Best Campgrounds near Bel Air, MD
Camping in Bel Air, Maryland concentrates around several state parks and private campgrounds within 30 miles of the city center. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles northeast near North East, Maryland, and Susquehanna State Park Campground in nearby Havre de Grace offer year-round and seasonal camping respectively. Both accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins with varying levels of amenities. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina in Abingdon provides waterfront sites with full hookups, while Camp Ramblewood in Darlington offers more basic accommodations in a more rustic setting.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the busy summer season from May through September. Sites with electric hookups and water access tend to fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Full hookup sites for RVs are common but limited at state parks compared to private facilities. "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse," noted one visitor about a nearby facility, highlighting the strategic location for exploring the broader region. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some state park campgrounds have narrower, winding roads that may challenge larger RVs. Cell coverage is reliable throughout most of the region, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to the I-95 corridor.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area, particularly at Elk Neck and Susquehanna State Parks where sites near the water provide scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several campers mention the proximity to hiking trails as a major benefit, with Patapsco Valley State Park offering over 70 miles of multi-use trails. A camper at Susquehanna noted, "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland, and are quite secluded in comparison." Noise levels vary significantly, with sites farther from highways providing a more peaceful experience. Most campgrounds in the region offer a mix of wooded and open sites, with shade being an important consideration during hot summer months. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities such as swimming pools, camp stores, and organized activities, while state parks emphasize natural settings and access to water recreation.
