Camping near Edgewood, Maryland offers accessible outdoor experiences within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where elevations generally stay below 500 feet across gently rolling terrain. The camping season typically runs strongest from April through October, with July and August bringing humid conditions that average 85-90°F during peak daylight hours. Most sites require reservations 6-9 months in advance for summer weekends.
What to do
Kayaking access points: Multiple launch areas provide entry to the region's waterways. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, campers enjoy direct water access from their sites. "You are right on the waters edge. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," notes one visitor who brought kayaks and found "the water wasn't but a few steps away."
Hiking to historical sites: The area features trails connecting to preserved landmarks. Susquehanna State Park Campground includes access to a working grist mill and historic buildings. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view," reports a camper who enjoyed the river views from this location.
Mountain biking trails: Networks of unpaved paths cater to off-road cyclists. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area provides access to over 70 miles of multi-use trails. One visitor noted, "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds near Edgewood maintain well-kept sanitation areas. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," according to one reviewer. The individual shower rooms receive particular praise.
Natural play areas: Several parks incorporate natural elements into children's recreation spaces. One camper at Patapsco Valley noted, "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop... aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it." These features provide alternatives to traditional playgrounds.
Water-based recreation: Fishing opportunities exist throughout the region. A visitor to Elk Neck State Park Campground remarked, "There are views of the Elk River from many sites," while another mentioned, "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron." The proximity to water attracts wildlife viewers and anglers alike.
What you should know
Site conditions after rain: Several campgrounds experience drainage issues during wet weather. One camper at Patapsco Valley State Park noted, "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down."
Firewood restrictions: Most parks prohibit bringing outside firewood due to invasive species concerns. A camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm mentioned, "We bought their firewood for $5/crate and it was really wet. It was challenging to get a fire going, which was frustrating."
Seasonal closures: Operating schedules vary across facilities. Susquehanna State Park Campground operates from March 31 to October 29, while others like Elk Neck remain open year-round. One visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When selecting sites, consider distance to play areas. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground commented, "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)," while another advised, "The playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded."
Nature centers: Educational facilities enhance children's experiences. A visitor to Susquehanna State Park noted, "This was our first visit to Susquehanna State Park. It was a popular weekend in mid-september, and there were limited sites available," but appreciated the additional educational opportunities available.
Noise considerations: Sound levels vary throughout campgrounds. One visitor to Elk Neck State Park reported, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!" This demonstrates how some sites provide better technology breaks than others.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configurations: Utility placement varies between campgrounds. At Susquehanna State Park, "There is an electric loop with electric hookup, but no water or sewer. Those can be found at the campground entrance."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain affects setup difficulty. An RVer at Elk Neck State Park Campground noted, "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping."
Off-season advantages: Winter camping offers unique benefits. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground in February reported, "About 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern."
