Best Campgrounds near Cockeysville, MD

Cockeysville, Maryland provides convenient access to several established campgrounds within 30 miles, with Merry Meadows Recreation Farm being the closest option just north of the city. The campgrounds in this region accommodate a mix of camping styles, from tent sites to full RV hookups and cabin rentals. Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple camping areas within its boundaries, including the Hollofield Area Campground where visitors can find a mix of electric and non-electric sites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, with many also offering shower buildings and water hookups.

Camping in this region is primarily seasonal, with many state park campgrounds operating from early April through late October. Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area notes a specific operating season from "April 1 to October 30," requiring advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months. The area experiences hot, humid summers and mild to cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Electric hookups are available at most campgrounds, though availability varies by location. "The campground has very minimal road noise and, at least mid-week, is quite quiet. I have heard that weekends can be loud here but I have not personally experienced," notes one reviewer about Hollofield Area Campground.

Campground amenities and experiences differ significantly across the region. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, campers highlight the family-friendly atmosphere and recreational offerings. "The resort is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities. And the customer service is impeccable," reported one visitor. Sites at Patapsco Valley State Park provide more natural settings with varying degrees of privacy. According to reviews, non-electric sites generally offer better spacing and privacy than electric sites, which tend to be clustered closer together. Several campgrounds in the area provide access to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and other outdoor recreation, with Patapsco Valley State Park featuring trails that connect to an extensive network throughout the park system.

Best Camping Sites Near Cockeysville, Maryland (112)

    1. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    19 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 329-6636

    "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

    "Large campground with some good trails.  Will definitely return!"

    2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "Camp site(Tent camping)
    The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :)  It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD."

    "Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."

    3. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $19 - $27 / night

    "It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."

    "This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."

    4. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $24 - $247 / night

    "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice.  "

    "The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail.  The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some.  "

    5. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."

    "We love this home away from home ❤️"

    6. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $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"

    7. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $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."

    8. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina

    8 Reviews
    Abingdon, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 679-0880

    $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."

    9. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    10. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $24 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "Songle car parking spot on the road then a short walk down a hill onto the site. two tent areas and plenty of prime hammock trees. there’s a small deer trail that runs between all of the sites on the water"

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Recent Reviews near Cockeysville, MD

934 Reviews of 112 Cockeysville Campgrounds


  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Hot showers! But no dump station

    Campsite We stayed at M17 after staying at M26 for a night. 17 wasn’t as level and so we had to scrunch to one side of the site to get level. It was closer to the bath house. Overall cozy. Bath house It’s in need of some repairs but don’t let that scare you- these showers are hot and the shower wands are a really nice convenience after using cold push button showers. Lantern flies! Invasive Spotted Lantern Flies are everywhere. I squished as many as I could but keep an eye out and check your gear before leaving! Dump station This campsite doesn’t have a dump station so we went to the Cunningham falls site to dump after leaving and they let us dump no problem. Road noise Since you’re near the highway, there is constant road noise and it’s even worse on the trails but it’s quiet otherwise. Deducted one star for no dump station.

  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    Great non-electric site, no dumstation

    This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill. Surprised there’s no place for someone to park next to the bathhouse - only trails to it- so if you have accessibility needs, consider choosing a site that’s lower in the loop. The site is level and was raked by the hosts before we got there. Really clean and quiet except for some road noise. Showers are SO nice compared to other campsite. Hot water is hot, no push buttons, and there is a shower wand in both stalls. No dump station though!! Dump before you get here. Also if you work remote and depend on service, it’s spotty. Very wooded so Starlink can’t help much. OH- Don’t bother visiting the winery down the road. Ew. Just don’t.

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.


Guide to Cockeysville

Camping options near Cockeysville, Maryland range from waterfront sites at Susquehanna State Park to family-friendly camping at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm. Situated in the Piedmont region at about 350 feet elevation, the area experiences four distinct seasons with spring bringing temperatures from 50-70°F and moderate rainfall. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Ramblin' Pines, which operates year-round even when many state parks close for the season.

