Join the fun near Fort Howard. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Fort Howard is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Fort Howard and user-submitted reviews.
The Rustic Cabins are closed due to renovations. Disturbances associated with construction should be expected Monday-Friday in the Fall of 2023-Fall 2025
Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. It makes for great camping near Washington. The park has 2,370 acres of land and includes 250 campsites, 4 youth group sites and 15 cabins. Varied landscapes include marshlands, heavily wooded areas, white clay cliffs, and sandy shorelines.
Elk Neck State Park is divided into four areas. Turkey Point Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula. North East Beach Area and Picnic Shelters is a popular day-use area located in the western portion of the park and features a swimming area, canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and grills. Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility offers public boating access to the Elk River, and fishing piers. The Elk River Camping Area is located on the eastern portion of the peninsula and offers over 250 campsites, 15 cabins (9 mini/camper cabins and 6 rustic cabins), a youth group camping area, park store, playground, and a nature center.
$21 - $55 / night
Cherry Hill Park is a family-owned and operated campground that has been in the Gurevich family for 5 generations. We offer premium amenities, friendly service, and a wide variety of lodging - everything from tent & RV sites to premium log cabins and glamping pods and yurts. Our concierge and tours program makes it easy for guests to access downtown Washington, DC, by bus, Metro train, and guided tours. We love hosting guests from all across America, from all over the world, and from just down the road in our home state of Maryland.
$101 - $999 / night
$21 - $50 / night
Hilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
$20 - $51 / night
Greenbelt Campground is an urban oasis just 10 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its safety, affordability, peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality. Each campsite includes a picnic table and combination grill/campfire ring. Campsites have been improved using your camping fees to include new picnic tables and grills.The campground does not have water or electric hookups (primitive campground).A Loop is a Scout loop, youth or group Loop only. There is a RV limit of 30 feet (including tow vehicle) in B Loop and limited availabilty for larger vehicles (35 feet including tow vehicle) in D loop.
The trails are open. Ten miles of hiking trails meander through Greenbelt Park, including Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood and Blueberry Trails. Sweetgum Picnic Area is located 1.5 miles from the campground, with playground equipment and public picnic tables.
Situated in suburban Maryland, Greenbelt Campground is forested with a pleasant mix of pine, oak and maple trees, which give way to a colorful autumn season. Mountain Laurel blooms throughout the park in May. Still Creek flows through the site, where deer and chipmunks are commonly seen.
This location is staffed. Please call (771) 208-1588 to speak with local staff.
Greenbelt Campground is surrounded by a myriad of fun and interesting attractions. Washington, D.C. and its famed historic sites are just 10 miles from Greenbelt. Goddard Space Flight Center is 3 miles from the park and the City of Greenbelt is 1 mile away. The Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System can be accessed 1.5 miles from the park, and major shopping centers are located within 1/2 mile away from the park entrance.
$20 / night
The Hollofield Area of Patapsco is located almost in the center of the Park along Rt 40 (Baltimore National Pike) making it a great place for camping near Washington. Home to The Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters and one of two campgrounds in the park, This area is perfect for a family gathering or a quick picnic lunch while on your lunch break from work. The Ole Ranger Trail or Peaceful Pond trail provide a quick respite or workout in a beautiful setting just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Baltimore. Anglers can gain access to the river by following Union Dam trail down to the river.
The Hollofield Area boasts one of the most stunning views of the Patapsco River Valley. The Overlook changes with every season from the brilliant greens of spring to the rich colors of fall. This is a perfect place to view the changing blanket of the seasons. You can see historic Rt. 40 Bridge to the North. You can see the River peek through when the leaves fall from the trees in winter. In the spring new green leaves blanket the valley and in fall the patchwork of color provides spectacular views of the Patapsco River Valley.
Our campground is a little piece of wilderness in the middle of suburban Baltimore. While occasionally you can hear the buzz of cars along Rt. 40 or see a nearby neighborhood through the trees, you really feel like you’re away from everyday trappings enjoying the great outdoors when camping with us.
The Hollofield campground has 73 campsites, some with electric hookups. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. All equipment must be positioned on the designated camping pad and driveway.
$19 - $27 / night
Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet country stream bordered for most of its length by wooded marshlands, runs through the length of the park. A 60-acre lake offers boating and fishing.
