RV camping near Catonsville, Maryland offers convenient access to both rural retreats and urban attractions. Located in the Patapsco Valley region, this area experiences moderate summers with average highs around 87°F and mild winters with lows rarely dropping below 25°F. While most campgrounds remain open year-round, several seasonal facilities close between November and April due to potential freezing conditions.
What to do
Historic exploration: 30 minutes from most campsites. The Gettysburg Battlefield provides extensive history learning opportunities just an hour from Catonsville. "Visiting the outlets or Gettysburg battlefield is close by. I would stay here again," notes one Drummer Boy Camping Resort visitor. Alternatively, explore nearby Baltimore's heritage sites.
Water recreation: Available at riverside campgrounds. Several campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing or boating. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well... Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks."
Farm activities: Interact with animals at select campgrounds. Some RV parks include working farms with animal interaction opportunities. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. Another camper adds, "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Premium sites available at select parks. The riverside sites receive consistently positive feedback. One Bar Harbor RV Park visitor noted, "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." Others appreciate fishing opportunities directly from campsites.
Convenient DC access: Direct transport options available. RV campers value the ability to visit Washington DC without moving their rigs. At Cherry Hill Park, "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5."
Military facilities: Available for eligible personnel. Service members appreciate dedicated military campgrounds with secure settings. At Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp, visitors note "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance." Another reviewer mentioned, "Spent several nights here while visiting Washington DC. You need military credentials. Handy to the DC Metro Transit system."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Common at several facilities. Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain requiring preparation. "Our site was unlevel and poorly maintained," notes one Round Top Campground visitor. Bring adequate leveling blocks, particularly at older facilities.
Seasonal closures: Affect many campgrounds outside major parks. While premium parks like Cherry Hill operate year-round, seasonal patterns affect availability. At Gettysburg Campground, the season runs from "Early Apr to Mid Nov," requiring winter camping alternatives.
Long-term resident concentrations: Common at year-round facilities. Several parks accommodate extended-stay campers alongside vacationers. "There seemed to be a lot of long term/permanent residents, but most sites along the waterfront remained open," notes one Bar Harbor RV Park visitor. Similarly, at Ben Franklin RV Park: "Some mobile homes and a lot of pipeline workers staying here."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: Seasonal operation at most parks. Swimming pools offer summer recreation but typically close during cooler months. A Round Top Campground visitor noted, "Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season." Verify pool status before promising swimming to children.
Playground access: Varies significantly between facilities. Family campgrounds offer varying play equipment quality. One reviewer critiqued, "In my opinion as a mom of small kids maybe the worst part was that there was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it) and it was very junky and run down."
Kid-friendly activities: Schedule considerations important. Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities requiring planning. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, campers experience "yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on. The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful approach. Several RV sites near Catonsville have difficult access roads. "Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that and went whichever way they wanted, especially those in golf carts," warns one Drummer Boy visitor. Plan arrivals during daylight hours.
Hookup positioning: Varies between campgrounds. RVers note inconsistent utility placement at some parks. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)," reports one camper. Bring extra-length hoses and power cords.
Space limitations: Premium sites offer more room. Site dimensions vary significantly between parks and within the same facility. At Cherry Hill Park, visitors recommend: "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side."
