4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area accommodates pets throughout its wooded camping areas with both tent sites and pet-friendly cabins. All campsites include fire rings, picnic tables, and clean bathhouse facilities within walking distance. Hollofield Area Campground also welcomes pets with spacious RV sites offering electric hookups and sanitary dump stations. Susquehanna State Park Campground provides additional pet-friendly options with full hookup RV sites, tent camping, and cabins where dogs can stay with their owners. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements, typically six feet or less, and request that pet waste be properly disposed of in designated receptacles. The bathhouses at these locations are maintained regularly, with hot showers available for campers returning from trails with muddy pets.
Nearby hiking opportunities for dogs include the Forest Glen Trail at Patapsco, which follows Saw Mill Branch Stream and connects to multiple trail networks. The main playground areas at Patapsco Valley State Park remain separate from the camping loops, allowing pet owners to enjoy quieter camping experiences. Many trails feature river access points where dogs can cool off, though swimmers should be mindful of occasional swift currents. The terrain varies from flat to moderately steep, with some reviewers noting that hiking poles are helpful when navigating trails with dogs. During summer months, early morning or evening walks are recommended to avoid heat stress on pets. Campers report minimal wildlife concerns, though standard precautions like securing food and pet supplies are advised. The nearby towns of Catonsville and Ellicott City provide emergency veterinary services and pet supply stores within a 15-minute drive.
"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."
from $20 - $51 / 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."
from $19 - $27 / 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)."
from $21 - $55 / night
"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."
"We did not take our dog this time with us but would seriously consider it next time."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
"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."
from $75 - $115 / 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."
from $21 - $50 / night
"Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park."
"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. "
Available this weekend
from $999 / 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."
from $30 - $70 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $20 / night
TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
TravelerClose to washington as we could get. Could also park our skoolie bus which was nice and had plenty of close by shower with bathrooms. Keep in mind only one shower per restroom house. We stayed at a pretty slow season so it wasn’t bad. Would recommend if visiting DC! They also have a dump station and water fill up.
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
ScoutThe campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
Patapsco Valley State Park offers pet-friendly camping options within 30 minutes of Parkville, Maryland. The park spans 32 miles along the Patapsco River with eight different recreation areas and 70 miles of multi-use trails. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making early morning or evening activities more comfortable for both campers and their pets.
Hike to scenic waterfalls: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, families can enjoy the Forest Glen Trail which follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream. "This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures," notes Rachel S.
Fish at multiple locations: Several parks offer fishing opportunities for families. "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," shares Anthony S. about Patapsco Valley.
Explore historic sites: Visit the working grist mill at Susquehanna State Park Campground. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat," writes Jen V.
Private, wooded campsites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Parkville feature secluded spots. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," reports Jen V. about her stay at Susquehanna State Park.
Clean, modern facilities: Codorus State Park Campground gets high marks for cleanliness. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," notes Mike C. Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at parks near Parkville.
Swimming options: During hot summer months, water access is valuable. "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. about Codorus State Park.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October. "Stayed in the North East loop and there are mini cabins available as well," notes Laure D. about Elk Neck State Park Campground, which is one of the few parks open year-round.
Weekend crowds: Campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week," shares Rebecca C. about Hollofield Area.
Tent pad limitations: Not all sites have ideal tent pads. "You couldn't see the playground from the site... That said, I think if we had stayed in a site that had a pad for the tent, I would've given this park 5 stars. I docked a star because I'd say about half—maybe more—don't have pads," reports Jennifer S. from Susquehanna.
Playgrounds for different ages: Hollofield Area Campground offers multiple play areas. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," says Jennifer S.
Pack for variable weather: Temperatures can shift quickly in Maryland's spring and fall. "We camped here for a somewhat rainy Memorial Day weekend. Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves and even did a hike," Jennifer R. shares about her Susquehanna experience.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still enjoying nature. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" explains Sean M. about Patapsco Valley.
Limited hookup options: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers full hookups close to Parkville. "Full hookup but we're 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," advises Laure D.
Site access challenges: Some parks have difficult entry points for larger rigs. "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 the Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground.
Level sites are limited: Check site details before booking. "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," explains David G. about Elk Neck State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Parkville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Parkville, MD is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Parkville, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 79 dog-friendly camping locations near Parkville, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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