Best Campgrounds near Havre de Grace, MD
The northeastern Maryland region surrounding Havre de Grace features several state parks and private campgrounds situated along the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Susquehanna State Park Campground, located directly in Havre de Grace, serves as a central camping destination with sites available from March through October. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Elk Neck State Park Campground in North East, Maryland, which operates year-round and offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. The area's camping options range from waterfront sites with fishing access to more secluded wooded locations, with both public and private facilities accommodating various camping styles.
Advance reservations are strongly recommended for most campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell phone coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with Susquehanna State Park known for spotty service except in certain sections of the campground. According to camper Vanessa S., "Phone service is very spotty but if you wander around Beechnut you can pick some up." Many campgrounds feature electric hookups, though water and sewer connections are less common. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with Susquehanna State Park operating from March 31 to October 29, while some facilities like Elk Neck State Park remain open year-round.
Water activities form a central part of the camping experience in this region. The Susquehanna River provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing, with the Conowingo Dam noted as a prime fishing and birdwatching location. As one camper noted, "Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing." Hiking trails are abundant throughout the area's state parks, with varying difficulty levels. Most campgrounds maintain clean bathhouses and provide standard amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds and specific loops, with Susquehanna State Park's Acorn loop offering more secluded tent sites compared to the more open Beechnut sites. The proximity to both natural attractions and the historic waterfront town of Havre de Grace makes this area particularly appealing for weekend getaways.