What to do

Explore riverside trails: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, campers can access multiple hiking paths directly from their sites. "We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail. The beginning was pretty rough for me, since I was wearing my infant son while navigating an uphill trail, but it quickly evened out," shares one visitor who enjoyed the riverside terrain.

Visit historical sites: The region offers several historical attractions within short driving distance from campsites. "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 reviewer about the historical area of Susquehanna State Park with its working grist mill and mansion.

Fish from your campsite: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, waterfront sites allow fishing without leaving your chair. "You can fish from the pier or right from your site. There appeared to be a boat dock as well," reports one camper. Another mentions, "Catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing :-) Only bait at the camp store or with 25 miles is night crawlers. Bring your own if your a fishing person."

Paddle the waterways: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for kayaking and canoeing opportunities. "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," shares a Bar Harbor visitor who appreciated the easy water access.

What campers like

Natural privacy: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers secluded camping with good separation between sites. "Being just barely off the beaten path, I wasn't expecting all too much from the one night stay over planned heading from New Jersey to Shenandoah in Virginia. I was surprised at the quiet, understated beauty of the forestry around the perfectly level campsite," writes one camper who enjoyed the unexpected tranquility.

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," reports a Susquehanna State Park visitor. Another camper at Hollofield Area Campground noted, "The campground has very minimal road noise and, at least mid-week, is quite quiet."

Accessible recreation: Many campgrounds feature on-site recreational opportunities within walking distance. "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two is the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great. It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children," writes a reviewer who enjoyed the playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and small nature center.

Water views: Several campsites provide direct waterfront access or lake views. "Very clean with showers and wash stations. Great views of the bay and beaches. Very well stocked camp store. We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports a visitor to Elk Neck State Park Campground.

What you should know

Reservation timing: During peak season, advance planning is essential. "This place books up fast!" warns a reviewer about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, suggesting 3-6 month advance reservations for summer weekends. Most campgrounds in the area use reservation systems with availability opening 6 months ahead.

Site surfaces vary: Tent campers should check site surfaces before booking. "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 a Patapsco Valley visitor. At Susquehanna, a camper noted, "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasnt a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table."

Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close during winter months, but alternatives exist. "Open all year," states a reviewer about Ramblin' Pines, while most state parks operate from April through October. Check operating dates when planning off-season trips, as one reviewer discovered at Hollofield Area: "We arrived at 1am, hadn't made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked."

Site privacy differences: Electric and non-electric sites often have different spacing. At Hollofield Area Campground, a camper observed, "The inner loop was completely full, and the sites were just too closely spaced for my preferences. If you're a tent camper and don't need electric, the sites on the outer loop were quite nice and private."

Tips for camping with families

Look for educational opportunities: Patapsco Valley State Park provides nature-focused activities for children. "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," shares a parent. Another adds, "For camping or just spending a day out on the trail with the kids we prefer the Hilton entrance."

Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities: Several area campgrounds feature designed play areas. "This is a very nice small campground that is great for kids!" states a visitor to Patapsco Valley. At Merry Meadows, a camper noted, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."

Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort while still offering outdoor experiences. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" explains a Patapsco Valley visitor who found the cabins perfect for families.

Plan for weather variability: The region experiences quick weather changes that affect family camping. "We camped at site #3, it had a nice huge concrete pad and fire ring," shares a Susquehanna State Park visitor who appreciated the solid surface during wet conditions.

Tips from RVers

Site selection matters: RVers should research site specifics before booking. "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," warns an Elk Neck State Park camper.

Hookup availability varies: Different campgrounds offer various levels of service. "Stayed in the North East loop and there are mini cabins available as well," notes an Elk Neck visitor who found full hook-ups (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) still operating in November when many parks had winterized.

Consider off-season camping: Winter camping offers quieter experiences at year-round facilities. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reports an RVer at Elk Neck State Park.

Access challenges exist: Some campgrounds have difficult entry points. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises an RV camper who still found the waterfront sites worth the careful navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Cockeysville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cockeysville, MD is Merry Meadows Recreation Farm with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.

What parks are near Cockeysville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Cockeysville, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.