Camping options near Baltimore, Maryland span from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots within a 30-mile radius. Summer weekends typically see higher occupancy rates, with temperatures averaging 85-90°F in July and August. Several campgrounds remain open past the typical April-October season, with Cherry Hill Park and Ramblin' Pines offering year-round camping for those seeking winter outdoor experiences.
What to do
Lighthouse exploration: 5-mile drive from Elk Neck State Park Campground to Turkey Point Lighthouse trail. "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends)," noted one visitor who appreciated this historic destination.
Multi-day hiking: 70+ miles of trails throughout Patapsco Valley State Park provide varied terrain for all skill levels. "There are 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April... Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking/multi use trails. There are parks on both sides of the river to explore and experience the trails," shared a camper who recommended downloading trail maps before arrival.
Family fishing: Small pond at Ramblin' Pines offers accessible catch-and-release opportunities. "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow," explained one camper who found multiple activities for their family during their stay.
What campers like
Proximity to DC tours: Onsite reservations at Cherry Hill Park for Washington DC excursions. "Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" explained a camper who appreciated the convenience.
Quiet weekday camping: Minimal crowds at most state parks Monday-Thursday. "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week. There are several hiking trails in this part of the park or you can drive to other parts for additional hiking," mentioned a Hollofield Area visitor who appreciated the peaceful weekday environment.
Kid-focused amenities: Multiple playgrounds at several campgrounds. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," noted a camper who found plenty of entertainment options for younger visitors.
What you should know
Campsite selection considerations: Drainage issues during rain events. "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down," warned a Patapsco Valley camper whose experience highlights the importance of site location.
Limited bathroom facilities: Single shower per bathhouse at Greenbelt Park Campground can mean waiting during peak times. "The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. There's only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain (no door and no lock)," noted a visitor who still gave the park a positive review despite this limitation.
Campground access restrictions: Gates close at specified hours in most state parks. "We arrived at 1am, hadn't made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked. No where on the website does it say it's closed," reported a frustrated traveler at Hollofield Area, underscoring the importance of checking operating hours and making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Jumping pillow activities: Daily access for kids at Washington DC / Capitol KOA. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," explained a visitor who found plenty of entertainment options.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning deer sightings common at many campgrounds. "The quiet nature of the campground, the overall feeling of the outdoor space (every morning birds and squirrels)," reported a Greenbelt Park camper who appreciated these natural encounters while still being close to urban amenities.
Metro access for city exploration: Park at Greenbelt station when visiting DC from campgrounds. "What we did, since we don't have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends," explained a camper who found this transportation option more economical than driving into the city.
Tips from RVers
Late season camping: Full hookups available into November at Elk Neck State Park. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," noted a late-season camper who appreciated the extended camping season.
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks for sloped sites. "Pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," warned an Elk Neck camper who found some sites challenging for larger vehicles.
Limited Wi-Fi connectivity: Inconsistent service at most campgrounds. "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect," commented a camper who viewed this limitation as a positive feature rather than a drawback during their stay.
