T
Trevor 
Traveler
TravelerBay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Camping near Port Deposit, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping options near Port Deposit, Maryland include several established campgrounds within a short drive of the Susquehanna River. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located approximately 15 miles east of Port Deposit, offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with electric hookups and basic amenities. Susquehanna State Park Campground, situated just south of Port Deposit along the river, provides similar accommodation types with seasonal availability from March through October. Most campgrounds in the region feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with several offering water recreation opportunities on nearby lakes or the Susquehanna River.
Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules during winter months. Susquehanna State Park maintains a shorter season (March 31 to October 29) compared to Elk Neck State Park, which remains open year-round. Reservations are typically required at established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, though water and sewer connections vary by location. Bathhouse facilities are generally well-maintained but may be located at some distance from individual campsites. As one visitor noted about Tuckahoe State Park, "One of the downsides to the campground was that the bathrooms were small and far away from the campsites."
The camping experience in this region benefits from proximity to water features and extensive trail systems. Patapsco Valley State Park, though slightly farther from Port Deposit, receives positive reviews for its hiking opportunities and natural setting. A camper described it as having "every kind of camping you can imagine. RVs, tents, youth group, etc." Many campgrounds in the area feature wooded sites that provide shade and some privacy, though site spacing varies considerably between parks. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly bird watching. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, with several reviewers noting issues with drainage during heavy rainfall. For families, several campgrounds offer playgrounds and recreational amenities, making them suitable for multi-day stays while exploring the region's natural and historical attractions.
Best Campgrounds near Port Deposit (112)
1. Elk Neck State Park Campground
"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 Availability2. Susquehanna State Park Campground
"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 Availability3. Lums Pond State Park Campground
"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."
from $29 - $51 / night
Check Availability4. Jellystone Park™ Quarryville
"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."
5. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
"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 Availability6. Woodlands Camping Resort
"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."
7. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
"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."
8. Camp Ramblewood
"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."
from $76 / night
9. Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
"Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance."
10. Tucquan Park Family Campground
"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."
Drive Time
- 34 min from Baltimore, MD
- 51 min from Lancaster, PA
- 59 min from Dover, DE
- 1 hr 7 min from York, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Port Deposit, MD
292 Photos of 112 Port Deposit Campgrounds
Jen V.
Susquehanna State Park Campground
Ryan D.
Elk Neck State Park Campground
An V.
Cecil County Permaculture
Michael W.
Woodlands Camping Resort
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Jim B.
Lums Pond State Park Campground
christine L.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Chrystal L.
White Oak Campground
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Danielle C.
Pequea Creek Campground
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
Recent Reviews near Port Deposit, MD
855 Reviews of 112 Port Deposit Campgrounds
B
GuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
A little noisy - park stuff, not campers
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
Greg S.
LegendHershey Road Campground
4.5 stars
Pros- Pool is sparkling clear and new. Mini golf is awesome. Nice people, nice store.
Cons- further from Hershey Park than ideal, lots of seasonal campers leaving for work before dawn in loud trucks, not much privacy, some road noise.- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
Carol C.ScoutOtter Creek Campground
Lovely tranquil campsites next to river
We stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Brian M.ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Matt S.LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
Quiet Park with a Tight Fit
We spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
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Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
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Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
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The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
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Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
- Probably. While the site geometry required a little extra setup muscle, it’s hard to beat the location if you're visiting the area or catching the balloon festival.
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Guide to Port Deposit
Camping sites near Port Deposit, Maryland sit at the convergence of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, with elevations ranging from near sea level to approximately 300 feet in surrounding hillsides. The region experiences four distinct seasons with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from March through November, with limited year-round options requiring water line winterization during colder months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Elk Neck State Park Campground offers multiple fishing locations including North East River access. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports one visitor, highlighting the bird watching opportunities while fishing the waterways.
Kayaking and boating: Lums Pond State Park Campground provides easy water access with electric motors only permitted on the pond. "Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," notes a regular visitor. The 177-acre pond offers paddling opportunities without the strong currents of the Susquehanna.
Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground features trails with river overlooks and woodland paths. A camper mentioned, "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail." Many trails connect to water features or historic sites within 1-3 miles of hiking distance.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: At Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, the proximity to water is a major draw. "Camped here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," notes one visitor. These waterfront sites allow fishing directly from camp chairs.
Wooded, private sites: Susquehanna State Park offers secluded camping spots. "I camped here for just 1 night during a work trip, and was pleasantly surprised with how nice it all was. I chose site 26 I believe, it was very private from neighbors and the road, surrounded by beautiful mature trees," reports a camper who appreciated the separation between sites.
Pool and water amenities: During hot summer months, swimming options become essential. One camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground stated, "The pool and playground were very clean and well taken care of." Several campgrounds offer swimming areas as alternatives to river activities, which can have strong currents during certain seasons.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Check specific site details before booking. At Muddy Run Rec Park, a camper noted, "We lucked out with a lot that was slightly more secluded on the end of a road, but paid for it with a very sloped lot that made sitting at the picnic table or camp chairs a bit of a struggle."
Hookup locations: Water and electric connections aren't always conveniently placed. "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," warned a Muddy Run visitor. Many older campgrounds have widely spaced utilities requiring longer hoses and cords.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds have limited seasons. While Elk Neck State Park remains open year-round, facilities may be reduced in winter. "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. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reported a late-season camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tucquan Park Family Campground receives high marks for child-friendly facilities. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," shared one family camper. Request sites near playgrounds for easier supervision.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized events for children. "This campground goes above and beyond to make you feel like home... This campground features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basketball court," noted a visitor to Tucquan Park.
Disconnected experience: Limited cell service can create family bonding opportunities. As one Elk Neck camper described, "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!" Many families appreciate the natural focus without technological distractions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offers various site types. "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," advised an RVer visiting during summer heat.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete utilities. "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," warned an experienced Elk Neck camper.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Bar Harbor RV Park requires driving through residential areas. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," noted one RVer, highlighting the importance of researching approach routes for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Port Deposit, MD?
What camping is available near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Port Deposit, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 112 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Deposit, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Port Deposit, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Port Deposit, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 62 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Deposit, MD?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Port Deposit, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Port Deposit, MD.
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