Best Campgrounds near Conowingo, MD
The Susquehanna River corridor surrounding Conowingo, Maryland features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. Susquehanna State Park Campground, located just south of Conowingo Dam, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins with seasonal operation from March through October. Nearby Elk Neck State Park offers year-round camping options with waterfront views on a peninsula between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River. Several private campgrounds like Pequea Creek Campground and Muddy Run Recreation Park extend the camping options across the Pennsylvania border, creating a tri-state camping region that spans Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
Reservations are essential during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly, particularly at Elk Neck and Susquehanna State Parks. Many campgrounds in the area maintain seasonal operations, with limited winter availability outside of Elk Neck. According to one camper at Susquehannock State Park, "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." The dam area attracts wildlife enthusiasts, particularly during winter months when bald eagles congregate. Road access varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of narrow country roads that can be challenging for larger RVs.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, with campers noting the opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Susquehanna River and its tributaries provide numerous water recreation options, though swimming access is limited in some areas. Bathhouse facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering more recently renovated facilities. One reviewer of Pequea Creek Campground noted, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." Site privacy differs significantly between campgrounds, with some offering well-spaced, shaded sites while others place units in closer proximity. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though some valley locations may experience limited coverage.
