Accommodations (Dog & Cat Friendly)
Travelers with both a dog and a cat have several hotels, cabins, and lodges to choose from in the Eastern Panhandle. Below are pet-friendly stays that welcome both dogs and cats, along with key pet policies, amenities, addresses, and website info:
Home2 Suites by Hilton Charles Town –
70 Jefferson Crossing Way, Charles Town, WV 25414.
Modern all-suite hotel with pet-friendly rooms.
Pet fee: $50 per stay (1–4 nights) or $100 per stay (5+ nights); up to 2 pets (75 lb limit). No breed restrictions and both dogs and cats allowed. Provides a pet relief area on-site.
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrbchht-home2-suites-charles-town/
Hampton Inn & Suites Charles Town –
157 Pimlico Dr, Charles Town, WV 25414.
Welcoming hotel adjacent to the casino.
Pet fee: $50 per stay (1–4 nights) and $75 for longer stays; up to 2 pets (75 lb limit). Dogs and cats are permitted. Small grassy pet relief areas available
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/mrbwvhx-hampton-suites-charles-town/
Days Inn by Wyndham Charles Town/Harpers Ferry –
642 E Washington St, Charles Town, WV 25414.
Budget-friendly hotel across from Hollywood Casino.
Pet policy: Allows 2 pets of any size for a fee of $15 per pet, per night. Both dogs and cats are welcome. Pets should be leashed on property.
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/charles-town-west-virginia/days-inn-charles-town/overview
Motel 6 – Martinsburg
5595 Hammonds Mill Rd, Martinsburg, WV 25404.
A convenient motel off I-81 (Exit 20).
Pet policy: Up to 2 pets (75 lbs each) stay free (no pet fee)
Both cats and dogs are welcome, but pets should not be left unattended in rooms. Ample grassy areas on-site for pet walks.
Website: https://www.motel6.com/en/motels.wv.martinsburg.4587.html
Red Roof Inn Martinsburg
209 Viking Way, Martinsburg, WV 25401.
Mid-range hotel with easy highway access.
Pet policy: 1 pet up to 80 lbs stays free; a 2nd pet is allowed for $15/night (max $105 per stay). Both dogs and cats are welcome. Quiet, crated pets may be left alone briefly, and there’s a grassy relief area on-site
Website: https://www.redroof.com/property/wv/martinsburg/RRI931
Quality Inn Spring Mills
Martinsburg North – 1220 T J Jackson Dr, Falling Waters, WV 25419.
Pet-friendly hotel near the I-81 Spring Mills exit.
Pet policy: 2 pets of any size for $20 per pet, per night. Cats and dogs are allowed. Pet-friendly rooms are on the ground floor, and crated pets can be left unattended quietly. There is a designated grassy area with a waste station
Website: https://www.choicehotels.com/west-virginia/falling-waters/quality-inn-hotels/wv163
Holiday Inn Martinsburg (IHG)
301 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg, WV 25401.
Full-service hotel with pool and restaurant.
Pet policy: Allows 2 pets of any size for a one-time fee of $50 per stay. Both dogs and cats are permitted, but should not be left unattended. The hotel has lots of green space around for walks
Website: https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/martinsburg/mrbwv/hoteldetail
The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs
110 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Historic inn and spa in downtown Berkeley Springs.
Pet policy: Pet-designated rooms (West Inn building) allow 2 pets of any size for $20 per pet, per night. Both dogs and cats are welcome. There is a convenient grassy area on the premises for pet relief
Website: https://www.thecountryinnwv.com
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Berkeley Springs
1776 Valley Rd, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Hotel just south of town.
Pet policy: 2 pets up to 40 lbs each for $20 per night (max $100/week), plus a $50 refundable deposit. Dogs and cats are accepted. Quiet, crated pets may be left in the room briefly. Grassy pet relief area on-site
Website: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.49090.html
Cacapon Resort State Park – Lodge & Cabins
818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
Mountain resort with a newly renovated lodge and rental cabins.
