Camping options near Monkton, Maryland include several established campgrounds within an hour's drive. The area sits within the Piedmont region with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet, creating rolling terrain that affects campsite leveling at many parks. Fall temperatures typically drop to 40-50°F at night, requiring proper insulation for tent campers from October through April.
What to Do
Fishing from your campsite: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, waterfront sites offer direct access to the Bush River. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well... fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," notes Casey L.
Farm animal encounters: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides unique agricultural experiences. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," shares Mary H. Another visitor adds, "What's better then hanging out camping on a working farm? Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas."
Visit historical sites: Campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring Civil War history. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," says David G. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Another visitor at Round Top Campground mentions, "A list of things we did while staying at RoundTop: Battlefield audio tour, Nighttime walking ghost tour, Battlefield Brew Works."
What Campers Like
Indoor and outdoor pools: Thousand Trails Circle M offers year-round swimming options. "There is an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," reports Leanne B. Another visitor mentions, "They have an indoor pool and spa (spa closed due to Covid)."
Privacy between sites: Some campers appreciate natural separation at Spring Gulch Resort Campground. "Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," notes Laure D. Beth B. adds that despite some maintenance issues, the campground "has potential to be great family resort" with "heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is frequently praised. "The bathhouse had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," reports Phinon W. about Spring Gulch. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, visitors note "clean bathhouses" and a "super clean laundry room and bathrooms."
What You Should Know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the rolling Piedmont region require leveling equipment. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Another camper notes, "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers."
Seasonal operations: Most rv parks near Monkton, Maryland operate on limited schedules. According to campground information, Spring Gulch Resort operates from March 21 to December 1, while Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is open April 14 to October 29.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby facilities. "The nearby shooting range is incredibly loud," one visitor notes. Another camper at Pinch Pond states, "There's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Tips for Camping with Families
Halloween weekend activities: October offers special programming for children. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!" says a camper at Circle M. Similarly, at Gettysburg Farm, a visitor notes, "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely."
Kid-friendly amenities: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers arcade games with rewards. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," explains Melissa Y.
Mini golf options: Several campgrounds offer mini golf courses. "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened...several holes needed maintenance," notes Beth B. about Spring Gulch, while Gettysburg Farm has a "Golf course setup for spooky time of year."
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variation: Water systems differ between rv parks near Monkton. "Water pressure is low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," reports Nick E. about PA Dutch Country. At Bar Harbor RV Park, George L. notes, "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble."
Site selection strategy: Arriving early improves your options at first-come, first-served parks. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots," explains Yamileth K. about Thousand Trails Hershey. "If you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Dump station planning: Some campgrounds offer limited dump facilities. "Only two dump stations for a pretty large park," notes Jen R. about Spring Gulch. Other parks like Circle M offer full-hookup sites that eliminate the need for dump station visits.
