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Dog-Friendly Camping near Emmitsburg, MD

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    Gettysburg Battlefield KOA and Gettysburg Campground both allow pets at their campgrounds near Emmitsburg, providing options for travelers with dogs. These campgrounds feature full hookup sites for RVs, tent camping areas, and pet-friendly cabin accommodations. Gettysburg Battlefield Resort maintains clean facilities and a welcoming environment for dogs, with most sites level and ample amenities including a lake area where many guests exercise their pets. The campgrounds enforce standard pet policies requiring dogs to be leashed when not inside camping units, with designated pet waste stations throughout the grounds. Granite Hill Camping Resort permits pets throughout most of their spacious camping areas, though some premium cabins may have pet restrictions or require additional cleaning deposits.

    Dog-friendly trails surround many of the Emmitsburg area campgrounds, with several properties offering direct access to walking paths suitable for daily pet exercise. Owens Creek Campground in nearby Catoctin Mountain Park provides tent and RV camping with pets allowed on maintained trails, though owners should be prepared for wildlife encounters by keeping dogs secured. The camping season for most pet-friendly sites in the region runs April through October, with Caledonia State Park Campground offering year-round access for pets. Water features at Cunningham Falls State Park provide cooling options during summer months when temperatures can make camping with pets challenging. Campers should pack pet essentials as the nearest pet supply stores are located in Gettysburg, approximately 8-12 miles from most campgrounds. All properties enforce quiet hours that include barking policies to maintain peaceful camping experiences.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Emmitsburg (109)

      1. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      4.5(26)8mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      "In addition to that, there is a bounce pad, shuffle board, horseshoes, chess, over-sized jenga, playground, dog park, gem mining, basketball, bikes, wood, propane, etc. and they pick up trash daily right"

      2. Gettysburg Campground

      4.0(28)8mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Friendly staff and bonus that it’s pet friendly. Watch out for falling black walnuts in October. We heard them hitting ours and other rigs during our three day stay."

      "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."

      3. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

      4.2(29)9mi from Emmitsburg51 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

      "My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."

      from $30 / night

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      4. Artillery Ridge Campground

      4.3(27)8mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We 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."

      "Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them! This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield."

      5. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

      4.6(24)10mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Not a fan of kids running around through sites. The Elderberry and Deer Spring loops are no pets, but I’d like to see a no kids policy too. Kidding!"

      "Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim."

      from $21 - $65 / night

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      6. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

      4.2(24)10mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.

      Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.

      The site is between two cabins."

      "This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."

      from $23 - $29 / night

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      7. Caledonia State Park Campground

      4.4(36)16mi from Emmitsburg163 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We stayed in the Chinquapin West side due to the restrictions of dogs. Not that I don't love dogs! It's just that it can get loud sometimes."

      "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

      from $24 - $165 / night

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      8. Granite Hill Camping Resort

      3.6(16)7mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It’s only 15 yards for the play set."

      "Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"

      9. Gettysburg

      4.4(12)6mi from Emmitsburg6 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."

      "It also has a lake and cabins available."

      from $66 - $127 / night

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      10. Greenbrier State Park Campground

      4.4(42)20mi from EmmitsburgRVs, Tents

      "There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets."

      "My partner and our two dogs loved this campground! We were in the dogwood loop. Positives

      * Big, immaculately groomed tent pads

      * Mostly tent campers!"

      from $23 - $29 / night

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Emmitsburg, MD

    944 Reviews of 109 Emmitsburg Campgrounds


    • barb C.
      Aug. 6, 2022

      Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

      Amazing campground!

      We 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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 9, 2025

      Artillery Ridge Campground

      Great location and friendly staff

      We 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.

    • Melissa F.
      Jul. 21, 2018

      Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      Wish I stayed there under different circumstances.

      The 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.

    • C
      Oct. 21, 2021

      Dogwood Acres Campground

      Quiet and Friendly Staff

      Clean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 30, 2021

      Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

      Very convenient to National Park

      This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.

    • singinajf@aol.com
      May. 26, 2021

      Ramblin' Pines

      Quiet Spot

      The 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.

    • J
      Jun. 26, 2022

      Brunswick Family Campground

      Great but only a few things I noticed

      Overall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.

