Patapsco Valley State Park's pet policies allow dogs throughout the campground and trails with proper leashing. Located within 20 miles of Long Green, this established park features 73 campsites where pets are welcome at no additional fee. Both the Hilton Area and Hollofield Area campgrounds accommodate tent campers, RV users, and offer pet-friendly cabin options with advance reservations. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm also welcomes pets across its 100-acre property with designated pet exercise areas. Campers particularly appreciate the spacious wooded sites that provide ample room for dogs to relax at camp while maintaining appropriate distance from neighbors. Bathrooms remain consistently clean despite the pet-friendly environment, which families with dogs find especially valuable.
Hiking trails surrounding the campgrounds provide excellent exercise options for dogs, with the Gunpowder Falls paths offering water access points where pets can cool off. Pet owners should note that wildlife encounters are common in these areas, so keeping dogs leashed is essential for their safety. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours beginning at 10pm which helps prevent excessive barking disturbances. Seasonal considerations include checking for ticks after woodland walks from April through October. Bar Harbor RV Park offers waterfront sites where pets can remain just steps from the water, though they maintain specific dog walking zones away from the shoreline. Proper waste disposal stations are positioned throughout the campgrounds, with Elk Neck State Park providing the most comprehensive pet amenities including designated pet washing facilities.
$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."
"Our dog was welcomed. Will definitely be going back. This was our first trip with our camper ever and everyone was helpful"
"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
$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."
$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)."
$21 - $50 / night
"Our site was really good and I love that it had it's own access to the bathrooms. Quite a few of the inner loop sites do. If you're a tent camper Acorn has some very private and secluded sites."
"The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."
$70 - $90 / night
"The campground seemed to stress pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds."
"This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we’re told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."
$20 - $195 / night
"We 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."
"The open field pet friendly sites are also large but provide no shade and it gets hot! You can feel the difference between these sites and the interior loop sites. "
$30 - $70 / night
"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."
$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."
"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."
GuideWe stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.
GuideWe have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.
ScoutThe rangers were nice and the campground hosts were sweet. I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees. I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access. Next time I will be getting a site away from the group area. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking.
TravelerCampground sites are nice and spacious, bathrooms are good, and there’s plenty to do for everyone. We hiked the 7.5mile lake trail with our two pups. It was beautiful and along the way there were opportunities to kayak/sup, beach it, or even play on a ropes course. We always travel with our dogs and this place has the BEST dog park. Big open space with access to lots of water play. We definitely recommend this spot!
GuideI was able to book my site the day before the trip. The site itself was set back some, and felt secluded while still being near the parking area.
Walk to bathrooms and camp store was on the longer side. Firewood was $5 a bundle, but the register wasn't working and they could only take cash.
The hiking in the immediate area was beautiful, lots of fun trails and wildlife. Fishing, kayaking, zip lining, tons of great activities.
The firepits have grates over one half, so campfire cooking is a breeze. Cook up and use the provided picnic table for an easy dinner set up.
The park itself is very dog friendly and most sites had dogs. There is also an off leash dog park at Lum's pond and dog water dishes outside the camp store.
The showers and bathrooms were incredibly well kept with hot water and stocked supplies. If you didn't feel like walking so far, the tents had a spiget with running water near the parking areas.
Reception for Verizon was spotty, t mobile was pretty great. Wish there was an ATM on site though I don't think the cash only situation is a normal one for this campground.
All in all an amazing trip, and I'll be back as soon as possible.
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.
ScoutSmaller campground, but big on amenities!
Staff was friendly, attentive and the Campground is extremely well-cared for. Sites vary in sizes and are well-defined. They have a great camp store and their mini-golf was just remodeled and a lot of fun to play. In addition to that, there is a bounce pad, shuffle board, horseshoes, chess, over-sized jenga, playground, dog park, gem mining, basketball, bikes, wood, propane, etc. and they pick up trash daily right at your site. All of this in a beautiful wooded spot near Gettysburg.
I highly recommend!
Campsites within 20 miles of Long Green, Maryland benefit from the region's unique position between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain. The area experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs typically reaching the mid-80s and winter lows around 25°F. Most campgrounds remain open April through October, with several parks offering extended seasons or year-round accessibility depending on weather conditions.
Hiking to historic sites: Susquehanna State Park Campground features multiple trails with connections to preserved historic buildings. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat. The views of the river are really nice from here," notes reviewer Jen V.
Kayaking on local waterways: Water activities are abundant near Long Green. "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family," shares Anthony S. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Fishing from your campsite: For anglers who want immediate water access, Bar Harbor RV Park provides waterfront sites. According to Lisa T., you can "fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any."
Wildlife observation: The region hosts diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Codorus State Park mentions, "We scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees, hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see! Turned around after I got to the Susquehanna itself."
Privacy between sites: Hollofield Area Campground provides good separation between campsites. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," reports Jen V. The campground layout creates a wilderness feel despite proximity to urban areas.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at many dog friendly campgrounds near Long Green. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "Nice clean bathhouses. Hot water was out while we were there so showers were a bit cold but it's summer/hot so it wasn't really a problem."
Family-oriented activities: Ramblin' Pines offers extensive recreation options. "The place was nice, lots for kids to do, plenty if shaded spots! Nice pool... they even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!" comments Jason L. The campground maintains scheduled activities throughout peak seasons.
Natural play areas: Beyond standard playgrounds, several parks feature creative play spaces. Jennifer S. describes Patapsco Valley: "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."
Seasonal variations: Weather impacts park accessibility and experience. E K. advises about Susquehanna State Park: "Probably my biggest complaint is that several times, the park maintenance truck drove down the loop where we camped. Our kids are running around and playing and the only vehicle that sped past every time was the park crew vehicle."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, weekend spots fill quickly during summer months. "We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything," notes Sharon L.
Site conditions: Not all campsite pads are created equal. "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring," shares E K. about Susquehanna State Park.
Alcohol restrictions: Several state parks prohibit alcohol. Jennifer S. explains about Patapsco Valley: "Remember: no alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects. But the money goes toward the parks volunteer program."
Natural playground access: Families enjoy the diverse play options at Patapsco Valley State Park. Angel G. shares, "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."
Multiple entrances advantage: Some larger parks offer different access points with varying amenities. "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences. For camping or just spending a day out on the trail with the kids we prefer the Hilton entrance," recommends Angel G.
Pool facilities for summer visits: During hot months, campgrounds with swimming options become essential for families. At Ramblin' Pines, several reviewers mentioned the quality of the pool area as a major draw for families with children, offering a place to cool off after hiking or other activities.
Proximity to educational opportunities: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Long Green offer nature programs. Susquehanna State Park features educational components like their historic area with working grist mill that provide learning opportunities combined with outdoor recreation.
Site selection strategy: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, finding the right spot makes a difference. "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble," advises George L.
Hookup considerations: Elk Neck State Park provides full-service options. Laure D. notes, "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November."
Winter camping options: Year-round accessibility varies between campgrounds. "This is a state operated park with camping and primarily draws Eagle watchers and photographers," says Thomas K. about Susquehanna State Park, highlighting the off-season wildlife observation opportunities.
Bridge clearance awareness: When approaching certain campgrounds, height restrictions can create problems. Travyl Couple warns about Hollofield Area: "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.)"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Long Green, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Long Green, MD is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area with a 4.2-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Long Green, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 84 dog-friendly camping locations near Long Green, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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