Camping sites near Darlington, Maryland offer access to the rich biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay watershed at elevations ranging from 40-400 feet above sea level. The region's typical hot, humid summers see average temperatures of 85-90°F from June through August, with overnight lows rarely dropping below 65°F. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing between December and February, with occasional snowfall affecting site accessibility.
What to do
Hiking through old-growth trees: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, located 5 miles west of Darlington, visitors can explore numerous trails connecting directly to campsites. "We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail. The beginning was pretty rough for me, since I was wearing my infant son while navigating an uphill trail, but it quickly evened out," shares one visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground.
Paddling Pequea Creek: Creek access for kayaking and wading is a highlight at Pequea Creek Campground, just 20 minutes from Darlington. "We welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek. (Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee'; affording easier access to the creek)," notes a camper who enjoyed the waterfront experience at Pequea Creek Campground.
Visit Turkey Point Lighthouse: Elk Neck State Park features this historic landmark accessible via a scenic hiking trail. "In summer there is a beach on the North East River for swimming and the Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby. The town of North East is close and is a quaint town with a Main Street and great little shops," explains a reviewer who appreciated the area's attractions.
What campers like
Full hookup options: Lums Pond State Park Campground offers newly renovated sites with comprehensive amenities. "Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved," states a recent visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground, where full hookup sites typically cost $46 per night plus fees.
Waterfront camping: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides direct water access with premium views. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well," writes one camper at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, which features sites where you can fish directly from your chair.
Wildlife viewing: The forested settings throughout the region support abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports a visitor at Elk Neck State Park, highlighting the park's natural diversity. Another camper at Elk Neck State Park Campground notes the "views of the Elk River from many sites."
What you should know
Winter camping considerations: Several campgrounds in the region remain open year-round with varying levels of service. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," reports a winter camper at Lums Pond State Park.
Bathhouse conditions vary significantly: Facilities range from recently renovated to basic. "The bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," shares a visitor at Susquehannock State Park Campground, while other parks receive mixed reviews for bathroom maintenance.
Cell service gaps: Connectivity varies throughout the region, with some parks offering intentionally limited coverage. "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!" mentions a regular visitor at Elk Neck State Park who appreciates the digital detox.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: When booking with children, consider proximity to play areas. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards). The only complaint I have is that the kiddie swings seem to be modeled after the seasickness machine," notes a parent at Lums Pond State Park.
Water activities for kids: Tucquan Park Family Campground offers multiple water features popular with families. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," explains a family who stayed there with young children.
Kid-friendly programming: Several campgrounds schedule regular activities for children. "They have plenty of events and the pool is nice and clean to cool off on those hot camping days. They also have a nice little pond you can fish," mentions a visitor to Tucquan Park, highlighting the organized events that keep children engaged.
Tips from RVers
Site angles and access: Pay close attention to site specifications when booking. "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," advises an RV camper at Otter Creek Campground.
Utility connections: Water and electric hookup placement varies significantly between parks and requires planning. "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," cautions a camper at Muddy Run Recreation Park, emphasizing the need for extended utility connections.
Seasonal considerations: RVers should check which utilities remain available during off-season camping. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November," reports a late-season camper at Elk Neck State Park, noting that bathhouses were also open with hot water.
