Camping options near Ellicott City, Maryland offer access to both the Chesapeake Bay watershed and Piedmont region terrain. Elevations range from 200 to 500 feet above sea level, creating varied camping environments within a 30-mile radius. The area experiences distinct seasons with humid summers that regularly exceed 85°F and relatively mild winters, allowing for extended camping seasons at most facilities.
What to do
Explore historic Gettysburg: Located about 60 miles from Ellicott City, Drummer Boy Camping Resort provides a convenient base for battlefield tours. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," notes camper David G.
Farm animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature interactive farm experiences for all ages. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can participate in daily animal feedings. "We enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," shares Kasey M.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer direct water access for boating, fishing, and swimming. At Harpers Ferry Campground, sites are positioned right on the Potomac River. "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!" mentions Robin W., who appreciates the combination of riverside camping with nearby tubing and kayaking options.
What campers like
Military-adjacent amenities: Military campgrounds like Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp offer unique riverside experiences. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river," explains Jack R.
DC proximity: Many campers choose RV sites near Ellicott City, Maryland as a base for Washington DC exploration. According to Jennifer H. from 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."
Privacy options: While some parks feature closely spaced sites, others offer more secluded camping spots. Laure D. describes her experience at Drummer Boy: "Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage. There is a large seasonal section and lots of activities."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds in the region have peak periods, especially during summer months and fall foliage season. At Round Top Campground, John L. noted, "Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season."
Noise factors: Train tracks and highways near some campgrounds create periodic noise. Sherri C. observed at Harpers Ferry Campground: "The river views were amazing, but face the other way and you're looking at a 15 or so foot CSX rail line berm. The trains that come through here almost hourly range from quick commuter MARC or Amtrak trains to long freight trains."
Water management: Some RV sites experience drainage issues during wet periods. At Round Top Campground, one camper reported "issues with the water" and noticed low water pressure at their site, which affected their camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Outdoor activities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically feature multiple recreation options. As camper melissa notes about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "The kids LOVED the animals and we fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times. Beyond that though, we found there wasn't too much to do. There was a nice little store with hand dipped ice cream."
Pool availability: Swimming pools are highly valued amenities during summer months. At Cherry Hill Park, visitors appreciate the extensive water facilities. Beth R. lists among the pros: "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride."
Site selection strategy: For maximum comfort, research specific site characteristics. Jeremy K. advises about Round Top Campground: "Wife and I decided to use this campground as our 'maiden voyage' in our new TT. While the site was shaded, it was also on a significant hill and had NO view of anything but other seasonal campers."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many RV sites in the region require additional equipment for proper setup. One RV owner at Fort Belvoir notes, "Good site, secure location, decent facilities with solid WiFi. Pier within walking distance. Good location, tho our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Hookup positioning: At some campgrounds, utility connections are placed in non-standard locations. Charles S. reported at Round Top Campground that "Water and electric are in award spot on our site," which made setup more challenging.
Site dimensions: RV sites vary considerably in size throughout the region. Sabrina H. at Drummer Boy Camping Resort comments, "We had a pull-through site with W/S/E, which made dumping, etc much easier than pulling to a dump site... For some places within the campground, it's hard to find regular car/truck parking."
