Susquehanna State Park Campground near Havre de Grace offers traditional tent and RV camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts seeking simpler accommodations than glamping options. The campground features two main loops - Beechnut and Acorn - with varying site sizes and terrain. Several tent sites lack level pads, requiring campers to find flat spots among roots and rocks. The campground maintains clean facilities with recently renovated bathrooms, though some report occasional supply shortages during busy periods. Sites range from open field settings to more secluded wooded areas, providing options for different camping preferences.
What to do
Explore historic sites: The park contains several historical attractions, including a working grist mill. At Codorus State Park, visitors can explore unique local features. One camper notes, "We also did some hiking and fishing nearby in the Boiling Springs/Dillsburg area, and I would recommend checking that area out if you like either."
Fish the local waters: Several park bodies of water are prime spots for fishing enthusiasts. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, anglers have multiple access points. A visitor shares, "Both areas have great access for fishing, and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore."
Hiking trail system: The park offers trails of varying difficulty connecting camping areas to natural features. At Susquehanna, trails lead through mature forests. A camper mentioned, "We hiked the Green Trail, which had a sign saying it was 'very difficult,' but we found it to be no problem for our crew."
Water recreation: Beyond glamping, many visitors enjoy kayaking and canoeing on park waterways. A camper at Gifford Pinchot explains, "Good sized lake for canoeing or kayaking. We've already planned our next camping trip here for next month."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many campers appreciate the tree cover available at certain campgrounds near Fork. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, a visitor noted, "The primitive sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights. The location also kept us fairly bug free."
Honor system firewood: Campers appreciate convenient access to firewood after hours. One camper at Susquehanna reported, "They also sell ice and firewood at the campstore AND there is an honor system with it available to you after the campstore hours."
Playground access: For families seeking alternatives to glamping near Fork, Maryland, playgrounds are a valued amenity. A visitor at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm said, "An old favorite - This campground has lots to offer they have upgraded many of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom cleanliness as a priority. A Lums Pond visitor shared, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the Fork area require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, a visitor advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Variable site quality: Not all sites are created equal at area campgrounds. A camper at Susquehanna warned, "I had chosen this site, based on two factors: 1. It was available and 2. It was close to the playground. Unfortunately, it was most likely available because it was overrun with roots and rocks (no pad for the tent)."
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area have limited operating seasons. At Codorus, camping is available "2nd Friday April to November 1," while Susquehanna operates from "March 31 to October 29."
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for various wildlife interactions. A visitor to the Fork area reported, "This area tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!"
Tips for camping with families
Reserve playground-adjacent sites: Families with children may prefer sites near recreational facilities. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, a visitor recommended, "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."
Pack bug protection: Insects can be prevalent in certain areas and seasons. One camper shared, "After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites. Not the best experience to say the least."
Check bathroom proximity: For families with young children, bathroom access is important. A camper observed, "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, it's a hike."
Bring your own entertainment: While many campgrounds offer activities, having backup options is wise. A visitor at Tucquan Park noted, "This campground goes above and beyond to make you feel like home. The sense of community and welcoming really sold this place to us."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV campers should verify site dimensions before booking. A camper at Ramblin' Pines shared, "We had site 132, which was huge and had nice open flat areas for the tent, there were actually three spots that we could have put it on."
Hookup placement: Check the position of water and electrical connections before setting up. One RVer warned, "We arrived to find what seemed more like a large field! Very few trees, not much shade at all! The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up."
Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds near Fork have uneven sites. A visitor noted, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus."
Full hookup availability: For RVers seeking glamping-style convenience near Fork, Maryland, full hookup sites may be limited. A camper at Lums Pond remarked, "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site—spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved."
