Camping opportunities near Ellicott City, Maryland extend beyond Patapsco Valley State Park to include unique options within a 30-mile radius. The region's moderate climate allows for a camping season typically running April through October, with average summer temperatures around 85°F. Several campgrounds operate year-round, including Ramblin' Pines which maintains full facilities even during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking trails with varying difficulty: At Hollofield Area Campground, campers can access trails directly from their sites. "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. You can even swim in this river," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient access.
Water activities on Lake Marburg: About 45 miles northwest at Codorus State Park Campground, the 1,275-acre lake offers boating and fishing. "We drove to the public boat launch and rented a pontoon to take on the water. It was blue skies and 85 degrees out and the water felt great," shares a camper who visited in July. Boat rentals are available at the marina.
Urban exploration with metro access: Camp at Greenbelt Park Campground and use public transit to visit Washington DC. A camper explains, "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC." The campground is about 30 miles from Ellicott City.
What campers like
Well-maintained shower facilities: Cherry Hill Park in College Park offers clean bathhouses with hot water. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it," states a reviewer who appreciated the 50-amp hookups, water, sewer, and various recreational amenities including a swimming pool and hot tub.
Privacy between campsites: At Little Bennett Campground, visitors enjoy spacious, wooded sites. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes a camper who stayed for 4 days. The campground features separate loops for RVs and tent camping.
Convenient location near major cities: Campers value spots that balance natural settings with urban access. "Close to everything yet alone in the woods," summarizes a repeat visitor to Patapsco State Park. Another camper highlights, "We have stayed at both the Hilton location of PSP as well as this one. We preferred the Hilton spot, with kids. However, this location is also great."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. At Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine, a keycard entry system requires a "$40 cash only deposit" and check-in is limited to specific hours.
Alcohol policies vary: While some private campgrounds allow alcohol, Maryland State Parks including Patapsco Valley prohibit it. A visitor to Hollofield Area notes, "No alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects."
Height restrictions at some campgrounds: RVers should plan routes carefully when visiting Hollofield Area. A reviewer cautions, "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
Seasonal facility limitations: Many campgrounds reduce services in off-season months. "We arrived at 1am, hadn't made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked. No where on the website does it say it's closed. Very frustrating, especially as a weary traveler," reports a visitor attempting to use Hollofield Area in the off-season.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: The Hilton Area of Patapsco offers exceptional children's facilities. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," shares a parent who found it "perfect for keeping the kids entertained."
Natural play areas: Look for campgrounds with creative play spaces. One visitor to Hollofield Area describes, "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
Mini-cabins for beginners: For families new to camping, The Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers cabin options. "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it,'" explains a camper who found everything reasonably priced.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At campgrounds with close sites, look for end spots. At Cherry Hill Park, a reviewer recommends to "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side."
Level site availability: At Hollofield Area Campground, RVers note that some sites require significant leveling. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," reports one camper who otherwise enjoyed the park's quiet atmosphere.
Limited hookup options: While some campgrounds offer full hookups, others have minimal utilities. At Greenbelt Park, there are "No hookups at any of the sites" but "There's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C." For those needing electric, Hollofield Area offers only "20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank."
