RV campgrounds near Idlewylde, Maryland offer diverse overnight accommodations within 30 miles of this Baltimore suburb. Situated in the Piedmont region between the coastal plain and the Appalachian Mountains, the area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 300 to 800 feet. Weather patterns allow for camping from March through November, though summer humidity often exceeds 80 percent during peak camping season.
What to do
Fishing access: 10 feet from water's edge at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina where some sites provide immediate water proximity. "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," notes Janet P.
Historical exploration: 10 minutes to battlefields from Gettysburg campgrounds. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," explains David G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Farm animal encounters: daily feeding sessions at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provide unique experiences for visitors. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," writes Kasey M.
What campers like
Convenient DC access: 30 minutes by rideshare from Cherry Hill Park. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," shares Jennifer H.
Waterfront site availability: premium views at many RV parks. "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," reports George L. about Bar Harbor RV Park.
Seasonal activities: themed weekends at larger facilities throughout the camping season. "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us," explains Mary H. about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
What you should know
Site selection matters: corner locations recommended for better privacy at more crowded campgrounds. "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row. The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," advises Scott C. about Cherry Hill Park.
Reservation timing: weekday visits offer quieter experience. "Quiet during the week, weekends quite busy," reports one camper about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Neighborhood navigation: residential areas surround some campgrounds. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," notes Craig Z. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Varying cell service: provider dependent across facilities. "WiFi is available at a cost. It gets very full on the weekends here," shares Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Circle M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: multiple facilities at larger parks. "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," mentions Laure D. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
Animal experiences: scheduled interactions at farm-themed properties. "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids," shares Mary H.
Budget management: amenity access varies by location. "This is your average woodland campground. Your standard bells and whistles without too much extra fluff," explains Dave R. about Round Top Campground.
Site spacing: request areas with more room when traveling with children. "Our site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," notes Laure D.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: check site descriptions before booking. "Sites are paved, pretty level and just a bit close," notes George L. about Bar Harbor.
Distance from activities: location impacts experience when planning day trips. "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you," advises Jim G. about Gettysburg Campground.
Weather adaptations: temperature fluctuations require preparation. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. 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," shares Laure D.
Traffic patterns: road noise impacts site selection at some properties. "The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night," warns Jim G.
