140 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northern Maryland's Manchester area provides a strategic base for exploring diverse camping options in both Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access established campgrounds like Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA and Merry Meadows Recreation Farm in nearby Freeland, MD. The region spans rolling countryside with wooded state parks and private campgrounds that accommodate various camping styles. RV enthusiasts will find full hookup sites at several locations, while tent campers have access to both primitive and developed sites with amenities. The proximity to Gettysburg's historic areas adds cultural significance to the camping landscape, with multiple campgrounds situated near battlefield sites.
Camping seasons generally run from April through October or early November at most established campgrounds in the region. Maryland state parks enforce alcohol prohibitions, unlike many private campgrounds which permit responsible consumption. Summer humidity can be significant, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. As one camper noted about nearby Patapsco Valley State Park, "It has 8 recreation areas and beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking/multi-use trails. There are parks on both sides of the river to explore." Most campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, though some valley locations may have limited service.
Shaded campsites receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region, particularly during hot summer months. According to a camper at Owens Creek: "It was a very hot weekend but the campground is mostly in full shade. We never felt uncomfortable at our site." Many campgrounds feature water access, with Gifford Pinchot State Park offering what one visitor described as "great sites on the lake side where you can get amazing sunset views." Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with state parks typically offering more spacious and secluded options than private facilities. Weekday camping typically provides a quieter experience than weekends, when family groups are more common. Proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC makes this region popular for weekend getaways, with many campgrounds serving as convenient bases for day trips.
"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. "
from $20 - $249 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"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"
from $20 - $89 / night
Check Availability"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"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 ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."
"Located about 4 miles from town it is far enough for that country feel but close enough to be convenient. The camp store was well stocked with basic needs as was the gift shop. "
"This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."
"It also has a lake and cabins available."
from $66 - $127 / night
Check Availability"The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."
"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."
"They were constantly driving past our site. This is the first time I’ve stayed where there were so many golf carts. It was a bit noisy. The site was pretty level and an okay side."
"Great campground, close to Gettysburg but far enough to escape. 2 pools which is a bonus. Many folks have golf carts, as the campground is huge—and you can get turned around easily."
LegendPros- Pool is sparkling clear and new. Mini golf is awesome. Nice people, nice store.
Cons- further from Hershey Park than ideal, lots of seasonal campers leaving for work before dawn in loud trucks, not much privacy, some road noise.
GuideBASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutFrome the moment you drive up the women at the gate is about as welcoming ( as my Pops would say ) "A fart in church.," Great way to start your vacation. Didn't get much better in the office. The one guy that worked there did at least smile at us....
TravelerNice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
ScoutWell maintained campgrounds with thoughtful touches. Staff very friendly and responsive.
ScoutIts such a beautiful campground and very quite and clean showers and bathrooms
ScoutGreat campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Camping sites near Manchester, Maryland offer diverse options across Maryland's northern edge and neighboring southern Pennsylvania. The area sits at approximately 700-800 feet in elevation within the Piedmont region, creating mild temperature variations between day and night during camping seasons. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with several state parks closing water access and certain amenities after late October due to frost concerns.
Battlefield exploration: 5-10 minutes from Artillery Ridge Campground: The campground connects directly to historic sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," notes reviewer MJ B.
Fishing options: Available at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground: The 340-acre Pinchot Lake offers shoreline fishing across multiple areas. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," shares reviewer Danielle V., who recommends bringing your license as "the rangers in this park check."
Horseback riding: Special access at Artillery Ridge: One of the few campgrounds offering equestrian activities. "There is horse rescue on the campground. You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," writes Zack, highlighting this unique way to experience the historic landscape.
Farm activities: Daily animal feedings at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm: Perfect for close animal encounters. "We loved all the animals. We fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times," explains melissa, whose kids particularly enjoyed this aspect of camping.
Lakeside camping: Multiple waterfront options at Gifford Pinchot: Campers appreciate the variety of waterside sites. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs," mentions Danielle V., who valued proximity to water.
Pool facilities: Summer refreshment at Drummer Boy Camping Resort: Multiple pools provide summer relief. "The camp has 2 pools which is a bonus," notes a reviewer named camper F., appreciating the additional water options during hot weather.
Wooded privacy: Common at several campgrounds: Natural settings create separation between sites. "We were in a lovely cabin here while I was in town for work. The cabins are at the top of the hill but that made for a beautiful view and we felt like we were away from everyone else," shares Traci F. about Gettysburg Battlefield KOA.
Recreational amenities: Available at most campgrounds: Many facilities offer extras beyond standard camping. "The park has a lot to offer, especially in the two main day use areas," notes Danielle V., highlighting that Gifford Pinchot offers "an 18 hole disc golf course" along with extensive trails and beach access.
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate April to October: Seasonal weather affects availability and experience. "It was a very hot weekend but the campground is mostly in full shade. We never felt uncomfortable at our site," shares one camper about the importance of site selection during summer months.
Site selection matters: Privacy varies widely at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA: Not all sites offer equal quality. "Sites look to be semi private in a lot of pictures but that isn't the case. We had a full hook up with our 15ft travel trailer. Pretty tight even with my Tacoma," reports reviewer mike G.
Weekend crowds: Expect more visitors Friday-Sunday: Proximity to cities means weekend business. "Quiet during the week, weekends quite busy," notes camper F. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort, a pattern consistent across most campgrounds in the region.
Cash considerations: Required at some facilities: Traditional payment methods persist. "One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I know it's not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us," advises Sharon L. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Playground access: Central feature at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm: Kid-friendly facilities enhance family stays. "The pool area seemed like the place to be. They have upgraded any of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great," mentions Brian S., highlighting family amenities.
Themed weekends: Common at several campgrounds: Special activities enhance family visits. "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely," shares Mary H. about seasonal events at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Educational opportunities: History throughout the area: Learning experiences abound for kids. "We have been to Gettysburg before, but going with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle," explains MJ B. about combining camping with historical education.
Swimming options: Vary by facility: Water access differs between campgrounds. "There is a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake," notes Danielle V. about Gifford Pinchot State Park's swimming areas.
Hookup locations: Check before arrival at Ramblin' Pines: Utility placement can be challenging. "The biggest complaint about our site was that the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly," warns Nancy W., emphasizing the importance of site research.
Road conditions: Varying quality throughout campgrounds: Interior roads affect access. "Roads through the park are fairly narrow with potholes. Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that," reports Nancy W., offering practical navigation advice.
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain: Many sites require adjustments. "Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4"," advises Gregory L. about site conditions at Gettysburg Battlefield Resort.
Golf cart culture: Common at larger facilities: Many seasonal campers use carts. "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," observes Sabrina H., noting this aspect of camping culture at Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Manchester, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manchester, MD is Codorus State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 42 reviews.
What parks are near Manchester, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Manchester, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
Keep Exploring