Lodge: A limited number of pet-friendly lodge rooms are available (in the West Inn wing); a fee of ~$25 for the first night and $10 each additional night (per pet) is typical.
Cabins: Designated pet-friendly cabins allow up to 2 pets (dogs or cats) for a fee of $20 per day. Both dogs and cats are permitted in pet-designated units, but note the state park’s cabin pet weight limit of 15 lbs per pet. Pets must be leashed in outdoor areas. Amenities include miles of hiking trails and a lake on-site (great for a dog dip!).
Website: https:///park/cacapon-resort-state-park/
Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA
343 Campground Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
A family campground offering RV sites and pet-friendly cabins.
Pet policy: Dogs and cats are allowed at campsites; select cabins are pet-friendly (call ahead to ensure availability). The KOA features a fenced KampK9 off-leash dog park for guests so your pup can run and play freely. Breed restrictions apply (no aggressive breeds per KOA policy)
Website: https:///campgrounds/harpers-ferry/
(Tip: Berkeley Springs is known for its vacation cottages – local agencies like Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals offer many pet-friendly cabins so you don’t have to leave your “fur babies” behind.)
Trails and Parks (Pet-Friendly Outdoors)
The Eastern Panhandle is rich in hiking trails, parks, and outdoor recreation that welcome pets. Always keep dogs leashed (leash requirements are in effect in all public parks unless otherwise noted) and clean up after your pet. Here are some top picks for summer outings with your dog (and adventurous cat!)
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
171 Shoreline Drive, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425.
This scenic park at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers offers pet-friendly trails with beautiful views of the river valleys and historic town. Dogs are allowed on all park trails and in the historic Lower Town streets, but must be leashed (pets cannot enter park buildings). Enjoy a hike to Jefferson Rock or along the Murphy-Chambers Farm Trail overlooking the rivers. Carry water, as summer days can be warm.
(Note: The Appalachian Trail passes through Harpers Ferry; leashed pets can join you on short sections of the AT here.)
Appalachian National Scenic Trail (Harpers Ferry area)
The famous Appalachian Trail (AT) can be accessed from Harpers Ferry. A popular segment is the hike to Maryland Heights (across the Potomac) for a panoramic view of Harpers Ferry. Leashed dogs are welcome on the AT, and many thru-hikers stop at Harpers Ferry with their dogs.
You can also visit the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters (799 Washington St, Harpers Ferry) – pets are allowed on the grounds and the porch for a photo by the ATC sign. This is a must-stop for hikers and their canine companions.
Cacapon Resort State Park
818 Cacapon Lodge Dr, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
A 6,000-acre state park with over 20 miles of hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to steep climbs. Pets on leash are welcome throughout the park. There are trails to scenic vistas like Cacapon Mountain Overlook, and a sandy beach area at the park’s lake – perfect if your dog loves to splash (the lake has designated swimming for people, but dogs can wade in at select shoreline spots). The park offers picnic areas and fishing as well.
Pet amenities: Pet waste stations at trailheads and plenty of open space. (Bonus: Cacapon’s nature center often hosts guided “Walk Your Pet” hikes in summer – check the park calendar.)
Berkeley Springs State Park
2 S Washington St, Berkeley Springs, WV 25411.
A small historic park in the center of Berkeley Springs, famous for its warm mineral springs. Leashed pets are welcome in the outdoor areas of the park. You can walk through the gentle park grounds, see the famous spring pools George Washington once bathed in, and enjoy the gazebo and lawn.
Note: Pets cannot enter the bathhouse or pool areas (no doggie dips in the spa), but the park is a nice rest stop while exploring downtown. There are often other dogs about, especially on weekends.
Wurzburg Dog Park at Ambrose Park
Potomac St & Mall Dr (Ambrose Park), Martinsburg, WV 25401.
This is Martinsburg’s off-leash dog park, a 4.3-acre fenced park where dogs can run free
It features separate areas for large and small dogs, water fountains, and shade structures. It’s located within Ambrose Park, which also has walking paths and picnic spots (and even a community children’s garden). The dog park is open dawn to dusk and is a great place for your pup to burn off energy.
