Merry Meadows Recreation Farm accommodates pets at tent, RV, cabin, and glamping sites throughout its spacious wooded property. Most campsites are nestled among trees providing natural shade and privacy for pets and owners. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the campground, though owners must maintain control of their animals at all times and clean up after them. Sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and many have full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections. The large campground layout prevents crowding, even during busy weekends when activities are scheduled. Bathrooms and shower facilities are clean and accessible, though water pressure can be inconsistent. Seasonal campers with pets note the campground enforces site inspections, and rules are strictly monitored regarding pet waste and noise.
Hiking trails accessible from the campground provide opportunities for dog walking, with nearby Gunpowder Falls State Park offering additional pet-friendly paths along streams and through forested areas. Patapsco Valley State Park and Hollofield Area Campground, approximately 30 minutes south, also welcome pets on designated trails and camping areas. Pet owners should be prepared for occasionally muddy conditions after rainfall and bring sturdy leashes for woodland walks. The campground strictly enforces quiet hours, which helps reduce barking disturbances between neighboring sites. Seasonal activities often include pets, with some reviewers noting special Easter weekend events where both children and pets were accommodated. Local veterinary services are available within a 15-minute drive in case of emergency.
"Our dog was welcomed. Will definitely be going back. This was our first trip with our camper ever and everyone was helpful"
"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
$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."
$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 - $195 / night
"We got a spot for two nights in the pet area. We were shaded by trees, but the spots weren’t very private. Bathroom facilities are nice."
"The open field pet friendly sites are also large but provide no shade and it gets hot! You can feel the difference between these sites and the interior loop sites. "
$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."
$21 - $55 / night
"Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff"
"Our go to State Park for camping as it is pretty close to home. Standard State Park with all the amenities you need. We are tent campers/ non electric (no pets/ no kids)."
$21 - $50 / night
"Our site was really good and I love that it had it's own access to the bathrooms. Quite a few of the inner loop sites do. If you're a tent camper Acorn has some very private and secluded sites."
"The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."
$70 - $90 / night
"The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds."
"This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we’re told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."
$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 - $90 / night
"I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees."
"Our site was in the pet loop and was set back off the road a good amount which kept a lot of the road noise down. It was very large and Iffered gIId trees fIr strIngIng up tarps and hammocks."
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.
TravelerCampground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!
GuideI was able to book my site the day before the trip. The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area.
Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.
The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.
The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.
The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.
The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.
Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.
All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.
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.
GuideBeautiful campground. Very recently renovated. Very spacious and quiet.
Great little store stocked with everything you need.
Very close to Hersheypark.
Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well.
They have a very nice schedule of monthly events. They had a few food trucks and fruit/vegetable vendors come to the RV park during our stay.
Would stay again.
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.
Camping options near Hunt Valley span across Maryland's piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and woodlands typically at elevations between 300-600 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with colorful autumn foliage in October and November, making it a popular time for campers with dogs. Winter camping is available at select campgrounds with temperatures typically ranging from 25-45°F during colder months.
Hiking with dogs: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers pet-friendly trails along streams and through forests. "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall. I recommend this to any beginner hikers," notes Anthony S. The trails are well-marked though some hikers report occasional confusion at trail junctions.
Kayaking opportunities: Within 40 minutes of Hunt Valley, waterways provide paddling options for campers and their four-legged friends. "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family," according to Anthony S. No rentals are available on-site, so bring your own equipment.
Fishing spots: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina lets campers fish directly from waterfront sites. "Fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any," explains Lisa T. Water-adjacent sites cost more but provide immediate access for anglers.
Wooded privacy: Sites at Codorus State Park Campground offer tree cover for shade and natural screening. "There are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed. For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other," shares J K., who particularly appreciated site 132 for its spaciousness.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and amenities receive regular maintenance at most campgrounds. "The bathhouse was clean but ran out of toilet paper often; they supposedly clean 3 times a day since COVID," notes E K. about Susquehanna State Park Campground, adding that utility sinks for dishes were easily accessible from their site.
Camp hosts: On-site assistance makes a difference for pet owners needing local guidance. "Miss Lorraine at the front desk is friendly and helpful as are all the employees. I had trouble with my electric and Lenny the maintenance man was on the job within 15 minutes and had it fixed in the rain at that," Brian S. mentions about his stay at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Pet restrictions vary: Most campgrounds require leashes no longer than 6 feet. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park," explains Catherine H. about Codorus State Park, where pets are welcome but have specific areas where they can't go.
Seasonal considerations: Elk Neck State Park Campground remains open year-round with varying hookup availability. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reports Laure D.
Booking windows: Reservations for dog-friendly sites open 6-12 months in advance at most state parks, while private campgrounds may have different policies. "This is our second time staying here this year and we have reservations to come back in September," Rebecca C. notes about Hollofield Area Campground's availability patterns during peak season.
Playground access: Ramblin' Pines offers multiple play areas for children, while pets can relax at campsites. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow," Michelle L. shares about the family-oriented amenities.
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities suitable for families with dogs. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," Julie Y. explains about her experience at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Holiday events: Seasonal activities often welcome both children and pets at various campgrounds. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," Melissa E. recalls about her stay at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Site selection: RVers with pets should request sites away from busy areas. "We were in site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," notes a reviewer at Gifford Pinchot State Park about finding a suitable location for their rig.
Full hookups: For extended stays with pets, utility connections matter. "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," shares Adam and Suzanne B. about their experience at Elk Neck State Park.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have specific routing requirements for larger vehicles. "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)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground, important information for RVers traveling with pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hunt Valley, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hunt Valley, MD is Merry Meadows Recreation Farm with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 98 dog-friendly camping locations near Hunt Valley, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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