Greenbelt Park Campground's pet-friendly sites welcome campers with dogs throughout its four camping loops near Fairmount Heights. The campground maintains a strict leash policy, requiring pets to be under physical control at all times while exploring the park's wooded setting. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table with adequate space for tent camping or smaller RVs under 35 feet. The campground is notably clean with well-maintained facilities including bathrooms and showers. Most sites have significant tree cover providing natural shade for pets during warmer months, though this makes the area prone to ticks and chiggers requiring careful pet inspection after hikes.
Hiking trails throughout Greenbelt Park offer pet owners multiple options for exercise with their dogs, including a five-mile perimeter trail that winds through deciduous forest. The trails are well-maintained with moderate terrain suitable for most dogs, though owners should apply bug repellent and check pets carefully for ticks afterward. The park's location provides a surprising urban oasis just minutes from Washington DC, making it an excellent base camp for travelers with pets exploring the capital region. Wildlife encounters are common within the park boundaries, with deer frequently spotted during morning and evening walks. The campground's affordable $20 nightly rate makes it significantly more economical than other pet-friendly accommodations in the metropolitan area, though visitors should note the absence of electrical hookups and the need to keep pets continuously leashed.
$999 / night
"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. "
"As we looked around we found that all of the sites, regardless of amenities, were spaced about the same."
$20 / 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."
$33 - $150 / night
"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."
$30 / night
"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."
"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
$30 - $70 / night
"A lot to do: mountain bike trails (horses and walking, too); wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing"
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
"We did not take our dog this time with us but would seriously consider it next time."
"We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."
$10 - $45 / night
"Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."
"Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."
"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
$34 - $90 / night
"Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."
"Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutOverall 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.
RangerThis 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.
LegendCherry 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.
GuideIf 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
ScoutThese 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!
GuideThis campground is perfect for a quiet visit to the Eastern shore town of Rock Hall as It sits conveniently between the village of Rock Hall and Eastern Neck sanctuary. The area reserved for RV campsites overlooks a bluff on the Chesapeake Bay….gorgeous. Because we went in the middle of the week, we had a lot of space to our self and open areas for our dog to play. Admittedly there isn’t a lot to do in the campground itself, even the bathrooms were closed down for Covid and only self contained RVs could camp.There is a small playground and a dog park, and a small pond for fishing. Sewer hook ups are not yet available but they are coming. Purchasing the WiFi access was a waste of money and our Verizon signal was very weak. The biggest attraction is the view over the Bay. So if you are looking for beautiful scenery and a cooling breeze this is a lovely and relaxing place. We met the owner who was very attentive to our needs and also helped us use the dump station as this was the maiden voyage with our new RV. The campground is clean and nicely landscaped. Be sure to go into the town of rock Hall for a seafood dinner at Waterman’s.
ScoutThe 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.
LegendWe stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick. The campground is quite large with lots of seasonal sites but there are some transient spaces that can accommodate big-rigs. In addition to RV sites, there are tent sites and cabins.
We stayed in one of the transient sites (#FR14) across from the RV storage lot. It was a long gravel back-in with 50-amp FHU. The water hook-up is in a pit so it doesn’t freeze so look under the cover. It can be a bit difficult to reach and you have to get on the ground to hook-up. Based on the location of the spigot, we were not able to attach our water filter (we drank the tap water anyway and it was good). The electric worked fine and were able to reach the sewer with our 20’ hose. The view out of our front window was of the storage lot which was not the most scenic. However, parking in the FR row is the easiest place for big-rigs to park since some roads in the park are tight and hard to navigate with the trees and with the two-way traffic.
There are lots of amenities and it seems some people come here for the activities and things to do. It is a destination for many campers. They have lots of themed events, the most popular being the entire month of October celebrating like Halloween. They set up a haunted walk through the woods, have pumpkin carving, trick or treating, a costume contest, haunted hayride, and site decoration contest every weekend. If you want to camp on the weekends– book early because we found it very difficult to get a reservation during October and you have to pay in full and there are no refunds for cancellations. Other weekends have live music, bingo, hayrides, cornhole tournaments, crafts, and more. Basically, there is something every weekend.
