Located in northern Maryland, Parkton sits within a forested valley at an elevation of approximately 600 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s and cooler spring/fall nights often dropping into the 40s. The proximity to both Pennsylvania state parks and Maryland conservation areas creates diverse terrain options for camping, from wooded sites to waterfront locations.
What to do
Hiking on Mason Dixon Trail: Near Otter Creek Campground, trails connect to the Mason Dixon Trail system with varied difficulty levels. "Great campground with plenty to do. Close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal!" notes Gerald B.
Fishing in multiple waterways: The Susquehanna River and smaller creeks offer various fishing spots. At Otter Creek, campers mention "The river is only a short walk from the campground which is directly across the street at Otter Creek Picnic Area where there are private and public boat docks. You could easily fish from anywhere along the riverside."
Historic site exploration: Visit the nearby Indian Steps Museum from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!" reports one camper who explored the region.
Water activities at multiple locations: Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming opportunities exist throughout the area. Danielle V. shares that Gifford Pinchot has a "LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water."
What campers like
Spacious, wooded campsites: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers sites with forest privacy. "Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" says Amy R. Another camper noted, "The campground is spacious, scattered throughout the woods. The RV sites are comfortable with all the amenities."
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: Bathhouses at most campgrounds receive positive mentions. At Codorus State Park Campground, campers appreciate "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms" and note it's "Very well maintained." Another review mentions, "I stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean."
Creek access for cooling off: During summer months, water access becomes essential. At Pequea Creek Campground, "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."
Year-round camping options: Some campgrounds near Parkton operate beyond summer months. One camper notes that Codorus State Park offers a camping season "from 2nd Friday April to November 1," while others like Ramblin' Pines stay open "all year."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. "After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," reports Scott B. about summer camping at Gifford Pinchot. Ticks are also prevalent in warmer months throughout the region.
Campground rules vary significantly: Each location has different policies about alcohol, generators, and quiet hours. At Hollofield Area Campground, "The inner circle has electric but no water or sewer. The outer loop is primitive. There is a dump station." Rebecca C. explains, "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entry points. At Hollofield, campers warn "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.)"
Wildlife awareness needed: Snake sightings occur throughout the area. Danielle V. noted at Gifford Pinchot: "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile."
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Multiple campgrounds offer child-friendly play areas. Tucquan Park Family Campground "features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basket ball court," according to christine L., who called it a "Hidden Gem for Families."
Nature discovery opportunities: Several parks provide educational programs. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," notes Angel G., adding "It's the perfect little getaway from the city for camping, fishing and hiking."
Pet-friendly camping near Parkton: For those camping with both children and pets, site selection matters. At Tucquan Park, "We very much enjoyed our stay here. Kids enjoyed the park, they offer a small paddle boat to take any time you want on their little lake on site, the area is beautiful, coworkers are friendly," reports Stephanie.
Scheduled activities for different ages: Many campgrounds organize events. At Tucquan Park, melissa notes, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability varies: Check specific campground offerings before arrival. At Codorus State Park, one camper notes, "I stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Ramblin' Pines, "The site was nice and level, but a bit small, with a short driveway. We actually brought 2 vehicles this time, and it was really tight."
Winter camping options: For year-round RVers, some campgrounds remain open with full hookups through colder months. Richard W. describes Ramblin' Pines as "Clean, nice people, and nice sites" while noting it's open "all year."
Dump station and water fill locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups, so knowing where these facilities are located matters. At Hollofield Area Campground, "There is only 20/30amp electricity and NO water or sewer- although there was a dump and a place to fill your water tank."
