Stephen W.
Guide
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Top-Rated Camping Near Forest Hill, Maryland
Camping near Forest Hill, Maryland ranges from tent and RV sites at state parks to cabin rentals at private recreation areas, with most campgrounds located within a 30-mile radius. Several locations like Elk Neck State Park and Susquehanna State Park provide tent and RV sites, while others such as Merry Meadows Recreation Farm and Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina include cabin camping options. Most campgrounds in the area are situated within a 30-mile radius of Forest Hill, creating a network of mixed-use facilities that serve both overnight campers and extended-stay visitors. The surrounding counties feature waterfront locations along rivers and creeks, as well as more wooded interior sites.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most campgrounds in the region, particularly for weekend stays during the prime season from April through October. Many of the state parks like Codorus and Susquehanna operate on seasonal schedules, typically closing their camping facilities from November through March. Access to most campgrounds requires driving through residential areas or narrow country roads, which can present challenges for large RVs or trailers. The climate typically allows for comfortable camping from spring through fall, with summer highs in the 80s and occasional thunderstorms. According to one visitor at Susquehanna State Park, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Waterfront sites consistently rank among the most popular camping locations in the region. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina features premium waterfront spots where, as a camper noted, "sites are literally 10 ft. from the water" with full hookups. Several visitors mentioned the opportunity to fish directly from campsites as a significant draw. Facilities at most campgrounds include modern bathhouses, electric hookups, and dumping stations, though amenities vary by location. Family-oriented recreation areas like Merry Meadows Recreation Farm provide additional activities such as mini-golf and playgrounds. Noise levels remain relatively low at most locations, with the exception of holiday weekends when campgrounds typically reach capacity. Many campgrounds in Pennsylvania's portion of the region allow alcohol, while Maryland state parks generally prohibit it.
Best Camping Sites Near Forest Hill, Maryland (119)
1. Susquehanna State Park Campground
24 ReviewsDarlington, MD12 milesWebsite+1 (410) 557-7994$21 - $50 / night
"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"
2. Elk Neck State Park Campground
60 ReviewsPerryville, MD23 milesWebsite+1 (410) 287-5333$21 - $55 / night
"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."3. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
8 ReviewsAbingdon, MD11 milesWebsite+1 (410) 679-0880$70 - $90 / night
"Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
"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."
4. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD18 milesWebsite+1 (410) 329-6636"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!"
5. Tucquan Park Family Campground
12 ReviewsHoltwood, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-2156"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."
6. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
11 ReviewsHoltwood, PA19 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4325"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."
7. Jellystone Park™ Quarryville
19 ReviewsQuarryville, PA23 milesWebsite+1 (717) 610-4505"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."
8. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA22 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4587"Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "
9. Otter Creek Campground
10 ReviewsPequea, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (717) 862-3628"Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
10. Codorus State Park Campground
40 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA31 milesWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$24 - $247 / night
"This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice. "
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
Recent Camping Photos near Forest Hill, MD
300 Photos of 119 Forest Hill Campgrounds
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Sharon L.
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Marissa G.
Susquehanna State Park Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Otter Creek Campground
J W.
Pequea Creek Campground
Ryan D.
Elk Neck State Park Campground
An V.
Cecil County Permaculture
Michael W.
Woodlands Camping Resort
Recent Reviews near Forest Hill, MD
935 Reviews of 119 Forest Hill Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- CCatherine M.
TravelerLums Pond State Park Campground
You want peace ??
This is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
- DDeanie S.
ScoutDelaware Motel and RV Park
Thoughts
Okay so I haven't actually been here yet I am looking for somewhere to put my rv long term. I guess I was just wondering why the other person made this place sound so horrible. Is it because of the people who can only afford to survive long term at this campsite or was this another time that stigma took over instead of knowledge or is the place a real dangerous dump. I guess I need to check this place out for myself.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
- aamanda A.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great Campsite!
The campground is well maintained. The facilities were clean, and the other campers were friendly. There was plenty of firewood (fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground to use. Overall we had a great time!
Guide to Forest Hill
Camping options near Forest Hill, Maryland span across northeastern Maryland and into southern Pennsylvania, with most locations situated within a 30-mile radius. The area's topography features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 300-600 feet above sea level, creating varied camping experiences from riverside locations to more elevated woodland settings. Winter temperatures typically drop to the 20s-30s at night, making most campgrounds seasonal operations with limited or no winter availability.
What to do
Kayaking and water access: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, water recreation is just steps from your campsite. "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 park offers boat docks and fishing opportunities directly from waterfront sites.
Hiking near water features: Explore the trails around Pequea Creek Campground where the landscape offers creek and river views. "We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek," shares J W. The campground provides direct access to the 14-mile Enola Low Grade Trail which runs along portions of the Susquehanna River.
Wildlife viewing: The Forest Hill region offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities, especially birds. According to Thomas K. at Susquehanna State Park, this location "primarily draws Eagle watchers and photographers." Many campgrounds have designated nature trails or wildlife viewing areas where guests can observe local fauna in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Secluded, wooded sites: Many campers praise the privacy found at Otter Creek Campground, which offers spacious sites with natural buffers. "Great family campground with plenty to do," notes George. Sean M. adds, "From the spacious sites, respectful staff and friendly seasonal campers we felt like we didn't have a care in the world."
Swimming and splash features: For families seeking water activities beyond the river, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park receives high marks for its water amenities. Aaron E. reports, "The water park was GREAT for kids and adults. Super clean. Lots to do. Well worth a week." This offers an alternative to natural swimming spots, which can be limited in the region.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the quality of restrooms at Codorus State Park Campground. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," notes Mike C., while another camper adds, "Campground bath houses were very clean, nice hot showers with great showerhead that stayed on without pushing a button." This attention to cleanliness stands out as a consistent positive feature.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the region close completely or reduce services during winter months. Kevin M. at Codorus State Park notes, "No water but the bath house was close and very clean," which is common at parks that winterize their water systems. Operating seasons typically run from April through October.
Site selection matters: At many campgrounds, there's significant variation between sites. At Muddy Run Rec Park, Chris G. warns, "Sites in the 20's are tiny and hanging off a cliff," while another camper mentions, "We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot." Researching specific site reviews before booking can prevent disappointment.
Water hookup challenges: Multiple campers mention the need for extra-long water hoses. "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," advises Chris G. at Muddy Run Rec Park. This infrastructure issue appears common at several campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Choose activity-rich campgrounds: Families with young children often prefer places with structured activities. A camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground notes, "There were a lot of events for everyone of all ages. The sites were a little close together but still plenty of room. The pool and playground were very clean and well taken care of."
Consider age-appropriate options: Different campgrounds cater to different age groups. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one camper advises, "We returned this year with my 12 and 14 year olds and a 12 year old friend. The kids were bored." This suggests the facilities there may better serve younger children rather than teens.
Look for playgrounds and pools: Campgrounds with good recreational amenities receive higher family ratings. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, Amy R. shares, "Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" The park features miniature golf, a jump zone, and a playground, making it popular for repeat family visits.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: RVers should research approach roads and site angles. At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, Laure D. notes, "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution." Some sites present backing challenges, as George L. explains: "Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble."
Hookup placement: Electric and water hookup locations vary significantly between campgrounds and even sites. At Bar Harbor, one reviewer observed their "Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain." Plan for extension cords and extra-long water hoses when preparing for a trip to this region.
RV size restrictions: While many campgrounds advertise as big-rig friendly, site dimensions can be misleading. At Elk Neck State Park, a camper advises, "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." This type of specific information is crucial for larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Forest Hill, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Forest Hill, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Forest Hill, MD is Susquehanna State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
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