Huge fishing pond, shuffleboard, horseshoes, large dog park with agility, game room, playgrounds, jump pillow, heated swimming pool, and exercise room (which was decent but didn’t have a television to occupy your time), 18-hole mini golf. A short but nice hiking trail winds through the woods and is nice for walking dogs. There is a large covered pavilion with picnic tables for big gatherings. There is free Wi-Fi but it doesn’t reach sites in the back of the campground. Wi-Fi is great if you are near the office/store. The camp store is fairly large with some food/beverage items, t-shirts, large amount of RV supplies, and misc. other items. There is a coffee maker with free coffee.
Campsites near Fairmount Heights provide access to waterways, woodland trails, and diverse terrain within 30 miles of Washington DC. The region has primarily deciduous forest with elevations ranging from 80 to 400 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through August.
Waterpark access: At Pohick Bay Campground, families can enjoy the adjacent Pirate's Cove waterpark for cooling off after hiking. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," notes Anne K., who visited in fall when the colors were changing.
Metro access to monuments: Use Greenbelt Park Campground as a budget-friendly base for DC sightseeing. "The green line takes you to the National Mall. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites," advises Laura M.
Disc golf course: Several nearby parks offer disc golf, with Pohick Bay providing an 18-hole course. Rachel L. calls it her "go-to weekend camping spot" and recommends "taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course."
Boating options: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for various watercraft. Pohick Bay features "boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" while many other nearby parks have rental facilities for exploring local waterways during warm months.
Affordable alternative to hotels: Camping provides substantial savings when visiting DC. "[Greenbelt Park Campground] is not free but very reasonable considering the area. The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods," writes one camper.
Spacious sites: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offers generously sized campsites with varying amenities. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious. Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself," advises Ben S., who notes that bathrooms are clean with decent showers.
Wildlife viewing: Many campers report regular wildlife sightings, particularly at dawn and dusk. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" exclaims Kathie M. about Burke Lake Park Campground, highlighting the surprisingly rich bird habitat in this suburban setting.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, "the bathrooms are clean, their are 2 stalls and 1 shower, cleaned daily by park rangers," according to Tye S., who stayed recently.
Tick prevention essential: Ticks are prevalent throughout the region, particularly in warmer months. "Lots and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
Security varies by campground: Some parks have regular patrols while others have minimal oversight. At Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, "Park Police patrol the campground 2 times a day," notes a reviewer, but adds "this is not a gated campground so anyone can come through and have a tour."
Wildlife precautions: Take proper food storage measures, especially at night. "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site," advises a regular camper at Cosca Regional Park.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking through Recreation.gov or specific park websites. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park has "no registration on site it's online only" through pgparksdirect.com, according to Tye S.
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive facilities for children. "They have a lot to offer... Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," raves Beth R., making it ideal for families wanting structured activities.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs and nature activities. Burke Lake Park has seasonal events for children - one visitor noted 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."
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas when camping with young children. At Burke Lake Park, one camper mentioned, "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse," making it convenient for families with small children needing frequent bathroom breaks.
Swimming options: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Fairmount Heights feature swimming facilities. "Lake Fairfax Campground has a lot to do: mountain bike trails, wooded hikes with water along the trails (great for dogs in the summer heat), skateboard park, BMX park, Water Park near the campground, fishing, & canoeing," writes Amy B.
Site selection: Many campgrounds have limited level sites for larger rigs. At Greenbelt Campground, "Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites," explains Laura M.
Hookup availability: Verify which utilities are available before booking. At Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, "Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," according to a frequent camper.
Dump station locations: Not all parks offer on-site dump stations, requiring planning. At Greenbelt Park, "There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C. The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares one RVer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Fairmount Heights, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Fairmount Heights, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Fairmount Heights, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 65 dog-friendly camping locations near Fairmount Heights, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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