Camping near Darlington, Maryland sits at the transition zone between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain, with elevations ranging from 100-400 feet above sea level. The region experiences warm, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall provide milder conditions between 55-75°F. Most campgrounds around Darlington remain open from April through October, with several offering year-round access despite the colder winter temperatures.
What to do
Hiking and nature observation: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, miles of trails accommodate various skill levels. "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," reports one visitor.
Kayaking and boating: The Susquehanna River provides excellent paddling opportunities near Otter Creek Campground. "The boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek," shares Sean M.
Fishing: Many campgrounds offer direct fishing access. A camper at Pequea Creek Campground notes, "We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek. (Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee'; affording easier access to the creek)."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lums Pond State Park Campground receives consistent praise for site dimensions. "From the moment I pulled in and observed how large the sites were, I was hooked. Bike trails, Going Ape, kayaking and peaceful," states Leah H. Another camper mentions, "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun."
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean, updated facilities make a difference at Elk Neck State Park Campground. "Bathhouses were open with hot water. Nice clean bathhouses. Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface," reports Laure D. The comfort of well-maintained bathrooms contributes to a positive camping experience for those requiring such amenities.
Wildlife viewing: Natural encounters enhance the camping experience. At Susquehanna State Park, one camper shares, "We scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees, hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see!"
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Prepare for weather variations and limited services in shoulder seasons. "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," notes a visitor at Elk Neck State Park.
Site selection tips: Research your specific campsite before booking. At Pequea Creek Campground, "I realize that the private entrance road is long to maintain but patching some of the holes, clearing debris from the dump site deck, and wiping down the bathrooms would have netted a 5th star," advises J W.
Phone service limitations: Be prepared for connectivity issues at certain campgrounds. A camper at Susquehanna State Park mentions, "The camphost does NOT have firewood available, but the camp store is only a little further down the road." Regarding connectivity, one visitor notes, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Many local campgrounds feature kid-friendly play areas. A visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground writes, "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."
Swimming access: Pools provide cooling relief during summer months. At Tucquan Park, "The playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family," notes Jennifer R.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize structured entertainment. "There were a lot of events for everyone of all ages. The sites were a little close together but still plenty of room," reports Jen R. about Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup configuration: Pay attention to utility placement when selecting sites. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," shares one RVer.
Site leveling considerations: Be prepared for varied terrain. A visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina notes, "Sites are paved, pretty level and just a bit close. A lot of long term residents but the transient sites are pretty separate."
Site access for larger rigs: Some campgrounds accommodate larger RVs better than others. "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups. 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 David G.
