Camping opportunities near Elk Mills, Maryland include both state parks and private resorts within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with elevations ranging from 10 to 400 feet above sea level. Weather conditions vary seasonally with humid summers averaging 85°F and mild winters that can drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Lighthouse hiking trail: At Elk Neck State Park Campground, visitors can access Turkey Point Lighthouse via a scenic trail. "We enjoyed hiking the Beaver Marsh Trail. From our campsite we had to drive to a trail head but there were a few sights that had direct access. Also the lighthouse trail is a must," notes a camper who appreciated the views across the Chesapeake Bay.
Water recreation options: The campgrounds around Elk Mills offer multiple water activities within a short drive. At Lums Pond State Park Campground, "There's an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp," and one camper mentioned "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking."
Family entertainment: Many campgrounds feature organized activities and recreational facilities. Lake-In-Wood Campground offers "Miniature golf course... There was a pond for swimming... There was a craft show in the barn which was nice," according to one visitor who camped during a holiday weekend.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: For campers seeking direct water access, Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides premium waterfront camping. "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," states a camper who valued the location despite the challenging parking.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight the cleanliness of campgrounds in the region. "The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless," mentions a visitor to Elk Neck State Park, while another camper at Bar Harbor noted "Bathroom was clean, pool was closed...not too many campers but it sure was a nice time."
Privacy between sites: Campgrounds near Elk Mills typically offer good separation between campsites. At Lums Pond, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," according to a regular visitor who camps there multiple times yearly.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak seasons. For Lums Pond State Park, "Book early because it fills up fast!" advises a frequent visitor who appreciates the park's amenities and spacious sites.
Terrain challenges: The topography at some campgrounds can present difficulties. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "Lots were a bit uneven, but pull through which was nice," reports a camper who also noted "Upper showers were much better, no bugs and water was hotter."
Site layout considerations: When selecting campsites, note the potential location of utilities. "The site offered electric and water but they were on 2 different sides. This made it difficult to set up. Had to park the camper crooked to use both," explains a camper at Lums Pond describing hookup placement issues.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule family activities based on campground amenities. Thousand Trails Circle M offers "an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," according to a family who appreciated the recreational options.
Cabin alternatives: For families seeking comfort without tents, multiple options exist. "Some cabins, like those in my photos, are brand new and have everything you would need to set up house minus linens, towels, toilet paper, paper goods and toiletries," describes a visitor at Spring Gulch Resort who found the accommodations well-equipped.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly throughout the year. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full," notes a camper at Spring Gulch who experienced peak crowds, while another mentions "Bathhouses were open with hot water. Nice clean bathhouses. Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface" during a November stay at Elk Neck State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers should research specific site dimensions and access. At Lums Pond State Park, "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."
Weather preparedness: Seasonal changes affect RV camping conditions. A camper at Bar Harbor RV Park notes, "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full... We're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing." This precaution prevents water line damage during winter camping.
Internet connectivity: For RV campers requiring connectivity, availability varies between parks. At Sun Valley Campground, a visitor reported "No internet. 2 bars LTE on T-Mobile," while another noted that Bar Harbor RV Park has "WiFi is good washrooms are modern and adequate."
