Pet friendly camping near Germantown, Maryland offers wooded sites where dogs can explore trails and cool off in local waterways. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from spring through fall, with several providing year-round access for campers and their pets. Montgomery County's natural setting creates a balance of forested camping areas with convenient proximity to urban conveniences when supplies are needed.
What to do
Hiking with dogs on the C&O Canal trail: Located near Brunswick Family Campground, the trail offers miles of pet-friendly paths. "Situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views. Nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing... Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction for hours! Harpers Ferry is only 6 miles away on the trail," notes Susan K.
Water activities for pets: The Potomac River provides cooling spots for dogs during summer months. "The Shenandoah is just as beautiful... The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," shares Brian S. about his experience at Brunswick Family Campground.
Explore dog-friendly historical sites: Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA serves as a base for historical exploration with pets. "The best part about this site is the location. We could walk or easily drive to Harper's Ferry NP visitor center, from where we could take a bus into downtown," explains Erin S.
What campers like
Shaded camp spaces: At Little Bennett Campground, the tree coverage provides relief from summer heat. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only," reports Ray & Terri F.
Urban convenience with natural setting: Campers appreciate the balance of wilderness and accessibility. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes," says Georgia H. about Little Bennett Campground.
Pet-friendly water access: Lake Fairfax Campground offers trails with water access. "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, & canoeing)," explains Amy B.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. "This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded," notes Erin W. about Lake Fairfax Campground.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities. According to Claudia T. at Camping by the Creek, "Port a potty was actually dangerous. Someone could get hurt. Site was not prepared, we left and came back, looks like someone did a little cleanup, only after our arrival."
Train noise at riverside locations: Campgrounds near waterways may have railroad tracks nearby. "The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It's not bothered me but you should be aware," notes Dale Y. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-specific amenities: Ramblin' Pines offers multiple attractions for children. "The campground is so quaint and carefree you almost forget the outside world... The little store has just the necessities and there is an amazing playground for the kids," reports Brian S.
Consider cabin options for easier pet management: Several campgrounds offer cabins as alternatives to tents. "We rented one of the cabins, 'Onward,' here at Brunswick Family Campground... Great Potomac river views, Weather-proof cabin with comfy bunks, Friendly fellow campers," shares Sherri C.
Look for campgrounds with swimming options: During summer months, water access keeps kids and pets cool. "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home," explains Nicholas S. about Brunswick Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," reports Matt S. at Harpers Ferry KOA.
Seasonal availability for full hookups: Greenbelt Park Campground offers year-round camping with varying services. "Beautiful campground, fairly large with 4 separate loops. 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," notes Laura M.
Road conditions within campgrounds: Check access roads before arrival. "The road into the campground was badly in need of repair. Site was not level and infested with black flies," warns Robin about Brunswick Family Campground, highlighting the importance of researching current conditions.
