Camping options near Havre de Grace, Maryland provide both waterfront and inland sites with varying degrees of access and amenities. The region experiences moderate Mid-Atlantic weather with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild spring and fall conditions. Winter camping remains available at select locations, though facilities may operate with reduced services during colder months.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing opportunities: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, water activities are steps away from campsites. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," reports Janet P.
Fishing from campsites: Many waterfront spots allow fishing without leaving your site. "Fish from your chair. Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any," notes Lisa T. about her experience at Bar Harbor.
Hiking trail networks: The region offers extensive trail systems. Lums Pond State Park Campground features "7 mile hiking trail and 8 mile multi purpose trail" according to Sandy E., making it suitable for different activity levels.
Miniature golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain mini-golf facilities for families. "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened….several holes needed maintenance," Beth B. mentions about Spring Gulch Resort Campground, noting it remains playable despite needing updates.
What campers like
Water-adjacent sites: Campers consistently rate waterfront spots highly. "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble," explains George L. about his stay at Bar Harbor RV Park.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Clean individual bathroom units are available at some parks. Lums Pond State Park features "bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease," according to Mark.
Year-round camping options: Several campgrounds remain operational throughout winter. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern," reports Adam and Suzanne B. at Lums Pond State Park.
Spacious sites with concrete pads: Newer facilities offer level, paved camping spaces. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," notes Matt S. about his experience at Lums Pond.
What you should know
Weekend occupancy rates: Most campgrounds reach capacity during weekends. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. This is close to us so it was an easy trip," reports Laure D. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Seasonal pest considerations: Different seasons bring different challenges. "The water bugs are bad in the spring, no mosquitoes, acorns falling from the trees on your camper in the fall," shares Lisa T. about Bar Harbor, providing important timing information for visitors.
Reservation difficulty: Popular parks require advance planning. Ellen B. advises about Lums Pond: "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Noise factors: Some campgrounds have nearby industrial activity. "There is a quarry close by so you could hear the trucks beeping and the noise from there but that was the only negative thing," notes Jen R. about Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with programmed activities: Family-oriented parks offer organized events. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," recommends Leanne B.
Choose locations with multiple recreation options: Parks with diverse amenities keep children engaged. "Fun activities for kids and adults," notes Stacey T. about Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
Consider holiday weekend limitations: Major holidays create different camping experiences. Spring Gulch visitor Jen R. cautions, "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full. Only two dump stations for a pretty large park. We would camp here again but not over a holiday."
Check shower and bathroom proximity: Facility location matters for family convenience. One Lums Pond camper notes: "Some engineering genious put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers….keep your shoes handy, its a hike."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some parks have tight access roads. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," warns Mary C. about Lake-In-Wood Campground.
Site leveling requirements: RV sites vary in preparation needed. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," shares Mark about Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Winter preparation: Cold weather camping requires different hookup management. Laure D. mentions being "told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing" at Bar Harbor RV Park.
Long-term vs. transient camping sections: Many rv campgrounds near Havre de Grace separate seasonal and temporary sites. "A lot of long term residents but the transient sites are pretty separate," notes George L. about Bar Harbor RV Park, providing insight into campground layout.