Website: https://www.mbcparks-rec.org/parks_facilities/wurzburg_dog_park.php
Sam Michaels Park & Dog Park
235 Sam Michaels Lane, Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442 (Jefferson County).
A 130-acre county park with open fields, wooded trails, and an off-leash dog park on-site. The dog park is a fenced area where dogs can play off leash (it was recently relocated/upgraded within the park)
Sam Michaels Park also has walking trails (leash required outside the dog enclosure), picnic pavilions, and even a disc golf course. It’s a quiet setting great for a morning walk with your dog.
Ferry Hill & C&O Canal Towpath (Shepherdstown Area)
Access via C&O Canal NHP, Canal Rd, Sharpsburg, MD (across the river from Shepherdstown, WV).
The C&O Canal Towpath runs along the Potomac River and is a flat, shaded trail ideal for dog walking. You can park at the Ferry Hill Trailhead near Shepherdstown. Dogs are allowed on the towpath (leashed). The Shepherdstown entrance (across the James Rumsey Bridge) puts you on a scenic section with river views. In summer, you’ll find locals walking dogs and even bicycling with their pets in baskets or trailers. Carry water as it can be humid; the river access lets dogs cool their paws. (For a unique side trip, check out the Paw Paw Tunnel further west on the C&O – a spooky 3,118-foot canal tunnel that adventurous dogs can walk through with you, though it’s about an hour’s drive from Shepherdstown.)
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
(No street address; main entrance via Sleepy Creek Rd, off WV-9 near Hedgesville, WV).
A 22,000-acre wilderness area spanning Berkeley and Morgan Counties, known for hiking, fishing, and primitive camping. Dogs are allowed off-leash in this WMA as long as they are under voice control (and it’s sparsely patrolled) – making it a haven for well-behaved dogs that love to explore. The Sleepy Creek Lake trail is a nice 205-acre lake where your dog can swim at the undeveloped shoreline. Expect rugged, unmarked trails and abundant wildlife (keep pets from chasing deer or wild turkeys). This is a great off-the-beaten-path option for a truly wild hike with your dog. (Be sure to carry a map/GPS; cell service is spotty in the backcountry.)
Attractions & Activities (Pet-Friendly Experiences)
In addition to parks, the Eastern Panhandle offers pet-friendly attractions, eateries, and events to enjoy during the summer. Here are some highlights where your furry travel companions will be welcome:
Dog-Friendly Dining
Many restaurants in the region offer outdoor seating where pets can join you. For example, Blue Moon Café (112 W German St, Shepherdstown, WV) has a spacious garden patio and welcomes dogs at outside tables while you enjoy their salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas
In Shepherdstown you’ll also find Sweet Shop Bakery (100 W German St) with water bowls on the patio and even occasional homemade dog treats for sale
A unique stop is Lilah Restaurant (115 E German St, Shepherdstown) – named after the owner’s late dog – which offers a special dog menu for your pup! They allow well-behaved dogs at their outdoor tables (and even inside in certain areas) and serve dishes ranging from “pup patties” to dog-safe ice cream
In Martinsburg, you can grab a bite at Thai Martinsburg Restaurant (200 W Burke St) where Fido can relax on the patio as you savor Thai cuisine, or stop by The Daily Grind (778 Foxcroft Ave, Martinsburg) which has a couple of dog-friendly outdoor tables for a coffee break
Don’t forget The Rabbit Hole (186 High St, Harpers Ferry) – a casual pub with a shaded outdoor deck that welcomes dogs while you dine overlooking the historic town
Pet-Welcoming Shops & Strolls –
Strolling historic towns with your pet is a joy here. In Berkeley Springs, many downtown shops are pet-friendly. The Berkeley Springs Antique Mall (7 Fairfax St, Berkeley Springs) invites you to “step back in time with your pup” – leashed dogs are allowed inside as you browse two floors of antiques and collectibles. The owners even encourage you to have your furry friend help find treasures!
