Waterfront camping dominates the RV landscape near Edgewood, Maryland, situated between the Bush and Gunpowder Rivers at the northern end of Chesapeake Bay. Many campgrounds in this region stay open year-round with winter camping available at Aberdeen Proving Ground and warmer months offering water recreation opportunities. Sites tend to fill quickly during fall color season when daytime temperatures hover around 65-75°F.
What to do
Fishing from campsites: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, waterfront sites allow direct fishing access. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," notes a recent visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Waterways accessible from multiple campgrounds provide paddling 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," shares one Bar Harbor camper.
Golfing and games: Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers mini-golf and other recreational activities. "Tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc. Not to mention live music on the weekends!" explains a reviewer.
Beach swimming: Several parks offer swimming options. "In summer there is a beach on the North East River for swimming and the Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby," notes a visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront access: The proximity to water is a major draw. "Peace & Tranquility, waterfront. Fish from your camp site. Beautiful family owned campground. Kinda small but has a lot to offer," describes a Bar Harbor camper.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain good standards despite heavy use. "The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless," shares an Elk Neck visitor, while another notes, "Nice clean bathhouses. Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface."
Family-friendly activities: Thousand Trails Circle M gets high marks for recreation options. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
Seasonal events: Halloween camping is popular in the region. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!"
What you should know
Military options: For qualified personnel, military campgrounds offer economical stays. Camp Meade RV Park provides a secure camping environment. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me," shares one military camper.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," reports an Elk Neck camper.
Crowding on weekends: The proximity to major population centers means weekends fill quickly. "It gets very full on the weekends here," notes a Circle M camper. Another adds, "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Cell coverage was good (att & Verizon), so we had no issues working," notes a camper at Ben Franklin RV Park. Meanwhile, an Elk Neck visitor mentions, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect."
Tips for camping with families
Lighthouse visits: The Turkey Point Lighthouse at Elk Neck provides educational opportunities. "Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends) the light house and the view are definitely worth it," recommends a visitor.
Pool options: Several rv campgrounds near Edgewood, Maryland offer swimming pools. Duck Neck Campground has "a pool and small playground" according to visitors, while Circle M features both "indoor and outdoor pools."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. "The staff was very friendly and so were the people who were staying here as well. The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," shares a Circle M camper.
Off-season camping: Shoulder seasons offer less crowded conditions. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," notes an Elk Neck visitor.
Tips from RVers
Neighborhood navigation: Access routes to some campgrounds require careful driving. "It's a gated park and nestled at the back of a quiet neighborhood," explains a Bar Harbor visitor. Another points out its convenient location: "It's located about 40 min. from Baltimore Harbor, Ravens and Orioles stadiums."
Services and supplies: Know where to find necessities. "Walmart is 10-15 min. away. There is a grocery store, beer store, Walgreens, and a couple restaurants just 5-10 min. away and a 7-11 at the neighborhood entrance," notes a Bar Harbor camper.
Winter precautions: Campgrounds with year-round operations may require adjustments. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. 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," explains a Bar Harbor visitor.
Site selection guidance: Choosing the right site matters. "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," advises an Elk Neck visitor.
