Camping options near Conowingo, Maryland include several state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay where the Susquehanna River creates a distinct ecosystem with rocky shorelines and wooded ridges. Fall temperatures range from 40-65°F while summer months often exceed 85°F with high humidity, creating distinct camping experiences across seasons.
What to do
Hiking at Susquehannock State Park: The park features trails with views overlooking the Susquehanna River. "There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up. One trail has two amazing specimen trees," notes a visitor to Susquehannock State Park Campground.
Kayaking at Otter Creek: Launch directly into the Susquehanna River from campground access points. "The boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek," shares one camper at Otter Creek Campground.
Visit historic sites: The region contains several preserved historical areas. "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," mentions a visitor to Susquehanna State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Particularly eagle watching at several river locations. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports a camper at Elk Neck State Park Campground, highlighting the diverse bird population.
What campers like
Private sites at Pequea Creek Campground: Campsites with natural separation provide quiet camping experiences. "We had a huge spot on the end and hardly saw the other campers. Dog friendly. Office staff were very helpful. You can buy firewood along with many other supplies in the camp store," shares a reviewer.
Renovated facilities at Lums Pond: Modern amenities enhance comfort at this state park. "The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms. Great for outdoor activities," notes a Lums Pond State Park Campground visitor who appreciated the updated facilities.
Family activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park: Structured entertainment options keep kids engaged. "We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations. Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," explains a satisfied guest.
Waterfront access at Bar Harbor RV Park: Direct water access from many sites. "Our first visit was just prior to peak season (lower rates) and we had a site literally 10 ft. from the water! Full hook ups and sites were a little close, but nice," mentions a camper who enjoyed the proximity to water.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions throughout the year. "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," reports a winter visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground.
Site conditions at Otter Creek: Ground can become saturated after heavy rainfall. "Unfortunately, with all of the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris. The ground aside of the river was also so saturated from flooding it was difficult to walk though without sinking into the ground."
Pet rules vary by campground: Most are pet friendly but with specific regulations. "The campground enforces pet restrictions both in the rules section of their registration packet and signage around the grounds. There was a pet exercise/walking area, but could use some sprucing up," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina.
Hookup locations can be challenging: Some sites require extra equipment. "Cons: 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 a camper at Otter Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," mentions a family at Elk Neck State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly creek access: Pequea Creek offers safe water play areas. "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail. We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Disconnected experience: Limited connectivity creates family focus time. "I camp there multiple times a year! It's dog and family friendly, close to resources, but far enough that it's quiet and feels remote! No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!" shares an enthusiastic Elk Neck State Park Campground visitor.
Bathroom proximity: Consider campsite location relative to facilities. "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, its a hike," advises a Lums Pond camper who noticed this layout quirk.
Tips from RVers
Site angles and access: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups. 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."
Seasonal sites vs. transient areas: Many campgrounds have different sections. "A lot of long term residents but the transient sites are pretty separate. Sites are paved, pretty level and just a bit close," notes a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park describing the layout differences.
Weather preparations: Temperature fluctuations require planning. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. We were told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20 min away that will also fill them," advises a winter RVer at Bar Harbor.
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