Campgrounds near Woodstock, Maryland range from secluded wooded sites to family-oriented recreation farms within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 300-500 feet with moderate rainfall averaging 42 inches annually, creating lush forest environments. Many campgrounds in this region operate with extended seasons beyond the typical April-October window, with several offering year-round accommodations for campers seeking winter getaways.
What to do
Hiking local trail networks: Hollofield Area Campground offers direct access to extensive trail systems. "We really loved road biking to the nearby H Mart to have fun shopping and browsing their unique selection. (This is a super large Korean store packed with fruits, vegetables, seafood and other food stuff that could put an American grocery store to shame," according to one visitor at Hollofield Area Campground.
Visit historical sites: Campgrounds provide access to significant landmarks within 30-45 minutes. At Cherry Hill Park, they "have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive. They have a nice looking pool area, but it was too cold. The shop was cute and staff nice."
Family recreation activities: Many campsite near Woodstock feature dedicated play areas and organized activities. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," notes a visitor to Washington DC / Capitol KOA.
Water recreation: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds, lake access, or swimming areas. "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family," reports a camper from Patapsco Valley State Park.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the wooded setting at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Little Bennett Campground noted: "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank highly in visitor satisfaction. At Codorus State Park Campground, one camper mentioned: "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms." Another visitor commented: "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private."
Natural features: Proximity to water and woodland wildlife viewing opportunities appeal to many visitors. A camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area shared: "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures."
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds near Woodstock remain open during winter months. According to one visitor's simple note about Ramblin' Pines: "open all year" and "clean."
What you should know
Campsite density varies: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. A visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm shared: "We stayed in one of the cabins, which had 2 beds and a bunk bed, sink and toilet, refrigerator, microwave, dining table and sofa. There was also a front porch with picnic table and fire pit."
Seasonal differences: Winter camping options exist but with reduced amenities. "They advertise all of their activities, none of which are ever open, including the pool," commented one off-season visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. We loved it," notes a Cherry Hill Park visitor who added cons including "Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi."
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means some ambient noise at certain campgrounds. "Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," noted one camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Natural playgrounds: Some campgrounds feature innovative play areas beyond standard equipment. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, a visitor shared: "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Educational opportunities: Several campsites offer nature programming specifically for children. "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two is the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great. It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children."
Multi-generational activities: Campgrounds offering diverse recreational options work well for varied age groups. "We totally loved our camping trip here! The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing," noted a visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Weather contingency plans: Local area experiences occasional severe weather events. "When I went to leave on Sunday, as I was driving up an incline my trailer became unhitched from my tow vehicle. The whole hitch came off and the trailer was dragging by the chains! The owners husband kindly helped me get it jacked up and gave me his trailer hitch pin."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for big rigs: Consider campground layout for larger vehicles. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs. I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay," mentioned a visitor to Cherry Hill Park.
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections vary significantly between campgrounds. "Only drawback I think for us on this trip is we wished the bath houses were closer. But they seemed to be clean and well maintained," noted a camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Seasonal facility differences: Some campgrounds reduce services during off-peak seasons. At Greenbelt Park Campground, a visitor explained: "No electric or hook ups. There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground. Showers and bathrooms are basic and clean."
Access considerations: Road conditions and campground layout affect larger RVs. "ALSO- APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)" warned a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
