Best Campgrounds near Bel Air, MD

The area around Bel Air, Maryland has several good camping spots within easy driving distance. Elk Neck State Park Campground sits about 20 miles away, with mostly level gravel pads and a quiet atmosphere. The staff there tends to be helpful and the natural setting is nice without being over-the-top. Lums Pond State Park Campground is known for its spacious sites that aren't right on top of each other, plus full hookups and clean, updated bathrooms. Many families camp here because there's plenty for kids to do. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground works well for families or people new to camping, with decent space between sites and reliable bathroom buildings. Right now, campers should know about the toxic algae in the lake, which means swimming and some water activities aren't possible. Weather around Bel Air changes with the seasons - spring and fall are usually the nicest for camping, summers can get hot and sticky, and winters can be cold. Remember to store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Each park has different things going for it - hiking trails, fishing spots, and places to launch boats. These campgrounds work for both tent and RV camping, but you might want to book ahead, especially during busy times when sites fill up quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Bel Air, Maryland (101)

    1. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    58 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "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. "

    "Surrounding area

    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    2. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    14 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"

    3. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina

    8 Reviews
    Abingdon, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 679-0880

    $70 - $90 / night

    "This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we’re told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."

    "Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."

    4. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    18 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 329-6636

    "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

    "Large campground with some good trails

    Will definitely return!"

    5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    25 miles
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    6. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    7. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    8. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

    9. Camp Ramblewood

    1 Review
    Darlington, MD
    12 miles
    +1 (410) 457-4228

    $76 / night

    "Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."

    10. Pequea Creek Campground

    13 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4587

    "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."

    "Nice quite spot secluded off the beaten path. Campsites have plenty of room and give you options to be along the creek or tucked back in the trees."

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Showing results 1-10 of 101 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bel Air, MD

807 Reviews of 101 Bel Air Campgrounds



Guide to Bel Air

Camping near Bel Air, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the great outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing in the lake. A reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Historical Sites: Visit the Gettysburg area while staying at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA. One camper said, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries," making it a perfect spot for history buffs.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are immaculate."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Codorus State Park Campground stated, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities available at campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park. One reviewer mentioned, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

What you should know

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "NO alcohol allowed," so plan accordingly.
  • Site Proximity: Campers at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned that "sites were close together," which might be a concern for those seeking privacy.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds, such as Tuckahoe State Park Campground, are only open from March to November. A visitor shared, "We love this campground," but be sure to check the seasonal dates before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lums Pond State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "Great secluded campground, peaceful," making it ideal for families.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed "mini golf and a few other games," which kept the kids entertained.
  • Check for Play Areas: Campgrounds with playgrounds, like Cherry Hill Park, are great for kids. One parent noted, "There is also plenty to do for the kids."

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Campers at Codorus State Park Campground appreciated the full hookup sites. A reviewer mentioned, "They do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
  • Be Mindful of Site Size: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A visitor at Owens Creek Campground advised, "Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailer."
  • Check for Amenities: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park offer amenities like a camp store and clean bathrooms, which RVers find convenient. One camper said, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

Camping near Bel Air, Maryland, provides a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot for you to enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bel Air, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bel Air, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 58 reviews.

What parks are near Bel Air, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Bel Air, MD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.