Solomons Navy Recreation Area welcomes pets at its spacious tent and RV sites as well as in cabin and yurt accommodations. This military campground located near Dowell, Maryland offers full amenities for campers with dogs, including 50-amp electrical hookups, sewer connections, and water access. Point Lookout State Park's pet-friendly campground provides privacy between sites with vegetation buffers, though currently closed for water line upgrades until approximately 2023. Westmoreland State Park Campground across the bay in Virginia permits pets at tent sites, RV spots with 30-amp service, and in select cabins. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping allows leashed pets throughout its grounds and trails. The grounds at Dennis Point Marina and Campground are clean with 120 sites accommodating both tent and RV campers with pets. Sites at most campgrounds include picnic tables and fire rings, with Take It Easy Campground offering electric hookups and sewer connections for extended stays with pets.
Trail access varies significantly between campgrounds, with Calvert Cliffs featuring a clearly marked 1.5-mile trail leading to a beach where dogs can join fossil hunting expeditions. Water access for pets includes multiple beaches, fishing piers, and kayak launches throughout the area's campgrounds. Endeavor Point offers camping on a lawn area near a pier perfect for dogs that enjoy water activities, though some visitors note management can be particular about site selection despite ample availability. Summer months bring higher temperatures at Point Lookout's marshy areas with limited tree coverage, requiring extra attention to pet hydration and comfort. The Tulip Loop at Point Lookout features spacious sites with standing water after rain, potentially increasing mosquito activity during warmer months. Pack extra towels when visiting with pets, as the combination of water access and muddy conditions after rainfall can make for messy paws. Fishing and crabbing opportunities abound at most waterfront campgrounds, though pets must remain leashed near these areas.
"It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better."
"Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail to get down to the beach which is about a mile - a mile and 1/2."
$21 - $50 / night
"Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs."
"It was a great State Park with fishing, trails, and boat docks. We stayed in the hoffman loop in our 20 ft TT. That loop was pet friendly, shaded, and right next to the playground."
$27 - $134 / night
"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."
$50 - $80 / night
"The 1 Acre Campground is a unique spot near the river and boat launch that offers 50AMP and sewer hookups for a convenient stay. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
$55 / night
"There is a large park area close to office with large trees and a playground."
$50 - $999 / night
$20 - $30 / night
GuideBeautiful campground. We were in Tulip loop with full hookups. Very private large sites. Wooded with tall pines. The stars were amazing! Could see the Milky Way and every star in the sky no light pollution. Nice beaches and pet beach for our dogs.
ScoutThese 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!
ScoutThe 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.
ScoutSuper clean Very well maintained Pet friendly... kinda No veteran discounts smh Good for a day or two
TravelerJust got back from a weekend trip there. It was a great State Park with fishing, trails, and boat docks. We stayed in the hoffman loop in our 20 ft TT. That loop was pet friendly, shaded, and right next to the playground.
The most sites were off the road and secluded. Ours was a little over grown and not a straight shot to the landing pad. Fire wood was well seasoned for $6/bx and ice $3/bg at the camp store.
GuideMartinak was a beautiful surprise. Lots of woods, leveled sites, clean facilities, no rowdy crowds. We had a great time. The park is pet friendly. The ranger was very vigilant and friendly. We met new friends and even attended a concert at their pavilion 🥰
LegendWe rescheduled to this weekend after our original reservation weekend was flooded out 2 weeks ago. They never notified us but our camping buddies got there earlier than us and called us. I thought the park could’ve emailed about being closed for flooding before people showed up. This weekend was Halloween weekend. It was quiet with a couple activities planned. We only had 2 trick or treaters. Our site 119 in Hoffman loop was long and very private. Most of the sites on the outside of the loop were private and long driveways. Inside the loop were more open. Our original loop was Greens Loop but that didn’t have availability this weekend. Those sites were out in the open but most were waterfront. Site 99 was gorgeous. Site 97 was long and narrow but there was a Fifth wheel with 2 slides in it. Tulip loop had FHU and no bathhouse. Another loop we walked was closed for the season. Nearby is the Pt. Lookout lighthouse and a Civil war museum, as well as Fort Lincoln. There were piers to fish and crab from in Green and Hoffman loops as well as a huge pier just a short drive or bike ride away. No hammocks are allowed which we found odd. Pets are allowed in many loops. Overall, a nice campground with very nice rangers. Also a small camp store and firewood for sale. No Wi-fi. Sprint service was no good anywhere near this campground. We were an hour away before getting any kind of cell service.
TravelerJanes Island State Park is a wonderful place for scenic state park camping. There are spots for tents and rvs. There is a marina and kayak trails. They have both primitive and full service cabins.
There are 3 camping loops. Loop B is the all electric loop with plenty of large sites that can accommodate bigger rigs. This is where my family stayed. We were directly across the street from the water and the views were amazing. Loop B is pet friendly, and all of the owners there were very responsible.
