Washington DC / Capitol KOA offers dedicated exercise areas for dogs, allowing pets at all campsites and cabin accommodations. The campground maintains a dog-friendly environment with multiple accommodation options including tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, and cabins that permit pets. Most sites are graveled, with tent sites featuring real grass pads. The staff is typically helpful with pet-related questions and maintains clean facilities. The fenced dog area provides space for dogs to run and exercise, which many campgrounds in the area lack.
Camp Meade RV Park and Cherry Hill Park both welcome pets with clearly defined pet policies. Patapsco Valley State Park permits dogs in its camping areas while providing access to hiking trails where leashed pets can accompany their owners. Most campgrounds in the region require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet when outside designated exercise areas. Pet waste stations are commonly available throughout these facilities. Sites are generally well-maintained, though some campers note that Washington DC / Capitol KOA can have uneven terrain at certain sites, making it important to select carefully when traveling with pets. Swimming restrictions apply for dogs at most location pools, but several nearby areas offer water access options for pets needing cooling off during warmer months. The central location between Annapolis, Baltimore and DC provides convenient access to urban pet-friendly attractions while still allowing comfortable camping accommodations for four-legged family members.
"We did not take our dog this time with us but would seriously consider it next time."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
$20 - $51 / night
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
$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."
$19 - $27 / night
"Pet friendly. Very quiet. I only gave it 4 stars because the camp sites are too close together. Fire pits were well designed, bathrooms were relatively clean."
"It may be close to suburbia (a neighborhood right through the trees) and convenient to major highways (literal minutes to I95), but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods."
$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."
$30 - $55 / night
"My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."
"Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."
$42 - $82 / night
"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."
"We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "
$21 - $55 / night
"Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff"
"Our go to State Park for camping as it is pretty close to home. Standard State Park with all the amenities you need. We are tent campers/ non electric (no pets/ no kids)."
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.
TravelerOur first visit (March 2018) was just prior to peak season (lower rates) and we had a site literally 10 ft. from the water! Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice. There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open. The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds. There was a pet exercise/walking area, but could use some sprucing up. However, no one really made an issue of walking your dog around the campground and as the weekend came around, more and more dogs were around.
You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution. Would like to try Bar Harbor again sometime.
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.
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.
GuideNeeded a place for 13 weeks near Baltimore. This was the only place available. Could be nice,but... Most expensive site we've ever had, plus had to pay electric at almost double electric company rates. Had to allow others to drive through our site, plus had to drive through someone elses to get to ours. Completely unkept. Filthy laundry room. Half the toilets and showers out of order. Took about a month just to put up out of order signs on washer and dryer that at least 3 people brought to their attention. Won't allow you to receive mail or packages and claim it is a county rule. Just tell people you don't want to mess with their mail. Any time the power even flickered due to wind or rain (which was frequently) it would take about 8 hours for wifi to come back up. Had to walk up the hill to get any cell service. Got a call because we had Memorial Day flowers outside. We're told we couldn't have them in a pot and Needed to plant them in the ground. Was told water was shut off for routine sanitization, then noticed small signs behind restroom and at dog park about e. coli being in the well. Tried to give away firewood when leaving, but the guy didn't want it on his site because he might fail his site inspection. Using pressure regulator messes with the well pump and makes it pulsate. Their answer is don't use a regulator. Since we went 5 days over 3 months our going away gift was to be put on a daily rate of $76 so it cost almost $400 for the last few days. Every other place we've stayed just continues you at the same rate. "Oh, we can't do that," was the response. There is more, but I'll stop now. Would not stay here again.
GuideAccessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff
RangerWe got a spot for two nights in the pet area. We were shaded by trees, but the spots weren’t very private. Bathroom facilities are nice. We were right next to the big field and playground in spot 140.
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.
Campgrounds near Pasadena, Maryland offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from sea level along the Chesapeake Bay to slightly rolling inland areas. Most sites are within a 30-mile radius of downtown Pasadena, creating convenient access to both urban amenities and natural settings. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
Hiking adventures: Patapsco Valley State Park features over 70 miles of multi-use trails with varying difficulty levels. Take the Forest Glen Trail to access the Patapsco River. "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures," notes Rachel S. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers excellent bird watching opportunities just minutes from Bay Shore Campground. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away," shares Helen O. about her stay at Bay Shore Campground. The sanctuary is particularly known for winter waterfowl and bald eagle sightings.
Urban exploration: The central location makes day trips to Washington DC attractions simple. "This worked very well for us. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," explains Jennifer H. about her stay at Cherry Hill Park. Many campers use public transportation to avoid downtown parking challenges.
Natural playground areas: Many campgrounds incorporate natural elements into play spaces for children. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," shares Jennifer S. about Hollofield Area Campground.
Swimming options: Summer visitors appreciate water access for cooling off. "The water is warm though, but the sand is brown and rough," notes Shanna W. about Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping. While not ideal for all visitors, the park provides Chesapeake Bay access within a short drive from Pasadena.
Secure camping environments: Several campgrounds offer gated or monitored access. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it... Gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle," describes Beth R. about Cherry Hill Park. Safety measures are particularly appreciated by family campers and those with valuable equipment.
Seasonal popularity impacts: Summer crowds can drastically change the camping experience. "Extremely overcrowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," advises Tony P. about Sandy Point State Park. Similar patterns affect most area campgrounds.
Tent site considerations: Many campgrounds have varied terrain that affects tent comfort. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," explains Sean M. about his stay at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds and can change seasonally. "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," mentions Jen V. about her experience at Susquehanna State Park Campground. Always bring backup toilet paper as supply issues occasionally occur.
Activity planning: Focus on campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," recommends Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Site selection strategy: Request sites at the end of loops for more privacy. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," suggests Scott C. about Cherry Hill Park. End sites typically offer better buffer zones for active children.
Weather preparedness: Maryland's humid climate creates challenging conditions during summer. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped," notes Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park. Prioritize shaded sites and campgrounds with water access during hot months.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful setup due to uneven terrain. "We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down," explains Alexandra T. about her stay at Patapsco Valley State Park. Bring additional leveling blocks for Maryland's often sloped sites.
Hookup limitations: Water and electric availability varies widely between campgrounds. "We had electric and water, there were several dump stations at the campground. They are still waiting for approval from the state for the septic," reports Helen O. about Bay Shore Campground. Many dog friendly campgrounds near Pasadena have water and electric but limited full-hookup options.
Navigational awareness: Some campgrounds have access restrictions. "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground. Always research approach routes when driving larger RVs to avoid clearance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Pasadena, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Pasadena, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 61 dog-friendly camping locations near Pasadena, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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