Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Baltimore, Jessup offers access to multiple pet-friendly camping destinations within a 30-minute drive radius. The area features suburban woodland environments with mixed deciduous forests at elevations between 200-300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F during peak camping season from June through September, with moderate rainfall throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking with pets: Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area connects to numerous trails where leashed dogs can explore. "There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river. Fishing looked like fun too but we didn't have time," notes one visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area.
Nature exploration: Greenbelt Park offers quiet trails within an urban setting. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," says a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground. The park contains established hiking routes through mature eastern woodland.
Visit DC with pets: Several campgrounds function as pet-friendly bases for exploring Washington DC. "The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods. 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," one camper explains about Greenbelt Park.
What campers like
Seasonal variety: Fall and spring camping near Jessup provides moderate temperatures ideal for pet activities. A visitor to Cherry Hill Park appreciated that "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it." The review highlighted amenities including "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub."
Proximity to services: Many campgrounds maintain access to urban conveniences while offering forest settings. "We really loved road biking to the nearby H Mart to have fun shopping and browsing their unique selection," explains a reviewer at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area, noting it's "a super large Korean store packed with fruits, vegetables, seafood."
Public transportation access: For pet owners who need to leave their animals at camp while visiting non-pet locations. At Little Bennett Campground, "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," according to a camper who gave the park five stars.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most pet-friendly campgrounds require advance bookings, especially during peak season. "Reserve online - this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," advises a reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Site spacing concerns: Some campgrounds offer less privacy between sites. "The sites are pretty close together but enough space to do your thing and lots of woods around for shade and hammocks," mentions a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Weather impacts: Summer heat affects comfort for pets at many sites. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit, so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," warns a camper at Greenbelt Park.
