Tucked between the Gunpowder Falls and the Little Gunpowder Falls rivers, Baldwin, Maryland offers visitors multiple glamping options within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s while winter temperatures typically drop below freezing. Local campgrounds maintain operation from April through November, with several offering year-round accommodations despite the region's 42 inches of annual precipitation.
What to do
Hiking trails near water features: Susquehanna State Park provides extensive trail options alongside the Susquehanna River. "I went for a lovely 3 mile evening hike on the trail just down the hill behind the campsite. Scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees, hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see," notes a visitor.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers two 18-hole disc golf courses within its boundaries. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course," warns one camper.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds allow for varied fishing experiences. "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed," shares a Susquehanna State Park visitor. At Tucquan Park, "They also have a nice little pond you can fish," according to a reviewer.
Playground access: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm features an impressive play area for children. "You are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," explains a satisfied camper. Another adds, "They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives consistent praise for their modern facilities. "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," notes one reviewer. Another states, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
Private campsite layouts: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots away from neighbors. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, "The primitive sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights. The location also kept us fairly bug free." A different camper reports, "We had a corner site and had plenty of room."
Proximity to attractions: The region's central location allows for easy day trips. "It was centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. This trip we spent most of our time in DC and only went to Annapolis one night," shares a Washington DC Capitol KOA visitor. Similarly, at Cherry Hill Park, "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments."
Strong sense of community: Campgrounds foster social connections among visitors. "The people who work and stay there absolutely want to make you feel at home. At one point a lantern needed a specific battery and I watched several patrons go check their RVs. The sense of community and welcoming really sold this place to us," explains a Tucquan Park Family Campground guest.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many popular sites book up quickly, especially in summer. "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a Lums Pond State Park reviewer. During peak seasons, glamping options near Baldwin should be reserved 2-3 months in advance.
Tent pad availability: Some sites lack proper tent pads or level ground. "I docked a star because I'd say about half—maybe more—don't have pads. I didn't get a chance to check out the Acorn Loop, other than a quick drive by," explains a Susquehanna camper. Another visitor reports, "We had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it."
Seasonal amenities: Codorus State Park Campground has specific timing for activities. "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," notes a visitor. However, another camper cautions, "It was a shock we had to pay to swim when we camped there."
Varied price points: Glamping in Baldwin, Maryland area ranges from $30-$80 per night depending on amenities. "At $35/night during peak season for a primitive site it's a little above our usual budget. However we found it to be well worth it," shares a Tucquan Park camper.
Tips for camping with families
Pool and water features: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offers excellent water recreation. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," reports a satisfied visitor. Another adds, "We stayed in C1 during the hottest week in the summer (so far). The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees."
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events throughout the season. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," says a Merry Meadows Recreation Farm camper.
Child-focused amenities: Look for sites with dedicated kid zones. "Very family friendly park. Cabins, RV, Tent - full amenities. Lots of things to do. A little pricy, but worth it especially with kids," notes a Jellystone Park visitor. Another adds, "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Nature encounters enhance family camping experiences. "Lots of wildlife," mentions a Susquehanna State Park visitor. At Gifford Pinchot, "We did some hiking and fishing nearby in the Boiling Springs / Dillsburg area... This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Be aware of utility placement when setting up. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," cautions a Lums Pond camper.
Site levelness: Many sites require minimal adjustment. At Ramblin' Pines, "The sites were a little close together but still plenty of room." A Capitol KOA visitor noted issues: "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods."
Size accommodations: Most parks accommodate various RV lengths. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," reports a Gifford Pinchot camper, while another notes, "Sites were of ample size and well spaced." Large RVs up to 40 feet find suitable sites at most area campgrounds.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping experiences. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," shares a Lums Pond visitor, highlighting off-season availability for RV camping near Baldwin.
