Camping options surround Mount Airy, Maryland with convenient access from US-70 and I-270. The area sits at approximately 830 feet elevation in the Piedmont region between the Appalachian Mountains and the Coastal Plain. Winter temperatures often fall below freezing between December and February, making seasonal closures common at many campgrounds.
What to Do
Visit working farms: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm in nearby Dover offers a unique farm experience. "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us," noted one visitor. The farm includes animals like goats, pigs, and llamas that children can interact with.
Historical exploration: Gettysburg Campground serves as an excellent base for battlefield tours. "Close to Gettysburg Battleground," mentions one camper. Another adds, "The drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive. There was also zero traffic (it was late October)."
Water recreation: Access the Potomac River directly from campsites at Harpers Ferry Campground. "It is right on the river so you can go swimming right from your campsite!" explains one reviewer. Another mentions, "There is also great fishing right from your campsite as well."
What Campers Like
Seasonal celebrations: Halloween events receive special attention at campgrounds near Mount Airy. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm noted, "Golf course setup for spooky time of year."
Riverfront camping: "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," writes one camper about Harpers Ferry Campground.
Pool facilities: Swimming amenities rate highly with campers in warmer months. "The best thing about this trip were definitely the pool. It was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there," noted one visitor about Round Top Campground.
What You Should Know
Site layouts vary significantly: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One camper at Round Top noted, "Trees and mountain area is pleasant... Spots are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Drummer Boy Camping Resort operates from April 1 to October 31, and Gettysburg Campground runs from early April to mid-November.
Transportation considerations: At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "Everyone here pretty much has golf carts & drives them everywhere. For some places within the campground, it's hard to find regular car/truck parking."
Maintenance issues: Facilities may show wear during peak season. "The bathhouse could definitely use some upgrading for the money that place probably takes in each season," noted a visitor about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Tips for Camping with Families
Animal interactions: Children particularly enjoy farm settings. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, families report: "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Playground access: "Basketball court recently updated," noted a Round Top camper, while another mentioned that Gettysburg Campground offers "playground and mini golf available."
Creek exploration: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides water access for families. "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: RV sites near Mount Airy, Maryland sometimes have unusual hookup placements. "Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain," reported one RVer about Bar Harbor RV Park.
Leveling requirements: "While the site was shaded, it was also on a significant hill... Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use a extension to get to it," warned a visitor about Round Top Campground.
Arrival timing: For rv camping options near Mount Airy, early check-in helps secure better sites. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "The only downside to this campground is the pick your own spot. We got there later in the evening and it was really difficult to find something in the dark."
