RV camping options near Owings Mills, Maryland range from waterfront sites along the Bush River to rustic farm settings with animal encounters. The area sits between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain regions at elevations from 300-800 feet, creating varied camping terrain. Many campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal facilities typically operate from April through October with limited winter availability.
What to do
Explore historic Gettysburg: Located about an hour from Owings Mills, Gettysburg Campground provides an excellent base for battlefield tours. "Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town," notes a camper. The campground features creek-side tent sites and full hookup options.
Farm animal interactions: Kids love the animal encounters at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. One visitor shared, "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn." Another family noted they "enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Water activities: Waterfront camping at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. "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," reports a visitor. The park also features a boat dock and fishing pier.
What campers like
Military facilities: Active and retired military personnel can access Camp Meade RV Park near Fort Meade with affordable rates. "Great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post," mentions a camper. The park offers full hookup sites and clean facilities.
Well-maintained pools: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming pools that receive positive reviews. At Thousand Trails Circle M, campers appreciate both "indoor and outdoor pools." Another reviewer mentioned they "enjoyed hours hanging out there" at a campground pool, noting it was "clean and roomy."
Proximity to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional attractions. "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips," notes a Circle M visitor. Cell service quality varies by provider, with most campgrounds reporting adequate coverage for at least one major carrier.
What you should know
Site quality variations: Camper experiences differ significantly based on site location. "We were in a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large," writes one Gettysburg Farm visitor, while others note some campgrounds have tight spaces: "Sites are small and tight and some are at strange angles."
Seasonal pricing fluctuations: Rates increase substantially during peak season. One camper at Round Top Campground reported, "We paid $675 for 8 days. It was to include W,E,S, and cable." Off-season camping often provides better value and less crowded facilities.
Infrastructure reliability: Power outages occasionally affect campgrounds during extreme weather. A Round Top camper noted, "Electric went out 3 times, once for over 24 hrs. It was in the high 90°." Always have backup power options for essential devices and medication refrigeration during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive family amenities. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists one satisfied camper. Many parks schedule weekend activities during peak season.
Site selection strategy: Request sites away from main roads and bathhouses for quieter experience. "If you are camping with friends make sure you get sites nearby them or else you will need to drive to their site," advises a Drummer Boy visitor about larger campgrounds. At Cherry Hill, another camper suggests to "look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row."
Budget for extras: Some amenities require additional fees. Mini-golf, arcade games, and rental equipment often cost extra beyond camping fees. One camper noted some facilities charge for Wi-Fi access: "There is Wi-Fi throughout the campground but you have to pay for it."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful driving through residential areas. For Bar Harbor RV Park, a camper advises, "Big rigs take care/caution. You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor." Internal campground roads may also present challenges with "potholes" and "narrow" passages.
Hookup placements: RVers report variable utility placement across campgrounds. "Water and electric are in award spot on our site," noted one camper, while another mentioned, "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly."
Seasonal site options: Several parks offer longer-term seasonal camping for those planning extended stays. "We have possibly considered becoming 'seasonals' ourselves at this place," mentioned one Drummer Boy visitor. Seasonal rates typically provide significant discounts compared to nightly fees for rv sites near Owings Mills, Maryland.
