105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping in Bel Air, Maryland concentrates around several state parks and private campgrounds within 30 miles of the city center. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located approximately 20 miles northeast near North East, Maryland, and Susquehanna State Park Campground in nearby Havre de Grace offer year-round and seasonal camping respectively. Both accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins with varying levels of amenities. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina in Abingdon provides waterfront sites with full hookups, while Camp Ramblewood in Darlington offers more basic accommodations in a more rustic setting.
Many campgrounds in the region require advance reservations, particularly during the busy summer season from May through September. Sites with electric hookups and water access tend to fill quickly, especially on holiday weekends. Full hookup sites for RVs are common but limited at state parks compared to private facilities. "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse," noted one visitor about a nearby facility, highlighting the strategic location for exploring the broader region. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though some state park campgrounds have narrower, winding roads that may challenge larger RVs. Cell coverage is reliable throughout most of the region, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to the I-95 corridor.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area, particularly at Elk Neck and Susquehanna State Parks where sites near the water provide scenic views and recreational opportunities. Several campers mention the proximity to hiking trails as a major benefit, with Patapsco Valley State Park offering over 70 miles of multi-use trails. A camper at Susquehanna noted, "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland, and are quite secluded in comparison." Noise levels vary significantly, with sites farther from highways providing a more peaceful experience. Most campgrounds in the region offer a mix of wooded and open sites, with shade being an important consideration during hot summer months. Private campgrounds typically provide more amenities such as swimming pools, camp stores, and organized activities, while state parks emphasize natural settings and access to water recreation.
"I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. ""Surrounding area
There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."
from $21 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
from $75 - $115 / night
Check Availability"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
"Large campground with some good trails. Will definitely return!"
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
from $29 - $51 / night
Check Availability"Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."
"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."
"Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."
from $76 / night
LegendPros- Pool is sparkling clear and new. Mini golf is awesome. Nice people, nice store.
Cons- further from Hershey Park than ideal, lots of seasonal campers leaving for work before dawn in loud trucks, not much privacy, some road noise.
GuideBASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
TravelerNice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
ScoutGreat campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years and it's one of our favorite campgrounds. There are enough trees and green spaces that it feels like a park despite the number of RVs it accommodates.
The sites are level, large, and well maintained. If you need to contend with a tree blocking your satellite dish the sites are large enough that you can usually just move up or back a bit so that you are not blocked.
The pool is nice and clean. Has water fountains, etc. for kids to play in in addition to a kiddie pool. I do wish it was open a bit later into the evening. The camp store is a bit small but is well stocked with camping items in addition to souvenirs and impulse purchase items.
Since the pandemic what they offer has varied. Sometimes hot food like taco Tuesday, ice cream sundaes, burgers and dogs in their activity center at certain times and days. Sometimes ceramic, arts and crafts, etc.. Sometimes their activity center remains closed during our entire stay.
RangerI love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
Camping options near Bel Air, Maryland range from secluded nature experiences to family-friendly destinations within a 40-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet above sea level with humid summers averaging 85°F and mild spring/fall temperatures in the 60-70°F range. Most campsites near Bel Air require advance planning during peak season from late May through early September, when temperatures and humidity can make primitive sites challenging without shade.
Hiking at Rock State Park: Located close to Camp Ramblewood in Darlington, Rock State Park offers stunning scenery. "I recommend Rock State Park and the hike to the King and Queen seat, a rock outcropping with stunning scenery," notes a camper familiar with the area.
Water recreation at Susquehanna River: The nearby waterways provide excellent boating and fishing opportunities. A camper at Pequea Creek Campground mentioned, "We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Disc golf course: Active campers can enjoy disc golf at Muddy Run Rec Park. A visitor mentioned, "They have added some new features such as the wonderful water park as well as a very well laid out and up kept disc golf course."
Amish country exploration: The region provides access to authentic Amish communities. One camper staying in Lancaster County shared, "Close to shopping if needed. 25 mins from dt Lancaster which we visited as well."
Private waterfront sites: Many campers value the water views and direct access. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, a camper noted, "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."
Modern bathroom facilities: Clean, updated facilities make a big difference. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground commented, "The bath house was absolutely immaculate, and the design made even my public-bathroom-phobic sister-in-law comfortable and at ease."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to see diverse wildlife. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reported one camper from Elk Neck State Park.
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out. "Sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," noted a visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A regular at Lums Pond State Park Campground advised, "Book early because it fills up fast!"
Weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasonal changes. One visitor to Elk Neck State Park Campground mentioned, "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. Bathhouses were open with hot water."
Utility connections: The placement of hookups varies significantly between sites. A camper at Bar Harbor RV Park noted, "Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain."
Cell service variations: Connectivity can be limited in some areas. One visitor mentioned, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!"
Water activities for kids: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based fun. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville, a family reported, "The water park is super fun for adults and kids. The entire campground is clean and very well maintained."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when booking. A parent staying at Elk Neck State Park advised, "This campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! They have fairly many camp sites with an amazing view."
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning experiences. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view," noted a visitor to Susquehanna State Park.
Family-oriented events: Scheduled activities can enhance your stay. A visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm shared, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol."
Site selection strategy: Choose your site based on specific needs. At Pequea Creek Campground, a camper noted, "Lori was great with booking process... We had site 54 which was nice and private. Site had fire ring, picnic table, water and electric."
Hookup preparations: Bring extra equipment for utilities. One RVer warned, "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."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. A visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park cautioned, "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution."
Seasonal availability: Check operating schedules before planning. "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," advised an RV camper at Elk Neck State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Bel Air, MD?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within driving distance of Bel Air. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers full hookups and is close enough for an easy weekend trip. For a natural setting with extensive trails, Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area provides a forested retreat with 70+ miles of hiking and biking trails. Other top options include Hollofield Area Campground with secluded sites, Elk Neck State Park for waterfront camping, and Codorus State Park just across the Pennsylvania border. These campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, with most requiring reservations, especially during peak season.
How much does camping cost near Bel Air, Maryland?
Camping costs near Bel Air vary by amenity level and campground type. At Hollofield Area Campground, state park sites typically range from $20-30 per night for basic tent sites. Private campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park charge higher rates, generally $45-75 for full-hookup RV sites. Most campgrounds offer both electric and non-electric options, with electricity adding $5-10 to nightly rates. Maryland state parks often have a two-tier pricing system with Maryland residents paying less than out-of-state visitors. Many campgrounds also charge additional fees for premium sites, extra vehicles, or holiday weekends. Reservation fees typically run $5-10 per booking, and most campgrounds require at least a one-night deposit when reserving.
What amenities are available at Tuckahoe campground near Bel Air?
Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers diverse camping options including tent sites, RV spots, and youth group areas. The campground features both electric and non-electric loops, with some sites backing up to small creeks. Clean bathrooms and shower facilities are available and well-maintained. Water access is a highlight, with a lake for kayaking and fishing. The park boasts extensive trail systems for hiking and biking through the Eastern Shore landscape. Campers can purchase firewood from camp hosts, and each site includes a fire pit with cooking grate (though height may vary by site). For families, the quiet atmosphere makes it particularly suitable for camping with children. The park's location on Maryland's Eastern Shore provides a peaceful setting while still being accessible from the Bel Air area.
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