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Patapsco Valley State Park's pet-friendly campgrounds provide accommodations for campers with their canine companions. The Hilton Area and Hollofield Area both welcome pets in their tent sites and RV spaces, with additional pet-friendly cabins available in the Hilton section. Electric hookups are available at most sites, with picnic tables and fire rings standard at each location. Campers note that the pet loop at Hollofield Area is situated away from the main campground with only portable toilets nearby, requiring a significant walk to reach flush facilities. The Dyrt provides user ratings for locations near Riderwood, Maryland. Cherry Hill Park and Ramblin' Pines campgrounds also accommodate pets with more extensive amenities including full hookups for RVs, though specific pet restrictions or dedicated pet areas aren't detailed in available information.
Hiking trails throughout Patapsco Valley State Park provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs, with the Forest Glen Trail following Saw Mill Branch Stream offering river access points where dogs can cool off. Leashed pets must be supervised at all times on trails and in camping areas. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters and keep pets secure, especially after dark. Seasonal considerations affect pet comfort, with summer heat potentially requiring additional shade and water provisions. The campgrounds' proximity to Baltimore (approximately 30 minutes) means veterinary services are readily accessible in case of emergency. Firewood must be purchased on-site to prevent harmful insects, and alcohol restrictions apply throughout the park except inside RVs, rules that are strictly enforced by park rangers who maintain regular patrols throughout pet-friendly camping areas.
"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."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 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. "
from $20 - $195 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $999 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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)."
from $21 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $50 / 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
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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.
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!
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.
GuideThe sites are very well maintained. 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! In all seriousness, it’s very quiet and really can’t complain. Very well maintained. My only issue is the $9 firewood and the sites being far away from the lake and no trails connected to the campgrounds. Must drive to get to anything worth seeing.
Patapsco Valley State Park sits along the Patapsco River valley, creating a varied terrain with elevation changes that challenge hikers and mountain bikers alike. The park spans over 16,000 acres with more than 200 miles of trails through deciduous forest. Fall temperatures average between 45-65°F, creating ideal camping conditions from September through early November when crowds thin out.
Waterfront activities at Susquehanna State Park: Located about an hour from Riderwood, campers can wade in the creek and enjoy fishing. "We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail. The beginning was pretty rough for me, since I was wearing my infant son while navigating an uphill trail, but it quickly evened out. There are also plenty of areas to stop along the road in the campground, with access to the creek for wading. The water felt great, but the bottom was rather pebbly," notes Jen V. at Susquehanna State Park Campground.
History exploration at Hollofield Area: The area has significant railroad history with abandoned tracks and structures accessible from trail systems. "The railroad track is nearby. Would visit again," mentions Andrea S. at Hollofield Area Campground. This pet-friendly camping option near Riderwood offers access to historical elements without driving far.
Mini golf and farm activities: Many campgrounds offer on-site entertainment beyond hiking. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," shares Melissa E. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Proximity to urban areas with natural feel: Many campgrounds maintain a surprising wilderness feel despite being close to Baltimore and DC. "Close to everything yet alone in the woods," says Ricky R. about Hollofield Area Campground. This balance makes pet-friendly camping destinations around Riderwood ideal for weekend getaways.
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and regularly serviced amenities receive consistent praise. "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," reports a camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground.
Natural playground options: Parents appreciate the nature-based play areas. "The kids loved the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees," shares Jennifer S. about Hollofield Area. These spaces provide entertainment without excessive development.
Seasonal closures and maintenance: Most state parks near Riderwood operate from April through October with limited winter camping. "Lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless. Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy," warns Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park Campground.
Varied site quality: Tent pads and site conditions can differ dramatically within the same campground. "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," notes E K. about Susquehanna State Park.
Firewood regulations: Most parks prohibit bringing outside firewood due to pest concerns, requiring on-site purchase. Prices average $5-7 per bundle with varying quality. "We bought their firewood for $5/crate and it was really wet. It was challenging to get a fire going, which was frustrating," mentions one camper.
Look for cabins with family amenities: Mini cabins offer electric heat and comfort for families not ready for tent camping. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" advises Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Consider playground proximity: Playgrounds are rarely within sight of campsites. "It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about. That said, this also leaves limited sites that are close to the playground, for families who would like easy access," explains a reviewer at Susquehanna State Park.
Bike-friendly loops: Some campgrounds feature level roads perfect for children's biking. "The camp road was minimally hilly and would be safe and easy for little kids to ride their bikes, unlike some of the campgrounds that have pretty decent hills," notes Jennifer S.
Metro access for DC exploration: When visiting the Washington area, campers with larger rigs appreciate options with urban transit connections. "Close to DC but they didn't let us know ahead of time that the shuttle wasn't working. That was super disappointing," warns Angie G. about Washington DC / Capitol KOA. Always confirm shuttle services before booking.
Electric hookup locations: Campgrounds often separate electric sites in specific loops, creating different camping experiences. "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer circle is primitive," explains Rebecca C. about Hollofield Area, describing the layout typical of many Maryland state parks.
Site slope challenges: Many campsites have significant grade changes between parking area and site. "Some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," advises David G. about Elk Neck State Park, a consideration for those seeking dog-friendly camping near Riderwood, Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Riderwood, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Riderwood, MD is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Riderwood, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 dog-friendly camping locations near Riderwood, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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