Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Catonsville, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area accepts pets at all tent sites and cabins, providing a convenient pet-friendly camping option just minutes from Catonsville. The campground features clean, well-maintained facilities with fire pits equipped with grill gates at each site. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout the camping loop, and nearby trails offer excellent opportunities for dog walking. The crushed stone at tent sites requires extra padding and alternative tent staking methods for comfort. The campground's peaceful wooded setting creates a secluded atmosphere despite its proximity to suburban neighborhoods. Bathhouses remain clean and functional, though somewhat dated, and friendly camp hosts deliver firewood directly to sites.
Numerous hiking trails accessible from the campground accommodate dogs on leashes. The River Ridge Trail connects to a playground about one mile from the campsites, with additional trail access at the nearby ranger station. During summer months, dogs can cool off in the Patapsco River by taking the Forest Glen Trail down to the valley. Pet owners need to be aware that firewood cannot be brought into the park due to harmful insect regulations, and alcohol is prohibited except inside RVs. The campground entrance features a massive tire playground and nature center with sensory trails for families, though the half-mile drive from the camp area to these amenities makes it unsuitable for small children to navigate independently. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park, including on all trails.
