R
Roger M.
Traveler
TravelerFredericksburg-Washington DC KOA
Family friendly
Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Chaptico, MD
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Westmoreland State Park Campground allows pets throughout its established campgrounds with hiking trails and beach access along the Potomac River. Located about 40 miles from Chaptico, this Virginia park features campsites that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins where pets are permitted. The park's fossil beach proves popular with dog owners who appreciate the dedicated pet-friendly areas. Cedarville State Forest in Maryland also welcomes pets at its drive-in campsites offering electric hookups and picnic tables, though it lacks water hookups at individual sites. Both locations maintain clean bathroom facilities with showers and trash disposal. Pets must remain leashed at all campsites, with most properties limiting pets to two per site. Campground bathhouses are generally well-maintained at Westmoreland, which campers consistently rate as one of the cleanest campgrounds in the region.
Hiking trails throughout these pet-friendly campgrounds provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with Westmoreland's fossil beach trail offering a moderate half-mile hike suitable for most dogs. Endeavor Point provides waterfront camping with fishing and crabbing opportunities where dogs can join owners along the shore, though some visitors note the current owners enforce strict rules regarding fishing limits. The marina areas at several campgrounds provide additional walking paths. Seasonal considerations include summer heat in this region, with limited shade at some campsites making afternoon walks challenging for pets. Most campgrounds require proof of current rabies vaccination upon check-in, and nearby Montross offers basic veterinary services and pet supplies. The camping area remains relatively quiet during weekdays, providing a peaceful environment for pets sensitive to noise.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Chaptico (68)
1. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs."
"Relaxing, fishing was nice and we loved walking the trails with the dogs."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability2. Cedarville State Forest
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Endeavor Point
from $55 - $95 / night
Check Availability4. Thousand Trails Harbor View
"Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun."
"The harbor you can see is private property and not very nice to look at--better to drive out to Colonial Beach."
5. Pohick Bay Campground
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
"This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability6. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
"It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better."
"Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail to get down to the beach which is about a mile - a mile and 1/2."
7. Caledon State Park Campground
"Caledon was an amazing adventure that’s so close to Fredericksburg. It’s a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by."
"Porta pottie right next to wood pile. You’re not supposed to setup anything outside of the “tent pads”. I had a hammock hung and three rangers saw but didn’t say anything."
from $16 / night
Check Availability8. Goose Bay Marina
"the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will"
"Location on the Potomac is great for boaters. Bought a bushel of crabs right off of the boat from Mr. Joe. Many people have golf carts, but not necessary as the campground was very walkable."
9. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
"The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated."
"Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 28 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 56 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 22 min from Baltimore, MD
- 2 hrs 32 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Chaptico, MD
45 Photos of 68 Chaptico Campgrounds
RL
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Ariel F.
Thousand Trails Harbor View
Charity B.
The Oasis at Lake Serenity
Charity B.
Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
Francisco A.
1 Acre campground, 50 amp, and Kayak launch
Daniel F.
Dennis Point Marina and Campground
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Caralee B.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Sonyia W.
Pohick Bay Campground
Katia G.
Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
Tara S.
Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
Gwynn G.
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Chaptico, MD
491 Reviews of 68 Chaptico Campgrounds
- Linda B.
RangerCherry Hill Park
Actually a 10!!!
This 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.
Kindra W.
GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
Megan K.GuidePrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great spot with hookups by PW park
If you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process.
Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk
Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend
Small pool
Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter
Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well.
Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable
Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained.
Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out.
Overall: great experience, would recommend
MickandKarla W.
LegendCherry Hill Park
Impressive Campground
Cherry Hill Park was easy to find and get to basically right off I-95. This was our first time RVing into the WA DC area and we were concerned about traffic getting to the campground(CG). As we arrived, traffic was heavy on I-95 but manageable. Cherry Hill’s and our RV GPS directions were spot on getting us to the park. We were very impressed with this CG from the moment we entered. We picked up our package outside the office(no contact check-in) and went to premium site 93 with FHUs. Back-in was easy. The wifi was very good but the CG was only about a 1/4 full. Cherry Hill has many different ways to stay; cottages, cabins, yurts, glamping pods, premium and regular tent sites in addition to the RV sites. As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same. There are a few sites in the CG on the end that will give you a little more yard space like 97(need to be a competent backer), 402, and 1723. We got 2 bars each on Verizon and AT&T. The CG’s cable provided a large selection of channels and worked well. We were impressed with the main laundry facility due to the amount of large washers and dryers, very fair pricing and very clean. The two off leash dog parks(in the same area) were nice plus there’s a well maintained walking trail that goes around this very large CG’s perimeter. We really liked how there are trash receptacles and dog poopy bag dispensers nicely placed all over the CG. Though we didn’t use it, they even have a dog walker service so you can spend a lot of time exploring the DC area without worrying about your pups. About the only draw back was the road noise from the interstate and highway pretty much 24/7, but considering the area that is to be expected. Sites 13-38 and 1500 sites near the premium tent area are the farthest away from the road noise. We would definitely stay here again.