The park has 20 miles of scenic hiking, biking and equestrian trails, flat water canoeing, hunting, picnicking, as well as a recycled tire playground for children.
Activities include day camps, canoe trips, Scales & Tales presentations and displays. Each weekend, Memorial Day through Labor Day, park staff offer a number of free family activities. Check out flyers posted throughout the park or call the park office for more details.
Accessible picnic areas, visitors' center, playgrounds, restrooms, campground facilities, and hunting areas are very popular.
$21 - $70 / night
The newly-renovated campground offers sites with three-point hookups (water, electric and sewer), as well as four horse campsites without hookups. If you prefer a bed to a bedroll, stay in one of our yurts! These round stationary structures with canvas walls feature a single and double bed bunked together, a double bed-sized futon, an outdoor seating area, and outdoor deck. Campgrounds at Cape Henlopen, Killens Pond, Lums Pond and Trap Pond State Park are open year-round. The Cottages at Indian River Marina are also open year-round, and the campground at Delaware Seashore State Park is open year-round, although during the winter months, it is open for self-contained units only. The Division of Parks and Recreation has a Central Reservation Service. Although reservations are not required, we strongly recommend that you make one to ensure that accommodations are available. There is no additional expense to make a reservation. Reservations can be placed for campgrounds, cabins, yurts, the Cottages at Indian River Marina, and Fort Delaware tours, and Killen's Pond Waterpark..
$6 - $42 / night
The park has two Youth Group Camping sites that are strictly for official youth groups only. The youth group camping sites are open from the beginning of April through the beginning of November. These rustic camping sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. Each site has a small picnic shelter with two tables and a grill. Download a Youth Group Pass application online.
If your youth group would like to do a service project during your stay, please call the park two weeks before the date of your arrival and speak with the volunteer coordinator to set up a project.
Make youth group camping reservations on-line for Sandy Point State Park or call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267).
The Rustic Cabins are closed due to renovations. Disturbances associated with construction should be expected Monday-Friday in the Fall of 2023-Fall 2025
Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. It makes for great camping near Washington. The park has 2,370 acres of land and includes 250 campsites, 4 youth group sites and 15 cabins. Varied landscapes include marshlands, heavily wooded areas, white clay cliffs, and sandy shorelines.
Elk Neck State Park is divided into four areas. Turkey Point Lighthouse is located at the southern tip of the Elk Neck Peninsula. North East Beach Area and Picnic Shelters is a popular day-use area located in the western portion of the park and features a swimming area, canoe/kayak launch, picnic shelters, picnic tables, and grills. Rogues Harbor Boat Launch Facility offers public boating access to the Elk River, and fishing piers. The Elk River Camping Area is located on the eastern portion of the peninsula and offers over 250 campsites, 15 cabins (9 mini/camper cabins and 6 rustic cabins), a youth group camping area, park store, playground, and a nature center.
$21 - $55 / night
Cherry Hill Park is a family-owned and operated campground that has been in the Gurevich family for 5 generations. We offer premium amenities, friendly service, and a wide variety of lodging - everything from tent & RV sites to premium log cabins and glamping pods and yurts. Our concierge and tours program makes it easy for guests to access downtown Washington, DC, by bus, Metro train, and guided tours. We love hosting guests from all across America, from all over the world, and from just down the road in our home state of Maryland.
$101 - $999 / night
$21 - $50 / night
Hilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
$20 - $51 / night
Greenbelt Campground is an urban oasis just 10 miles from Washington, D.C. This beautiful, wooded park is known for its safety, affordability, peaceful surroundings and National Park Service hospitality. Each campsite includes a picnic table and combination grill/campfire ring. Campsites have been improved using your camping fees to include new picnic tables and grills.The campground does not have water or electric hookups (primitive campground).A Loop is a Scout loop, youth or group Loop only. There is a RV limit of 30 feet (including tow vehicle) in B Loop and limited availabilty for larger vehicles (35 feet including tow vehicle) in D loop.
The trails are open. Ten miles of hiking trails meander through Greenbelt Park, including Perimeter, Azalea, Dogwood and Blueberry Trails. Sweetgum Picnic Area is located 1.5 miles from the campground, with playground equipment and public picnic tables.
Situated in suburban Maryland, Greenbelt Campground is forested with a pleasant mix of pine, oak and maple trees, which give way to a colorful autumn season. Mountain Laurel blooms throughout the park in May. Still Creek flows through the site, where deer and chipmunks are commonly seen.
