Pet Friendly State Parks

Matapeake State Park on the south shore of Kent Island features an off-leash dog park and sandy dog beach on Chesapeake Bay. The park offers nice views of the Bay Bridge. Parking is located at the Matapeake Clubhouse and Public Beach lot. Dogs are not allowed at the clubhouse, its lawn, or the public beach. The beach can be accessed via a dog trail that begins at the fence that borders the rear of the clubhouse. Owners must bring plastic bags to pick up after their pets. No entrance fee. Favorite

Elm’s Beach park is a 476 acre pet friendly park on the Chesapeake Bay. The park has a picnic pavilion, playground, portable restrooms, changing area and parking. Dogs on a leash are allowed on the beach. All pets must be kept on a leash in parks. Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets and must clean up after pets. Entrance Fees for Weekends and Holidays. Season passes available. See website for details. Favorite

Rocks has 855 acres of dense forests and massive boulders riding above Deer Creek. The King and Queen Seat, once a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Nation of Native Americans, is a natural 190 foot rock outcrop. Rocks has 855 acres of dense forests and massive boulders riding above Deer Creek. The King and Queen Seat, once a ceremonial gathering place of the Susquehannock Nation of Native Americans, is a natural 190 foot rock outcrop. This cliff, reached by scenic trails, affords a view of the rolling hills and farmland of Harford County. Also preserved on park property are many structural remains from the days when the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad wound its way through Rocks, helping the farms and quarries of Northern Harford County to prosper. See the park map for more information. Deer Creek is popular for fishing and tubing. Secluded glens along its shores offer ideal spots for hiking and relaxation. The facility features opportunities for fishing, hiking, picnicking, canoeing and tubing, as well as bow hunting, rock climbing and repelling. Playgrounds, shelters, and comfort stations are available at each of the three picnic areas. Summer campfire programs are held every Friday night at 7 p.m., […]

Located along the Susquehanna River valley with its heavy forest cover and massive rock outcroppings, Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as historical significance. Located along the Susquehanna River valley with its heavy forest cover and massive rock outcroppings, Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities as well as historical significance. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beacons fishermen and boaters alike. Susquehanna State Park also contains a very family friendly campground with traditional campsites and cabins. History buffs will be drawn to the restored Rock Run Historical Area with its working grist mill, the Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll House and the remains of the Susquehanna Tidewater Canal. The river offers excellent fishing opportunities, including pike, perch, and bass for shoreline anglers or boating anglers who launch from the Lapidum Boat Ramp. The facility offers a boat launch, campfire programs, campsites, cross-country skiing, fishing, flat water canoeing, hiking trails, historic interest, pet trail, picnicking, pavilions, playground, riding trails, bow hunting area and archery range.Pets on a leash are allowed in all areas of the park except […]

This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The meandering trails through Swallow Falls guide hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland. Features include campsites, hiking trails, Picnic area, pavilion, playground and nature programs. Pets are not allowed in the day use area from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pets are permitted in the surrounding areas of Potomac/Garrett State Forests. Pet campsites are available. During the off-season pets are allowed in the day use areas as long as they are leashed. Please visit the website for fees, maps and additional information. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov. Favorite

Pet Friendly Park with Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Sandy beaches, marshlands and heavily wooded bluffs comprise the peninsula formed by the North East and Elk Rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, where this park is located. Several trails meander through the diversified topography, revealing the great variety of plant and animal life. An easy walking trail to Turkey Point Lighthouse provides a view of the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. 2,188 acres. Features: Boat launch, cabins, campfire programs, campsites, campstore, dump station, food & beverage, fishing, flatwater canoeing, hiking trails, historic interest, hook-ups, hunting, picnicking, playground, shelters, swimming, visitor center. Pets are allowed at three camping areas and one area has full hook-ups. Pets are allowed on trails if they are on a leash. Pets are not allowed on the beach. Please visit the website for fees, maps and additional information. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov. Pet Policy: ​Pets are allowed in the following designated areas of Elk Neck State Park: Pets allowed in campground (except […]

