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Cherry Hill Park accommodates pets across various camping options including tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping sites. Dogs are welcome throughout the campground with standard leash requirements, making it a convenient base for exploring the Washington DC area with four-legged family members. The campground features dedicated pet waste stations and walking areas with grassy spaces for exercise. Several nearby pet-friendly campgrounds like Greenbelt Park Campground, Little Bennett Campground, and Pohick Bay Campground provide multiple dog-friendly camping options within reasonable distance from Kensington. The bathrooms remain pristine at all times even with pets on the premises.
Hiking trails in nearby parks offer excellent opportunities for dog exercise during camping trips. Many campers appreciate the well-maintained grounds at Cherry Hill Park where pets can safely explore without encountering wildlife concerns. The campground's security features, including gated access, provide peace of mind for pet owners concerned about containment. While highway noise may be audible from some sites, many visitors report this becomes less noticeable after the first night. Local veterinary services are available in College Park and Greenbelt for emergency situations. Campers should note that firewood must be purchased on-site at Cherry Hill Park, an important consideration for evening campfires with pets.
"Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park."
"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. "
from $999 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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"
"We set up our tent in the far side of the campground close to the lake ( site 27). It is slightly slant but still comfortable in the tent. Bathrooms are close by and kept clean."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
"We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."
"This is a pet friendly campground. There's a lot to do out at the whole park, and its worth exploring (we just didn't have time). I'm sure its so pretty out near the water."
from $37 - $170 / night
Check Availability"Portable water and dumping station located at the camp store. We stayed at site 146 on the first caul-de-sac off the first loop just another site away from the bath house (which was pretty clean)."
"Hot dog. Best camping showers I've ever had. Only draw back is that there's only one playground that's awkwardly located."
from $43 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We stayed Burke lake campground for one night last week. It was very peaceful place. The whole camp ground was very clean and well kept."
"This was my second time going Burke Lake and it was just as enjoyable as the first."
from $150 - $200 / night
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GuideThis park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
LegendThis place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.
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.
ScoutOverall great camp ground only thing I noticed is at some of the RV sites the hook ups are in crazy spots some are In the neighboring sites area so you have to drag extensions around them. Also the pool and dog park isn’t on site you have to leave to go to it.
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.
RangerWhen we pulled the rangers where blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full. OMG they were right. No wonder Maryland is a hot spot for covid 19. After about an hour we were able to get to a camp site. Not the one I reserved. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. After setting up we ventured out to the camp store that is located at the concessions near the packed beach of the lake. We didn't find anything that resembled camping items. So we decided to go mushroom 🍄 hunting. Wow we hit the jackpot. The showers were fairly close and clean. There were a lot of signs that pet prohibited 🚫 in the park. But the cedar loop did have 🐕 dogs. They are just not allowed in the rest of the park. We had good cell service and no reception on the tv
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.
GuideIf you, like me, hate making reservations over the phone, it was worth it! Quick, simple, painless process.
Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located. My spot was in the back row and I didn't mind the walk
Lots: lots are really staggered/ set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space. It wasn't crowded either way, especially given on a weekend
Small pool
Wifi: don't plan on being able to have work zoom calls or really much on it for that matter
Cell service: I can confirm Verizon and Google fi have great service. I would imagine any other carrier would work just as well.
Area: the surrounding area is really bikeable
Hookups: I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained.
Staff: super friendly; great check in experience They have a dog park but didn't get a chance to check it out.
Overall: great experience, would recommend
ScoutThese campground is a great find. The sites are well spaced, and while on the smaller side they’re very private with woods between each one. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. The other campers were all respectful and observed pet policy and quiet hours. I have a reactive dog and he did well here! We’ll be back!
Campgrounds near Kensington, Maryland offer tent and RV options within a 30-minute drive from Washington DC. The region sits at the border between the Piedmont Plateau and Atlantic Coastal Plain with elevations ranging from 200-500 feet above sea level. Fall camping season typically extends through late October with average temperatures between 50-70°F.
Hiking trails network: Greenbelt Park Campground provides multiple trails through deciduous forest. "This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground... the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park," notes reviewer Becky.
Disc golf course: Bull Run Regional Park offers an 18-hole disc golf course among other amenities. "Park has golf frisbe course, decent water park for kids, hiking trails, small creek/river you can explore, playgrounds," explains Tom C. The course is open year-round and suitable for various skill levels.
Water activities: Lake Fairfax Campground provides seasonal swimming and water recreation options. "There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids," reports Erin W., who appreciated the facilities despite noting that "the sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded."
Clean facilities: Ramblin' Pines maintains well-kept camping areas. "Clean, nice people, and nice sites," writes Richard W. The campground features a pool, splash pad, and multiple playgrounds for children.
Proximity to DC: Greenbelt Park Campground provides affordable camping with easy access to Washington DC. "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. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," shares one reviewer. Metro stations are nearby for transportation into the city.
Wooded privacy: Little Bennett Campground offers spacious, tree-covered sites. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes Ray & Terri F. Many campers appreciate the natural setting despite being in a developed area.
Reservations required: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Kensington require advance booking. At Greenbelt Park, "this is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online," explains Crystal C.
Seasonal operations: Several campgrounds have limited seasons. Lake Fairfax operates from March 22 to September 7, while Little Bennett Campground is open April 1 to October 30. Some facilities like Cherry Hill Park remain open year-round.
Urban noise considerations: Lake Fairfax Campground has some background noise from nearby developments. "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," reports Erin W.
Water park access: Bull Run Regional Park offers water recreation facilities for children. "Our family stayed here in a cabin on a long weekend trip to DC. This campground was full of stuff to do and we didn't even get to do a lot of it," writes Bridget H., who enjoyed the campfire program with "s'mores followed by hayrides."
Playgrounds and activities: Pohick Bay Regional Park provides multiple play areas. "We had a great time here over a long weekend in August. The check in is a breeze and the staff is super nice and helpful. They gave us a great intro to the park as we were first timers. They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend," reports Ben G.
Budget-friendly options: Greenbelt Park offers affordable camping close to attractions. One reviewer spent "$100 for 5 days ($20 per night) a great deal by far in comparison to a lot of the other sites I had explored."
RV site selection: At Little Bennett Campground, "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only," notes Ray & Terri F. The campground provides full hookups with 50-amp service, water and sewer connections.
Level sites consideration: Some pet-friendly campgrounds near Kensington have uneven sites. At Burke Lake Park Campground, campers report a mix of level and sloped sites, so bring leveling blocks.
Dump station locations: Bull Run Regional Park provides sanitary dump facilities for RVs. "Sites are nicely spread out. My site had a slight slope, but was easily overcome using additional blocks on the low side to get the trailer level," shares Drew M. who found the campground comfortable despite some ambient noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Kensington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Kensington, MD is Cherry Hill Park with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Kensington, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 76 dog-friendly camping locations near Kensington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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