Best Campgrounds near Manchester, MD

Camping near Manchester, MD, offers a great escape into nature with plenty of options for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Catoctin Mountain Park. One reviewer mentioned, "Catoctin is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to, and a lot less crowded than Cunningham Falls State Park." The park has over 25 miles of hiking trails, perfect for all skill levels.
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Codorus State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook-up sites which is nice." The lake is a great spot for casting a line.
• Wildlife Watching: Visit Greenbrier State Park Campground for a chance to see local wildlife. One visitor noted, "There’s a pretty lake there and very close to the AT," making it a prime location for spotting deer and birds.

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground stated, "The restrooms at this park, while they are older, they are clean and pretty much in good order."
• Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the campground staff. At Cherry Hill Park, one camper said, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A review for Owens Creek Campground highlighted, "This is a great quiet little camping ground which was my son’s introduction to camping."

What you should know:

• No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Greenbrier State Park Campground, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper mentioned, "The only negative that stinks is that campers have to drive down and park their cars in the parking lot by the lake EARLY or you won’t get a spot."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. For instance, Owens Creek Campground lacks electric hookups and showers, which is noted by a visitor who said, "The sites are very clean but close to each other."
• Site Size Variability: Sites can vary in size and levelness. A review for Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "Wouldn't book that site again for our unit. It was on a slope and our sewage wouldn't drain correctly."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Cherry Hill Park offers plenty of amenities for kids, including a mini-golf course and splash park.
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep the kids entertained. One family at Codorus State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and exploring the area, saying, "There’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levelness: Before booking, check the levelness of the sites. A review for Harpers Ferry KOA noted, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
• Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight sites. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "While it was tight, we fit no problem."
• Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground appreciated the easy access to the dump station, saying, "Easy access to dump station."

Camping near Manchester, MD, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!