With reservations available April through October for $20-$50 per night, Patapsco Valley State Park's Hilton Area campground operates as a seasonal family destination accessed through suburban Catonsville neighborhoods. The 12-site campground sits within forested terrain near Saw Mill Branch Stream, offering both tent camping and six mini-cabins with electricity and heat.
Campers consistently note the sloped terrain throughout most sites, with Jennifer S. reporting that "most of the sites we saw had a bit of a grade/slope to it and made setting up our tent a bit more challenging." The lower portion of the camping loop experiences more drainage issues during rain events. Sites include fire rings with cooking grates, picnic tables, and crushed stone surfaces that require extra tent padding.
The campground connects directly to multiple hiking trails, including the popular Saw Mill Trail for family hiking and the Campground Connector Trail leading to River Ridge Trail. Campers can access the Patapsco River through Forest Glen Trail, which follows the stream down into the river valley. A massive playground and nature center near the park entrance provides additional activities, though the half-mile distance with steep hills makes walking challenging for small children.
Camp hosts deliver firewood to sites and maintain the facility daily. The bathhouse provides hot showers and clean facilities, though several reviewers describe them as dated. Reba H. notes that "tent pads were level, firepits had grill gates, showers were hot, and staff were cleaning and maintaining the grounds everyday." The campground prohibits bringing outside firewood due to invasive insect concerns and does not sell ice on-site.
For additional overnight options in the area, campers can explore campgrounds near Catonsville.
Description
Hilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area is located in Maryland
Directions
From I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), take Exit 13, Frederick Road west. follow for two miles and turn left on South Rolling Road. At first intersection, bear right in Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park. From I-95, take exit 47 (keep left on exit ramp), heading north (Route 166) to South Rolling Road. Follow 1.8 miles and make a sharp left on Hilton Avenue. Continue 1.5 miles and turn right into park.
Address
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, MD 21228
Coordinates
39.274306840000015 N
76.74404818 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 3/27/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 6 min from Baltimore, MD
- 41 min from Washington, DC
- 50 min from York, PA
- 58 min from Gettysburg, PA
