Camping options near Freeland, Maryland include several state parks and privately-owned facilities that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with humid summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Fall camping seasons typically run from April through October with most amenities closed during winter months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The pond at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers fishing access with both shoreline spots and boating options. "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us. It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield, you get a great view of the farms nearby and the river," shares one visitor.
Explore Amish country: When camping near Freeland, Maryland, you're within driving distance of Lancaster County's unique cultural experiences. "Should you have never visited an Amish community, you should definitely take advantage of this very unique location by exploring Lancaster County where you can find a number of horse & buggies to take a trip in," notes a camper who stayed at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Historical sites: Gettysburg National Military Park is accessible from multiple RV parks in the area. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," explains a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Many campers use these facilities as a base camp for battlefield tours, with some offering shuttle services to major attractions.
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained sites. "The Prime Sites are very spacious," notes one reviewer, though they mention "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets."
Clean facilities: Many RV parks maintain high cleanliness standards despite high traffic volumes. "The bathhouses were heated, and okay. I didn't care for the shower curtain system it seems less private. Laundry is quaint and coin operated," reports one camper about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Family-friendly amenities: For those RV camping near Freeland with children, pools and playgrounds are common features. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," mentions a visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Another notes, "Free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloping terrain requiring advance preparation. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," warns a reviewer about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Seasonal considerations: Most facilities operate from spring through fall. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, campers note "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience external noise that might affect your stay. "One thing that is certain – you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise," notes a Pinch Pond visitor, adding "there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on."
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Farms with animals provide entertainment for children without additional costs. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," explains a visitor to Gettysburg Farm.
Activity planning: Schedule visits around campground events to maximize entertainment value. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Hershey.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds offer swimming facilities, though quality varies significantly. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover. Beautiful grounds and clean. Site is gravel and pretty level," reports a PA Dutch Country visitor. Another notes, "Super clean and nice people! Worth the trip!"
Tips from RVers
Navigation concerns: Access routes to several campgrounds require careful driving, especially for larger rigs. "For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem," advises a visitor to Thousand Trails Hershey.
Hook-up positioning: Several campgrounds have unusual utility placement requiring extra hoses or adapters. "The site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," mentions a Drummer Boy visitor, while another reports "The biggest complaint about our site was that the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly."
Site selection strategy: For the best experience when RV camping near Freeland, Maryland, arrive early and know your preferences. "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," suggests a PA Dutch Country camper who appreciated the quieter locations.
