Best Campgrounds near Elkridge, MD
Campgrounds near Elkridge, Maryland range from full-service RV parks to more rustic tent camping areas, with several options within a 30-minute drive. Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple camping areas including the Hilton Area and Hollofield Area, both providing tent sites, RV spots, and some cabin accommodations. Cherry Hill Park in College Park provides more amenities with electric hookups, water, sewer connections, and accommodations for tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping options. Greenbelt Park Campground, operated by the National Park Service, offers a more natural setting with tent and RV sites but fewer hookups, making it popular for those seeking a more primitive experience while still being close to urban areas.
"This campground is what it is, just a camp site. It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD," noted one camper about Patapsco Valley State Park. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with many sites open from April through October. Patapsco Valley State Park's camping areas typically operate from April 1 to October 30, while some private campgrounds like Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine remain open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend camping during summer months when sites fill quickly. Weather in the region can be humid in summer with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate temperatures. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathrooms, though the quality and availability of showers varies by location.
Campers frequently mention the convenience of camping near urban areas while still enjoying natural surroundings. "If you are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill," one reviewer wrote about Greenbelt Park. The region's campgrounds often provide access to hiking trails, with Patapsco Valley State Park featuring numerous paths along the Patapsco River. Several campgrounds offer water-based recreation opportunities, though swimming is prohibited in some areas like Patapsco River. Sites with electric hookups tend to be more crowded and closer together than non-electric sites. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing occasional aircraft noise from nearby military installations or airports, while others provide more secluded experiences, particularly during weekdays or off-season periods.
