Pet friendly camping near Harwood, Maryland offers several options for campers bringing their dogs. Within a 25-mile radius, campgrounds range from full-service facilities with pet exercise areas to more rustic sites in wooded settings. Summer temperatures typically reach the high 80s with significant humidity, making shaded sites preferable for pet comfort during June through August.
What to do
Explore hiking trails with your dog: At Greenbelt Park Campground, pets can enjoy the American Discovery Trail which passes through the park. "There are a lot of people who use this space as a green space for walking and running," notes one visitor, while another mentions "the ADT passes through the park," making it ideal for daily pet exercise.
Visit dog-friendly beaches: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping provides beach access where some areas allow leashed pets. "There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach," writes one reviewer, though they also note the park "seemed safe to me" but permits "youth group camping only."
Play outdoor games with pets: Washington DC / Capitol KOA offers open spaces for pet activities. "There are lots of campsites so finding one last minute shouldn't be a problem," mentions one camper, while another notes the campground has "outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit" near camping areas where pets can observe family fun.
What campers like
Peaceful wooded settings: Lacy Oasis Campground provides a tranquil environment for pets. "If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be," writes one camper, adding that "this space is about healing and being grounded with yourself."
Convenient location for regional exploration: Cherry Hill Park serves as an excellent base for pet owners. One reviewer explains, "This park is very close to DC and offers a concierge service for tours and things to do," which helps pet owners plan activities, while another mentions "This campground is by far one of the best I have ever stayed at" despite sites being "pretty close together."
Clean facilities for pet comfort: Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station FamCamp maintains basic but clean pet-friendly grounds. A visitor describes it as "very spartan but great location" and "dirt cheap," making it an economical option for military personnel with pets needing access to Annapolis.
What you should know
Tick prevention essential: Cedarville State Forest requires vigilant tick checking for pets. "I've never left this park without at least one tick," warns one camper, while another specifically mentions "In June at least the ticks were waaaay too plentiful."
Pet restrictions vary by season: During peak summer months, some campgrounds implement stricter pet policies when sites are busiest. One camper at Sandy Point notes it becomes "extremely overcrowded in the summer" when "the park closes daily very early as it hits capacity."
Noise considerations for sensitive pets: Aircraft noise affects several campgrounds and may disturb anxious pets. A camper at Cedarville mentions "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve in advance for pet-friendly sites: The best pet sites at popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, "Location wise, it's great to see things in area. Both Washington DC and many area's along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc."
Look for combined pet/kid amenities: Pohick Bay Campground offers activities suitable for both children and pets. "This is definitely a family campground. So many activities for kids and places to run around," one reviewer notes, while another mentions it has "Large clean sites" where pets have adequate space.
Check pet cleanup facilities: Campgrounds with proper disposal areas make traveling with pets easier. At one campground, a reviewer mentioned "The bathhouse is standard but also has laundry and an outdoor dish washing station," which can be helpful for cleaning pet items.
Tips from RVers
Choose sites with room for pet containment: Look for RV sites that provide adequate space for pet enclosures or tie-outs. One RVer at Cherry Hill Park appreciated that "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs."
Request sites away from high-traffic areas: Pets sensitive to foot traffic do better in perimeter sites. A camper recommends "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."
Verify hookup locations for pet areas: Positioning your RV optimally allows for shaded pet areas. One RVer noted "Sites were well-maintained" but advised checking the precise layout before setting up pet areas outside your camper.