Camping spots near North East, Maryland cluster around the Upper Chesapeake Bay where freshwater and saltwater ecosystems converge. The region maintains moderate temperatures with summer highs averaging 87°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 25°F, making camping viable nearly year-round. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 50-300 feet above sea level, offering varied terrain for different camping experiences.
What to do
Water recreation at Susquehanna State Park: Located 20 minutes from North East, this park offers multiple access points to both Deer Creek and the Susquehanna River. "We hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see! Turned around after I got to the Susquehanna itself. The river was running pretty high and fast, pretty cool to see," notes a visitor to Susquehanna State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide fishing access directly from campsites. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, "You can fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any."
Historical exploration: The region features several historical sites within short driving distance of campgrounds. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat," comments a camper at Susquehanna State Park.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: The area's varied terrain provides multiple trail options. French Creek State Park offers "lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp."
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Several campgrounds offer direct water views or water access. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "There are views of the Elk River from many sites. Stayed in the North East loop and there are mini cabins available as well," reports one camper.
Wooded, secluded sites: Many campsites in the region provide natural buffers between neighbors. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," writes a camper about Susquehanna State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Chesapeake Bay region supports diverse wildlife visible from campgrounds. At Elk Neck State Park, visitors noted, "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," making wildlife spotting a popular activity.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on well-maintained amenities. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
What you should know
Reservation requirements vary by season: While summer requires advance planning, shoulder seasons offer more flexibility. A Philadelphia-West Chester KOA visitor noted, "This was a last minute trip to end the season. Only stayed one night and most of the activities were closed due to it being November."
Site terrain conditions: Many campgrounds in the area have varied site conditions even within the same loop. "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," reported a camper at Woodlands Camping Resort.
Camp store availability: Not all campgrounds provide on-site supplies. At Susquehanna State Park, a camper advised, "The campstore is small (like literally the size of a closet) but had some main essentials. They also sell ice and firewood at the campstore AND there is an honor system with it available to you after the campstore hours."
Cell service varies: Connectivity differs significantly across the region. At Cecil County Permaculture, a visitor reported, "Good reception with T-Mobile!" while at Elk Neck State Park, another camper noted, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated activities: Some locations offer scheduled programming for children. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Quarryville, "Our first year we did a birthday package where they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter. They have the pools and playgrounds and fishing."
Check playground proximity when booking: Site selection matters for families with small children. Regarding Susquehanna State Park, one camper advised, "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."
Consider bath facility locations: Some campgrounds place facilities inconveniently for tent campers. A visitor to Lums Pond observed, "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, it's a hike."
Assess site terrain for tent placement: Rocky ground can create challenges for tent camping. A Susquehanna State Park camper noted, "We had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring. We also had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it."
Tips from RVers
Check site angles for big rigs: Some campgrounds have challenging site approaches. At Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, an RVer warned, "I did have major trouble backing in because the road is too narrow for a 45' motorhome to back in on a nearly 90-degree angle. So difficult, that I cracked the bottom of my front cap catching the grass and gravel beside the grave road."
Winter camping preparedness: Several campgrounds remain open year-round but with limitations. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," reported an RVer at Lums Pond State Park.
Hook-up positions: Position of utilities can affect setup. At Bar Harbor RV Park, a camper mentioned, "Sites are on top of each other. Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain."
Local services: Some campgrounds offer convenient proximity to supplies. A Bar Harbor RV camper noted, "It's 5 min. from Interstate 95. There is a grocery store, beer store, Walgreens, and a couple restaurants just 5-10 min. away and a 7-11 at the neighborhood entrance."
