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Camping near Phoenix, Maryland ranges from developed campgrounds with full hookups to more primitive sites in state parks. The area features several campgrounds including Merry Meadows Recreation Farm in Freeland and Patapsco Valley State Park's Hollofield Area Campground, both providing tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within a short drive of Phoenix. Most campgrounds in this region are concentrated along the Gunpowder Falls and Patapsco River watersheds, providing recreational access to water features while maintaining proximity to Baltimore's urban amenities.
Seasonal operation varies significantly among the mixed-use campgrounds in the Phoenix area. Many state park facilities like Patapsco Valley and Susquehanna State Park operate from April through October, closing for the winter months. One camper noted, "Nice and clean, up to par even with a working bathroom that was nice compared to ones I have seen before," highlighting the maintained facilities despite seasonal challenges. Privately operated campgrounds like Merry Meadows Recreation Farm typically maintain year-round operations with varying levels of service. Advance reservations are essential during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity quickly. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours, maintain designated pet-friendly areas, and prohibit alcohol consumption in public areas, particularly within state parks.
State park campgrounds near Phoenix receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings and accessibility. The Hollofield Area Campground offers electric hookups and shower facilities while maintaining a rustic woodland atmosphere. According to one visitor, "It may be close to suburbia and convenient to major highways, but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods." Private campgrounds in the region typically provide more amenities, including swimming pools, planned activities, and full hookup sites for RVs. Families appreciate the recreation opportunities at Merry Meadows, where activities include mini-golf and seasonal events. Campers seeking more primitive experiences can explore the trails and day-use areas of Gunpowder Falls State Park, though overnight camping is not permitted within this particular park.
"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
"Large campground with some good trails. Will definitely return!"
"This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice. "
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
from $20 - $195 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $19 - $27 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
from $30 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $75 - $115 / night
Check Availability"We stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city."
from $49 / night
Check Availability"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"Songle car parking spot on the road then a short walk down a hill onto the site. two tent areas and plenty of prime hammock trees. there’s a small deer trail that runs between all of the sites on the water"
from $24 - $89 / night
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TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
TravelerClose to washington as we could get. Could also park our skoolie bus which was nice and had plenty of close by shower with bathrooms. Keep in mind only one shower per restroom house. We stayed at a pretty slow season so it wasn’t bad. Would recommend if visiting DC! They also have a dump station and water fill up.
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
Campgrounds near Phoenix, Maryland can be found throughout the Gunpowder Falls and Patapsco River watersheds. Located in Baltimore County at approximately 300 feet above sea level, this area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm, humid summers and cool winters. Most camping spots near Phoenix, Maryland operate seasonally from April through October, though several private facilities maintain year-round service with varying amenities.
Hiking trails at Patapsco Valley State Park: The park offers over 70 miles of trails with diverse difficulty levels. At the Hollofield Area, campers can access hiking paths directly from their sites. One visitor noted, "We really loved hiking down to the river and even went for a swim. Loved it so much, I stopped on the way back home again!" (Hollofield Area Campground).
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park features two 18-hole disc golf courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge" (Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground).
Water recreation options: Many campgrounds offer water activities on nearby lakes and rivers. At Codorus State Park, "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground" (Codorus State Park Campground).
Visiting historical sites: Susquehanna State Park includes preserved historical buildings. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat" (Susquehanna State Park Campground).
Natural settings with urban proximity: Despite being close to populated areas, many campgrounds offer secluded experiences. "It may be close to suburbia and convenient to major highways, but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods" (Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area).
Well-maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention clean bathhouses and facilities. At Elk Neck State Park, "Nice clean bathhouses. Sites were level, spacious, spaced apart, with packed gravel surface. Back in and pull through sites available" (Elk Neck State Park Campground).
Seasonal events and activities: Many private campgrounds organize special events throughout the season. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family" (Merry Meadows Recreation Farm).
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer chances to see local wildlife. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron" at Elk Neck State Park, according to one camper. Another mentioned at Susquehanna State Park that they "scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially on weekends. For Merry Meadows, "Advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!" (Merry Meadows Recreation Farm).
Payment policies: Some campgrounds have specific payment requirements. "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" (Merry Meadows Recreation Farm).
Tent pad availability: Not all sites have suitable tent pads. At Susquehanna State Park, "I think if we had stayed in a site that had a pad for the tent, I would've given this park 5 stars. I docked a star because I'd say about half- maybe more- don't have pads" (Susquehanna State Park Campground).
Seasonal weather considerations: Spring camping may bring challenges. "The water bugs are bad in the spring, no mosquitoes, acorns falling from the trees on your camper in the fall" (Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina).
Playground access: Choose sites with easy access to play areas. "For kids, the playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded. It is also in the middle of the Acorn and Beechnut loop" at Susquehanna State Park (Susquehanna State Park Campground).
Nature-based play options: Some parks offer unique playground alternatives. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it" (Hollofield Area Campground).
Swimming options: Verify swimming availability before booking. At Codorus State Park Campground, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground." However, at some campgrounds: "It was a shock we had to pay to swim when we camped there" (Codorus State Park Campground).
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled activities for children. Ramblin' Pines has "a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds" (Ramblin' Pines).
Site selection considerations: Choose sites carefully based on your RV size and needs. "The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping" (Cherry Hill Park).
Hookup availability: Full hookup options vary between campgrounds. At Elk Neck, "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" (Elk Neck State Park Campground).
Height restrictions: Some areas have vehicle height limits. "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)" (Hollofield Area Campground).
Leveling challenges: Site terrain can present difficulties. "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" (Elk Neck State Park Campground).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Phoenix, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Phoenix, MD is Merry Meadows Recreation Farm with a 4-star rating from 19 reviews.
What parks are near Phoenix, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Phoenix, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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