Codorus State Park Campground accommodates pets in both tent and RV sites with clean facilities and well-shaded areas. Leashed dogs are permitted throughout the campground, with pet owners required to manage waste properly. The park features access to a scenic lake with boating opportunities, though pets are not allowed in the swimming areas. Campsites in Loop A offer more wooded privacy for those camping with dogs. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm also welcomes pets with spacious, scattered sites throughout wooded areas. Sites are generally private with sufficient room for pets to relax while leashed. Bathrooms at both campgrounds are well-maintained, with Codorus State Park frequently noted for exceptionally clean facilities.
Hiking trails surrounding these pet-friendly campgrounds provide exercise opportunities for dogs, with the nearby Heritage Rail Trail located about 9 miles from Codorus offering additional pet-friendly recreation. Both campgrounds enforce quiet hours, helping maintain peaceful environments even with pets present. Campers should note that summer visits to Codorus can become quite crowded, potentially affecting the camping experience with pets. Weather considerations include proper shelter for pets during occasional storms that may affect power at facilities like Merry Meadows. The dog-friendly campsites in this area feature grassy, level tent sites that make for comfortable pet accommodation, with many RV sites also providing full hookups for those traveling with animals. Some seasonal sites have patio areas that offer additional space for pets to rest while leashed.
$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. "
"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."
$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."
"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 - $90 / night
"I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees."
"Our site was in the pet loop and was set back off the road a good amount which kept a lot of the road noise down. It was very large and Iffered gIId trees fIr strIngIng up tarps and hammocks."
$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."
$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."
"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"
$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.
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.
GuideBeautiful campground. Very recently renovated. Very spacious and quiet.
Great little store stocked with everything you need.
Very close to Hersheypark.
Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well.
They have a very nice schedule of monthly events. They had a few food trucks and fruit/vegetable vendors come to the RV park during our stay.
Would stay again.
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.
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.
Campgrounds near Hampstead, Maryland sit at elevations between 400-800 feet in Maryland's Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and stream valleys. Summer temperatures average in the mid-80s, while spring and fall offer milder 60-70°F days ideal for outdoor activities. Several parks feature small lakes and creeks that provide both recreation opportunities and natural cooling effects during warmer months.
Hiking trail access: At Codorus State Park Campground, campers can explore hiking trails that connect directly to the camping area. "There are a lot of trails available for hiking, biking, or riding horses," notes Catherine H., who also mentions that the park offers "a lot that you can do or just relax by the fire."
Fishing opportunities: Gettysburg Campground provides creek-side fishing right from select campsites. According to Jenny P., there's a "nice creek with ducks" that runs through the property. This creates convenient fishing access without needing to travel to a separate location.
Historical sites: The battlefield areas near Gettysburg offer educational experiences within 30 miles of Hampstead. "The campground was just minutes from downtown Gettysburg," explains Ray L., who stayed at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA. For history enthusiasts, sites in this area provide context about Civil War events through ranger-led programs and self-guided tours.
Wooded privacy: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers campsites with substantial tree coverage. According to Wendy W., "The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods," providing natural separation between sites. This creates a more secluded camping experience even when the campground is busy.
Swimming options: Many local campgrounds maintain swimming areas as alternatives to lakeside beaches. Danielle W. notes that at Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts, "Their pool is fantastic and so is the playground for the kids." Some parks charge additional fees for pool access, but this amenity provides relief during hot summer days.
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms in this region generally receive positive comments for maintenance standards. Mike C. reports that Codorus State Park has "paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," which makes longer stays more comfortable for those without self-contained facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Campsites around Hampstead have distinct peak periods. According to Sarah L., who camped at Codorus, "I stayed here for 2 nights in July 2017. The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field." Always verify site descriptions before booking during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Local parks host various wildlife, including insects that can affect camping comfort. Scott B. warns about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground: "After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites." Insect repellent is essential during warmer months.
Reservation policies: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area has strict entry rules. One visitor noted, "We arrived at 1am, hadn't made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked." Most parks in this region require advance bookings and have specific check-in windows.
Playgrounds and activities: Artillery Ridge Campground provides multiple play areas for children of different ages. "The campground is about a 5 minute drive to downtown Gettysburg," notes Dave B., who adds that there was a "fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family."
Kid-friendly hiking: Look for less challenging trails with interesting features. Jennifer S. describes Patapsco Valley State Park as having a "'natural' playground in the loop," explaining they found "large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it." These natural features create exploration opportunities for children.
Swimming access: Catherine H. mentioned about Codorus State Park: "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground." This clarification helps families plan appropriate water activities.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the region have slightly uneven terrain. Gregory L. advises about Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts: "Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4 inches." This preparation prevents stabilization issues for larger rigs.
Hookup availability: RV sites vary significantly in available connections. Jim G. reports that Gettysburg Campground offers "full hookups with cable, all working as expected" with "level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad." However, he cautions that "the sites are quite packed together."
Navigation challenges: Larger vehicles may encounter access difficulties. The 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.)" Always research approach routes before arrival with larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hampstead, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hampstead, MD is Codorus State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hampstead, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Hampstead, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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