Yurt camping near Idlewylde, Maryland offers access to the Piedmont region's mixed hardwood forests and rolling terrain, with elevations between 300-500 feet. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer camping temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day. Most campgrounds within 40 miles of Idlewylde remain open from early April through late October, though several offer year-round yurt and glamping accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trail networks: Little Bennett Campground features multiple interconnected trails through deciduous forest. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one visitor. The campground maintains year-round accessibility to many of its paths.
Fishing opportunities: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing at various access points. "Both areas have great access for fishing, and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports a camper. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required and rangers regularly check compliance.
Water recreation: Codorus State Park Campground permits boating with gas motors on its lake. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park," explains a visitor. The boat rental facility operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Interactive family activities: Washington DC/Capitol KOA maintains multiple recreation areas for children. "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," shares a camper. Activity areas operate on scheduled hours that vary seasonally.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Ramblin' Pines offers larger-than-average sites with ample vegetation. "My brother lives about ten minutes from this campground... The spot he chose was big enough for two tents. The site itself offered the usual fires grill and another cooking grill to cook on which for us came in handy," notes a visitor.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Susquehanna State Park Campground maintains recently renovated restrooms. "Bathrooms were fairly clean, nice hot running water showers!! Since I had to look presentable for work the next day I had sent planned on doing much hiking (hot and humid June) but with the revelation of showers!!! I went for a lovely 3 mile evening hike," shares a satisfied camper.
Wildlife viewing: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers encounters with local fauna throughout its extensive grounds. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," reports an enthusiastic visitor. Early mornings provide optimal opportunities for spotting deer and waterfowl.
Honor system firewood: Susquehanna State Park Campground provides after-hours access to essentials. "The campstore is small (literally the size of a closet) but had some main essentials. They also sell ice and firewood at the campstore AND there is an honor system with it available to you after the campstore hours," explains a camper. This system allows late arrivals to purchase necessities.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers various site types with different characteristics. "Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" notes one camper, while another adds, "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."
Reservation requirements: Lums Pond State Park Campground requires advance planning due to popularity. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns a camper. Weekend yurt rentals typically require booking 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
Terrain considerations: Little Bennett Campground features variable site leveling. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports a visitor. Many tent sites have designated pads to address terrain issues.
Seasonal closures: Codorus State Park enforces seasonal restrictions. "The pool is decent but a bit far of a walk from the camp sites," explains one visitor, noting the limited summer operation schedule. Most amenities close by mid-October annually.
Tips for camping with families
Activity timing: Washington DC/Capitol KOA schedules kid-focused events at specific hours. "We stopped at the DC KOA as a base to visit the Capitol. This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids," notes a parent, while another mentions, "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)."
Playground proximity: Little Bennett Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes. She was 3 or 4 at the time," shares a grandparent.
Budget considerations: Yurt camping near Idlewylde costs more than tent camping. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," reports a Little Bennett visitor. Many campgrounds charge additional fees for premium amenities or weekend stays.
Toilet proximity: Several campgrounds require walking to facilities. "Some engineering genious put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers... keep your shoes handy, its a hike," notes a Lums Pond visitor. Families with young children should consider sites closer to restroom facilities.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers well-designed RV sites. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). This place is a gem, even among nice state parks," shares an RVer. Full hookup sites include water, electric, and sewer connections.
Connectivity considerations: Little Bennett Campground has limited cellular reception. "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi," explains a camper. Signal boosters help overcome reception challenges.
Site leveling requirements: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground requires additional equipment for RVs. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," reports a visitor. Most campgrounds recommend bringing leveling blocks or jacks.
