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Pocomoke River State Park's pet-friendly loops include Acorn Trail (Loop G), providing spacious, shaded campsites for visitors with dogs. Several loops across the park accommodate pets with ample space between sites for privacy without feeling isolated. Bathhouses with hot showers remain within easy walking distance via multiple connecting paths. Sites feature level tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings placed at safe distances from sleeping areas. Visitors with dogs particularly appreciate the well-maintained trails throughout the park, offering opportunities for pet exercise without overwhelming insect pressure on most paths. The campground maintains clean facilities, with bathrooms described as nearly spa-like with stainless steel fixtures and wood paneling in some areas.
Located approximately 45 minutes from Assateague Island and Ocean City beaches, this wooded campground provides a peaceful alternative to coastal camping while keeping beach destinations within day-trip distance. The park offers multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and cabins. Water activities for both humans and leashed pets include fishing and paddling opportunities on the Pocomoke River, with canoe and kayak rentals available seasonally. The natural environment features cypress trees that create waters with pH levels that naturally repel mosquitoes, with additional park-managed mosquito spraying during summer months. Trails vary in condition, with the Trail of Change experiencing higher insect pressure during summer months compared to the inner, less swampy paths.
"I couldn't even start a campfire because the firepit was downwind and very close to my car and tent, and I didn't want them to go up in flames."
"Beach: The campsites are right behind the dunes from the beach, it’s a perfect spot and so convenient for spending the day on the beach but being able to run back to your site for supplies/bathroom etc"
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Loops with electric or no electric, Pet-friendly loops and non-pet friendly loops. I have been camping there off and on for 40 years first as a kid and now with my family."
"Not many pet sites, nice pool, new bath houses, descent animal resource center"
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Pristine beach and easy access to Bay. The state park has immaculate bathhouses. The mosquitos are no joke. Bring your grill Some loops are pet friendly."
"Be careful to not get too close to the horses, they are WILD horses. It is pet friendly on the sites as well as the beach, but they need to be leashed. This site was sooo much fun."
from $28 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Loop G - Acorn trail is for campers with pets. The camp sites are in the outer loop of the circular road with lots of space between each site. Lots of shade."
"Pet friendly as we stayed with our golden retriever with a great view of the river. This campsite is a must stay, especially for glampers and probably a good choice for those who love ac/heating!"
from $19 - $71 / night
Check Availability"Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."
"Do not feed or pet the horses!"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"BUT we do pick them based on the outdoor activities we can do from the campground itself via bike riding or walking. Since we don’t bring a car location is very important to us."
"Campground has easy walking access to the National Park, shops, restaurants, and mini golf. Just outside the gate is the water park and food truck court."
"People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."
"Close to the Marina, Downtown, The Blvd and the Beach. Staff are helpful but also gives you space to live."
from $4200 / night
Check Availability"The two areas are right across the river from each other, but it’s about a 20-minute drive, since you have to drive up and around the river.** **The site was very large, level, and heavily shaded by loblolly"
"The bath house was centrally located. Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great."
from $19 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Bugs were crazy bad in the dog park and the moisture rich tent areas. Bring bug spray or a flame thrower."
"Great location, the friendliest and most helpful staff, beautiful surroundings, lots to do, kid and pet friendly"
"Beautiful location with lots of space for everyone. Great beach and tiki bar. Pools for the family and very pet friendly."
"The location is amazing. You are a stones throw away from the boardwalk at Ocean City Maryland. The resort is very nice."
from $65 - $350 / night
Check Availability
GuideWhat a great visit are having. Beautiful location with lots of space for everyone. Great beach and tiki bar. Pools for the family and very pet friendly. We stayed in the ‘big rig’ site within Club Castaway right on the water as we have a 40ft rig. Amenities are clean, staff friendly and helpful. Our dog, Daisy, loved the beach and the dog park and socialization w her pooch friends. Will be back.
GuideBeautiful camping spot with all the amenities. Loops with electric or no electric, Pet-friendly loops and non-pet friendly loops. I have been camping there off and on for 40 years first as a kid and now with my family. I love to go there every year at all seasons of the year. The best campground I've ever found in Maryland. Close proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island.
ScoutGreat park, awesome amenities. Would definitely go back. Price is not cheap but the amenities make it worth it. Can’t wait until the zip lining courses are back open. Stupid COVID!
Bugs were crazy bad in the dog park and the moisture rich tent areas. Bring bug spray or a flame thrower.
ScoutThis is our favorite campground! It is close enough to ocean city we can enjoy the beach daily but far enough to relax in the woods! This campground is the small sister campground to frontier town. They have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to assateaque island, frontier town, and ocean city. Campers here are eligible for discounts at frontier town as well! We tent camp but there are RV sites and cabins as well. There is an arcade, camp store, heated pool, playground, dog park, and mini golfing! The main pavilion has rentals for recreational equipment at no extra cost (hula hoops, balls, etc.) There are also themed weekends and scheduled activities throughout the week! The bathhouses are cleaned many times a day and the showers are spacious enough. The staff here is friendly and welcoming. Each tent site is far enough away from the other that you feel spread out and private. This is definitely a place I recommend to friends and family.
GuideI stayed here for two nights during the week in late April 2019.
The weather in late April was generally OK, other than the wind. The wind was so strong that none of my tent stakes would stay in the sand, and when I was finally able to secure a stake by putting something heavy on it, the wind ripped my guy rope. Brutal. I couldn't even start a campfire because the firepit was downwind and very close to my car and tent, and I didn't want them to go up in flames.