This location is staffed. Please call (771) 208-1588 to speak with local staff.
Greenbelt Campground is surrounded by a myriad of fun and interesting attractions. Washington, D.C. and its famed historic sites are just 10 miles from Greenbelt. Goddard Space Flight Center is 3 miles from the park and the City of Greenbelt is 1 mile away. The Washington, D.C. Metro Transit System can be accessed 1.5 miles from the park, and major shopping centers are located within 1/2 mile away from the park entrance.
$20 / night
Scout
This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground. Living nearby but storing my popup camper elsewhere, I often park my camper here for a few days while I pack it for a trip. It's also just nice to experience that "getaway" feeling without being too far from home. Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here. No electric or hook ups. There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground. Showers and bathrooms are basic and clean. Oh, and bonus, the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park. https://discoverytrail.org/
ScoutSites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly.
Scout
super pretty. shower up in the dark but was super easy to navigate with a map. people super friendly.
Ranger
They have renovated the beach and per my friends, the fencing protecting the area is new, but needed. The sites are too close to each to each other and people were blaring their music. The bathhouse needs updating. Not enough fire rings and if you don’t have one and the campground is full, you’re out of luck. Saw an otter one night!
Guide
I love this campground very much. I called the office book my reservation, the representative put me in Acorn loop.
When I arrived by the late evening, there are only two camper in a huge site. Then I drove to Butterfly loop, this site have much more peoples, some camper tell me, the Ranger will coming soon; finally the ranger help me move my site into the Butterfly loop. From my experience, better book campsite by yourself online, then you have an idea this site how many occupancy.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F.
Traveler
Staying in the overnight section was just OK. Only 4 50 amp spots, luckily we secured one. No sewer hookup, but there is a dump station in the seasonal/ permanent section. The campground is gated and that is nice, because the surrounding area is not great. *Highlight- super fun restaurant very nearby, great food, live music, on the Elk river. Restaurant is Unwind on the Water.
Guide
Good near by camping less then 90 minutes from me. Relatively quiet campsite, family friendly. We stayed in site 38 on the Acorn loop, which had a fair amount of roots and took some work to get leveled , but was manageable once the camper was leveled. Electric worked great. Hiking trails were infested with yellow jackets and stung myself and my wife while hiking. Also Steppingstone farm was closed , but was not indicated on the website prior to camping. If you like beer I recommend checking out Hopkins Brewery, which is about 8 minutes away from the campsite.
Scout
Granted it’s a Yogi Bear campground, so the kids were expected. However, adults carrying on well beyond the 11pm quiet time, outrageously loud hay rides well past 9pm on Friday, combined with a ton of golf carts and under age drivers it’s unanimous, we won’t be back.
Guide
We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay. The campground is well maintained and the sites are great. We have a small travel trailer and our site was pretty level and nicely private. We backed up to a hiking trail which was nice. There's lots to do here. There's a disc golf course and the camp store has discs available to use. We've never played before but had a blast learning, now we're hooked. We also enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds. There's an arboretum and horse riding trails. We will definitely be going back!
Scout
I've stayed at Cordorus a number of times as it's not too far away for a weekend getaway. Last time was in Sept. 2023 when some tropical storm poured rain for three days. I'm booked for next weekend now in Sept. 2024, so I hope it's a dry one. I pulled up The Dyrt to see if anything has changed, but I see it's still the great place it always is.
I usually end up in a dry site as I book late and the electric sites are all filled.
Traveler
Fun weekend trip very close to DC. Well kept park with lots of activities for kids - jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal carts, arts and crafts. Nice little game room and some outdoor games at the activity center as well. Full hookup spots in the D loop were pretty nice. The spots in the first half of the loop felt a little close together for my taste, but our spot (D61) was nice as we didn’t have any neighbors on one side. Only complaint is that it’s pricey and has a two night minimum on weekends, but felt worth it with all the activities that were available.
