not really good for actual swimming. Bonus for dog people: pets allowed on the beach and in the lake.
During COVID-19, the bathrooms/bathhouses at the beach area are closed; porta-johns only.
We rented paddle boards and a canoe one afternoon and paddled around to one of the lake inlets, which was actually deep and had a good swim. But this is technically not allowed.
If you feel okay about rule-breaking and have water-safe family members (and no pets), I would absolutely choose a site in I loop close to the lake. The sites in E loop closest to the lake are actually up a fairly steep hill from the lake path.
Hiking trails were nice. My kids especially liked the rock scramble-ish up and down the stream gorge on Evitt’s Mountain trail.
TravelerI was the only tenter at the time of my stay; had the whole place to myself. The sites are spread far apart and wooded. Table and fire rings are at each site. They have a brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs. If desired, there is a group campsite and the use of a pavilion too. The camp store if beautiful and has everything in it should you forget something. I’ll definitely be back.
Dispersed camping options near Barton, Maryland provide access to western Maryland's mountainous terrain at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet. The region's hemlock forests and river valleys create camping experiences with temperatures that average 10 degrees cooler than urban areas in summer. Primitive campsites in Savage River State Forest offer stream-side locations with fire rings but minimal amenities, requiring campers to pack in drinking water.
Hiking on wooded trails: At Savage River State Forest, trails range from easy creek-side paths to more challenging terrain. "Beautiful location and landscapes, great hiking," reports Trisha P., who found plenty of exploration opportunities. The forest connects to nearby New Germany State Park for extended hiking options.
Paddling local waterways: Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground offers lake access for non-motorized boating. "The lake is absolutely beautiful and perfect for all types of water sports," writes Sam D., who enjoyed fishing for bass in the clear waters. Kayak and canoe rentals are available seasonally.
Swimming in mountain lakes: Smaller lakes provide refreshing alternatives to crowded beaches. At New Germany State Park Campground, the small lake is "perfect for swimming" according to Angie R., who found it "quieter than Deep Creek with shaded good sized camp sites." Many swimming areas have limited lifeguard coverage, so check schedules.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spacing at Swallow Falls State Park Campground where sites feel secluded. "The campsites are great and the people who come here are always really friendly," notes Jillian K. The heavily wooded setting provides natural screening between most sites.
Clean facilities: Despite rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain quality restrooms. At Rocky Gap State Park, "the bathhouses are always clean and well stocked," according to Katie H., who appreciates that "camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping."
Natural water features: Streams and small waterfalls enhance campsites at several parks. "We found a site right on a beautiful stream," reports Sophia T. about her Savage River experience. "It was a good sized site with a nice fire circle. My favorite part was how private it was, each campsite was 50-100ft away from each other at least."
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have spotty or no connectivity. Chris F. notes about Savage River: "We had no cell service at all for most of the area," making it important to download maps and information beforehand.
Bear-aware camping required: Western Maryland has an active black bear population requiring proper food storage. "Western Maryland's bear population requires careful food storage," with some campgrounds providing bear boxes at each site.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Many loops and facilities close outside peak season. At Middle Ridge Campground, winter camping options exist but with limited services. The camp store has seasonal hours, as Tiel M. discovered: "The owner reached out on the day I was arriving to let me know she was heading out for the weekend and ask if I needed any firework delivered before she left."
Look for dedicated kid-friendly areas: Rocky Gap's campground has "their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public," notes Katie H., adding there's "a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. Lee Anne H. found Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground "clean and nicely maintained" with cabin options available for those wanting more protection from weather.
Plan for wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local wildlife from safe distances. "We spotted a raccoon, a bunny, a chipmunk, and (along the nearby roads) lots of deer," reports Meredith P., who advises "don't drive too fast!" when traveling forest roads.
Know your site limitations: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park offers electric sites but with size restrictions. Bounding Around noted, "We were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank" when specific hookups weren't working.
Prepare for limited hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric but not full hookups. Andy C. used "lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper" at Big Run State Park and found it "flat, large, clean and right by the creek" despite the primitive facilities.
Access challenges for larger rigs: Mountain roads present difficulties for big RVs. At Middle Ridge Campground, Stephen H. cautions: "Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides."
For pet friendly camping near Barton, Maryland, consider campground pet policies carefully as they vary widely between loops and seasons. Some parks restrict dogs from trails during peak summer months while maintaining year-round pet-friendly camping loops.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Barton, MD is Savage River State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 125 dog-friendly camping locations near Barton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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