Gambrill State Park Campground welcomes pets at all campsites with convenient hiking trails and clean facilities. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the park, with a standard 6-foot leash requirement enforced by attentive park rangers who make regular rounds every 30 minutes. The campground features 34 shaded sites including electric hookups at several locations, particularly sites 12 and 13 which provide easy access to water spigots. Bathhouses are well-maintained with hot showers, though some visitors note occasional wildlife encounters including potential bear sightings, albeit with low risk according to park officials. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with site 16 offering the most privacy and seclusion from neighboring campers.
Several dog-friendly trails connect directly to the campground, offering various difficulty levels suitable for pets of different abilities. The hiking paths through the heavily wooded park provide excellent opportunities for pets to explore while remaining on-leash. Most sites feature level gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, making extended stays comfortable for campers with pets. When hiking with dogs, visitors should be aware that trails cross major roads in some areas. Located just over an hour from Baltimore and Washington DC, Gambrill provides a convenient weekend getaway for urban pet owners. Nearby Cunningham Falls State Park also allows pets at both its Manor and Houck areas, though the Manor Area offers more seclusion with its single camping loop design, providing a quieter environment for nervous dogs.
$23 - $29 / night
"There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets."
"My partner and our two dogs loved this campground! We were in the dogwood loop. Positives
* Big, immaculately groomed tent pads
* Mostly tent campers!"
$23 - $29 / night
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
$21 - $65 / night
"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!"
"Nestled away in the Catoctin Mountains, it lands further away from Camp David, so the likelihood of it being negatively affected during dignitary or presidential visits is slim."
$30 / night
"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
$18 - $50 / night
"It is located in Frederick, about an hour outside of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the campground is small, each site looks pretty unique. It offers tent sites, electric sites, and 4 cabins."
"The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
$21 - $29 / night
"Nice little spot near Thurmont Maryland. Good playground for the kids."
"The Lower Falls Trail is short but great for younger kids and we saw lots of dogs which was lovely. Next time we’ll plan to check out the lake which looked pretty great."
$40 - $80 / night
"This place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September."
"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"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"
"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."
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.
LegendThis place is right outside the gate of Harpers Ferry NP. We walked to the shuttle bus stop. It is a very large KOA, and was almost empty when we visited in September. The original site the gave us had a large rut and washed out spot, so we could not get level. I checked in the office and the reassigned another space that was much better. Full hook ups, nice clean shower and bathrooms, playground, pool, large dog park.
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.
RangerGreat campground for families. Large water park that goes to 3 ft. Playgrounds, dog park, canteen, mini golf, jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal cars, gem mining are just some of the amenities. Very pricey during peak season. We did the camp & store at about $50/night.
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.
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.
Camping in Gambrill State Park is available throughout the standard Maryland park season from April to October. The park features 34 campsites nestled within the Catoctin Mountain area at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,600 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during the day and 55-65°F at night. The campground connects directly to over 16 miles of multi-use trails that vary from beginner to advanced difficulty ratings.
Hiking at Catoctin Mountain Park: The Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park offers direct access to extensive trail networks. "The trail we used is marked multi-use, and by plentiful hoofprints, appeared to be used mostly by equestrians," notes one visitor, who also mentions that "during our stay, several bus loads of children were stopping to take in the historical site" of the log cutting mill at the entrance.
Visit historical sites: Located near Harpers Ferry, the Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA serves as an ideal base for history enthusiasts. "Location, Location, Location! Close proximity to plenty of historic and tourist places to visit. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Visitor Center is literally next door," shares one camper. Harpers Ferry itself is just a mile away with hiking trails that connect to the Appalachian Trail.
Fishing and swimming: Greenbrier State Park Campground features a 42-acre man-made lake with designated fishing areas where no license is required. "Fishing in the pond-no license required," mentions a reviewer from a nearby park with similar policies. The lake includes a swimming beach, though visitors note "the lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid."
Privacy between sites: At Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area, campers appreciate the secluded layout. "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet," writes Ellen C., who adds "If you have kids or like to talk to other people go to the original campground but if you prefer quiet and your own little piece of the woods go to the Manor Area."
Clean facilities: The William Houck Area of Cunningham Falls consistently receives praise for maintenance. "Great campground, with a small lake with beach the kids can swim at," reports one visitor. Another notes, "Bathhouse and shower facilities were clean and maintained. Fairly clean and maintained. Electric outlets are a plus."
Good cell service: Unlike some remote campgrounds, several parks in the Walkersville region maintain reliable connectivity. At Little Bennett Campground, one reviewer reports "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars)." Similarly, at Ramblin Pines, visitors note consistent cell service throughout the campground, making it convenient for those needing to stay connected.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak season. Little Bennett Campground in Clarksburg fills quickly from April through October. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," notes one visitor, who also mentioned "No senior or veteran discount."
Weather preparedness: The mountain locations can experience significant temperature shifts and unexpected storms. "Trees falling on Park power lines caused power outage for hours," reported a Little Bennett camper. Rain can transform sites into mud, especially in heavily wooded areas, so waterproof footwear and tarps are recommended.
Wildlife awareness: While not frequently mentioned in reviews, black bears inhabit the Catoctin Mountains. Proper food storage is essential, with park officials recommending keeping all scented items secured in vehicles overnight. Some campgrounds provide bear-resistant food lockers upon request.
Best kid-friendly amenities: Ramblin Pines offers extensive family activities. "This beautiful spot offers everything from live music on weekends to a beautiful pool, pond and many children activity areas. They even have an arcade and laundromat on the premises," writes Jo-Anne B. Another visitor adds it "has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds."
Easy hiking options: For families with young children, Cunningham Falls State Park offers accessible trails. "We hiked to the falls but with little rain, there was no falls. A very crowded hike with people everywhere," notes one visitor, suggesting checking water conditions before promising children a waterfall view. Another mentions, "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails."
Avoiding crowds: Peak summer weekends see extremely high visitor numbers at the popular parks. One Greenbrier visitor noted, "When we pulled the rangers where blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full. OMG they were right." Weekday visits are recommended for families seeking a calmer experience.
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, RVers should carefully consider site options. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier," advises one RVer. Another notes, "Pretty tight even with my Tacoma. Site did not have a fire ring/cooking grate. Just a pile of rocks."
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the mountainous terrain require additional preparation for leveling. At Harpers Ferry KOA, one RVer reported, "Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site(#199) had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air."
Pet-friendly considerations: For RVers traveling with pets, most campgrounds near Walkersville welcome dogs but with specific restrictions. Little Bennett Campground allows pets throughout the park but requires they remain leashed at all times. During summer heat, several campgrounds provide shaded RV sites where pets can remain comfortable while owners explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Walkersville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Walkersville, MD is Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Walkersville, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 110 dog-friendly camping locations near Walkersville, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
