Glamping close to Owings Mills, Maryland offers convenient access to both urban amenities and natural retreats within the rolling Piedmont region, where elevations range from 400-800 feet. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer highs averaging 87°F and winter lows reaching 23°F. Most camping facilities remain open from April through October, though several upscale glamping options maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Trail exploration: 8.5 miles of lakeside paths. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, hikers can enjoy the extensive trail system that loops around the lake. A visitor noted, "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles."
Horseback battlefield tours: $75 per person. Artillery Ridge Campground offers a unique way to experience historic Gettysburg. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," shares one camper who enjoyed this distinctive activity.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species. Ramblin' Pines provides fishing access with their on-site pond. According to a camper, "There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Updated bathhouses. At Codorus State Park Campground, the amenities receive consistent praise. A visitor reports, "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms." Another adds, "Bathrooms were nice. The bath house was clean. Not a lot to do at the park. The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice."
Family entertainment options: Daily scheduled activities. Little Bennett Campground offers plenty to keep children engaged. One reviewer mentioned, "This is a good regional campground with activities for kids on special days. Took our grand daughter there for her first camping trip and she loved the bouncing strawberry and the hikes."
Privacy between sites: Varied by location. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, the spacing between sites enhances the camping experience. A camper observed, "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Book 4-6 months ahead. For popular glamping sites close to Owings Mills, advance planning is essential. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, availability can be limited. A visitor advises, "We stopped at the DC KOA as a base to visit the Capitol. This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids."
Variable site quality: Request specific areas. Site conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. One Ramblin' Pines camper warned, "The most crowded uncomfortable campsites I have ever seen," while others had positive experiences at different sites within the same facility.
Weather considerations: Prepare for rapid changes. Maryland's weather can shift quickly, particularly in spring and fall. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, one visitor shared their experience: "Stayed there this weekend Thursday through Sunday. Original reservation was Fri-Sun, but they were calling for 60 mph wind gusts Friday, and no one was in my spot so I went in a day ahead. Good thing, because the wind was crazy!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites accordingly. At Susquehanna State Park, family site selection matters. "For kids, the playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop. This is great if you want to be away from the playground, as you can book one of the sites further off and not have kids running about."
Water activities: Age restrictions apply. Washington DC/Capitol KOA has policies families should know. "I didnt like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained so she didn't care if she was in the pool or not."
Budget for activities: Costs vary by season. Beyond site fees, activity costs should be factored into your glamping budget. A Codorus State Park visitor noted, "It was a shock we had to pay to swim when we camped there," highlighting the importance of researching additional fees.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring adequate blocks. Some campgrounds near Owings Mills require additional equipment for comfortable setup. At Cherry Hill Park, an RVer shared their experience: "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it. Pros: 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer... Cons: Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi."
Access considerations: Call ahead for large rigs. RV size restrictions vary significantly between camping options near Owings Mills. One visitor to Little Bennett Campground noted, "This place is quiet, the spaces are big. They can accommodate large campers, ours is 35 ft. Tent camping have big areas. Lost of nature trails."
Utility reliability: Prepare for occasional outages. Power disruptions can occur even at upscale glamping locations. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, a camper described their experience: "Power outage at a lot of the campground Friday night due to a tree down on the power lines. My section kept power, so I was happy."
