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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$21 - $55 / night
"I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. ""Surrounding area
There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."
$21 - $50 / night
"Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing. Close to Connowingo Damn for fishing and birdwatching. Havre de Grace sits near Chesapeake Bay."
"We camped here to hike and visit Havre de Grace. For a State Park it's pretty nice. We have a tiny camper so we stayed on the Acorn loop which has a few sites with power."
$22 - $40 / night
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
$70 - $90 / night
"Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
"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."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground."
$76 / night
"Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."
"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."
$10 - $16 / night
"Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"
"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."
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
LegendWe spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutThought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Camping options near Havre de Grace extend beyond the main state parks into smaller recreational areas and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the meeting point of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, creating diverse waterfront camping environments from riverside woodland sites to bay view locations. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers more comfortable conditions in the 60-70°F range.
Fishing opportunities: At Elk Neck State Park Campground, campers can fish directly from waterfront sites or take a short drive to nearby fishing spots. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports Kate J., highlighting the wildlife viewing that often accompanies fishing trips.
Hiking with a view: The Turkey Point Lighthouse trail at Elk Neck provides both exercise and scenery. "The lighthouse trail is a must. It is about a five minute drive to get to the trail though, but is worth it," explains Jalissa Y. The trail offers views of the Chesapeake Bay with moderate difficulty levels.
Water activities: Cecil County's waterways support multiple recreational options. "You have access to water and hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing," notes one visitor to the area. Many campgrounds provide direct water access for kayaking and canoeing without requiring long portages.
Limited cell coverage: For those seeking digital disconnection, some local campgrounds offer natural technology breaks. At Muddy Run Recreation Park, camper Megan S. appreciates that there's "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!"
Wildlife viewing: The rich ecosystem supports diverse animal spotting opportunities. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports Kate J. from Elk Neck State Park. At Muddy Run, another camper notes, "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park."
Nearby attractions: The region offers more than just camping. According to Laure D., Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina puts you "40 min. from Baltimore Harbor, Ravens and Orioles stadiums. Bel Air is 20 min. away and has several restaurants. Walmart is 10-15 min. away."
Varying site privacy: Camp site seclusion differs dramatically across locations. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, camper Anne L. found "site 26 I believe, it was very private from neighbors and the road, surrounded by beautiful mature trees, and just the right distance from the restrooms."
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. For Lums Pond State Park, camper David G. advises, "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped."
Weather considerations: The area experiences high humidity in summer months. At Elk Neck State Park, Adam and Suzanne B. found, "Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy."
Playground access: When camping with children, consider site proximity to play areas. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!" reports Karla R. The water features are particularly popular during hot summer months.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events. "The campground offers Amenities for all camping styles from multiple primitive site locations to RV sites with water and electric hookups," notes Alanna M. about Muddy Run Recreation Park, adding that "The park throughout the year has activities and events that are fun for the whole family."
Tent pad considerations: For families with tents, site selection matters. At Susquehanna State Park, Jennifer S. advises, "I would say about half—maybe more—don't have pads. I didn't get a chance to check out the Acorn Loop, other than a quick drive by."
Hookup locations: Electric and water connection placement varies considerably between campgrounds. At Cecil County Permaculture, facilities are basic but functional with Charles H. noting there's "running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"
Site leveling: Some campgrounds have particularly challenging terrain for larger rigs. At Muddy Run Recreation Park, Chris G. warns, "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."
Access considerations: Not all area campgrounds accommodate large RVs. Bar Harbor RV Park visitors should note that "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," according to Craig Z.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Havre de Grace, MD?
Several quality campgrounds surround Havre de Grace. Susquehanna State Park Campground is the closest option, offering river access, hiking trails, and electric sites on the Acorn loop. For those willing to drive a bit further, Elk Neck State Park Campground provides beautiful Chesapeake Bay views. Other nearby options include Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina for waterfront camping, Camp Ramblewood for group rentals, and Woodlands Camping Resort near Elkton. If you're seeking more rustic experiences, Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area offers primitive camping. For RVers, several overnight parking options exist at nearby retailers like Walmart and Cracker Barrel when passing through the area.
What are the seasonal camping options in Havre de Grace?
The Havre de Grace area offers varied seasonal camping experiences. Tuckahoe State Park Campground on Maryland's Eastern Shore is a hidden gem with camping available in multiple seasons, featuring both electric and non-electric sites ideal for families. It's particularly beautiful in spring and fall. For those seeking year-round options, Pequea Creek Campground offers a picturesque setting with large, tree-covered sites and seasonal activities like river tubing in summer and scenic covered bridge visits in autumn. Winter camping options are limited, but some parks maintain partial operations. Always check reservation systems as many campgrounds in the region require advance booking, especially during peak summer months when waterfront activities are popular.
Can I camp at Susquehanna State Park near Havre de Grace?
Yes, you can camp at Susquehanna State Park Campground near Havre de Grace. The park features the Acorn loop with electric sites suitable for small campers and tents. Many sites on the inner loop have convenient access to bathrooms. The campground provides an excellent base for exploring Havre de Grace and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking the park's trail system and fishing. For those seeking alternative camping experiences in the area, Hollofield Area Campground is another option within reasonable driving distance, offering camping along the Patapsco River with access to over 70 miles of multi-use trails.
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