Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina accommodates pets in all 91 campsites within gated grounds near Bush River. Dogs must be leashed throughout the campground, which offers full hookup RV sites, including premium waterfront spots with river views. The campground provides a fenced dog exercise area, though some reviewers note it could use maintenance improvements. Sites have paved, level pads with fire rings and picnic tables, though spacing between campsites is limited. The park enforces strict pet policies with designated walking areas and waste stations.
Susquehanna State Park Campground's pet-friendly sites welcome dogs in both the Acorn and Beechnut loops, with most sites featuring tent pads though some are noted for having numerous roots and rocks. Hiking trails throughout the 2,800-acre park accommodate leashed dogs, with the Green Trail providing moderate terrain suitable for families with pets. The recently renovated bathhouses remain clean despite heavy weekend use. Campground roads have minimal hills, making them safe for walking dogs even at night. Wildlife encounters require keeping pets secured, as deer are frequently spotted throughout the camping areas. The park operates seasonally from March through October, with firewood and ice available at the small camp store that operates on an honor system after hours.
$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."
$17 - $32 / night
"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."
"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."
$50 - $60 / night
"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."
$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."
"So we make sure to get close spots so we can walk. You can bring pets but we choose not to as we are not at the camp much. We do go fishing while we are here and my daughter loves this place"
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
$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."
"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."
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.
GuideWe do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.
Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well.
Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!
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.
LegendOur GPS wanted to take us to the main park entrance on Howell School Rd versus Red Lion Rd to the campground entrance on the other side of the pond. The gate and store were not open so we went directly to back-in site 26 with FHUs. Our reservation sheet and vehicle pass were on the post when we arrived. Back-in was okay with having to swing our F-450 and 39’ 5th wheel into the grass between sites across the street. Utilities were smartly placed at the middle of the pad. We had 2 to 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on AT&T. However, we had trouble with AT&T maintaining internet on our Weingard Connect. The CG is in two loops. Sites 1-30 make up the first loop and that is where most of the larger rigs camped. A rough estimate(double check site size online) is that sites 12- 18 will take larger rigs up to around 45’ but you’ll need to park your tow vehicle or toad angled in front of your rig. Our site was long enough for our 39’ fifth wheel but we had to park our truck at an angle as well. The second loop does have larger sites but is mainly suited for small rigs to include a tent area. Both loops have a large grass field in the middle that the sites back up to, which is great for playing outside games and without many trees so you could use satellite from almost all the sites. From a spaciousness point of view, the best site in the CG is 17, but it is near the walking trail. The shower house also contains a small laundry with 3 washers and 4 dryers that are reasonably priced, although one washer was out of service at the time. However, there was not a change machine. You could purchase firewood from one of the on duty camp hosts. A short drive from the campground to another Lum’s Pond State Park area there’s a really cool dog park where you can walk the dogs off leash down trails and with open play areas along the pond. One of the best features of this off-leash area is how secluded it is away from the main road. Supposedly this is known as a haunted campground, although we didn't see or hear anything out of the ordinary. If in the area, we would stay here again.
LegendWest Chester KOA This is a really nice KOA not too far from downtown Philly. The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy. A bridge nearby the campground was washed out earlier by a hurricane so we had to take an alternative route going about thirty minutes out of our way. (Make sure you check their website for directions!) There is a lot to do in the surrounding area like visiting the historical sites in downtown Philadelphia, Valley Forge, or exploring Amish country.
This is a typical KOA with lots of amenities and activities for kids– swimming pool, jump pad, miniature golf, volleyball, butterfly garden, gem mining, playground, store, dog park, nature trail, etc. There is a large pool area with pavilion but it was closed during our stay since we were there early in the season. The campground is right on the Brandywine River which is a slow meandering pretty river that is great to get your feet wet or go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent if you have time and as there is very little current in the river you can paddle out and back without any trouble. There is a nice, short nature trail which was nice to walk our dog and she enjoyed getting wet in the river.
The campground is hilly which means that a fair number of sites are not level. Our site (#27) was level for our RV but the patio sloped downhill and we could not use our picnic table or find a level spot for our chairs. Some sites are “premiums” with paved patios, Adirondack chairs, fancy firepits, BBQ grill, and tables and chairs with an umbrella. These sites are really nice, but you pay a lot more for them. Some sites are located adjacent to the river with nice waterfront views, but beware some might be muddy. There are lots of camping cabins and a couple of glamping tents.
