Best Campgrounds near Elk Mills, MD

Searching for the best camping near Elk Mills, MD? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Elk Mills, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Elk Mills, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Elk Mills, Maryland (99)

    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

    79 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

741 Reviews of 99 Elk Mills Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • Barbara P.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    BED BUGS in Cabin

    I believe Cabin 1409 is infested with BED BUGS! After a short stay in this cabin(7/28-7/30) I came home with 80+ bug bites that I'm certain were from BED BUGS. A dozen of them were on my eyelid! My dermatologist gave me a high strength dosage of prednisone to combat the swelling and itching. We promptly advised the property manager, who was sympathetic, but once our claim for damages(mostly items we had to throw out due to contamination) reached the insurance company, the process stalled. It's been 19 days and now the insurance adjuster is out of the office for another week- having provided no updates or feedback on our claim. I wish I had posted this earlier, as I wonder if the cabin that Michael M complained about in his Aug. 4 YELP review was the very same cabin. I had hoped our conversations with the property manager would have prevented additional folks from the same fate. I also wish I had read a few earlier reviews that warned of BED BUGS. I continue to fear an infestation in my home, in the event we brought home nymphs or eggs or the bugs themselves. I'm constantly vacuuming and looking under seat cushions and my mattress. I now dry all my laundry on high for 60 minutes, knowing it's damaging my clothes, but also knowing it's the best way to kill the bugs and their eggs- which can go dormant and survive for a year without biting again. Zero stars. Choose to stay elsewhere!


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 99 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.