The forest contains a diversity of trees, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. In 1906 this forest was given to the state of Maryland and was the beginning of our present public lands system. The forest contains a diversity of trees, abundant wildlife and beautiful scenery. In 1906 this forest was given to the state of Maryland and was the beginning of our present public lands system. Mountain forests, streams and valleys make up the 8,000 acres in Garrett State Forest in Garrett County. The forest is home to red oak, white oak, scarlet oak, black cherry, hickory, red maple, white pine and hemlock along the stream banks. Mountain streams trickle throughout the region, offering visitors glimpses of beaver ponds and cranberry bogs. Many wildlife species make their home in this forest. Primitive campsites, fishing, hiking and riding trails, hunting, birding, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. Pets are allowed in all areas of the Forest. No leash is required as long as pets are under control. Please visit the website for fees, maps and additional information. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov. […]

Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River, which begins at Days Cove where the Big and Little Gunpowders converge. Little Gunpowder Falls and the Gunpowder River, which begins at Days Cove where the Big and Little Gunpowders converge. A variety of topography exists in this long, narrow park, from tidal marshes and wetlands to steep, rugged slopes. There are more than 100 miles of trails, including the 21 mile Northern Central Railroad (NCR) Trail. The park features excellent trout fishing opportunities, as well as other freshwater and tidal fishing areas. Park areas include Hereford Area, along York Rd. in Parkton; the NCR Trail which extends from Ashland to the Pennsylvania line; the Central Area which extends from Baldwin to Days Cove along both river valleys and includes the historic village of Jerusalem; the Hammerman Area which is located in Chase near the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Grace Quarters Road and offers a swimming beach on the Gunpowder River; and Dundee Creek Marina, also located in Chase which offers boat launching, rowboat rental, fuel and a marina store. Features: Biking trails, boat launch, boat rentals, cross-country skiing, interpretive programs, food and beverages, fishing, flatwater canoeing, hiking trails, historic interest, hunting, […]

Green Ridge is the second largest of Maryland’s State Forests consisting of a 44,000-acre oak-hickory forest. The forest is located in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Allegheny Mountain chain. Green Ridge is the second largest of Maryland’s State Forests consisting of a 44,000-acre oak-hickory forest. The forest is located in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Allegheny Mountain chain. The average annual precipitation is 36 inches, the lowest in the state. Town Hill, Green Ridge and Polish Mountains elevation varies from 475 feet at the Potomac River to 2,039 feet on Town Hill. Magnificent views of the surrounding landscape can be seen from Point Lookout, Banners, Logroll, Warrior Mountain and No Name Overlooks. Rich in history, the forest was once the site for the Carroll Furnace, originally built as part of a steam powered saw mill in the 1830’s. Features include campsites, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, backpacking, off road vehicle trail, hunting, shooting range, guided nature tours, canoeing, kayaking, and more. Pets are permitted in the forest on a leash. Please visit the website for fees, maps and additional information. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov. Favorite

Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its history and scenic beauty, as well as its 78-foot cascading waterfall. Cunningham Falls State Park, located in the Catoctin Mountains, is known for its history and scenic beauty, as well as its 78-foot cascading waterfall. The Falls is located one half mile from the lake in the Houck Area via the Falls Trail. The park is divided into two parks, divided by Maryland Route 77. The northern 5,000 acres is now Catoctin Mountain Park, a unit of the National Park Service. The remaining 5,000 acre parcel was named Cunningham Falls State Park. There are two main developed areas in the park, the William Houck Area and the Manor Area. Features include the Catoctin Iron Furnace Historical Site, swimmimg, boating, playground, trails, hunting, picknicing, fishing, camping. Pet Policy: Cunningham Falls Campgrounds: Pets are allowed in Addison Run, Bear Branch, and the Manor Area camping loops. Houck Area:Pets allowed on all trails. Pets allowed in day-use area and lake (except for sandy portion of swimming beach area from Memorial Day weekend until after Labor Day). Manor Area: Pets are allowed in the day-use area and trails. Favorite