Overall, the campground is very clean with no trash lying around and the grass was mowed and trimmed. The 50-amp electric was good as was the water pressure. The sewer connection uphill from our site so it did not drain properly. There is basic cable but since you are so close to Philly there are plenty of over-the-air channels. The Wi-Fi at our site worked well. Garbage is picked up at your site. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants, shopping, and interesting things to see and do.
Elk Neck State Park Campground offers spacious sites with packed gravel surfaces spaced comfortably apart, including back-in and pull-through options. Located near the North East River, the campground features a range of accommodations from tent sites to mini cabins with electric heat. The Turkey Point Lighthouse trail provides scenic hiking opportunities with Chesapeake Bay views. Multiple camping loops cater to different preferences, with the North East loop particularly popular among RVers seeking full hookups. The park operates year-round with bathroom facilities maintained throughout the colder seasons.
Outdoor adventures at Patapsco Valley: This sprawling state park system spans 32 miles along the Patapsco River with 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. "Beautiful park, well kept. Plenty to do with lots of access to water and hiking," notes Krystle D. The Hollofield Area Campground offers convenient trail access directly from campsites. "Took a fairly easy hike down to the river and even went for a swim," shares Diana S., who enjoyed both forest and water activities.
Water recreation on Bush River: The waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provide direct access to boating and fishing opportunities. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away," writes Janet P. The park includes boat docks and fishing piers where guests can catch fish right from their campsites.
Family activities at Lums Pond: Just a short drive from Abingdon, this Delaware state park offers diverse outdoor activities for all ages. "Great outdoor activities. Nearby grocery stores and restaurants," notes Adam and Suzanne B. The park features kayaking, biking trails, and an observatory for stargazing, making it ideal for families seeking variety in their outdoor pursuits.
Waterfront camping experiences: Campers consistently praise the waterside sites at various dog friendly campgrounds near Abingdon. "Some sites you are right on the waters edge," shares Janet P. about Bar Harbor RV Park. Similarly, at Muddy Run Rec Park, the large lake offers excellent kayaking and fishing. "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store," writes Alanna M.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain high standards for their amenities. Lums Pond State Park receives particular praise for its facilities: "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," according to Adam and Suzanne B. These well-maintained facilities make extended stays more comfortable, especially for families with children.
Proximity to attractions: The Abingdon area's central location allows easy access to both natural areas and urban attractions. "This is a state operated park with camping and primarily draws Eagle watchers and photographers," notes Thomas K. about Susquehanna State Park Campground. The park's location makes it convenient for wildlife observation while remaining accessible to nearby towns.
Site selection matters: At Patapsco Valley State Park, site location significantly impacts your experience. "If you're a tent camper and don't need electric, the sites on the outer loop were quite nice and private," advises Jen V. Similarly, at Muddy Run, "Sites in the 20's are tiny and hanging off a cliff," warns Chris G., suggesting campers should research specific site details before booking.
Seasonal variations: Weather and seasonal conditions affect campground experiences throughout the year. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about winter camping at Lums Pond State Park. Many campgrounds in the region operate year-round but offer different amenities and experiences depending on the season.
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting around Abingdon means wildlife sightings are common. "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park," shares Jenn D. about Muddy Run Rec Park. Campers should secure food and maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Playground access: Several pet friendly campgrounds near Abingdon feature excellent play areas for children. At Patapsco Valley State Park, "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," according to Angel G. The park's design makes it particularly suitable for introducing young children to camping.
Water features for hot days: During summer months, water activities provide welcome relief from heat. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," writes Ashley S. about Jellystone Park Quarryville, located just north of the Maryland border.
Educational opportunities: Many area campgrounds offer learning experiences alongside recreation. "We took my older cousins to the fishing pier, and we didn't even get a nibble, but I think it was too cold for panfish that close to shore," shares Mark about Lums Pond State Park. The fishing piers, nature centers, and historical sites throughout the region provide educational components to family camping trips.
Hookup logistics: RVers should note that hookup configurations vary significantly between campgrounds. At Muddy Run, "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away," advises Chris G. Planning for these variations ensures a smooth setup experience.
Site sizing and leveling: Many RV sites in the region require some preparation. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," notes Mark about Lums Pond State Park. At Bar Harbor RV Park, "Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble. Sites are paved, pretty level and just a bit close," according to George L.
Access considerations: RVers should research approach routes carefully. "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.)" warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground. Similar restrictions exist at other area campgrounds, making advance planning essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Abingdon, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Abingdon, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 69 dog-friendly camping locations near Abingdon, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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