MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
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RangerCodorus State Park Campground
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I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Camping near Ellicott City, MD
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Patapsco Valley State Park anchors the camping landscape around Ellicott City, Maryland, with multiple developed campgrounds including the Hilton Area and Hollofield Area. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate tent camping, RV sites, and cabin options within a 32-mile corridor along the Patapsco River. Located just minutes from downtown Ellicott City, these state park facilities provide a convenient outdoor escape with varying levels of amenities. Other nearby options include Ramblin' Pines in Woodbine, approximately 15 miles west of Ellicott City, which offers year-round camping with full hookup RV sites, tent areas, and cabin rentals.
Most campgrounds near Ellicott City operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round facilities. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for electric sites and cabins during summer weekends and holidays. A camper noted, "This is part of a super large park that runs 32 miles along the Patapsco River. It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April - one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park." Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some areas have height restrictions that affect larger vehicles. The Hollofield Area specifically has an 11-foot bridge clearance when approaching from the east, requiring RVs and trailers to plan their route accordingly.
Campers consistently mention the extensive trail networks as a primary attraction, with over 70 miles of hiking and biking paths connecting various recreation areas. Sites at Patapsco Valley State Park provide good shade coverage and moderate privacy, though some electric sites are positioned closer together than primitive tent areas. Several visitors highlight the convenience of camping near urban amenities while still enjoying a forest setting. "You are close to Ellicott & Columbia in Maryland and DC," noted one reviewer of Hollofield Area Campground. Facilities typically include clean bathhouses with hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, making these campgrounds suitable for those needing to stay connected while enjoying outdoor recreation.
Best Campgrounds near Ellicott City (111)
1. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability2. Hollofield Area Campground
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability3. Cherry Hill Park
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
from $999 / night
Check Availability4. Ramblin' Pines
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability5. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
from $20 / night
Check Availability6. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."
7. Little Bennett Campground
"Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."
"PROS Very nice small Montgomery County Park
No reservation fee to make on-line reservations
Reserved 137 days prior to arriving
Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"
8. Camp Meade RV Park
9. Codorus State Park Campground
"This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice. "
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
from $20 - $195 / night
Check Availability10. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
from $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 13 min from Baltimore, MD
- 42 min from Washington, DC
- 53 min from York, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Ellicott City, MD
373 Photos of 111 Ellicott City Campgrounds
Jennifer S.
Hollofield Area Campground
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Michelle L.
Ramblin' Pines
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Kristy R.
Cherry Hill Park
Roger W.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
James W.
The Garden
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Ch. A.
Little Bennett Campground
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Shari G.
Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Chrystal P.
Marsden Tract Group Campsite
Recent Reviews near Ellicott City, MD
994 Reviews of 111 Ellicott City Campgrounds
Jeff F.
Scoutkoa Gettysburg battlefield
Nice spot to experience Gettysburg
Friendly staff, well shaded, good size site 23 with easy in and paver patio and sturdy furniture
- MMaybe I.
GuideCodorus State Park Campground
Excellent campground!
The sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
Matt S.
LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
Phillip H.GuideHarpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Harper’s Ferry KOA
The sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
MBOLScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
- FFredrick K.
TravelerMarble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Great place to get some peace and quiet
If youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
- DDebbie W.Scout
Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA
Not as advertised on website. Loose dogs. Sites not as advertised.
Less amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Guide to Ellicott City
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Ellicott City, MD?
Where are the best campgrounds near Ellicott City, MD?
Within 30 minutes of Ellicott City, Hollofield Area Campground offers beautiful campsites along the Patapsco River with access to 70 miles of hiking and biking trails. This park spans 32 miles along the river and features multiple recreation areas. Another excellent option is Greenbelt Park Campground, a basic but convenient National Park Service campground with affordable sites. For those willing to drive a bit further, Cedarville State Forest and Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park offer more secluded experiences with excellent hiking opportunities. Both provide a peaceful forest setting with clean facilities and access to nature trails.
What RV rental options are available in Ellicott City, Maryland?
What RV rental options are available in Ellicott City, Maryland?
While Ellicott City itself has limited RV rental facilities, nearby options make RV camping accessible. Cherry Hill Park in College Park is a full-service RV park with excellent amenities, including comprehensive Washington DC visitor orientation services. It's very clean with good Metrorail access for city exploration. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA is another option within driving distance that accommodates RVs and serves as an excellent base for exploring historic sites in Maryland and West Virginia. For those seeking rentals rather than parks, check with local RV rental companies in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, which offer various models for delivery or pickup.
Which parks in Ellicott City allow camping or outdoor recreation?
Which parks in Ellicott City allow camping or outdoor recreation?
Ellicott City and its surrounding area offer several parks for outdoor recreation. Patapsco Valley State Park provides extensive outdoor recreation opportunities with 70 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and fishing along the Patapsco River. For those willing to travel a short distance, Cunningham Falls State Park offers camping facilities with a nice playground for children and several recreational activities. Other nearby options include Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite on the C&O Canal with convenient parking and easy access to camping sites. These parks provide various recreational activities including hiking, fishing, paddling, and nature observation.
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