Best Campgrounds near Perryville, MD
Northeastern Maryland's camping landscape around Perryville features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds situated along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located 15 miles east of Perryville in North East, Maryland, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins in a wooded setting. Susquehanna State Park Campground, just 8 miles northwest in Havre de Grace, provides more secluded sites with wider spacing between campers. The region's proximity to both the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay creates opportunities for waterfront camping, hiking, and paddling activities, with most campgrounds offering electric hookups and basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and centralized water sources.
Reservation requirements vary significantly across the area's campgrounds, with most state parks requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. As one camper at Elk Neck State Park noted, "The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints." Weather considerations include humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and occasional strong thunderstorms. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions, particularly at lower elevation sites near water. Cell service is generally reliable at most established campgrounds, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas. Vehicle height restrictions exist at some parks, with Patapsco Valley State Park specifically warning, "Approach this park only from the west if your vehicle is over 11 feet high."
Campers consistently praise the region's water access and wooded settings. Many sites feature partial shade from mature hardwood forests, though some loops designated for larger RVs offer less tree cover. Bathhouse quality varies considerably between campgrounds, with state parks generally providing clean but basic facilities. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park, 25 miles northeast of Perryville in Delaware, reported, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites. Very level and spaced apart from neighbors if you pick the right spots." Wildlife sightings commonly include white-tailed deer, various bird species, and occasional foxes. Noise levels remain relatively low at most campgrounds despite proximity to I-95, though weekend crowds can significantly impact the camping experience during peak summer months.
