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Best Campgrounds near Baltimore, MD

662 Reviews

Baltimore camping areas include several good options within an hour's drive. Susquehanna State Park Campground has plenty of room at its sites and hiking trails that follow the river. Kids especially enjoy the Tractor Ride activity that goes through the campground. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area sits closer to the city and has good views with lots to do outside. You'll need to reserve spots at most Baltimore-area campgrounds ahead of time. Be aware that fires might not be allowed during dry periods, so check the rules before you go. Most camping areas have good roads leading to them, making access simple with standard vehicles. Some of the more remote spots might need trucks or SUVs with higher clearance. Spring and fall bring the nicest camping weather around Baltimore. Summer gets really hot and humid, while winter can be quite cold. Make sure to bring clothes for whatever weather might come your way.

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Best Camping Sites Near Baltimore, Maryland (81)

    1. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "It's not far from Baltimore, and was the perfect get away with my little boy. As you enter the park, there is a HUGE tire park/playground, that anyone entering the park has access to."

    "Very short drive in to Baltimore- around 30 minutes. Getting in to the park was a little difficult. We missed the entrance and had to turn around (only reason I took off 1 star)."

    2. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $19 - $27 / night

    "Campground is very close to the Baltimore beltway and basically in a neighborhood but you feel like you are farther from things. Bathroom is clean and camp hosts are very friendly."

    "The camp hosts are helpful and friendly

    The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week."

    3. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."

    4. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Located less than 3-miles from I-95, about 40-minutes drive time from downtown Washington, DC, and about 35-minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this park is ideally situated for a capitol vacation."

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    5. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    6. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "Nice pool... they even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!"

    "We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."

    7. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    8. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "The North East River, where the park’s main beach area is located had failed it’s latest bacteria level test. Check out theswimguide.org for the latest water quality tests."

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.

    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    9. Camp Meade RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Odenton, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 722-4237

    10. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267
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Recent Camping Photos near Baltimore, MD

247 Photos of 81 Baltimore Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Baltimore, MD

662 Reviews of 81 Baltimore Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. 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. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    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. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

Guide to Baltimore

Camping near Baltimore offers a great escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to beautiful hiking trails. For example, at Susquehanna State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There is a hiking trail right off Acorn loop which was nice, with options for easy or difficult."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Codorus State Park Campground is a great choice. A visitor noted, "The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds offer fun activities for kids. At Ramblin' Pines, a camper shared, "They have lots of themed events... a haunted walk through the woods, pumpkin carving, and more."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Cherry Hill Park said, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers mention the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground remarked, "Great trails and great staff."
  • Privacy and Space: Campers enjoy spacious sites with some privacy. A reviewer at Little Bennett Campground noted, "They can accommodate large campers... lots of nature trails."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area mentioned, "I have heard that weekends can be loud here but I have not personally experienced."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Greenbelt Park Campground has no electric hookups, which might be a downside for some campers.
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm advised, "If you want to camp on the weekends, book early."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer said, "There is plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for Nearby Attractions: Consider campgrounds close to attractions. Ramblin' Pines is a good base for visiting Baltimore and Frederick.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring along games and outdoor activities. A family at Little Bennett Campground enjoyed the space for their tents and chairs, saying, "My family of 4 was able to stretch out 2 tents."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have narrow roads. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park noted, "While it was tight, we fit no problem."
  • Use Local Resources: Many campgrounds have stores for supplies. A camper at Ramblin' Pines appreciated the camp store, saying, "The camp store is fairly large with some food/beverage items."

Exploring the campgrounds near Baltimore, MD, can lead to memorable experiences, whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying time with family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any waterfront or beach camping options near Baltimore?

Elk Neck State Park Campground offers excellent waterfront camping with sites along the Elk River. The park features well-spaced full hook-up sites in the North East loop and provides a perfect setting for water activities like fishing. A sunset hike to Turkey Point Lighthouse adds to the experience. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides another waterfront option with full hookups and marina access. For those willing to venture slightly further, Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis offers beach access on the Chesapeake Bay, though camping is limited to youth groups.

What state parks offer camping opportunities near Baltimore?

Gambrill State Park Campground is just over an hour from Baltimore, making it perfect for last-minute getaways. The park offers both tent camping and cabins for colder weather stays. Tuckahoe State Park Campground on Maryland's Eastern Shore provides diverse camping options including RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and youth group areas around a scenic lake with kayaking opportunities. Other notable state parks near Baltimore include Patapsco Valley (with both Hilton and Hollofield areas), Elk Neck State Park with waterfront sites, and Susquehanna State Park which offers various access options and amenities.

Can I find free camping spots around Baltimore?

Free camping options are limited near Baltimore, but Greenbelt Park Campground offers an affordable alternative. As a National Park Service campground, it provides basic amenities at a fraction of private campground costs. While not completely free, it's one of the most budget-friendly options in the area. For true free camping, you'll need to venture further from the city to places like Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal, which offers primitive camping for hikers and cyclists. Always check current regulations as free camping policies may change.

Where are the best campgrounds near Baltimore, MD?

Baltimore offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area is just 30 minutes from the city with family-friendly amenities and a large playground. Cherry Hill Park provides a premium camping experience about 35 minutes from Baltimore's Inner Harbor with full amenities. Both locations serve as perfect basecamps for exploring Baltimore while enjoying nature. Other notable options include Tuckahoe State Park (under 40 minutes from Annapolis) and Washington DC/Capitol KOA, which offers convenient access to Baltimore, DC, and Annapolis with amenities like a pool and hiking trails.

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