Camping options near Port Deposit, Maryland include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the Susquehanna River. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles east of Port Deposit, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and basic amenities. Susquehanna State Park Campground, situated just south of Port Deposit along the river, provides similar accommodation types with seasonal availability from March through October. Most campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with several offering water recreation opportunities on nearby lakes or the Susquehanna River.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules during winter months. Susquehanna State Park maintains a shorter season (March 31 to October 29) compared to Elk Neck State Park, which remains open year-round. Reservations are typically required at established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, though water and sewer connections vary by location. Bathhouse facilities are generally well-maintained but may be located at some distance from individual campsites. As one visitor noted about Tuckahoe State Park, "One of the downsides to the campground was that the bathrooms were small and far away from the campsites."
The camping experience in this region benefits from proximity to water features and extensive trail systems. Patapsco Valley State Park, though slightly farther from Port Deposit, receives positive reviews for its hiking opportunities and natural setting. A camper described it as having "every kind of camping you can imagine. RVs, tents, youth group, etc." Many campgrounds in the area feature wooded sites that provide shade and some privacy, though site spacing varies considerably between parks. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bird watching. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, with several reviewers noting issues with drainage during heavy rainfall. For families, several campgrounds offer playgrounds and recreational amenities, making them suitable for multi-day stays while exploring the region's natural and historical attractions.
$21 - $55 / night
"I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. ""Surrounding area
There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."
$21 - $50 / night
"The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
$22 - $40 / night
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
$70 - $90 / night
"Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
"This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we’re told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."
"It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground."
"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."
$76 / night
"Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."
"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."
$28 - $72 / night
"The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."
"Some walk in tent sites. There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River."
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
LegendWe spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
ScoutThought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
Camping sites near Port Deposit, Maryland sit at the convergence of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, with elevations ranging from near sea level to approximately 300 feet in surrounding hillsides. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from March through November, with limited year-round options requiring water line winterization during colder months.
Fishing opportunities: Elk Neck State Park Campground offers multiple fishing locations including North East River access. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports one visitor, highlighting the bird watching opportunities while fishing the waterways.
Kayaking and boating: Lums Pond State Park Campground provides easy water access with electric motors only permitted on the pond. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," notes a regular visitor. The 177-acre pond offers paddling opportunities without the strong currents of the Susquehanna.
Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground features trails with river overlooks and woodland paths. A camper mentioned, "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail." Many trails connect to water features or historic sites within 1-3 miles of hiking distance.
Waterfront camping: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, the proximity to water is a major draw. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," notes one visitor. These waterfront sites allow fishing directly from camp chairs.
Wooded, private sites: Susquehanna State Park offers secluded camping spots. "I camped here for just 1 night during a work trip, and was pleasantly surprised with how nice it all was. I chose site 26 I believe, it was very private from neighbors and the road, surrounded by beautiful mature trees," reports a camper who appreciated the separation between sites.
Pool and water amenities: During hot summer months, swimming options become essential. One camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground stated, "The pool and playground were very clean and well taken care of." Several campgrounds offer swimming areas as alternatives to river activities, which can have strong currents during certain seasons.
Variable site quality: Check specific site details before booking. At Muddy Run Rec Park, a camper noted, "We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot that made sitting at the picnic table or camp chairs a bit of a struggle."
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections aren't always conveniently placed. "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away," warned a Muddy Run visitor. Many older campgrounds have widely spaced utilities requiring longer hoses and cords.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. While Elk Neck State Park remains open year-round, facilities may be reduced in winter. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reported a late-season camper.
Playground access: Tucquan Park Family Campground receives high marks for child-friendly facilities. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," shared one family camper. Request sites near playgrounds for easier supervision.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. "This campground goes above and beyond to make you feel like home... This campground features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basketball court," noted a visitor to Tucquan Park.
Disconnected experience: Limited cell service can create family bonding opportunities. As one Elk Neck camper described, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!" Many families appreciate the natural focus without technological distractions.
Site leveling challenges: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offers various site types. "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn't look like all sites had that much cover so be careful," advised an RVer visiting during summer heat.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete utilities. "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," warned an experienced Elk Neck camper.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Bar Harbor RV Park requires driving through residential areas. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," noted one RVer, highlighting the importance of researching approach routes for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Deposit, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Deposit, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Deposit, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Port Deposit, MD.
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