Campgrounds near Fort Howard, Maryland include several options within a 30-mile radius, ranging from waterfront state parks to full-service private campgrounds. Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options, while Patapsco Valley State Park offers more rustic camping experiences with limited hookups. The area features a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities that accommodate both tent and RV campers, with several locations offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations.
Most campgrounds in the Maryland region operate seasonally, with the majority open from spring through fall (typically April through October). Reservation requirements vary by location, with state parks like Susquehanna and Patapsco Valley requiring advance booking during peak summer months. "Extremely overcrowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," noted one visitor regarding Sandy Point State Park. Waterfront campgrounds like Bay Shore Campground provide scenic views but often fill quickly during summer weekends, while inland options like Hollofield Area Campground tend to have more availability year-round.
Campers frequently mention the region's proximity to urban areas as a key advantage, with several sites providing convenient access to Baltimore, Annapolis and Washington DC. Sandy Point State Park receives mixed reviews due to seasonal crowding but earns praise for its Chesapeake Bay views and swimming opportunities. According to reviews on The Dyrt, Bay Shore Campground stands out for its waterfront setting: "Perfect location for relaxation. No pool and not much to do for kids. But loved the view and area." Sites with full hookups like Cherry Hill Park and Washington DC/Capitol KOA cater primarily to RV campers, while tent campers often prefer the more natural settings at state parks. Limited primitive camping exists in the region, with most options being developed campgrounds featuring standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
$20 - $51 / night
"Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD.""Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."
$19 - $27 / night
"It has 8 recreation areas and we stayed at the Hollofield Area in April- one of our first experiences in a Maryland State Park. Beautiful park with 70 miles of hiking/biking /multi use trails."
"This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another."
$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."
$42 - $82 / night
"We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! "
"We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "
$999 / night
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
$20 / night
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
$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."
$21 - $70 / night
"Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."
"Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
LegendOverall, this is a nice, small (about 65 sites) state park with plenty of recreational opportunities inside the park. There is nice separation between sites so you don’t feel like you are on top of your neighbor. Tall trees are scattered about which provide shade at some sites but overall, the park is pretty open. Roads getting to the park are easy to navigate with any size RV. Within the park, roads are paved and free of potholes and there are no low hanging branches. Since the roads are one-way they are not very wide so backing in big-rigs can be a little tight and you might have to run over the grass.
All RV sites are full hook-up and there is a separate area for tents and there is one canvas yurt for rent. The tent sites are nice in that they are tucked along the wood line slightly away from RVs with more privacy and shade. The only downside is that they are pretty far away from the centrally located bathroom and showers. The bathroom has separate rooms for showers which is nice and private. They were tended to daily and very clean. Also, located in the center of the campground is a playground, camp store and laundry. The dumpsters and recycle bins are located in a separate area on the way out of the campground and were frequently full and overflowing. Campsites are paved and some have wide enough that the patio is paved but others have a narrow pad for the RV and gravel patio. We discovered that most sites are level but a few are not (like 22 and 24). The campground is very clean and camp hosts were diligent about picking up trash and cleaning out fire pits every day.
Across the pond (north of the campground) is where most of the amenities are located such as concessions, ball fields, horseshoe pits, disk golf, and more. For those wanting to fish there is a pier in the campground and a self-serve vending machine with bait in it. There are additional fishing piers located in other parts of the park and there are boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for rent. We stopped in at the Nature Center but it was a bust– just a few taxidermy specimens and not much information. One of the most popular areas of the park is Go Ape which is a ropes/zip line course through the canopy (which does require admission fee). There are nice trails that leave right from the campground– some 17 miles in all. There is a boat launch about a quarter mile from the campground entrance which is suitable for trailerable boats and paddle craft but there are no docks so you can’t leave your boat tied up there. There is an off-leash dog area but it is located far from the campground so it’s best to drive.
LegendWe spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
ScoutBathrooms are clean and staff is nice
ScoutThought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
GuideThis campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
TravelerThis is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
ScoutThe 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!
Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland offers a mix of waterfront and woodland experiences within Maryland's Chesapeake Bay region. Located on a peninsula where the Patapsco River meets the Bay, Fort Howard campers experience mild coastal temperatures with summer highs around 85°F and cooler shoulder seasons in the 60-70°F range. Winter camping remains viable with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.
Historical exploration at Turkey Point Lighthouse: A short drive from Elk Neck State Park Campground provides access to this historic landmark. "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it. Definitely drive to, and then hike to the light house (open most weekends)," shares David G., who appreciates the historical significance.
Kayaking on the Patapsco River: Launch from designated areas near local campgrounds for peaceful paddling. "This park has a wide range of activities for kids. The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it," explains Anthony S. about Patapsco Valley State Park, which offers river access points for water activities.
Wildlife observation at Eastern Neck Sanctuary: Just 7 minutes from Bay Shore Campground, this sanctuary provides excellent bird watching. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Amazing colors," notes Helen O., highlighting the natural beauty.
Fossil hunting along shorelines: Search for sharks' teeth and other fossils on beaches. Angel G. mentions, "Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth" at Sandy Point, reflecting an activity available at several Chesapeake shorelines.
Waterfront camping with bay views: Sites directly overlooking the Chesapeake provide memorable camping experiences. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," writes Lisa V. about Bay Shore Campground in Rock Hall.
Spacious, private sites: Campers appreciate the well-designed layout at certain parks. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level," reports Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park Campground, noting the privacy between campsites.
Metro access to Washington DC: Urban-adjacent camping options make exploring the capital easy. Laura M. explains: "We packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends," detailing how Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient city access.
Recreational facilities for families: Many campgrounds offer amenities beyond just campsites. Jonathan B. notes that Cherry Hill Park has "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."
Seasonal closures impact availability: Most parks operate from April through October with limited winter options. "Open 3/1/2019 - 11/30/2019" is noted for Washington DC/Capitol KOA, while Patapsco Valley's operating season runs "April 1 to October 30."
Reservations essential during summer: Holiday weekends and summer months fill quickly, especially at waterfront locations. "We camped here for a somewhat rainy Memorial Day weekend. Despite the rain, we enjoyed ourselves," shares Jennifer R., suggesting that weather doesn't deter crowds at popular times.
Urban noise at some locations: Proximity to cities means some campgrounds experience road or air noise. Crystal C. notes about Greenbelt Park: "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," while another camper mentions airport noise at Hollofield Area Campground: "the planes from the airport kept flying over, which made it hard to sleep."
Water quality varies by location: Swimming options depend on specific campgrounds and seasonal factors. "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" warns Angel G. about Sandy Point, providing valuable seasonal advice.
Natural playspaces for kids: Several parks feature unique outdoor play areas. At Patapsco Valley, Jennifer S. found "a 'natural' playground aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," offering alternatives to traditional playgrounds.
Moderate hiking trails: Many campgrounds provide family-friendly paths suitable for various ages. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes," reports Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park's Hilton Area, highlighting accessibility for children.
Kid-friendly swimming options: Look for designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean," describes Caleb S. about Talbot Island, noting features that engage children's curiosity.
Off-peak camping benefits: Consider school-year weekends for less crowded experiences. "It can get a little crowded on weekends. Has a great walking trail to an awesome lighthouse," advises Drew T., suggesting timing considerations for family visits.
Site selection for large rigs: Some campgrounds have limited space for bigger RVs. "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," explains Adam and Suzanne B. about their experience at Elk Neck State Park.
Bridge height restrictions: Pay attention to road access 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 Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground, providing critical navigation advice.
Water fill challenges: Prepare for varied water access situations. "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 Laura M. about Greenbelt Park, offering a practical workaround.
Winter camping considerations: Full-service campgrounds offer year-round options with precautions. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full... we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," explains Laure D. about Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, describing winter camping adaptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Howard, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 75 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Howard, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Howard, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 3.8-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Fort Howard, MD.
What parks are near Fort Howard, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Fort Howard, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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