    • Regina C.
      Jun. 12, 2018

      Jellystone Park™ Williamsport

      Great for families

      Great campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.

    • P
      May. 18, 2018

      Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

      Favorite state park campground

      This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.


    Guide to Emmitsburg

    Emmitsburg sits at the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains in northern Maryland, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet throughout the camping areas. The region experiences moderate temperatures from April through October, averaging 75-85°F in summer months with evening temperatures dropping to 55-65°F. Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Emmitsburg maintain accessible trails during spring and fall when temperatures are most comfortable for dogs.

    What to do

    Hike to Cunningham Falls: The 78-foot cascading waterfall at Cunningham Falls State Park offers multiple trail options ranging from 0.5-6 miles. "The park itself is very scenic with nice hiking trails and a lake to enjoy. I was there in the fall so didn't go out on the water but can imagine it would be popular during the warmer months," notes Conni B.

    Explore the Appalachian Trail: Access the historic AT directly from Caledonia State Park Campground just 15 miles north of Emmitsburg. "Great sites with many options from car camping to short wilderness sites. Great access to trails. Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock were my favorite," shares Cory D.

    Visit historical Gettysburg sites: Located less than 10 miles from Emmitsburg, Gettysburg National Military Park provides educational opportunities. "The battlefields are very close. Chubby's Pizza is about 5 minutes down the road and provides fast service as well as great food," notes Dave B. from Artillery Ridge Campground.

    What campers like

    Forested campsites: Catoctin Mountain Park's Owens Creek Campground offers secluded tent and RV sites. "Nice small campground WAY back in woods. Been here many times over the last 25 years," explains Roxy V. Sites are terraced and spaced for privacy within dense forest.

    Water recreation: The 43-acre lake at Hunting Creek provides swimming and fishing opportunities. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it with plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed. Most of the time we did not spend at the campsite so we ended up having a fantastic weekend," shares Casey L.

    Family activities: Many campgrounds organize regular events, especially on weekends. "They have a ton of things to do as the family. During summer they have different themed weekends and fun activities for the whole family. In the fall they have Halloween weekends," says Danielle W. about Gettysburg Battlefield Resort.

    What you should know

    Seasonal closures: Most pet-friendly campgrounds in the Emmitsburg area operate from April through October. "Cell service doesn't work, electric hookups only. This state park is beautiful and off the grid!" notes Regina C. about Cunningham Falls State Park.

    Crowded summer weekends: The area draws significant visitors during peak season. "When we pulled the rangers were blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full. OMG they were right," explains Jim L. about Greenbrier State Park. Weekday visits provide more solitude.

    Trail closures: With Camp David nearby, some trails may close unexpectedly. "With Camp David occupying part of this NPS, your hiking plans could be immediately and entirely foiled with a 'visit' from the President or any dignitary. Parts of the park road and trails are closed down tight!" cautions Dave V. about Catoctin Mountain Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Lake activities: Hunting Creek Lake offers supervised swimming from Memorial Day to Labor Day. "Great campground with a lake, beach, and swimming area. Fishing is allowed. There are lots of hiking trails," says Beth C., though she notes it "gets really crowded" during peak season.

    Kid-friendly facilities: Granite Hill Camping Resort provides designated play areas with supervision. "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It's only 15 yards for the play set," recommends Larry N.

    Educational opportunities: Campgrounds often host nature programs for children. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," notes Regina C. Rangers lead interpretive programs covering local wildlife and history, typically lasting 30-45 minutes.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection: Choose level sites when booking, as some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites were all a very good size with nice fire-pits. Very well maintained. The bathroom/showers were very clean as well, and individual units for privacy," shares Dave B. about Gettysburg Battlefield KOA.

    Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited and book quickly. "All sites have water and electric, but not all are 50 amp sites. About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to. Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4"," advises Gregory L.

    Off-season camping: Several campgrounds remain open year-round with reduced facilities. "We visited this park in December so it was pretty closed down. The park was poorly lit and nearly impossible to navigate," cautions Sarah C. about winter camping at Caledonia State Park, highlighting the need for proper planning during off-peak visits.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Emmitsburg, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Emmitsburg, MD is Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA with a 4.5-star rating from 26 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Emmitsburg, MD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 109 dog-friendly camping locations near Emmitsburg, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.