RV campgrounds near Parkville, Maryland tend to be concentrated within a 20-mile radius of the city, offering access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate that averages 42 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures typically reach 87°F with winter lows around 28°F, making April-October the primary camping season.
What to do
Water recreation at Bush River: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides direct water access for fishing and boating. "If you like boating, kayaking or canoeing, this is the place! Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away," notes Janet P. The park includes fishing piers where campers can fish directly from their sites.
Explore historic Gettysburg: Located 60 miles from Parkville, Round Top Campground serves as a convenient base for visiting the battlefields. "We were there to relax but also to explore the town and battlefields. The drive into town was short and had enough road side visuals to keep you from dwelling on the drive," shares Dave R., who completed the battlefield audio tour, nighttime ghost walk, and visited shops around the town square.
Farm animal interactions: Families with children particularly enjoy Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, where campers can participate in scheduled animal feeding. "We fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times. Beyond that though, we found there wasn't too much to do," reports melissa. The working farm keeps goats, pigs, chickens, horses, and llamas that children can interact with daily.
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Many campers appreciate the waterfront sites at several Parkville-area campgrounds. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," notes Casey L. Some sites position campers directly on the water's edge for premium views.
Convenient location for day trips: The area's strategic position allows for multiple regional excursions. "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips," explains Nick E. about Thousand Trails Circle M. Most campgrounds put visitors within an hour's drive of major attractions in Baltimore, Gettysburg, and Lancaster County.
Swimming facilities: Many parks offer swimming options during the warmer months. "The pool was clean and roomy. We enjoyed hours hanging out there," reports Jeremy K. about Round Top Campground. Several campgrounds maintain both indoor and outdoor pools, with Circle M featuring both options for year-round swimming opportunities regardless of weather conditions.
What you should know
Site spacing and arrangements: Tight sites are common at campgrounds throughout the region. "Sites are on top of each other. Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain," warns Elvira A. about Bar Harbor. Similar concerns appear at other parks, with Round Top described as having sites "on a significant hill" with limited views except of other campers.
Seasonal and permanent residents: Many RV parks near Parkville have a high percentage of seasonal or permanent residents. At Camp Meade RV Park, military facilities provide secure accommodation but with particular considerations. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me," notes Elvin J. about the military installation's unique morning routines.
Off-season limitations: Winter campers should expect reduced amenities. "Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season," reports John L., indicating that while some facilities remain accessible year-round, others operate seasonally with limited hours or complete closures during winter months.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities tend to be most successful for family trips. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shares Leanne B. about Circle M, which schedules regular entertainment during peak seasons.
Farm experiences: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides unique agricultural experiences. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," confirms Mary H. The farm allows children to observe and interact with livestock while learning about farm operations, making it educational as well as entertaining.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds offer special themed weekends, particularly during holidays. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!" explains Kasey M. These events typically include decorations, parades, trick-or-treating among campsites, and scheduled activities for different age groups.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: RV campers report varying experiences with utility connections across different parks. "Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain," notes one camper, highlighting the importance of bringing extension hoses and protective equipment for electrical connections during wet weather.
Navigation challenges: Several RV campgrounds Parkville, Maryland and surrounding areas have access roads that require careful navigation. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises Craig Z. Similarly, Drummer Boy's roads are described as "very confusing and difficult to navigate" with many one-way sections that are sometimes ignored by seasonal residents.
Reservation priorities: For RVers seeking premium sites, advance planning is essential. George L. notes that "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble." Most campgrounds allow reservations 6-12 months in advance, with holiday weekends often booking completely within days of opening for reservations.
