Camping opportunities near Conowingo, Maryland center around the Susquehanna River valley, where elevation ranges from 35 to 300 feet above sea level across the region. The area experiences humid subtropical conditions with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters, making May through October the prime camping season. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to water recreation due to their proximity to the Susquehanna River and its tributaries.
What to do
Fishing adventures: Susquehanna State Park Campground offers excellent fishing access with multiple species available. "There is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed. We hiked back to the campground from here, which was a nice easy-to-moderate trail," notes one visitor. The park's proximity to Deer Creek provides additional fishing opportunities.
Historic explorations: French Creek State Park Campground sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat. The views of the river are really nice from here," shares a camper who enjoyed the cultural aspects.
Water recreation: Thousand Trails Circle M offers unique river experiences. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" A visitor recommends planning ahead to take advantage of this natural feature.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Lums Pond State Park Campground gets high marks for site layout. "In February, about 1/4 of the sites were occupied. It was very quiet. The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern," reports a winter camper.
Clean facilities: At Country Acres Campground, visitors consistently praise the maintenance. "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home!"
Community atmosphere: Tucquan Park Family Campground fosters connections. "This campground goes above and beyond to make you feel like home," shares a visitor. Another notes, "The family that runs the campground makes everyone feel welcome and feel like you've been their 1000 times." The community aspect creates a welcoming environment for first-time visitors.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At French Creek State Park Campground, choosing the right site requires research. "I expected it to be much noisier than it was. All of the dogs were well behaved, and we didn't have any problems as we took our walks around the loop," explains a camper who stayed in the pet-friendly Loop C. Another notes, "Not all of the sites had paths to the bathhouse, and the path that they did have was also very rocky and covered in roots."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited services in off-seasons. "We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did," reports a visitor, while others note difficulty getting reservations during peak times.
Environmental factors: Local agriculture impacts some experiences. At Old Mill Stream Campground, one camper noted, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tucquan Park Family Campground offers excellent play areas. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," shares a family camper. The campground balances activities with natural surroundings.
Activity scheduling: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm plans special events throughout the season. "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. Wonderful experience for the whole family," reports a holiday visitor.
Alternate glamping options: For families interested in glamping in Conowingo, Maryland alternatives, Old Mill Stream Campground provides convenience with attractions. "Nice campground with a creek that runs along the backside of the campground! Even though the amusement park wasn't open yet, kids still had a good time!" reports a visitor. Family cabins are available for those seeking comfortable glamping near Conowingo.
Tips from RVers
Site layout awareness: Old Mill Stream Campground accommodates large rigs. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig," advises an RV owner.
Hookup planning: For those seeking luxury RV camping as an alternative to glamping near Conowingo, check utility specifics. "We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56)," reports a visitor to Lums Pond. Another camper notes, "If you reserve online you can see the availability and pick your site which is always a nice feature. They also have pictures of each campsite on the website so you really know what you are getting."
Seasonal site options: For extended stays, investigate monthly rates. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "as with all thousand trails, this campground is first come best site. While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did!" A visitor recommends researching specific areas within larger campgrounds.
