Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland offers a mix of waterfront and woodland experiences within Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region. Located on a peninsula where the Patapsco River meets the Bay, Fort Howard campers experience mild coastal temperatures with summer highs around 85°F and cooler shoulder seasons in the 60-70°F range. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
What to Do
Historical exploration at Turkey Point Lighthouse: A short drive from Elk Neck State Park Campground provides access to this historic landmark. "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends)," shares David G., who appreciates the historical significance.
Kayaking on the Patapsco River: Launch from designated areas near local campgrounds for peaceful paddling. "This park has a wide range of activities for kids. The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it," explains Anthony S. about Patapsco Valley State Park, which offers river access points for water activities.
Wildlife observation at Eastern Neck Sanctuary: Just 7 minutes from Bay Shore Campground, this sanctuary provides excellent bird watching. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Amazing colors," notes Helen O., highlighting the natural beauty.
Fossil hunting along shorelines: Search for sharks' teeth and other fossils on beaches. Angel G. mentions, "Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth" at Sandy Point, reflecting an activity available at several Chesapeake shorelines.
What Campers Like
Waterfront camping with bay views: Sites directly overlooking the Chesapeake provide memorable camping experiences. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," writes Lisa V. about Bay Shore Campground in Rock Hall.
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed layout at certain parks. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level," reports Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park Campground, noting the privacy between campsites.
Metro access to Washington DC: Urban-adjacent camping options make exploring the capital easy. Laura M. explains: "We packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends," detailing how Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient city access.
Recreational facilities for families: Many campgrounds offer amenities beyond just campsites. Jonathan B. notes that Cherry Hill Park has "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures impact availability: Most parks operate from April through October with limited winter options. "Open 3/1/2019 - 11/30/2019" is noted for Washington DC/Capitol KOA, while Patapsco Valley's operating season runs "April 1 to October 30."
Reservations essential during summer: Holiday weekends and summer months fill quickly, especially at waterfront locations. "We camped here for a somewhat rainy Memorial Day weekend. Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves," shares Jennifer R., suggesting that weather doesn't deter crowds at popular times.
Urban noise at some locations: Proximity to cities means some campgrounds experience road or air noise. Crystal C. notes about Greenbelt Park: "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," while another camper mentions airport noise at Hollofield Area Campground: "the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep."
Water quality varies by location: Swimming options depend on specific campgrounds and seasonal factors. "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" warns Angel G. about Sandy Point, providing valuable seasonal advice.
Tips for Camping with Families
Natural playspaces for kids: Several parks feature unique outdoor play areas. At Patapsco Valley, Jennifer S. found "a 'natural' playground aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," offering alternatives to traditional playgrounds.
Moderate hiking trails: Many campgrounds provide family-friendly paths suitable for various ages. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes," reports Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park's Hilton Area, highlighting accessibility for children.
Kid-friendly swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean," describes Caleb S. about Talbot Island, noting features that engage children's curiosity.
Off-peak camping benefits: Consider school-year weekends for less crowded experiences. "It can get a little crowded on weekends. Has a great walking trail to an awesome lighthouse," advises Drew T., suggesting timing considerations for family visits.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for large rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for bigger RVs. "The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," explains Adam and Suzanne B. about their experience at Elk Neck State Park.
Bridge height restrictions: Pay attention to road access limitations. "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.)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground, providing critical navigation advice.
Water fill challenges: Prepare for varied water access situations. "The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares Laura M. about Greenbelt Park, offering a practical workaround.
Winter camping considerations: Full-service campgrounds offer year-round options with precautions. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full... we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," explains Laure D. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, describing winter camping adaptations.
