Best Campgrounds near Elk Mills, MD

Camping in the Elk Mills area of northeastern Maryland provides a variety of developed campgrounds within a short drive. Several established facilities like Elk Neck State Park and Woodlands Camping Resort offer amenities for both tent and RV camping. The Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, located just north of Elk Mills, provides more primitive options, while Lums Pond State Park Campground in neighboring Delaware offers spacious sites with full hookups. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tents, RVs, and several feature cabins for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, with some campgrounds like Susquehanna State Park operating from March through October, while others remain open year-round. "Clean and well kept grounds, quiet atmosphere. Lums is very small and can be hard to get a weekend reservation," noted one camper about Lums Pond State Park. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with Verizon generally providing reliable coverage at most campgrounds. Many campgrounds in this region feature gated entrances for added security, and the terrain is generally flat with good access roads suitable for larger vehicles and RVs.

Campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at Lums Pond State Park, with one visitor highlighting that "the sites are big and spaced far apart. Lots of privacy." Water features are common attractions, with fishing opportunities available at several locations. The region's camping experience tends to be family-friendly with many campgrounds offering activities beyond just camping. Cecil County Permaculture provides a more rustic experience with primitive toilet facilities and fire pits. Woodlands Camping Resort offers a lake area that receives positive reviews despite some visitors noting dated facilities. The region's proximity to urban areas makes these campgrounds convenient weekend getaways, though some visitors note that surrounding areas outside campground boundaries may feel less scenic or secure.

Best Camping Sites Near Elk Mills, Maryland (100)

    1. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $22 - $40 / night

    "Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."

    "The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    4. Philadelphia-West Chester KOA

    17 Reviews
    Downingtown, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 486-0447

    $59 - $86 / night

    "The campground is located in a beautiful part of the Pennsylvania countryside with rolling hills which meant the roads getting there are narrow and windy."

    "Everything was within close walking distance and the staff were extremely helpful. Pool and bathrooms were very clean."

    5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    6. Woodlands Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    White Hall, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-4414

    7. Cecil County Permaculture

    1 Review
    North East, MD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 945-5492

    $10 - $16 / night

    "Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"

    8. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "If you want starlink, stay toward the entrance of the loop for a good view of the sky. If you want to be away from everyone and don't need a site that has good accessibility, stay in C27."

    9. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    10. Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE

    6 Reviews
    Townsend, DE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 653-6505

    $25 / night

    "The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you’d occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn’t still feel secluded."

    "I was only one in the forest ATM but saw some hikers occasionally throughout the day walking by."

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Recent Reviews near Elk Mills, MD

749 Reviews of 100 Elk Mills Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Fort Washington State Park Campground

    Where George Washington Would've Ditched His Tent PPE

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly 500 acres of lush forest that is perfect for history buffs and nature lovers alike; (2) Potable water and non-flush restrooms available year-round, because even Revolutionary War re-enactors need coffee breaks; (3) Over 3.5 miles of trails leading to Hawk Watch observation decks, which birders will marvel at and the rest of us will simply appreciate the vista; (4) Group tenting area that fits 20 to 100 people that is ideal for clans, clubs or covert woodland think tanks; and (5) Convenient to Philly (25 min), great for escaping crowds while still being able to Uber for donuts.

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No RV or tent-by-the-river solo camping: group-only policy means solo adventurers need to carpool or carry heavy guilt; (2) Bathrooms are primitive and non-flush, so BYOTP as it’s campground chic here, not hotel lobby convenient; (3) Carry-in / carry-out trash policy means becoming one with your garbage until civilization or squirrels show up; (4) Cell service is ‘iffy’ at best, depending on how hard the woods are trying to keep you offline; and (5) No campfire tales about campers as noise is limited and so are late-night s'mores sessions.

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Alverthorpe Private Park

    Urban Camping Bliss

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked just outside Philly that is serene enough to reset your social media–addled brain; (2) Flat, open terrain scattered with tall shade trees makes pitching your tent feel practically pastoral; (3) Surprisingly solid cell signal (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T all wave hello), which is rare in inner-density camping and handy for emergency pizza delivery orders; (4) Short walk to a quaint lake and four-sided chimney for marshmallow toasting that offers low-key charm with built-in ambiance; and (5) Tons of shade completely shroud the entire campground area, so no need to bring those pesky shelters for added coverage. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) No restroom drama on the way in, but once you’re past the control building, basic camping reality bites; (2) Ancient shelter and group pavilion are charming in a ‘needs new plumbing’ sort of way; (3) Reaching the camping area involves navigating uneven steps as you won’t be able to drive to your actual campsite, which is great for adventure, but bad for sprained ankles; (4) Feels like a weekend-only myth where the park closes on holidays and deals in ‘control building hours’; and (5) This place is known to be full of litter and in dire need of some ground maintenance, so you might just want to bring an extra garbage bag and a rake to help out.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.


Guide to Elk Mills

Camping near Elk Mills, Maryland, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Enjoy the scenic trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," highlighting the park's accessibility and friendly atmosphere.
  • Fishing and Tubing: The Susquehanna River near Susquehanna State Park Campground is perfect for fishing and tubing. A reviewer noted, "Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Family Activities: At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, families can enjoy a mini water park, laser tag, and hayrides. One camper shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers at Lums Pond State Park Campground. A visitor remarked, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the large, well-spaced sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA, a guest noted, "Everyone we came in contact with staff-wise was so friendly."

What you should know

  • No Alcohol at Some Parks: If you plan to enjoy a drink while camping, be aware that some campgrounds, like Susquehanna State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed," so check the rules before you go.
  • Busy Weekends: Many campgrounds can get crowded on weekends. One visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground said, "Very busy on the weekends," so consider going during the week for a quieter experience.
  • Limited Phone Service: Be prepared for spotty phone service in some areas. A reviewer at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "Phone service is very spotty."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family-friendly activities. At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, one parent said, "Plenty to do every day and night," making it a great choice for kids.
  • Secluded Sites: Choose sites that offer privacy for family bonding. A camper at Pequea Creek Campground mentioned, "Site had fire ring, picnic table, water and electric," which is perfect for family gatherings.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check for planned activities at the campground. One visitor at Spring Gulch Resort Campground enjoyed, "Live music on the weekends!"

Tips from RVers

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites to avoid hassle. A reviewer at Circle M RV and Camping Resort noted, "Must have leveling blocks," which is essential for RV camping.
  • Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds that offer full hookups for convenience. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground appreciated, "Full hookups on all sites."
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A visitor at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA mentioned, "The campground is very clean with no trash lying around," which is a plus for RVers.

Camping near Elk Mills, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful parks and friendly campgrounds, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Elk Mills, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Elk Mills, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 100 campgrounds and RV parks near Elk Mills, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Elk Mills, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elk Mills, MD is Lums Pond State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 48 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elk Mills, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Elk Mills, MD.