Best Campgrounds near Port Deposit, MD

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 Camping Sites Near Port Deposit, Maryland (106)

    1. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $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."

    2. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $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."

    3. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $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"

    4. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "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

    8 Reviews
    Abingdon, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 679-0880

    $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."

    6. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "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."

    7. Camp Ramblewood

    1 Review
    Darlington, MD
    5 miles
    +1 (410) 457-4228

    $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."

    8. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "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."

    9. Woodlands Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    White Hall, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 398-4414

    10. Susquehannock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drumore, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 252-1134

    $28 - $72 / night

    "The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."

    "Some walk in tent sites. There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River."

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Recent Reviews near Port Deposit, MD

824 Reviews of 106 Port Deposit Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, Port Deposit, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 106 campgrounds and RV parks near Port Deposit, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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 60 reviews.

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.