R
Roger M.
Traveler
TravelerFredericksburg-Washington DC KOA
Family friendly
Nice size spots. Lake on site. Playground for kids. Fun bike rentals. Lots of dog walks and a dog park. Camp store has a little bit of everything.
Dog-Friendly Camping near La Plata, MD
70 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Westmoreland State Park Campground welcomes pets throughout its diverse accommodation options, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts. Dogs must remain leashed in camping areas, with multiple designated pet walking paths throughout the grounds. Pohick Bay Campground and Fort Belvoir Travel Camp also accommodate pets with spacious sites and dedicated exercise areas. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near La Plata, Maryland. Prince William Forest RV Campground features a dedicated dog park where pets can socialize off-leash, while Cedarville State Forest maintains well-placed waste stations along its pet-friendly trails. Most campgrounds enforce standard leash policies (typically 6-foot maximum) and limit pets to 2-3 per site, though specific rules vary by location.
Smallwood State Park's private, wooded campsites provide natural buffers that benefit reactive dogs, with multiple reviewers noting the respectful atmosphere among pet owners. The campground's proximity to water access points allows for dog swimming opportunities during warmer months. Cherry Hill Park offers comprehensive pet services including dog walking for campers planning full-day excursions to nearby Washington DC. Trails throughout Cedarville State Forest accommodate leashed pets with moderate terrain suitable for most dogs, though summer visitors should be aware of mosquito populations that can affect both humans and pets. Most campgrounds maintain quiet hours starting at 10pm, when excessive barking becomes prohibited. Veterinary services are available within 15-20 minutes of most campgrounds, with emergency clinics in nearby Waldorf and La Plata.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near La Plata (70)
1. Pohick Bay Campground
"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 Availability2. Cedarville State Forest
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
from $30 / night
Check Availability3. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
"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!"
"They are in short distance from the water. There is a playground, bathhouse, and historical buildings that are accessible to campers. There are hiking trials, but none are two extensive."
from $27 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"Showers are in loop B, which is a 5-7 minute walk. During holiday weekends the sites closest to the shower facilities are fully booked and have less privacy."
"The Oak Ridge campgrounds at Prince William Forest Park are a lovely little campground just outside Washington DC. The sites were large, the facilities are clean and the staff friendly and helpful."
from $26 / night
Check Availability5. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs."
"Relaxing, fishing was nice and we loved walking the trails with the dogs."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability6. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
"Restrooms/showers: very clean, spacious, centrally located."
"Adjacent to Prince William Forest, near shops and restaurants, and less than an hour away from Washington, DC. Good nature getaway from the city."
7. Goose Bay Marina
"the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will"
"Location on the Potomac is great for boaters. Bought a bushel of crabs right off of the boat from Mr. Joe. Many people have golf carts, but not necessary as the campground was very walkable."
8. Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. Caledon State Park Campground
"Caledon was an amazing adventure that’s so close to Fredericksburg. It’s a nice 3 mile hike to the campsite which is right by the Potomac river! They have porta Johns and a pavilion close by."
"Porta pottie right next to wood pile. You’re not supposed to setup anything outside of the “tent pads”. I had a hammock hung and three rangers saw but didn’t say anything."
from $16 / night
Check Availability10. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
"Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two"
"Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
from $55 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 38 min from Washington, DC
- 43 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 6 min from Baltimore, MD
- 2 hrs 15 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near La Plata, MD
53 Photos of 70 La Plata Campgrounds
Charity B.
The Oasis at Lake Serenity
Charity B.
Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort
Caitlin A.
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Caralee B.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Sunny W.
Pohick Bay Campground
Katia G.
Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp
Ariel F.
Thousand Trails Harbor View
Phillip W.
Burke Lake Park Campground
Gwynn G.
Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park
RL
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Cecilia D.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Francisco A.
1 Acre campground, 50 amp, and Kayak launch
Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near La Plata, MD
528 Reviews of 70 La Plata Campgrounds
- Linda B.
RangerCherry Hill Park
Actually a 10!!!
This 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.
Kindra W.
GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
Megan K.GuidePrince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park
Great spot with hookups by PW park
If 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
MickandKarla W.
LegendCherry Hill Park
Impressive Campground
Cherry 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.
Genie W.
