Campsites near Baldwin, Maryland offer access to diverse terrain in the Piedmont Plateau region, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-90°F, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions. Most camping locations near Baldwin sit within 15-30 miles of urban centers while maintaining wooded or waterfront settings.
What to do
Hiking trail networks: Susquehanna State Park provides extensive trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "We took a lovely 3 mile evening hike on the trail just down the hill behind the campsite. Scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees, hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see," reports one visitor.
Mountain biking: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers popular cycling routes. "We enjoyed road biking to the nearby H Mart to have fun shopping and browsing their unique selection," notes one reviewer who explored beyond the park boundaries.
Water recreation: Elk Neck State Park Campground provides multiple water activities. "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups... There's a camp store, boat ramp, swimming, fishing and lots of great hiking. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies offer varied fishing experiences. "Spent a few hours fishing in the pond. Lots of wildlife," mentions a Susquehanna State Park visitor. Sites along the Patapsco, Susquehanna, and Pequea Creek provide diverse fishing environments for different skill levels.
What campers like
Convenient bathhouse access: Susquehanna State Park Campground earns praise for facility placement. "We loved that our site had a path directly to the bathhouse. This meant there wasn't any foot traffic from people wanting to shower or use the restrooms. Easy access to the utility sink for dishes, too!"
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature quality play areas. "The playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about," reports a Susquehanna State Park visitor.
Private sites: Select campgrounds offer more secluded options. "We stayed in site 2 of the Beechnut Loop... That said, I think if we had stayed in a site that had a pad for the tent, I would've given this park 5 stars. I docked a star because I'd say about half- maybe more- don't have pads," notes one camper about site selection importance.
Diverse camping accommodations: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm provides multiple lodging types. "We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds in the Baldwin area, especially during summer months. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises one camper. Most sites allow bookings 6-12 months in advance.
Site variations: Tent pads aren't universal at all campgrounds. "I didn't get a chance to check out the Acorn Loop, other than a quick drive by- That is where the cabins are, but it otherwise looked similar. Another reason for 4 stars over 5- not all of the sites had paths to the bathhouse, and the path that they did have was also very rocky and covered in roots."
Seasonal operations: Operating schedules vary across locations. Hollofield Area Campground operates from April 1 to October 30, while Lums Pond remains open year-round with winter camping available.
Weather challenges: Drainage issues affect some locations. "Many of the sites were at the bottom of a hill though, so I'm not sure how that would do in a decent rain," notes one camper about Susquehanna State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Several parks offer unique play areas beyond traditional equipment. At Hollofield Area Campground, there's a "natural playground" featuring "large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
Educational opportunities: Pequea Creek Campground offers environmental learning experiences. "There are few activities on the campground but there are amazing trails in the area. It is very close to the susquehanna river and the cold cave. The campsites are large and include a firepit. They supplied a massive pile of firewood for free."
Campground layout considerations: Choose sites based on proximity to amenities. "For kids, the playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about. That said, this also leaves limited sites that are close to the playground, for families who would like easy access."
Swimming access: Pool options vary by location. At Codorus State Park, "There's no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utilities may be positioned inconveniently. "Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice. There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park.
RV site selection: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers waterfront RV spots. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
Leveling considerations: Pay attention to site descriptions regarding elevation. At Elk Neck State Park, "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. Hollofield Area Campground provides "on-site electric hookup, and amenities including dump, water fill, garbage and recycling easily accessed on the way in/out."
