Owens Creek Campground offers pet-friendly sites in the heart of Catoctin Mountain Park, featuring well-maintained raised tent pads and ample shade. The campground's pet policy allows dogs with standard leash requirements, making it a popular choice for campers with four-legged companions. Clean bathrooms and proximity to hiking trails create convenient access for pet exercise. Campsites have fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles, with a donation-based firewood shed at the entrance ensuring campers always have dry wood for evening fires. Sites vary in privacy levels, with locations like #14 and #28 providing better seclusion and placement away from main roads while still maintaining proximity to facilities.
Several hiking trails connect directly to the campground, creating easy access points for dog walking without needing to drive elsewhere. The Deerfield Nature Trail (1.5-mile loop) and Sawmill Trail (0.5 miles one way) start near the campsite area, while the longer Catoctin National Recreation Trail (4.5 miles one way) can be accessed from the campground entrance. This trail system extends to Cunningham Falls State Park, another pet-friendly option in the area featuring Maryland's tallest waterfall. The heavily wooded setting provides natural cooling during summer months, keeping both pets and owners comfortable during hot weather. Nearby Thurmont offers grocery stores and supplies within a short drive, and the campground's location provides excellent access to Gettysburg National Park approximately 10 miles away.
$30 / night
"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
$21 - $65 / night
"Not a fan of kids running around through sites. The Elderberry and Deer Spring loops are no pets, but I’d like to see a no kids policy too. Kidding!"
"Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim."
$23 - $29 / night
"There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets."
"My partner and our two dogs loved this campground! We were in the dogwood loop. Positives
* Big, immaculately groomed tent pads
* Mostly tent campers!"
$23 - $29 / night
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
$20 - $92 / night
"We stayed in the Chinquapin West side due to the restrictions of dogs. Not that I don't love dogs! It's just that it can get loud sometimes."
"Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."
"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."
"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"
"Friendly staff and bonus that it’s pet friendly. Watch out for falling black walnuts in October. We heard them hitting ours and other rigs during our three day stay."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"We 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."
"Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them! This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield."
"Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It’s only 15 yards for the play set."
"Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"
$10 / night
"No water close by so you’ll have to bring it. Short walk from car to site. Lots of trails and a golf course close by. Free permit required but you can now get it online"
"Walk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup."
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.
ScoutThe rangers were nice and the campground hosts were sweet. I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees. I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access. Next time I will be getting a site away from the group area. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking.
TravelerClean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.
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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
ScoutThis campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.
Catoctin Mountain Park and surrounding areas offer pet friendly camping near Highfield-Cascade, Maryland throughout the year. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains with elevations ranging from 500-1,900 feet, the region experiences moderate temperatures with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area maintain established sites with access to water sources and hiking trails that connect to the broader Appalachian mountain system.
Explore Gettysburg National Park: Located approximately 10 miles from Highfield-Cascade, this historic battlefield provides pet-friendly walking opportunities. "The campground's location provides excellent access to Gettysburg National Park approximately 10 miles away," notes a visitor to Owens Creek Campground.
Fish in multiple locations: The area offers several fishing spots including Hunting Creek Lake and Owens Creek. "There are a few spots to get away and do some fishing. The beach was too crowded for my liking," shares a camper from Cunningham Falls State Park, indicating the quieter fishing areas may provide better experiences than the popular beach areas.
Connect to Appalachian Trail sections: The region provides multiple access points to the famous hiking trail. "The greatest feature of this park is that there is access to the AT! And there are plenty of hiking trails," writes a visitor to Caledonia State Park, highlighting the connectivity between local parks and the larger trail system.
Wooded campsites: Mature forest coverage provides natural cooling and privacy at many sites. "The whole campground was clean and well kept. Quiet hours are observed, which is nice too," remarks a reviewer from Artillery Ridge Campground, which sits adjacent to historic battlefield sites.
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open year-round for off-season adventures. "They got us a great deal for are winter site we were in spots 86,85,89 for a month long stay... which they do during the winter!!" explains a winter camper at Artillery Ridge Campground, demonstrating extended stay possibilities.
Historical connections: Many campgrounds feature direct ties to significant historical events. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," shares a history-oriented camper at Artillery Ridge.
Weekend crowds: Many parks experience heavy visitation, especially in summer. "The lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid," notes a visitor to Greenbrier State Park, suggesting weekday visits may provide a better experience.
Cell service variability: Coverage can be inconsistent throughout the region. "Cell service was pretty good. Verizon cell service was a little spotty depending on my location in the campground," reports a camper from Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, indicating service depends on specific location within each facility.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds require advance booking. "You have to reserve online. You can do it once you find a spot or before you arrive," explains a visitor to Owens Creek Campground, highlighting the need for planning ahead.
Site privacy differences: Privacy levels vary significantly between sites at the same campground. "We had a good site near the showers. Well looked after and plenty to do for our 5 year old with evening activities," mentions a camper from Cunningham Falls State Park.
Lake swimming opportunities: Several parks offer swimming in natural lakes. "The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling," explains a visitor to Cunningham Falls State Park, highlighting the multi-use water features.
Evening programs: Look for organized activities, especially during peak season. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," notes a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park, indicating structured learning opportunities.
Playground access: Consider site location relative to play areas. "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It's only 15 yards for the play set," recommends a visitor to Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer opportunities to see local fauna. "Woodpeckers rose early to begin their tree tapping," observed a visitor to Owens Creek Campground, suggesting dawn provides good wildlife viewing conditions.
Dump station availability: Check facilities before arrival as not all parks offer this service. "No dump station though!! Dump before you get here," warns a camper from Cunningham Falls State Park, highlighting the need to plan waste management.
Site leveling challenges: Many wooded campgrounds have uneven terrain. "It took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it," cautions a visitor to Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Hookup locations: Check site diagrams before selecting spots. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy," notes another Granite Hill camper, suggesting bringing additional cords and hoses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Highfield-Cascade, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Highfield-Cascade, MD is Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park with a 4.2-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Highfield-Cascade, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Highfield-Cascade, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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