ScoutR & D Family Campground
Sparta Pines Family R V Park
We are winter residents having spent our first time this past year. We found the new owners and management very accommodating. Lot fee is reasonable. We found it quiet, pet friendly,and wooded off-road location. Looking forward to returning in the fall.
Heather H.GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
Beautiful campground
Beautiful campground. We were in Tulip loop with full hookups. Very private large sites. Wooded with tall pines. The stars were amazing! Could see the Milky Way and every star in the sky no light pollution. Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs.
Caitlin A.ScoutSmallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Private sites with water views nearby
These 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!
J B.ScoutGreenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
The park/ trails
The 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.
Guide to La Plata
Camping options near La Plata, Maryland range from basic tent sites to full-service RV parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at low elevations between 100-200 feet above sea level with mild spring and fall temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Summer humidity levels frequently exceed 80% from June through August, affecting campsite comfort and necessitating appropriate planning.
What to do
Hiking trails with varied terrain: Prince William Forest Park offers multiple trail systems with different difficulty levels. "Nice camping spot close to DC with hiking nearby," notes Perry A. about Pohick Bay Campground. For longer excursions, explore the equestrian trails that "go deep into the woods" at Cedarville State Forest.
Water activities on the Potomac: Rent boats or bring your own at several riverside campgrounds. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats" is popular at Pohick Bay, according to Anne K. The park's location provides direct river access for fishing, swimming, and wildlife observation.
Historical exploration: The region contains significant Civil War sites and museums within short driving distances. "We spent 5 days camping and exploring the civil war battle areas and other things. Definitely worth exploring," reports Daniel S. about Oak Ridge Campground. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for day trips to nearby historical landmarks.
What campers like
Eagle watching opportunities: The Potomac River corridor hosts numerous bald eagle nesting sites. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" reports Kathie M. about Pohick Bay. These protected birds can be spotted year-round, with best viewing typically between November and March.
Swimming areas during summer: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming beaches or pools. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," mentions Anne K. at Pohick Bay. Most water facilities operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending into September depending on weather.
Proximity to Washington DC: Campers appreciate the combination of natural settings with easy access to urban attractions. "Took me 25-30m to get there so you are far away from bustle of city but not so far that going in to enjoy breakfast or the sights is a feat," explains Josh J. about Fort Belvoir Travel Camp. Thomas adds that it offers a "good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi."
What you should know
Campground size variations: The number of sites and spacing between them differs significantly. At Cedarville State Forest, Donald G. notes "very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another. Multiple loops for groups or individuals." This contrasts with other more densely packed campgrounds in the region.
Insect populations: Ticks and mosquitoes can be problematic, especially May through September. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest. Several reviewers recommend bringing appropriate repellents and conducting regular tick checks.
Water quality concerns: Some areas experience seasonal algae blooms affecting swimming. One reviewer at Westmoreland State Park noted there was "a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin" during their visit, recommending visitors check current conditions before water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated children's programming: Look for campgrounds with organized activities. At Pohick Bay Campground, Ben G. shares: "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning." These structured activities often run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment for different age groups. Kristen M. notes that Pohick Bay has "plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy." Consider campsite proximity to play areas based on your children's ages and supervision needs.
Swimming options for children: Water features range from full waterparks to simpler swimming areas. "Pirate's Cove waterpark is definitely a highlight in summer," mentions Anne K. about Pohick Bay. Some facilities charge additional fees for waterpark access beyond camping fees.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. Robert P. notes about Westmoreland State Park: "Not all sites are level (half)." This is important for larger RVs that require more precise positioning. Bring adequate leveling blocks for areas with significant slope issues.
Hookup variations: Electric amperage differs between campgrounds. At Prince William Forest RV Campground, Megan K. reports: "I had a 30amp hookup with no issues. They also have up to 50amp full hookups. All of them looked well maintained." Check specific site details when booking to ensure compatibility with your RV requirements.
Dump station access: Quality and design of dump stations vary considerably. At Cedarville State Forest, one reviewer mentioned: "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower." Consider this when planning your arrival and departure routines.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near La Plata, MD?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near La Plata, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near La Plata, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
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What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near La Plata, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 70 dog-friendly camping locations near La Plata, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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