I guess the wild horses are OK, but I didn't find them particularly interesting. They are definitely not very shy--one of them stuck his nose right in my tent.
I had my dog with me at this campground--IIRC the campgrounds in this park in VA are non-pet friendly, but the campgrounds in MD are pet-friendly (but I might have that backwards, so check their websites to make sure!).
TravelerWild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland. Pros:
Cons:
GuideTitle says it all! Great location, the friendliest and most helpful staff, beautiful surroundings, lots to do, kid and pet friendly
GuidePlenty of room for big rigs. Sites are spacious and roads are wide. Hookups work great and it has the best wifi I've ever seen. Hotspots throughout the park. It is on the Rehobeth Bay. They have sites on the bay or on the shores of the lagoons. Restaurants, bars, pool, beach, dog park and beach, game room, well stocked store, the list goes on and on. We had to cancel this years trip there but just took a day trip and stopped in. They are still adding amenities throughout the park. The staff is excellent. Golf cart, kayak, and bike rentals are available. This is an excellent park to bike ride and kayak in. Just outside the campground is a public boat launch into the bay. It's a neat place to sit on the docks and watch the boats or fish. Crabbing and clamming can be done right at the campground. The offer a shuttle to Rehobeth Beach which is a great idea because the parking at the beach is limited.
ScoutIf I could give them a negative star I would. My daughter(5) was attacked by a Pitt bull while riding her bike at our site( loop h). When trying to confront the owners in(loop g) to get their site to report to the police they refused to give any information and proceeded to speak vulgarity. Then stated their dog never bit her when I witnessed the incident as well as another family. The family lied to the ranger saying their dog never touched my daughter and the ranger made not only my family leave but my parents as well who had another week to stay. Im extremely disappointed that my daughter's well-being was never discussed it was if they didn't care. They never even came to our site I had to the ranger again to even have someone come to my site. The pet rules state that any pet that is dangerous loud or is a problem at the park would be ask to leave immediately however they were not told to leave. My family had to.
Girdletree, Maryland sits at just 10 feet above sea level within the Delmarva Peninsula's coastal plain, experiencing humid summers with temperatures averaging 87°F and mild winters around 48°F. The low-lying geography creates unique camping conditions with cypress-studded wetlands dominating the landscape, requiring campers to prepare for higher humidity levels year-round.
Kayaking on the Pocomoke River: The Pocomoke River offers peaceful paddling opportunities through cypress forests. At Pocomoke River State Park, visitors can "kayak north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite" according to Cindy S., who notes "we are kayakers in the warm weather and hikers when its cooler."
Explore Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge: Located about 30 miles from Girdletree, this refuge offers unique wildlife viewing. As one camper at Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island explains, "Location is very important to us... This private campground is in a fantastic location. Biking distance to Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge & Assateague Island National Seashore."
Beach access: Drive 40 minutes to reach multiple beach options. At Assateague State Park, there are "very nice, well maintained trails" according to Sean M., who mentions "surf fishing was slow but the bay offered up some opportunities to reel in a few fish."
Clean, modernized facilities: Campers consistently praise the updated bathrooms at Milburn Landing Campground. Sarah G. describes it as "Truly the best bathhouse we've ever seen at a campground! Not only clean - but modern and new. The bathhouse area also has a great dishwashing station (with garbage disposal!)"
Spacious, shaded campsites: The camping areas provide ample room between sites. Jan K. notes that at Pocomoke River State Park, "Loop G - Acorn trail is for campers with pets. The camp sites are in the outer loop of the circular road with lots of space between each site. Lots of shade."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The chance to spot diverse wildlife ranks high with visitors. Daniel P. from Bayside Assateague Campground shares that "The beach was beautiful, and you can camp roughly 100 yards from it. Many campsites available, and you can actually see the horses."
Seasonal insect pressure: Bugs can be intense during summer months. According to Bill G., "The one big problem with both Shad and Milburn are the bugs. It gets insanely humid here, and the mosquitoes, flies, and ticks take full advantage - especially if you decide to hike through the nearby State Forest."
Site drainage concerns: Low-lying campsites may experience flooding. Nick C. from Shad Landing Campground shares, "One thing I did have trouble with is the grade of the sites are somewhat downhill so if you do end up camping during a time it rains be sure to put your tent on a tarp."
Wildlife interactions: When camping at Assateague Island National Seashore, prepare for horse encounters. Tony P. advises, "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers."
Pet-friendly loop selection: For family camping with dogs near Girdletree, select specific loops. Jason B. notes, "Been here several times. 30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run," adding that "The river is great for fishing, kayaking, and boating."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. Jennifer O. mentions that Pocomoke River State Park has "a fish cleaning station w/ hook & all, for any who want to fish in the park lake. Can rent canoes/kayaks & there is a pool that I think has a lifeguard."
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger-led programs during peak season. Bill G. explains that "When not blocked by pandemic proposals, the nature center is a hub of educational activity and some great ranger programs."
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds offer electric but limited water/sewer connections. At Tom's Cove Park, Julie F. explains, "We have a 39'ft RV and had no problem with their pull through sites. Basic amenities, but clean and well maintained."
Size restrictions: Many sites can't accommodate larger RVs. Terri N. cautions about Milburn Landing: "The roads around campground are narrow with large trees lining the road. A big rig would have difficulty parking if not on a specific site. Would strongly suggest only tents, pop ups and travel trailers under 30'."
RV site spacing: Campground layouts vary significantly. Jason B. reports about Shad Landing, "RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," emphasizing the importance of careful site selection when making reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Girdletree, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Girdletree, MD is Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Girdletree, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dog-friendly camping locations near Girdletree, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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