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Savage River State Forest's primitive campsites welcome pets across a network of widely dispersed sites that offer exceptional privacy and seclusion for campers with dogs. Each site provides basic amenities including a picnic table and fire ring, with campsites spaced far enough apart that visitors rarely see or hear other campers, creating an experience similar to dispersed camping but with maintained access. The forest permits alcohol, which is prohibited in Maryland state parks, making it popular with adult campers seeking a peaceful retreat with their pets. New Germany State Park Campground also allows pets but only in the Hemlock loop, where sites can accommodate tents and small trailers. Sites are typically $10 per night with a limit of two cars and six people, though enforcement is reportedly minimal for responsible campers.
Dog-friendly hiking opportunities abound throughout the extensive trail networks in both Savage River State Forest and adjacent New Germany State Park. Many pet-friendly campsites back up to streams or creeks where dogs can cool off, though owners should be aware that some swimming areas may leave residue on both pets and people that requires thorough cleaning. Wildlife is abundant in the region, with numerous deer sightings reported, so keeping dogs leashed is advisable for their safety. The deep woods setting means no cell service throughout much of the area, creating a truly unplugged experience. The park roads are generally paved and accessible, though the densely wooded environment harbors significant mosquito and tick populations in warmer months, requiring appropriate pet protection measures.
"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."
"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"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 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 $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability"New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."
"It was quieter than Deep Creek with shaded good sized camp sites in the Hemlock loop where pets are allowed."
from $18 - $117 / 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"It was an easy short walk to the parking lot. The campground has easy access to the bike trail. You can see bikers camping in a certain spot for the special rate of $14.00 per biker. "
"Great access to the Allegheny bike trail and all the small towns near. No shade over campsites."
from $155 / night
Check Availability"Incredibly clean & close To everything. Located right beside Ohiopyle and Yough Lake dam. There is a beach in campground but found the drive to Yough lake perfect."
"Creekside sites felt smaller and more crowded than lakeside sites, which open onto the beach and lake. Guests were very friendly and considerate of quiet hours."
from $29 - $62 / 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"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
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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.
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.
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.
Primitive camping opportunities near Bittinger, Maryland center around mountainous terrain at elevations between 2,500-3,000 feet. Western Maryland's higher elevation provides cooler temperatures, typically 8-10 degrees lower than surrounding lowlands in summer months. The area receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with significant snow accumulation in winter, making seasonal planning essential for campers seeking dog-friendly accommodations.
Hiking with dogs: Several parks near Bittinger welcome pets on designated trails. At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, "The trail head is right in the campground so that made it extremely easy," notes Don L. The park features Maryland's highest waterfall plus numerous connecting routes.
Water activities: Summertime camping pairs well with swimming, paddling or fishing. "We caught a solid amount of Bass, so all in all it was a success!" reports Sam D. about Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground. The crystal-clear lake allows various watercraft with rentals available on-site.
Winter recreation: When snow blankets the region, cross-country skiing becomes popular. "The trails are easy to medium and are open to cross country skiing in the winter months," notes Bill G. about New Germany State Park. The park maintains trails specifically for winter sports with equipment rentals available during peak season.
Privacy between sites: At Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, "You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own section of woods," according to Jeff H., who appreciated the campground's spaciousness. Many sites feature natural boundaries that create private camping areas.
Wildlife viewing: The forested mountains support diverse animal populations. "We saw no wildlife until we left the site in the morning and saw some deer on the road. Though we did have a spectacular firefly display at night," reports Veronica S. about Savage River State Forest. Dawn and dusk offer prime viewing opportunities.
Swimming spots: Natural water features provide cooling options. Simon S. noted about Deep Creek Lake that "Walking distance to the huge beach/lake. The area was overcrowded but maintained well and clean." Some streams also offer informal wading areas during warmer months.
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds have minimal connectivity. "No/very limited cell service," warns Lee D. about Deep Creek Lake. Plan accordingly by downloading maps and information before arrival, especially if camping with pets that might require veterinary attention.
Weather variability: Mountain elevations mean unpredictable conditions. Michele F. from New Germany State Park Campground experienced "Thunderstorms turned to ice turned to snow" during a single night's stay. Pack clothing layers regardless of season forecasts.
Tick and mosquito presence: Campers regularly mention insects. "Be prepared for mosquitoes and gnats," advises Veronica S. about Savage River. Appropriate repellents for both humans and dogs are essential, along with regular tick checks after hiking.
Swimming beaches: Several parks maintain designated swimming areas ideal for children. Natalee M. from Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run shares, "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site." Look for gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers.
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play structures. Katie H. at Rocky Gap State Park Campground notes, "Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch." These areas provide entertainment when kids need breaks from hiking or water activities.
Educational opportunities: Rangers often conduct programs for young visitors. Christina W. mentions Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake has "ranger activities" and recommends to "make sure to bring bicycles for your kids to ride around the loop." Check bulletin boards for scheduled events.
Site dimensions: Many campsites have restrictions. Andy C. at Big Run State Park Campground used "lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek." Always verify size limitations before booking, especially with larger units.
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between parks. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops," reports Marcandpatti B. about Swallow Falls State Park. Some campgrounds offer water access only at central locations rather than individual sites.
Road conditions: Mountain access routes can challenge larger vehicles. Adam and Suzanne B. caution at Outflow Camping, "We approached the campground from the southeast through the town of Keyser. DO NOT do this if you have a large RV." Research driving routes specifically suitable for your vehicle size.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Bittinger, MD is Savage River State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
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