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.
What to do
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).
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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).
Tips for camping with families
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).
Tips from RVers
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).
