RV camping near Manchester, Maryland provides access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with elevations ranging from 400 to 600 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows near 25°F. Most campgrounds in this region remain open from April through October, with a limited number offering year-round access.
What to do
Farm animal interaction: At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can participate in scheduled animal feeding and visits. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," notes one visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Fishing opportunities: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers waterfront sites with immediate access to fishing. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well. I will say you can tell most people are long term residents. Only the front section is available for nightly booking. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," reports a camper at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Historic exploration: Round Top Campground serves as a base for Gettysburg battlefield visits. "I would say the RoundTop is your average woodland campground. Your standard bells and whistles without too much extra fluff. I would assume the main purpose for most non-permanent visitors is to explore the battlefields and not spend too much time with campground amenities," explains a visitor who took advantage of the location for a "Battlefield audio tour, Nighttime walking ghost tour, Battlefield Brew Works, Visited shops around the square."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate sites that back up to water bodies. "Peace & Tranquility, waterfront. Fish from your camp site. Beautiful family owned campground. Kinda small but has a lot to offer. A nice clean pool, camp store, clean bathroom/showers, full hookups, surrounded by water. Fishing piers, (I love to crab) catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing :-)," writes an enthusiast at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Recreation facilities: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers numerous amenities for all ages. "As previously mentioned, with the term 'resort' there should be a ton of amenities that one conjures up and PA Dutch Country RV Resort does not disappoint with plenty of amenities, inclusive of: 3 fairly massive restroom & shower facilities, Wi-Fi service (at a cost), trading post / camp store, swimming pool, walking paths, clubhouse/office, playing card room, church service, crafts & arts, family bingo, community library, mini golf course, basketball court, horseshoe pits, kids playgrounds."
Pool facilities: Swimming options remain important for summer stays. "The pool was great, especially camping with younger kids. The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn't filthy but also wasn't sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield," notes a visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same. The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills," reports a camper at PA Dutch Country.
Shooting range proximity: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park and several other area campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. "This campground has nice large sites, shade and sunny, full hookups, clean pool, playground, super clean laundry room and bathrooms. The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover. Beautiful grounds and clean. Site is gravel and pretty level. Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes a visitor to PA Dutch Country, which operates from April 14 to October 29.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Thousand Trails Circle M offers numerous family-oriented activities. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig. Laundry is coin or app operated. Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open. There is an indoor pool and spa (spa closed due to Covid). They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!"
Site selection for kids: Prioritize locations near playgrounds but away from roads. "We tent camp here on weekends. Usually check to see what bands are playing or fun activity going on. We live 5 minutes away so it's a nice 'getaway'. Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go," notes a camper at Western Village RV Park.
Pool considerations: When camping during summer, check pool availability and rules. "The sweat bee's were almost unbearable at times. So you better bring the bug spray. Site came with a table and fire ring. Public shower areas on the lower end of the campground were closed. The good parts of the trip were definitely the pool. It was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there," reports a visitor to Round Top Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site location strategy: At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "This park is a huge Thousand Trails owned resort with lots of campsites and tons of amenities. In fact, the park is so large (over 95 acres) that if you are camping with friends make sure you get sites nearby them or else you will need to drive to their site. There are lots of seasonals in the campground with 'stuff' spread out everywhere around their campsites."
Hookup placement: Many campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. "Came in late and had back into a very tight spot. The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite. I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs. For almost $60 a night you'd think it would be a little bit," notes a visitor to Western Village RV Park regarding RV camping near Manchester.
Driving considerations: Some parks have complex internal road systems. "This park is located behind two farms and behind some woods, so you won't be able to see it from the main road. That is great because there was no traffic noise around. The roads are a mix of gravelled area and asphalt. They have an overflow area for those with extra cars and those with tow dollies. This keeps the campground from looking like a junk yard," explains a camper at PA Dutch Country.