RangerCodorus state campground provided a comfortable and quiet stay. The trailer sites in loop C are spacious enough with plenty of shades and trees. The open field pet friendly sites are also large but provide no shade and it gets hot! You can feel the difference between these sites and the interior loop sites. No cross winds, no breeze, just hot! 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. But be advised, this is a public pool open to everyone and folks start showing up at 7am, separate entrance road and entry fee was around $10 pp. The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore. No swimming allowed anywhere but you can find places to sneak a dip 😉 just look past marina near state park public recreation area. The park staff won’t give you a hard time they just ask that you don’t go further than waist deep. It is a very large lake. We highly recommend that you rent a pontoon boat to head out and explore! Very worth it! All grounds and areas are clean and kept in great condition.
TravelerThis campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another. The camping area is away from the main parts of the park through gates, so you won't be bothered by non-camp traffic. A few hiking trails lead to many more extended trails, but it is a steep slope down to the river.
Scout
If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and, tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be. Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself. My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I. The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space. There is not enough I can say about this place. It was definitely more than I expected. But my agency has worked with the owner in the past on other community support initiatives and she has always been an overachiever. Please come and enjoy this space. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.
Traveler
Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful.
Bath house is located at top of steep hill and bathrooms were not very clean. So if you don’t have a camper to use, you might not like the bath house situation.
I would definitely stay here again due to the beauty and quietness of the camp sites. Thanks Lori and John for a great 4th of July extended weekend!
GuideWe camped here to hike and visit Havre de Grace. For a State Park it's pretty nice. We have a tiny camper so we stayed on the Acorn loop which has a few sites with power. Our site was really good and I love that it had it's own access to the bathrooms. Quite a few of the inner loop sites do. If you're a tent camper Acorn has some very private and secluded sites. Beechnut sites are more open and close to the road. It also seemed more crowded and noisy over there. There is a hiking trail right off Acorn loop which was nice, with options for easy or difficult. The staff were super friendly and the bathrooms were kept clean. There was quite a bit of poison ivy though and we had to keep the dogs on tight leashes. Phone service is very spotty but if you wander around Beechnut you can pick some up. Lots of great hiking and there are a couple of great tubing and fishing areas. I would camp there again.
Guide
We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC. Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well. We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit We also did 2 tours with Cherry Hill, which were good overviews of the featured sites. Nicely stocked store, great cafe onsite, and clean bathrooms and showers were great features. Swimming pools pretty crowded so we didn't use. Still, very happy with site, partial shade too. Would return to Cherry Hill.
Scout
Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!
TravelerWe were going to a family reunion. So we brought our "mobile hotel room" with us. In D loop, they were long sites, clean, and a nice woods buffer between sites. Also, full hookups. We were quite pleased for a reagenal park.
Scout
FANTASTIC Campground!! Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean! Showers good; cost 50¢ for 6 min, but that's fine...ensures enough hot water for everyone and no waste. Most of all, I really liked the campground managers, Scott and Mandy!! They are extremely helpful and friendly, and all around great people!!
Traveler
Chicken was easy and the Rangers were helpful. We stopped here to go tour Washington DC. We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level.
TravelerGreat bathrooms all singles w showers. Lots of fun things to do. Pretty peaceful despite being crowded and not overly scenic campsites. A bit on top of each other. Site 43 had good location, electric and trees. But was a very pokey gravel pad, a bit uncomfortable if you don’t have good mattress. Interior sites, less scenic but some have more grass. But also more slope. 43 was pretty flat.
TravelerThis is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it. Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring college park. The campsites are pretty close together, we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite. And there is not a ton to do within the park itself -- there are a few picnic areas, a pretty unimpressive small playground, some nature/walking trails, and that's about it.
But it is a pretty nice campground -- campsites and showers seem clean and well maintained, bathrooms are fine and you're never far away from one. Rangers come around regularly to check on things and every one we interacted with was extremely friendly. I don't think there's anything comparable so close to DC, so if you're in the DC area and just want someplace close by for a short camping trip, or are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill. As soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by, and very close to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
GuideLori was great with booking process, the general store has ice, and anything else you could forget. They deliver firewood to your site. We brought our 7 year old and we visited the playgrounds, hiked the trails and explored the creek area. Boat ramp near by, we had site 54 which was nice and private. Site had fire ring, picnic table, water and electric. 25 mins from dt Lancaster which we visited as well. I’d definitely stay there again.
Traveler
Tried to reserve a site for August. Was told they only do long-term rentals.
Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.
Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland, offers a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. With various campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Howard, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews.
What parks are near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Fort Howard, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