Genie W.
ScoutR & D Family Campground
Sparta Pines Family R V Park
We are winter residents having spent our first time this past year. We found the new owners and management very accommodating. Lot fee is reasonable. We found it quiet, pet friendly,and wooded off-road location. Looking forward to returning in the fall.
Heather H.GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
Beautiful campground
Beautiful campground. We were in Tulip loop with full hookups. Very private large sites. Wooded with tall pines. The stars were amazing! Could see the Milky Way and every star in the sky no light pollution. Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs.
Caitlin A.ScoutSmallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Private sites with water views nearby
These campground is a great find. The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!
J B.ScoutGreenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
The park/ trails
The park is located away from the camping grounds. It has two play grounds, several picnic tables and a bathroom. The bathroom is a average out door bathroom with no A.C. and the floor always seems to be wet, but I never had an issue with no toliet paper. The trails are maintained. You could tell there was even some work in progress spots. Wish there were some doggie bag stations just for the trash can. The trail comes close to the road enough times that it could be a great add for a visitor who brings pets and staff would not have to hike in to hike out a bag of garbage.
Guide to Chaptico
Camping options near Chaptico, Maryland center around the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay ecosystems with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. The region has hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range. These low-lying wetland areas create ideal conditions for wildlife viewing but also contribute to significant insect activity during warmer months.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a unique opportunity for campers to search for prehistoric shark teeth along its shoreline. "It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better," explains Anthony S. in his review of Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping.
Waterfront fishing: Multiple campgrounds provide direct access to productive fishing spots along the Potomac. "The pier is still in need of repair, many loose boards, massive damaged pylons and still no security rails, to state a few," notes one visitor to Endeavor Point, highlighting that while the fishing access is excellent, some facilities require maintenance.
Disc golf courses: Several parks maintain full 18-hole disc golf courses for campers seeking recreational activities beyond water sports. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests Rachel L. about Pohick Bay Campground, which makes for an excellent day activity when temperatures rise too high for hiking.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: The campgrounds with water views tend to receive the highest ratings from visitors. "We had site 68 which had plenty of space for the TT, truck and car to park. The sites have plenty of separation and the park was very quiet," writes Nick E. about Point Lookout State Park, where waterfront sites allow for excellent sunrise views.
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple reviewers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a standout feature. "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm. Water is readily available," notes Bill G. in his review of Cedarville State Forest, though he also warns that "I've never left this park without at least one tick."
Wooded privacy: Sites with natural screening receive higher ratings than open field campsites. "We were originally hoping for something in the B Loop, but we ended up being really happy in our spot because while the B Loop was beautiful with waterfront campsites, the bugs were awful and there was no shade anywhere," explains one camper about Point Lookout State Park, highlighting the trade-off between views and comfort.
What you should know
Bug protection essential: Ticks and mosquitoes are extremely prevalent throughout the region, especially in summer. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it! We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk," advises Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest, a common theme across most campgrounds in the area.
Limited hiking opportunities: Most campgrounds feature relatively short, flat trails rather than extensive hiking networks. "There's not a lot of hiking opportunities," mentions one reviewer about the area, with most trails being under 3 miles and relatively level.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities operate on limited schedules. "Season: April to October" applies to several campgrounds in the region, with some amenities like camp stores and nature centers having even shorter operational periods, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature modern playground equipment near camping loops. "The park has a great playground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms," notes Anthony S. about Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping.
Scheduled activities: Look for campgrounds that offer organized children's programs. "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shares Ben G. about his family's experience at Pohick Bay Campground.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Chaptico: Most parks allow pets but have specific restrictions. "We brought our dog for an extended weekend. It is really nice for people looking to get out of the city and into the woods, and fast," writes Christian about Westmoreland State Park Campground, which offers dedicated pet-friendly areas.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds have a mix of level and uneven sites, so research specific site details. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," notes Kristen M. about Pohick Bay Campground, a common theme across reviews.
Full hookup limitations: Only select campgrounds offer complete utilities. "Tulip Loop has full hookups which was great, but the sites are basically in a swamp," explains Buck P. about Point Lookout State Park, highlighting that even with full hookups there may be other drawbacks to consider.
Low tree clearance: Several pet-welcoming campgrounds near Chaptico have sites with overhead obstructions. "We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs. Site 5 or 7 wouldn't have that problem," advises Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest, a useful tip for RVers with larger vehicles.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Chaptico, MD is Westmoreland State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Chaptico, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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