Camping spots near Perryville, Maryland cluster along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, featuring thick deciduous forest cover and rolling terrain between 50-350 feet in elevation. The area's campgrounds experience heavy weekend bookings during peak season, with limited walk-up availability from late spring through early fall. Weather patterns include frequent morning fog near water sites, requiring campers to pack moisture-resistant gear even during dry forecast periods.
What to do
Paddling at Lums Pond: The 144-acre pond at Lums Pond State Park Campground offers flat-water kayaking and canoeing with rentals available at the boat dock store. "There's a ton of activities at Lums Pond, including a lake with rentals, several playgrounds, hiking nearby, disc golf, and lots of activity," notes camper Nate & Erika L.
Hiking to Turkey Point Lighthouse: The lighthouse trail at Elk Neck State Park Campground provides panoramic Chesapeake Bay views. "Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," advises David G. The trail requires a five-minute drive from the campground to reach the trailhead.
Fishing from your campsite: Waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina allow fishing directly from your camp chair. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," notes Casey L. Bait options at the camp store are limited to night crawlers.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Susquehanna State Park Campground offers walk-up tent sites set back from the main camping area. "There are several, very private, 'walk-up' type sites for tents," mentions Jen V., who also noted the "immaculate" bathhouse that was "by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
Full hookup convenience: Recently renovated sites at Lums Pond State Park provide well-designed infrastructure. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting at Muddy Run Rec Park. "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park," shares Jenn D. Most campers report sightings within walking distance of their sites.
What you should know
Water hookup challenges: Bring extra-long hoses at several campgrounds in the region. "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away," warns Chris G. about Muddy Run Rec Park.
Cellular connectivity gaps: Some campgrounds intentionally lack cell service. "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect," mentions Megan S. about Elk Neck State Park, describing it as a positive feature for family bonding.
Seasonal closures and renovations: Facilities undergo maintenance during shoulder seasons. "Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about their summer visit to Elk Neck State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offers scheduled entertainment for children. "We did a birthday package where they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter. They have the pools and playgrounds and fishing," shares Mya M., though she cautions that golf cart rentals are "dam dam expensive."
Playground access: When booking at Susquehanna State Park, consider proximity to play areas. "Our site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped," notes Jen V., who also mentioned that "there is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed."
Beach closures: Water access points may close without notice. "The campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! We enjoyed hiking the Beaver Marsh Trail," shares Jalissa Y. about Elk Neck State Park, mentioning that from some campsites "you had to drive to a trail head but there were a few sights that had direct access."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Pay close attention to site specifications when booking. "In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," advises David G. about Elk Neck State Park.
Seasonal hookup issues: Winter camping requires special preparation. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November," reports Laure D. about Elk Neck State Park, which is unusual as many area campgrounds winterize water systems earlier.
Navigation challenges: Access routes to campgrounds often pass through residential areas with tight turns. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," warns Craig Z., highlighting a concern for larger vehicles traveling to waterfront campgrounds.
