Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Bethesda, MD

Cherry Hill Park offers fenced dog exercise areas across its 40-acre facility, with pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, and glamping options. All sites provide level pads with fire rings where pets are welcome to join campers. The campground maintains strict leash requirements outside designated off-leash zones, with waste stations positioned throughout the property. Marsden Tract Group Campsite and Greenbelt Park Campground also accommodate pets with dedicated walking paths. The bathrooms at Cherry Hill Park remain pristine at all times, which many campers with dogs appreciate during their stays.

Hiking trails connected to multiple pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent exercise options for dogs, with Pohick Bay Regional Park offering shoreline access where leashed pets can cool off. Bull Run Regional Park features designated pet walking areas separate from wildlife habitats. Most campgrounds require vaccination records during check-in, with a common two-pet limit per site unless otherwise arranged. Little Bennett Campground provides extra space between sites, allowing dogs room to relax without disturbing neighbors. Local veterinary services are available within 15 minutes of most Bethesda-area campgrounds, and seasonal considerations include providing shade during summer months when ground temperatures can affect paw safety.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Bethesda, Maryland (75)

    1. Cherry Hill Park

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

    $282 - $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."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

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

    $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."

    3. Lake Fairfax Campground

    25 Reviews
    Reston, VA
    11 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 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."

    4. Pohick Bay Campground

    38 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "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."

    "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."

    5. Bull Run Regional Park

    42 Reviews
    Iron Gate, VA
    23 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)."

    "Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."

    6. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "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"

    7. 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."

    9. Marsden Tract Group Campsite

    1 Review
    Cabin John, MD
    5 miles
    Website

    $40 / night

    "Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"

    10. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

    1 Review
    Sandy Spring, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 389-4386

    $150 - $200 / night

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Bethesda, MD

731 Reviews of 75 Bethesda Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jim  L.
    Aug. 11, 2020

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Over crowded

    When 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

  • 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

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 5, 2025

    Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    Location. Location. Location.

    We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. 

    We paid$114/night(average per night, including fees and taxes) for Site# 94. A bit pricey considering a lack of elbow room, but it’s a great location and everything is well-kept. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door. Harpers Ferry Lower Town and Bolivar Heights are a few minutes by car(or shuttle from the Visitor Center). Frederick and Antietam are each barely 30-minutes by car. Gettysburg, Baltimore, and DC are about an hour’s drive. 

    • Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. 

    • Great campground store filled with food, drinks, camp supplies, souvenirs, and essentials you may need while away from home. 

    • Friendly staff in the office& store. 

    • The whole park is quiet and well-maintained. 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45’ motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air. The nice staff kindly moved us to a FHU site without the patio and furniture. And refunded the difference in price for the lesser site. Thanks for providing the move but ‘premium’ sites should be somewhat level, am I right? 

    • Get cozy, the sites are quite small and tightly packed together. 

    • A $3 per night“Pet Fee” for our small, mostly-indoor dog felt a bit like nickel-and-diming. I realize it only amounted to an extra$12, but he didn’t need any extra gravel. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice campground with lots of great places nearby including Harpers Ferry, Antietam, Frederick, Washington DC, Baltimore, and more.
  • Caitlin A.
    Apr. 25, 2021

    Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

    Private sites with water views nearby

    These campground is a great find. The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!


Guide to Bethesda

Camping in Bethesda, Maryland sits at elevations ranging from 300 to 500 feet above sea level, with seasonal temperatures averaging 87°F in summer and 27°F in winter. The area features dense deciduous forest interspersed with creek valleys, creating natural boundaries between many campground sites. Most local campgrounds remain open year-round with winter camping availability at reduced rates from November through March.

What to Do

Trail exploration: At Little Bennett Campground, hikers can access over 25 miles of marked woodland trails. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," reports Ray & Terri F., who stayed at site D72.

Water activities: Pohick Bay Campground offers shoreline activities along the Potomac River with seasonal boat rentals. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," notes Anne K., who found the park "beautiful in Fall" with its changing foliage and water access.

Disc golf course: Bull Run Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course through wooded terrain. A reviewer mentions that the "park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore."

Metro access to Washington DC: For campers looking to explore the nation's capital, Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient access. "There are two stations very close to camp (Greenbelt and University Park)... on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district area," writes Crystal C.

What Campers Like

Private wooded sites: Little Bennett Campground receives praise for its spacious, secluded sites. "Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors," notes a Dyrt reviewer, who also appreciated "great night sky viewing as no lights whatsoever in camping loops except for toilet/shower buildings."

Clean facilities: Lake Fairfax Campground maintains exceptional bathroom facilities. "Five stars for the restroom facilities. Bright, large, clean and very well maintained," writes Tana S., who visited with family.

Urban proximity with nature feel: Greenbelt Park provides a natural setting despite its urban location. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," says Becky, who appreciates the "getaway feeling without being too far from home."

Wildlife encounters: Burke Lake Park Campground offers regular wildlife sightings. "The park definitely has a beautiful lake with a 5-mile gravel walking/running/biking trail around the lake's perimeter," reports Sarah M., making it ideal for nature lovers wanting pet-friendly camping near Bethesda.

What You Should Know

Reservation requirements: Most Bethesda-area campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or specific park websites. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival," advises Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park.

Price variations: Campground rates fluctuate significantly based on residency status and hookup needs. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," reports a Dyrt reviewer about Little Bennett Campground, noting "no senior or veteran discount."

Limited shower facilities: Pohick Bay Campground has concentrated shower facilities rather than multiple bathhouses. "Amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new," notes Kristen M., suggesting campers plan accordingly.

Tree policies: Some parks restrict hammock use or hanging items from trees. "Park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," warns Timothy C. about his Greenbelt stay.

Tips for Camping with Families

Water park access: Cherry Hill Park offers full water recreation facilities. "They have a nice looking pool area," mentions Joe R., while another reviewer notes "two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early and late."

Ranger programs: Greenbelt Park offers regular educational activities. "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," shares a local visitor who appreciates the family-friendly options.

Multiple playgrounds: Bull Run Regional Park features playground areas throughout the facility. "This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it... They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground," reports Bridget H.

Miniature train rides: Burke Lake Park includes a miniature train experience popular with young campers. "They even have a mini train ride that goes around part of the park," mentions Tom C., making this an excellent option for pet-friendly camping with children near Bethesda.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling preparation: Lake Fairfax Campground requires careful site selection for RVs. "Many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant," observes Erin W., suggesting RVers call ahead to request specific sites.

Water and electric hookups: Little Bennett Campground provides full-service RV options. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes Ray & Terri F.

Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "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," reports an RV camper at Little Bennett, important information for those planning to work remotely.

Turning radius limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted maneuvering space for larger vehicles. "Instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull," advises an RVer about navigating Little Bennett Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Bethesda, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bethesda, 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 Bethesda, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 75 dog-friendly camping locations near Bethesda, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.