In Shepherdstown, numerous boutiques welcome leashed dogs – for instance, O’Hurley’s General Store often has a water bowl by the door. Harpers Ferry’s Lower Town is another great walk – several outdoor outfitters and souvenir shops let you bring your dog in (just ask first). You’ll frequently see water bowls set out along High Street in summer.
Breweries & Wineries
Enjoy a cold one with your canine:
Abolitionist Ale Works (129 W Washington St, Charles Town, WV) is a local craft brewery that is dog-friendly on its outdoor patio (they even note that leashed dogs are welcome outside while you sample their unique beers and wood-fired pizzas)
In Harpers Ferry, the White Horse Tavern (located at 4328 William L Wilson Fwy, Harpers Ferry – on the Clarion Inn property) has a spacious tented patio where dogs can join you for pub fare. They set up about 25 outdoor tables in warm weather, and in the evenings your pup can lounge by one of the fire pits as you enjoy live music and a sunset view. If you venture a bit farther, Breaux Vineyards and other wineries just across the Virginia line also allow dogs on their scenic grounds (perfect for a summer afternoon of wine-tasting with Fido at your side).
Quirky Attractions
Don’t miss the chance for some fun photos with your pet.
One standout is…
The Farnham Colossi
14633 Winchester Grade Rd, Unger, WV 25411 (south of Berkeley Springs).
This is a private “fantasy farm” featuring a collection of gigantic roadside statues – from a 25-foot tall Paul Bunyan to a towering Muffler Man and Big John. The owners, George and Pam Farnham, welcome visitors (free of charge) to wander among the colossal fiberglass figures. Pets are welcome on the grounds – your dog will look tiny next to these giants! It’s a great spot for an offbeat photo op (just keep dogs leashed and don’t climb the statues).
Another quirky stop is the Farnham’s Fantasy (Land of Giants) sign – a fun selfie with your pup.
Historic Sites & Walking Tours
Many outdoor historic sites allow pets on leash. Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg, MD – ~15 min from Shepherdstown) permits leashed dogs on the grounds, so you can walk among the battlefield trails with your pet (just not inside the visitor center).
In Harpers Ferry, consider the Ghost Tours of Harpers Ferry – a popular evening walking tour. The tour (led by O’ Be JoyFull Tours) is family- and dog-friendly, so well-behaved leashed pets can join as you meander through historic streets by lantern light. These 90-minute tours share local ghost lore and Civil War stories, and many attendees bring their dogs along for the spooky fun. (One tour company even noted they’ve had dogs, cats, and even a pig join the walk!
Just make sure your pet isn’t easily frightened by theatrical sudden noises or crowds. Another pet-friendly historic walk is the Charles Town Historic District – you can do a self-guided tour past sites associated with John Brown’s trial and Washington family homes; pets can trot alongside as you read the markers.
Summer Pet Events
The Eastern Panhandle communities celebrate pets with special events in summertime. For instance, Shepherdstown’s “DogFest” is an annual festival (often held in June) featuring dog shows, agility demonstrations, costume contests, and pet-centric vendors on Shepherd University campus. Dozens of dogs attend, and leashed pets are welcome throughout the event.
In Jefferson County, the town of Ranson hosts a 4th of July Pets Parade each year, where locals dress up their dogs (and sometimes cats!) in patriotic costumes and march around the park. It’s a festive way to spend Independence Day – after the short parade, there’s usually a picnic and activities where pets are allowed.
Keep an eye on community calendars for other events like outdoor “Yappy Hours” at breweries or the Martinsburg ** Farmers Market “Paws on the Patio”** days – these can be great opportunities to socialize your pet and meet local animal lovers. Always confirm event details and any pet guidelines (e.g. proof of rabies vaccination) before you go.
By taking advantage of these pet-friendly travel options, you and your four-legged companions can fully enjoy the Eastern Panhandle’s historic sights, beautiful parks, and welcoming towns this summer. From curling up together in a cozy cabin to hitting the trails and attending local pet events, West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle offers a truly inclusive getaway where no family member gets left behind.
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