111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
"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"
"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 - $249 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutFrome the moment you drive up the women at the gate is about as welcoming ( as my Pops would say ) "A fart in church.," Great way to start your vacation. Didn't get much better in the office. The one guy that worked there did at least smile at us....
TravelerThere are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
TravelerNice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
ScoutGreat campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
ScoutThe grounds are poorly kept. It is mostly occupied by what appears to be abandoned seasonal sites. There is no WiFi. Service is spotty. Management seems inconsistent on enforcing rules and tends to be less favorable to campers visiting for a weekend.
RangerI 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 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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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?
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?
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?
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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