Due to the high water table, there were plenty of mosquitoes but with the breeze they were held largely in check.
My family and I cannot wait to go back.
GuideThis is a stunning state park with a gorgeous campground. The whole place seems very well taken care of, with a camp store, visitor center, and discovery/education center for kids.
We are on our way up from South Carolina, so we only stayed a night, but it was wonderful nonetheless. Everything was closed when we arrived, so it was a welcome surprise to have firewood available for sale on an honor system. The roads to the campsites were paved, and we had an easy time finding ours thanks to a prominent sign.
We booked a pull through site with full hook ups, a faux wood picnic table (no splinters,) and fire pit. The site was pretty big, laid with gravel and pebbles, and edged with wooden curbs. We didn’t have any trouble leveling out and hooking up, the connections were in a great spot for our trailer and others on the grounds. The site is in a thicker forest, so bring bug spray, and I found setting out a couple Thermacell mosquito repellants was effective (very little wind that day.) The site had a lot of privacy and the ones around us were spread out nicely as well, some even had two levels with stairs put in. Easily one of the nicest sites we have ever stayed in. The campground has a ravine behind it, something to be cautious about with pets/kids.
The park is on a cliff overlooking the Potomac River, and the Big Meadow trail brings you too Fossil Beach. It’s a sandy beach with lots of rocks and clay, I’m sure I would have found more fossils had I brought a little sifter with me.
We loved it here, it was a beautiful and private campsite with a great park to explore.
Camping options near Dowell, Maryland include a mixture of state and military facilities along the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. The region's coastal position creates a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and high humidity levels. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities where temperatures typically range from 30-50°F during daylight hours.
Fossil hunting: Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a marked 1.5-mile trail leading to fossil-rich beaches. "I was a TA on an optional field trip to Calvert Cliffs for an intro level class. I was a rainy day but we were able to go down to the shore and find fossils. What a great experience for (hopefully) future geologist," shares Nick P. from Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping.
Historical exploration: The Point Lookout area contains significant Civil War sites and exhibits. "The park used to be a prison for Confederate soldiers, so lots of cool exhibits and memorials for history buffs," notes Jen V. who visited Point Lookout State Park.
Fishing piers: Multiple locations offer dedicated fishing access throughout the region. One camper at Westmoreland State Park mentioned, "With access to the Potomac River, beaches, shark tooth island (!), what seems like endless beautiful hiking trails and the cleanest camp grounds I have ever seen I would recommend everyone to visit this park."
Privacy between sites: At Westmoreland State Park, campers appreciate the separation. "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter," reports RL from Westmoreland State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise at multiple campgrounds. "The bath house was very clean and well-maintained. Looks like host cleaned it several times a day. Only two shower stalls, but they were nice and roomy with fairly hot water."
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open year-round with heated facilities. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help! Bath houses are heated which is amazing."
Seasonal insect populations: Marshy areas experience significant mosquito activity, especially after rainfall. "Site was very level, with a nice long driveway. Right on the water, with beautiful views. Surrounded by tall marsh grass and a few pine trees, so it felt very private... Again, the setting was very beautiful, but the bugs were killer," warns a camper at Point Lookout.
Water levels: Standing water can collect after rainfall at certain campgrounds. One camper at Endeavor Point noted, "The camping areas were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose (despite there being ample availability, and the person on the phone telling me that all sites were first come first serve)."
Military facilities access: Military campgrounds require proper identification and credentials. "Great military campground with spacious sites, and anything else you could want!" explains a visitor to Solomons Navy Recreation Area, highlighting the benefits for those with access to these facilities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Calvert Cliffs mentioned, "The park has a great play ground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms. Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs and nature centers enhance family visits. "The campground is enormous, so bring your bike! You can choose a spot on the marsh and over the water... Inside the campground is a great nature center which rents kayaks and canoes, and offers programs for the kids," recommends Carrie A.
Swimming areas: Dennis Point Marina and Campground offers clean facilities for family outings. "I went tent camping here and it was really really nice. Me and my family enjoyed ourselves. Staff was friendly and the bathrooms was very clean. We will be going back very soon," reports Hawanya R.
Full hookup availability: Select campgrounds offer comprehensive amenities. "We took our 1st trip to Point Lookout the 1st week of June, glad we did. Tulip Loop has full hookups which was great, but the sites are basically in a swamp. I think we were there before the mosquitos. I'm sure with all the standing water they'd be everywhere!!" advises Buck P.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with spacious sites. "This was our first trip in our first TT (33ft), we're complete rookies! We had site 68 which had plenty of space for the TT, truck and car to park. The sites have plenty of separation and the park was very quiet."
Pet-friendly RV options: For those seeking pet friendly camping near Dowell, Maryland, several RV parks welcome animals. "I LOVE this park. The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter. So appreciate the recycling bins."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dowell, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dowell, MD is Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dowell, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 57 dog-friendly camping locations near Dowell, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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