Best Campgrounds near Freeland, MD

The Freeland, Maryland area contains several established campgrounds offering diverse accommodation types within a 20-mile radius. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, located directly in Freeland, provides tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Nearby Pennsylvania state parks like Codorus and Gifford Pinchot offer additional camping alternatives with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in this region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several properties featuring cabin rentals for visitors seeking more shelter.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Codorus State Park operates from the second Friday in April until November 1, while Gifford Pinchot runs from mid-April through October 31. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, restroom facilities, and trash collection, though amenities vary by location. The area experiences typical mid-Atlantic weather patterns with humid summers and mild springs and falls. According to one visitor, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping."

Campers rate water proximity as a significant advantage at several area campgrounds. Sites near creeks, lakes, or rivers tend to receive higher satisfaction ratings, with many featuring swimming or fishing access. Campgrounds in this region generally maintain clean facilities, though bathhouse quality varies considerably between locations. Several visitors mentioned proximity to attractions like Hershey Park as a benefit when staying at campgrounds in the northern part of the region. Noise levels depend largely on campground location, with some properties affected by nearby highways or train tracks. A review noted that sites at one campground were "very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house," highlighting the importance of site selection when making reservations. Most developed campgrounds in the area permit pets with standard restrictions.

Best Camping Sites Near Freeland, Maryland (138)

    1. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $20 - $195 / night

    "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.  "

    2. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    19 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (410) 329-6636

    "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

    "Large campground with some good trails

    Will definitely return!"

    3. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "Songle car parking spot on the road then a short walk down a hill onto the site. two tent areas and plenty of prime hammock trees. there’s a small deer trail that runs between all of the sites on the water"

    4. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 862-3628

    "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

    "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"

    5. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4587

    "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."

    "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "

    6. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    7. Indian Rock Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Jacobus, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 741-1764

    "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. There’s a spot right next to it but was unoccupied while we were there so we were all alone."

    8. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

    9 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."

    "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."

    9. Artillery Ridge Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 334-1288

    "This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"

    "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."

    10. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

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Recent Reviews near Freeland, MD

1068 Reviews of 138 Freeland Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.


Guide to Freeland

Camping near Freeland, Maryland offers campers access to creek-side sites and farm settings along with mountain and lake views. The region sits in the Piedmont Plateau with elevations between 300-800 feet, creating moderate terrain for hiking and camping. Sites near water typically require earlier reservations during peak summer months from June through August, when temperatures average 78-85°F.

What to do

Paddling activities: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, campers can enjoy lake activities including kayaking and canoeing. According to one visitor, "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina." The 340-acre lake offers multiple launch points near camping areas.

Fishing opportunities: Access to quality fishing spots within walking distance of campsites is common in the region. At Pequea Creek Campground, "campers can enjoy kid-friendly creek access for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek." Site 24 has steps down the levee for easier creek access.

Farm-based activities: Several campgrounds integrate farming experiences with camping. One camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm shared, "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn."

Disc golf courses: Multiple parks feature established disc golf courses. One visitor to Gifford Pinchot noted, "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course," while cautioning, "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."

What campers like

Privacy levels: Tucquan Park Family Campground receives praise for site spacing, with one camper noting, "The sites were a little close together but still plenty of room. The pool and playground were very clean and well taken care of." Wooded sites typically offer more privacy than open field sites.

Water access: Many campers value sites with direct water access. At Otter Creek Campground, a visitor shared, "The river is only a short walk from the campground which is directly across the street at Otter Creek Picnic Area where there are private and public boat docks."

Cleanliness standards: Bathhouse quality varies significantly between locations. A camper at Codorus State Park remarked, "Nice campground. Very clean facilities. We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake," showing the balance between amenities and natural settings.

Organized activities: Several campgrounds offer scheduled events that enhance the experience. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, a visitor mentioned, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Operating seasons vary throughout the area. Codorus State Park Campground runs from the second Friday in April until November 1. Water levels can fluctuate, with one camper noting, "Unfortunately, with all of the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris."

Site selection factors: Site conditions vary significantly, affecting comfort and usability. At Muddy Run Rec Park, a camper advised, "We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot that made sitting at the picnic table or camp chairs a bit of a struggle."

Utility connections: Water and electric hookup placements can be unpredictable. At Muddy Run Rec Park, a camper cautioned, "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away."

Reservation requirements: For specific site types, advance planning is crucial. According to a visitor at Pequea Creek Campground, "We booked late and ended up being given the group camping site because it was all that was left. We had a ton of space and it was more secluded than other sites."

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers substantial play areas for children. One visitor shared, "The pool area seemed like the place to be. They have upgraded any of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great."

Water-based activities: Several campgrounds have swimming options that appeal to families. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, a camper noted, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."

Family-oriented events: Scheduled activities enhance family camping experiences. A visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground shared, "Fun filled weekend of activities for the whole family. Close to historic Gettysburg battleground. Fantastic horse rescue on the campground."

Nature exploration: Many families appreciate sites with natural features to explore. A camper at Pequea Creek Campground mentioned, "We really enjoyed this campground. We booked late and ended up being given the group camping site because it was all that was left. There were activities for the kids, a playground, access to some nice walks."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have variable terrain that affects RV setup. At Artillery Ridge Campground, a camper reported, "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great."

Hookup logistics: RVers should prepare for potential challenges with utility connections. At Muddy Run Rec Park, a visitor warned, "Also just for anyone planning a trip, make sure you have a long hose for water hookup. Water pumps were spaced pretty far and we needed at least a 100 ft hose to reach."

Dump station access: Several campgrounds offer different waste disposal options. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, one RVer explained, "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)."

Seasonal RV sites: Some campgrounds have permanent or seasonal residents. A visitor to Otter Creek Campground mentioned, "This campground is perfect for all kinds of people from family, campers, boaters, fishers, someone who is seeking rest and relaxation, peace and quiet, adventure seekers on the river."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Freeland, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Freeland, MD is Codorus State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.