Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area sits in northern Maryland's Cecil County, approximately 40 miles northeast of Parkville. The management area spans 5,600 acres with varied terrain including woodlands, meadows, and several water crossings. Campers can expect moderate temperatures with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 25°F, making spring and fall ideal for equestrian camping trips.
What to do
Fishing at Lums Pond State Park: Located about 45 minutes from Parkville in Bear, Delaware, this park offers great fishing opportunities. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did... Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more)," notes Matt S.
Historical exploration in Gettysburg: Within a 75-minute drive, campers can explore Civil War history. "Amazing location surrounded by the national park. The grounds are nice and shaded, and you don't feel crowded," reports Sean M. about Artillery Ridge Campground, which offers direct access to historical sites.
Hiking diverse trails: Tuckahoe State Park provides extensive hiking options for all skill levels. According to Bill G., "There are a few trails here. Nearby is the Chesapeake bay with all its amenities, an Arbouretum that is a bit over priced. And access to the Tuckahoe River for fishing and kayaking."
What campers like
Spacious sites with amenities: Many campgrounds in the region offer well-designed sites. At Lums Pond, Adam and Suzanne B. appreciated "large and well spaced" sites, noting that "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms."
Family-friendly activities: Gettysburg Campground offers numerous recreational options for families. Kelly J. explains: "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking."
Natural surroundings: Blackbird State Forest provides a more secluded camping experience. "Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood. The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles -- pretty easy to sleep in a tent," reports D R.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Ellen B. advises about Lums Pond: "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have challenging site dimensions. Buck P. warns about Tuckahoe State Park Campground: "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Military access restrictions: For Andrews AFB Military FamCamp, M.B. notes the simple but critical requirement: "Need military id and reservations to go."
Weather impacts: After heavy rains, some trails and campsites can become muddy or inaccessible, particularly in low-lying areas near water features like Tuckahoe Creek or Fair Hill's bridle paths.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities. At Blackbird State Forest Campground, the sites are "spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy" according to a camper named Blind, who added "Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents."
Water activities: Lums Pond offers safe water recreation options. Mark shares, "The day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike."
Educational opportunities: Gettysburg provides learning experiences alongside camping. MJ B. explains: "Spent a weekend at Gettysburg. We camped at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: When traveling with bigger RVs near Parkville, consider campground layout. At Camp Winery, you'll find tent sites but limited RV facilities, while nearby options offer more RV-friendly accommodations.
Hookup configuration: Check the placement of utilities before setting up. Amanda H. noted at one campground: "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Tuckahoe State Park Campground is open "March 25 to November 27," making it unavailable for winter camping trips, while some facilities like Fair Hill remain open year-round for equestrian camping near Parkville, Maryland.
