Rv campgrounds in Joppa, Maryland sit at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay where the Gunpowder River meets tidal waters. The area's elevation ranges from sea level to about 400 feet, creating varied camping terrain with both waterfront and wooded options. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though water hookups at non-heated facilities are typically shut off from mid-November through March.
What to do
Water recreation access: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, water activities dominate visitor experiences with direct river access. "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. The campground includes boat docks for larger vessels plus kayak and canoe launch areas.
Hiking trails: Multiple trail networks connect within 20 minutes of Joppa campgrounds. "There are trails in Havre de Grace as well. Canoe or kayak the Susquehanna River from the boat launch in town," explains one visitor at Camp Ramblewood. Rock State Park's King and Queen Seat trail offers elevated vistas 15 minutes north.
Seasonal festivals: Local events run throughout camping season. "There are numerous festivals in the area (pre-Covid) that should return," mentions a camper who visited Camp Ramblewood. Havre de Grace hosts waterfront events, while Mt. Felix Winery offers "evening and weekend activities, wine tastings, and beautiful views."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Direct water access ranks as the top amenity. "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 Casey L. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina. Waterfront sites allow fishing directly from campsites.
Full hookup availability: Convenience of complete services matters to repeat visitors. "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park Campground. The campground maintains full-service sites despite challenging terrain.
Recreational amenities: On-site activities enhance longer stays. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool," writes Leanne B. about the facilities at Thousand Trails Circle M. Many campgrounds include playgrounds, game areas, and seasonal programming.
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Terrain challenges affect setup at multiple campgrounds. "Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," mentions Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park Campground. For larger rigs, calling ahead to confirm site dimensions helps avoid arrival problems.
Reservation windows: Most popular sites book months in advance. "Advance reservations are essential during peak seasons, particularly for waterfront sites," confirms multiple reviewers. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)."
Seasonal bug activity: Insect presence varies by location and time of year. "Very buggy," notes Adam and Suzanne B. about their summer stay at Elk Neck. Waterfront sites typically experience more mosquito activity, particularly at dusk, while higher elevation sites offer some relief.
Tips for camping with families
Animal interactions: Farm-based campgrounds provide unique experiences. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," shares Kasey M. about their stay at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us," adds another visitor.
Swimming options: Multiple pool types exist across area campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," according to Leanne B. Some waterfront campgrounds allow river swimming in designated areas, though most prohibit it due to currents.
Site privacy levels: Campground layouts affect family comfort. "Open, accommodating for our rig," describes Kasey M. about their site at Circle M. Conversely, some loops place sites closer together: "Sites are on top of each other. Water hookup access was on the ground," reports Elvira A. about Bar Harbor RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Water pressure and electrical stability vary between campgrounds. "We were told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," shares Laure D. about Bar Harbor. Some campgrounds maintain heated water systems year-round, while others require winterization protocols.
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have tricky entrance routes. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises Craig Z. Similarly, at Military Park Camp Meade RV Park, "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground."
Leveling requirements: Uneven sites demand proper equipment. "Most parks maintain gravel pads that may require leveling blocks on uneven terrain," confirm multiple reviewers. At Circle M, "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," notes Nick E., suggesting not all sites offer the same experience.
