Camping options near Havre de Grace cluster along the Susquehanna River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. The area sits at approximately 60 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate featuring hot summers and moderate winters. Spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature fluctuations between 45-75°F with periodic rainfall that keeps the surrounding woodlands lush throughout the camping season.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple camping areas provide fishing opportunities along the Bush River. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, waterfront sites place anglers steps from fishing spots. "Sites are on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble," notes George L. about the waterfront camping areas.
Hiking trails: Lums Pond State Park Campground features an 8-mile multi-purpose trail circling the pond. "We ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," reports Mark, who visited with family. The trails accommodate both casual walkers and more serious hikers with clearly marked routes.
Boating options: Kayaking and small craft boating remain popular at several campgrounds. "If you like boating, kayaking or canoeing, this is the place! We had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away," shares Janet P. about her experience at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina. The relatively calm waters of the connecting rivers provide ideal conditions for paddlers of all skill levels.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize cleanliness. A camper at Elk Neck State Park Campground reports, "Site was well maintained and very level. Bathrooms were clean with showers and wash stations. Great views of the bay and beaches. Very well stocked camp store." The park's regular maintenance schedule keeps facilities in good working order even during peak season.
Quiet camping atmosphere: Several campgrounds provide peaceful settings without excessive noise. "I camp there multiple times a year! It's dog and family friendly, close to resources, but far enough that it's quiet and feels remote! No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect," shares Megan S. about her experiences at Elk Neck State Park.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers ample wildlife observation opportunities. Kate J. notes, "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron" during her stay at Elk Neck State Park. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer commonly spotted at dusk throughout the wooded camping areas.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, the relatively small camping area means limited availability. "The camping area is small but worth it. A short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails," notes Chuck C. Booking 3-6 months in advance improves your chances of securing preferred sites.
Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds and even within the same camping area. E K. mentions about Susquehanna State Park Campground: "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring." Researching specific site layouts before booking prevents setup challenges.
Weather preparedness: The region experiences occasional strong storms, particularly during summer months. Temperature fluctuations can be significant in spring and fall, requiring campers to pack layers. Proper rain gear remains essential throughout the camping season as afternoon thunderstorms develop quickly, especially during humid summer days.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground," reports Melissa. Choosing sites near play structures reduces walking distance for families with younger children.
Swimming options: During summer months, pool access provides relief from heat. "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained," shares Ashley S. about her experience at Jellystone Park™ Quarryville. Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas that operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Organized activities: Scheduled events keep children engaged throughout their stay. "They had a lot of events that people participated in like candy bar and regular bingo, corn hole and horse shoe tournaments and a DJ," notes Jennifer R. about Tucquan Park. Checking activity calendars before arrival helps families plan their camping schedule around organized events.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: RV sites often have unusual utility placement requiring extra equipment. Campers at Lums Pond State Park report, "Sites are large and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer." However, at other campgrounds, utility locations can be challenging. One RVer notes, "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 routes: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Havre de Grace require navigation through residential areas or narrow roads. Laure D. warns about Bar Harbor RV Park: "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution." Researching approach routes before arrival prevents navigation difficulties with larger vehicles.
Level site availability: Terrain throughout the region includes rolling hills affecting campsite levelness. At Elk Neck State Park, a reviewer 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. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites."
