Dog-Friendly Camping near Nanjemoy, MD

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    Smallwood State Park Campground near Nanjemoy offers well-spaced sites with natural privacy barriers, accommodating tents, RVs, and cabins for campers with pets. The wooded sites provide ample shade and separation between neighboring campsites, making it easier to manage dogs that may be reactive to other pets or people. All pets must remain leashed throughout the park, with a standard 6-foot leash requirement enforced by park rangers. The bathhouse facilities remain clean and well-maintained, though occasionally buggy during summer months. Several paved walking paths connect the camping areas to the marina and day-use areas, offering convenient routes for walking dogs. The campground features 15 sites arranged in a single loop, with sites 10-14 being particularly desirable for their privacy and layout. The Dyrt provides user ratings for locations near Nanjemoy, Maryland.

    Caledon State Park's hiking trails provide excellent opportunities for leashed dogs, with a 2.5-mile groomed gravel path leading to primitive campsites along the Potomac River. Dogs must be kept on leash at all times, especially near wildlife areas where bald eagles are frequently spotted. The park's riverside campsites offer scenic views and beach access where dogs can cool off after hikes, though owners should bring sufficient water as no potable water is available at the campsite. Aquia Pines Campground offers an alternative with full hookup sites nestled among trees, though highway noise may disturb sensitive pets. The campground's brewery allows leashed dogs in outdoor areas, creating a unique experience for campers looking to socialize with their pets. For boaters with dogs, Goose Bay Marina provides pet-friendly sites with water and electric hookups, featuring open, flat terrain that's easily walkable for pet exercise.

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    Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Nanjemoy (68)

      1. Pohick Bay Campground

      4.1(37)15mi from Nanjemoy150 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $37 - $170 / night

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      2. Oak Ridge Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      4.6(32)15mi from Nanjemoy99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "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."

      from $26 / night

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      3. Prince William Forest RV Campground — Prince William Forest Park

      3.8(19)13mi from Nanjemoy99 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      4. Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023

      3.8(9)7mi from NanjemoyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      5. Caledon State Park Campground

      4.4(5)8mi from Nanjemoy6 sitesTents

      "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

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      6. Aquia Pines Campground

      3.4(5)10mi from NanjemoyRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "And the host are very kind and very friendly, event near Rt. 95, not very loud noise with big tall trees, happy stay!"

      7. Bull Run Regional Park

      3.9(43)28mi from Nanjemoy142 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 $39 - $100 / night

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      8. Westmoreland State Park Campground

      4.7(34)28mi from Nanjemoy124 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      9. Goose Bay Marina

      4.5(2)9mi from NanjemoyRVs, Tents

      "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."

      10. Burke Lake Park Campground

      3.9(15)22mi from NanjemoyRVs, Tents

      "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."

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    Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Nanjemoy, MD

    537 Reviews of 68 Nanjemoy Campgrounds


    • R
      Apr. 24, 2023

      Fredericksburg-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.

    • Linda B.
      Jul. 7, 2019

      Cherry 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.

    • Samantha G.
      May. 31, 2020

      Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA

      Good campground

      We stayed during the covid pandemic when things were just starting to open back up, so the play grounds weren’t available. The bathrooms are clean and the laundry facility is a plus. They also have a dog park which we used a ton. Most spots are shaded and there are paved and gravel roads. The spaces are very snug so forget privacy when they’re busy, but at the time we were the only ones on our little road. The store is super pricey, but overall a good campground.

    • Megan K.
      Aug. 17, 2021

      Prince 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 27, 2021

      Cherry 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.
      Apr. 26, 2025

      R & 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.

    • Caitlin A.
      Apr. 25, 2021

      Smallwood 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.
      Jul. 14, 2017

      Greenbelt 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.

    • Katia G.
      May. 5, 2021

      Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp

      Well maintained

      Super clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two


    Guide to Nanjemoy

    Smallwood State Park Campground near Nanjemoy offers spacious, wooded sites with pet-friendly accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. The park's 15 well-spaced campsites provide excellent privacy with thick foliage and trees between them, making it suitable for campers with reactive dogs. Leashed pets are welcome throughout the campground area, with nearby walking paths and foot trails providing exercise opportunities. Several state and regional parks within an hour's drive, including Pohick Bay Regional Park, Oak Ridge Campground, and Prince William Forest Park, also welcome pets. Bathroom facilities remain clean and well-maintained throughout these properties, though Smallwood State Park specifically is temporarily closed through July 2023 for renovations. The Dyrt provides user ratings for locations near Nanjemoy, Maryland.

    Caledon State Park's primitive camping area offers a unique option for hikers with dogs, requiring a 3-mile trek to reach scenic riverside sites along the Potomac. The hike-in campground features designated tent pads, portable toilets, and an honor system firewood station. Goose Bay Marina provides another pet-friendly alternative with transient RV and tent sites in an open, flat area near the water. Dogs must remain leashed when outside vehicles at all locations, with most parks enforcing standard pet policies including waste cleanup and barking restrictions during quiet hours. Mattawoman Creek near Smallwood State Park provides excellent kayaking opportunities for campers who bring pets along for water adventures. Multiple reviewers note that despite being only about an hour from Washington DC, these campgrounds offer surprisingly secluded and peaceful camping experiences.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Nanjemoy, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Nanjemoy, MD is Pohick Bay Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 37 reviews.

    What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Nanjemoy, MD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 68 dog-friendly camping locations near Nanjemoy, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.