Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area provides cabin camping options within 10 miles of Catonsville, Maryland. The campground's cabins include electricity and heat, suitable for those wanting a camping experience with basic comforts. Sites without cabins feature crushed stone pads that can be challenging for tent staking. During summer months, campers can access cooling relief at the Patapsco River via connecting trails, while winter camping offers a more secluded experience due to lower visitor numbers.
What to do
Explore Turkey Point Lighthouse: Take a short drive from Elk Neck State Park Campground to visit this historic landmark. "The Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby. There are views of the Elk River from many sites," notes reviewer Laure D. The lighthouse trail offers spectacular views of Chesapeake Bay.
Visit Washington DC: Camp at Cherry Hill Park as a budget-friendly base for DC sightseeing. "The best park in the DC area! Very nice grounds, clean, and amenities galore! Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park," explains Jason E.
Fishing and swimming: Multiple parks near Catonsville offer water activities. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park," mentions Catherine H. about Codorus State Park, noting the pool access is included with camping fees.
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: The wooded settings provide privacy at several campgrounds. At Hollofield Area Campground, "You feel like you are farther from things. Bathroom is clean and camp hosts are very friendly. Campsites are fairly close together but not right on top of each other," reports Michelle H.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for their bathhouses. "Camp site was well maintained and very clean. Bathrooms were clean with showers and wash stations," writes Kate J. about Elk Neck State Park. The cleanliness extends to shower facilities at multiple locations.
Accessibility to urban areas: Campers appreciate the blend of nature with urban convenience. "This is our second time to this campground and our first in a new RV. Campground is very close to the Baltimore beltway and basically in a neighborhood but you feel like you are farther from things," notes a Hollofield Area review.
What you should know
Limited full hookup availability: While some parks offer water and electric, full hookups can be limited. At Greenbelt Park Campground, "No hookups at any of the sites. There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C. The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down."
Varied pet policies: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific rules. "There is a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise," mentions Stephanie H. about Washington DC Capitol KOA.
Site variations: Campsite quality can vary within the same campground. "You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises Sean M. about the Patapsco Valley State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Ramblin' Pines offers "a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow. They had mini golf but that is in need of some love," according to Michelle L.
Swimming options: During hot months, water access becomes important. "The jump pillow, pool, splash pad, mini golf, and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends," writes one reviewer about recreational options at Washington DC Capitol KOA.
Nature activities: Many parks offer educational opportunities. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," mentions Angel G.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult terrain. At Little Bennett Campground, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back. Site#D69 gravel parking pad."
Satellite and cell coverage: Tree cover affects connectivity. "There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy. OTA TV was descent using an external omni antenna. There is no WiFi. AT&T 5 MB/s without booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars)," notes Ray & Terri F. about Little Bennett Campground.
Maneuvering considerations: Large rigs face challenges at some parks. "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)," warns a review about Hollofield Area Campground.
