Camping near Towson, Maryland offers diverse options within a 45-mile radius, with many campgrounds situated in the rolling Piedmont region at elevations between 400-800 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons feature cooler 50-70°F temperatures. Several pet-friendly sites have designated dog walking trails and off-leash areas for campers traveling with four-legged companions.
What to do
Fishing and water activities: The campgrounds near Towson offer various fishing spots where campers can enjoy freshwater fishing. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed. We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail," says Jen V. The park also features areas to stop along the road with "access to the creek for wading."
Hiking and nature exploration: Codorus State Park Campground has numerous trails for exploring the natural landscape. "We explored the park especially the nearby railroad track," notes Andrea S. These trails vary in difficulty but most are relatively flat. The park also features a large lake perfect for wildlife viewing, with one camper mentioning they "saw bald eagles and great blue heron" during their visit.
Swimming and water recreation: While not all parks permit swimming in their lakes, many offer alternative options. At Codorus State Park, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," explains Catherine H. The pool provides a refreshing option during hot summer months for families looking to cool off.
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at Hollofield Area Campground, even though it's close to urban areas. "Being just barely off the beaten path, I wasn't expecting all too much from the one night stay over planned heading from New Jersey to Shenandoah in Virginia. I was surprised at the quiet, understated beauty of the forestry around the perfectly level campsite," writes Diana S., who enjoyed it so much she "stopped on the way back home again!"
Clean facilities: The maintained facilities at dog-friendly campgrounds near Towson are frequently mentioned as a positive. Rebecca C. notes about Hollofield Area, "There is a decent bathhouse but it does get buggy. Powerful fan keeps it comfortable on all but the hottest days. The camp hosts are helpful and friendly."
Convenient location: Cherry Hill Park earns praise for its strategic location. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments," shares Jennifer H. This makes it ideal for campers wanting to combine outdoor experiences with urban exploration, all while keeping their pets with them.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most pet-welcoming campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, "advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!" warns Wendy W. Weekend slots particularly fill months ahead.
Site selection matters: Take time to research specific site characteristics. "Original reservation was Fri-Sun, but they were calling for 60 mph wind gusts Friday, and no one was in my spot so I went in a day ahead. Good thing, because the wind was crazy!" reports Peggy T. from Merry Meadows. Some sites are more exposed to elements than others.
Campground rules: Policies vary between parks, with some having stricter regulations. Amy R. notes, "We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" but other visitors mention specific rules to follow. Some parks prohibit outside firewood, while others have quiet hours that are strictly enforced.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences occasional storms and variable conditions. One camper at Cherry Hill Park shared, "Be weary of decent highway noise, but easily drowned out with the AC." Always check weather forecasts before arriving, as several campgrounds have limited tree cover in certain sections.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Ramblin' Pines offers excellent family-friendly amenities. "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees," reports Sean M. Consider booking sites near these facilities if traveling with children.
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds program special events for younger campers. "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," shares Melissa E. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Safety considerations: When camping with children and pets, look for campgrounds with controlled access. Ramblin' Pines uses a "keycard entry system" which, while "pretty inconvenient" according to one reviewer, provides added security. Many pet-friendly campgrounds also have fenced dog areas where children can safely interact with their pets.
Temperature management: Summer camping requires preparation for heat and humidity. "The things I didn't like about it were the old bathrooms- they were clean, but very outdated-, and the fact that the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep," notes Jennifer S. about Hollofield Area, highlighting the importance of bringing fans or choosing sites with natural shade.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RVers should note the different hookup configurations at campgrounds near Towson. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, Laure D. explains they were "told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them." Full hookup sites often cost more but provide convenience.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have terrain issues. "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," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park Campground. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Campground approach routes: Access roads can present challenges for larger rigs. At Bar Harbor RV Park, "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises Craig Z. Always research approach routes when bringing larger RVs to pet-friendly campgrounds near Towson.
