Best Campgrounds near Fort Howard, MD

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Howard, Maryland (73)

    1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    16 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "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."

    "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends. The staff is exceptionally friendly and helpful."

    2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $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."

    3. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    4. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $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."

    5. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    6. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $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."

    7. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $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."

    8. Bay Shore Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rock Hall, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 639-7485

    $42 - $82 / night

    "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. "

    "Perfect location for relaxation. No pool & not much to do for kids. But loved the view & area. Only 3 miles to drive into town"

    9. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $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"

    10. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina

    8 Reviews
    Abingdon, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 679-0880

    $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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 73 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Fort Howard, MD

628 Reviews of 73 Fort Howard Campgrounds


  • Amanda S.
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    Got bed bugs? They do.

    Stayed in cabin 202 for a Fri- Sun and on our last morning we found a bed bug on our clothing. While they gave a refund it does not come close to cover the time and energy of remediating all of our clothing, sheets, and blankets. We also had to throw out items that could not be cleaned properly and now have to replace them(pillows, shoes, etc). My husband has 23 bites over the course of 2 nights. They burn and itch very badly. I truly hope this was a hiccup for them and they go through correct methods of having the cabin treated properly. 

    UPDATE: A recount of the bites- my husband has 31 bites so far. The remediation of all of our items is exhausting. All the blankets, clothing, suit cases, all the other items we used in the cabin needs to be cleaned. We had to throw out our shoes because they shrunk in the dryer. Spent$$$ replacing shoes for a family for 4. Pillows are not cheap to replace either. I bought a new corset at the renfest this weekend that I'm hoping doesn't get ruined when it goes through the dryer. That too was expensive. So if you're looking to have to spend a bunch of extra money to replace items you didn't want to replace in the first place- I recommend staying here.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do

Guide to Fort Howard

Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," highlighting the park's accessibility and natural beauty.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "There's a small lake where many people were fishing for bass, and a calm waterway excellent for kayaking."
  • Visiting Historic Sites: The area is rich in history. Campers often take day trips to nearby attractions, with one reviewer noting, "Baltimore is close enough for a day trip so we will plan that on our next trip."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park remarked, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
  • Community Feel: Many enjoy the friendly atmosphere at campgrounds. One camper at Ramblin' Pines said, "The staff and seasonal campers are all very friendly."
  • Activities for Kids: Families love the amenities for children. A parent at Washington DC / Capitol KOA mentioned, "Lots of other kids playing at the park for my kids to play with."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area noted, "The sites are situated quite close to one another."
  • Noise Levels: Depending on the location, noise can be an issue. One reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground mentioned, "Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring College Park."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground said, "The campground was fully booked for the weekend but the other areas weren't crowded."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One family at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm enjoyed, "They have a lot to do but half is only open on the weekends."
  • Plan for Day Trips: Consider visiting nearby attractions. A camper at Tuckahoe State Park Campground mentioned, "We went to the Eastern Shore Brewing Company where dogs are allowed indoors."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save time and money. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park appreciated the "nicely stocked store" for quick snacks.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Ramblin' Pines noted, "It's well taken care of for the most part, although I'm parked across from a camper that has 2-3 foot tall weeds all around it."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area mentioned, "The dump station is a pipe attached to a manhole cover."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with events. A visitor at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm said, "They have lots of themed events, the most popular being the entire month of October celebrating like Halloween."

Camping near Fort Howard, Maryland, offers a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. With various campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

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 73 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.