Cunningham Falls State Park campgrounds accept pets at both the Manor and Houck areas, with level, spacious sites that keep dogs comfortable during overnight stays. Most campsites have electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables where pets can relax alongside their owners. Bathhouses remain clean with hot showers available for human campers while designated pet areas allow for proper exercise. Sites back up to wooded areas providing natural barriers between neighbors and ample space for leashed pets to explore. Campground rules require pets to remain on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times, and owners must clean up after their animals to maintain the natural environment.
The surrounding Catoctin Mountain area offers multiple pet-friendly hiking trails accessible directly from campgrounds, including paths to the waterfall and around the lake. Nearby Gettysburg Campground and Gettysburg Battlefield KOA also welcome pets with specific exercise areas and walking paths. During summer months, temperatures can reach uncomfortable levels for dogs, so campers should plan hikes during cooler morning hours and ensure plenty of shade and water at campsites. Wildlife encounters are possible, requiring vigilant leash control to protect both native animals and pets. Year-round camping is available at some locations, though bathhouses close during winter months with portable facilities provided instead for off-season campers with pets.
$23 - $29 / night
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"We 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."
"Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them! This campground is minutes from town and is practically on the battlefield."
$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. "
$21 - $65 / night
"Not a fan of kids running around through sites. The Elderberry and Deer Spring loops are no pets, but I’d like to see a no kids policy too. Kidding!"
"Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim."
$30 / night
"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
"Friendly staff and bonus that it’s pet friendly. Watch out for falling black walnuts in October. We heard them hitting ours and other rigs during our three day stay."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"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."
"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"
$23 - $29 / night
"There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets."
"My partner and our two dogs loved this campground! We were in the dogwood loop. Positives
* Big, immaculately groomed tent pads
* Mostly tent campers!"
$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."
$99 - $127 / night
"This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."
"It also has a lake and cabins available."
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.
TravelerClean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.
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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
ScoutThis campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. Nice level spots for RVs. A pet area as well as a non-pet area. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well.
Pet friendly camping opportunities near Union Bridge, Maryland span across the Catoctin Mountain region where elevations range from 800-1,900 feet. This area features varied terrain with rocky outcroppings, dense forests dominated by oak and hickory trees, and multiple water features including lakes and streams. Winter camping options exist at several sites, though reduced amenities like closed bathhouses are common during the off-season.
Waterfall hiking: 6-mile loop trail to Cunningham Falls attracts many visitors. "The trail is an easy six mile loop to and from the falls," notes Dave V., though water levels fluctuate seasonally. "We hiked to the falls but with little rain, there was no falls. A very crowded hike with people everywhere," adds Laure D.
Mountain biking: Rocky trails through Greenbrier State Park provide challenging terrain for cyclists. "Greenbrier offers a swimming beach, kayak/canoe rentals, and some tough, rocky east-coast mountain biking, all without leaving the park," explains Jonathan B. This makes it ideal for multi-sport enthusiasts.
Historical immersion: Self-guided auto tours through Gettysburg battlefield areas near camping locations provide educational opportunities. "The actual town of Gettysburg is very cute, crowded during peak season, and offers all sorts of dining options, entertainment, and historical attractions," reports Jen V., noting that services like gas, groceries, and shopping are easily found in the area.
Creek access: Streamside sites at Gettysburg Campground provide natural soundscapes for relaxation. "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning," explains Dave G., though he warns that "a lot of the trees are black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table."
Wooded separation: Forest buffers between sites at Owens Creek Campground create more privacy than other area options. "I felt each site was methodically placed for the maximum amount of sites, yet offered pretty decent privacy from one site to the next. Outer rim sites offer more room and privacy," notes Dave V.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses get consistent mention from campers in the region. "Showers are SO nice compared to other campsite. Hot water is hot, no push buttons, and there is a shower wand in both stalls," reports Chelsea B. about Cunningham Falls, while another camper at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA notes "The bathroom/showers were very clean as well, and individual units for privacy."
Peak season crowds: Lake areas become extremely congested on summer weekends, particularly at state parks. "The lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid," advises Butch B. about Greenbrier, while another camper reports, "When we pulled, the rangers were blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full. OMG they were right."
Wildlife encounters: Lantern flies represent an invasive species problem in the region. "Invasive Spotted Lantern Flies are everywhere. I squished as many as I could but keep an eye out and check your gear before leaving!" warns Chelsea B. during a stay at Cunningham Falls State Park.
Service limitations: Cell reception varies significantly across campgrounds. "Cell service doesn't work," notes Regina C. about Cunningham Falls Manor Area, while at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, "AT&T cell service was pretty good. Verizon cell service was a little spotty depending on my location in the campground," according to Dave B.
Weather considerations: Summer heat can make midday activities uncomfortable. "It was blue skies and 85 degrees out and the water felt great," reports Sarah L. about lake activities, suggesting water access becomes important during warm months.
Multiple playgrounds: Kid-friendly facilities at Ramblin' Pines provide entertainment options beyond hiking. "This campground has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds," reports Sean M., making it particularly suitable for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: Evening programs offered seasonally at Cunningham Falls provide structured activities. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," mentions Regina C., while another camper at the Houck Area notes, "Well looked after and plenty to do for our 5 year old with evening activities."
Swimming options: Man-made lakes offer family recreation, though with mixed reviews. "Hunting Creek Lake is a 75 acre man-made lake near Cunningham Falls...great for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There were even paddle boats available," notes Wendy W., though she adds that water quality concerns made swimming less appealing.
Site selection: Avoid road-adjacent sites at several area campgrounds. When staying at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, Jen V. advises, "If we were to return, we would definitely avoid sites 65 through 69, as they all back up to that same road" due to traffic noise at all hours.
Arrival timing: Off-peak check-in reduces congestion issues at more popular campgrounds. "Midweek saw two of us campers in this quiet campground," notes Dave V. about Owens Creek, indicating significantly different experiences depending on arrival day.
Utility options: Partial hookups predominate at Gettysburg area campgrounds. "All sites have water and electric, but not all are 50 amp sites. About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to," explains Gregory L., also recommending "bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4 inches."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Union Bridge, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Union Bridge, MD is Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Union Bridge, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 111 dog-friendly camping locations near Union Bridge, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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