Patapsco Valley State Park campgrounds near Milford Mill operate primarily from April 1st to October 30th, with seasonal temperature ranges of 40-85°F typical during camping season. The region's rolling hills and extensive woodland trails connect most camping areas, allowing direct access to the Patapsco River. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 250-500 feet above sea level, creating moderate terrain suitable for novice hikers.
What to do
River activities: Kayaking on the Patapsco: At Patapsco Valley State Park, visitors can enjoy paddling on calm waters. "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," notes one camper at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Natural playgrounds: Free forest play: The Hilton Area entrance features unique play spaces for children. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," explains a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Swimming options: Accessible river spots: You can reach swimming areas via specific trails. "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," shares a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Wildlife observation: Marsh ecosystems: Some campsites offer direct views of wildlife habitats. "We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh," notes a camper at Patapsco Valley State Park.
What campers like
Direct trail access: Multiple difficulty levels: The trail system connects various camping areas with the river. "The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail. There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," describes a visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park.
Variety of camping styles: From primitive to full-service: Hollofield Area Campground offers different camping experiences. "This campground is very popular, and set up as two loops; an inner loop with electric sites, and a more spread-out outer loop with non-electric, tent-only sites. The inner loop was completely full, and the sites were just too closely spaced for my preferences," shares one camper.
Year-round pet-friendly options: Some nearby campgrounds remain open all seasons. "Clean," notes a camper simply about Ramblin' Pines, which stays "open all year" according to another reviewer.
Proximity to urban amenities: Many campers appreciate the balance between wilderness and convenience. "Being just barely off the beaten path, I wasn't expecting all too much from the one night stay over planned heading from New Jersey to Shenandoah in Virginia. I was surprised at the quiet, understated beauty of the forestry around the perfectly level campsite," reports a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Unpredictable spring weather: Early season camping can present challenges. "We arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking," cautions a camper at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Check-in constraints: Strict timing policies: Cherry Hill Park has specific check-in requirements. "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3," advises a camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Site selection strategy: Privacy considerations: Site locations vary significantly in terms of seclusion. "If you don't mind the proximity to other campers and multiple scouting groups, or if you can make use of the more private tent sites, this might be a good option," suggests a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
Bathhouse limitations: Variable facilities: Bathroom access can be restricted in pet-friendly areas. "There is only one bath house for the campground, which was clean and well maintained. Tenters will be happy because many of the smaller sites were more secluded and had great views of the woods," notes a camper at Hollofield Area Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Natural discovery areas: Age-appropriate exploration: Greenbelt Park Campground offers educational spaces for children. "Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit, so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly," advises a recent visitor.
Kid-friendly campground amenities: Some locations specialize in family-oriented activities. "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," explains a camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Multiple playgrounds within walking distance: Facilities for children are available throughout the parks. "Nice playground for the kids. You can purchase firewood from the camp hosts nearby as well. The fire pit at this site was a little difficult to cook with because the grate was very high and could not be lowered," reports a visitor to Hollofield Area Campground.
Seasonal family activities: Some campgrounds offer scheduled programs. "There are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," shares a visitor to Greenbelt Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: Electric-only considerations: Little Bennett Campground provides RV sites with varying hookup levels. "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. 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," describes an RVer.
Water access points: Fill station locations: Water availability varies between campgrounds. "There is a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C. The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," shares a visitor to Greenbelt Park Campground.
Bridge height restrictions: RV approach routes: Some access roads have height limitations. "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)," warns a camper at Hollofield Area Campground.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back," notes an RVer at Little Bennett Campground.
