Codorus State Park Campground
Top Tier
I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Northeastern Maryland's camping landscape around Perryville features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds situated along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Campgrounds near Perryville range from tent sites and cabins to RV hookups, with options for waterfront camping along the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. 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 Perryville area offers exceptional camping opportunities with direct access to the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, creating ideal conditions 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.
$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."
$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"
$22 - $40 / night
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
$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."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground."
$76 / night
"Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."
$10 - $16 / night
"Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"
"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."











I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
The 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!
Overall, 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.
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!
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.
Bathrooms are clean and staff is nice
The camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
Thought 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.
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
This 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Perryville camping areas?
Camping areas near Perryville typically offer a variety of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area provides clean, well-maintained bathrooms, hiking trails, and is surrounded by forest. For those seeking more developed facilities, Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers diverse camping options including RV sites, tent camping, and youth group areas, plus kayaking opportunities on the lake. Many local campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water sources. RV campers will find several parks with electric hookups, dump stations, and in some cases, full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Where are the best campgrounds near Perryville, MD?
Perryville's surrounding area offers excellent camping options. Elk Neck State Park Campground is a premier destination just minutes from Perryville, featuring waterfront sites along the Chesapeake Bay with hiking trails and beach access. For those seeking riverside camping, Susquehanna State Park Campground provides scenic spots along the Susquehanna River with excellent fishing opportunities. Other notable options include Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina for those with boats, and Woodlands Camping Resort near Elkton, which offers family-friendly amenities and spacious sites.
What camping is available near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Perryville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Perryville, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Perryville, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Perryville, MD.
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