Glamping options near Finksburg, Maryland extend beyond the upscale accommodations at Ramblin' Pines and Merry Meadows. Located in the Piedmont Plateau region at approximately 700 feet elevation, Finksburg experiences moderate seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winters around 25-40°F. The area's mix of rolling hills and wooded terrain creates natural barriers between many campsites, providing both privacy and shade during summer camping months.
What to do
Water activities on Pinchot Lake: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy a large 43-acre lake perfect for fishing and paddling. "The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice. Staff was friendly," notes Dawn T. The park features two distinct day use areas with lake access points and multiple fishing spots.
Historic battlefield tours: Artillery Ridge Campground offers unique access to Gettysburg's famous battlefield sites. One visitor explained, "The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded. Amazing location surrounded by the national park." For history enthusiasts, the campground provides "walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly."
Seasonal festivals: Little Bennett Campground hosts special events throughout the camping season. "They had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol," shares Melissa E. from Merry Meadows Recreation Farm. Nearby towns also feature festivals that complement camping trips.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park maintains two 18-hole disc golf courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!!" warns one visitor. The Conewago course offers flatter terrain while the Quaker Race course presents more wooded, challenging holes.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Cherry Hill Park provides spacious campsites with natural screening. "Our site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," mentions Jonathan B. The campground's landscaping and site placement enhance privacy despite being in a developed area.
Clean facilities: Codorus State Park Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. Visitors note "paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms" and "very clean facilities." Another camper shares, "Campground bath houses were very clean, nice hot showers with great showerhead that stayed on without pushing a button."
Family-friendly amenities: At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, families appreciate the recreational options. "They have upgraded any of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great," writes one visitor. Another notes, "The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities."
Natural water features: Houck area at Cunningham Falls State Park offers both a lake and waterfall. "The falls and hiking were beautiful and not too intense that my children could complete the hikes along with us," reports Casey L. The park maintains "plenty of well-maintained hiking trails of varying difficulty."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Little Bennett Campground requires advance planning. "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving," notes one visitor. Many campgrounds in the Finksburg area fill quickly during peak seasons, especially on weekends and holidays.
Variable site privacy: Gettysburg Campground offers different levels of seclusion. "The sites were of ample size and well spaced," notes one reviewer, while another mentions, "The sites are quite packed together." Request specific areas when booking for maximum privacy.
Weather considerations: Camping near Finksburg experiences seasonal thunderstorms and occasional high winds. "Power outage at a lot of the campground Friday night due to a tree down on the power lines," reports a visitor at Merry Meadows. Pack appropriate rain gear and secure loose items at your campsite.
Access restrictions: Some campgrounds implement entry systems that require planning. "The keycard entry system is pretty inconvenient though ($40 cash only deposit!) and the hours are inconvenient as well," notes a visitor at Ramblin' Pines. Check campground policies before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Look for inclusive playground options: Ramblin' Pines features multiple play areas for different ages. "They have a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds," shares Sean M. These varied options accommodate children of different ages and interests.
Select campsites near amenities: At Gettysburg Campground, certain sites offer practical advantages for families. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. Not far to go anywhere walking," explains Kelly J. This proximity minimizes complaints about walking distances from tired children.
Consider educational opportunities: Artillery Ridge Campground connects directly to historical sites. "We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded," shares MJ B., creating natural learning experiences for children.
Plan for evening activities: Many campgrounds offer structured evening programs. "Nightly hayride," mentions Beth R. at Cherry Hill Park. These scheduled activities help maintain children's interest and provide family bonding opportunities without additional planning.
Tips from RVers
Premium site selection: Cherry Hill Park provides different RV site options. "We had a premium site for seven nights," notes Jonathan B., adding that "The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs." Requesting specific site types ensures adequate space and amenities.
Utility considerations: At Little Bennett Campground, RVers appreciate the full hookup options. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," reports Ray & Terri F. Their review also notes, "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars)," providing crucial connectivity information.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable parking. At Merry Meadows, a visitor notes, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back." Pack adequate leveling blocks and stabilizers for uneven terrain.
Size limitations: Check campground restrictions before booking. "Very nice pull through site for our 21ft popup. Site was pretty level," mentions Brett D. at Artillery Ridge Campground. Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs, so verify length limits and turn radius requirements.
