Jeff F.
Scout
Scoutkoa Gettysburg battlefield
Nice spot to experience Gettysburg
Friendly staff, well shaded, good size site 23 with easy in and paver patio and sturdy furniture
Top-Rated Campgrounds near Monkton, Maryland
Camping near Monkton, Maryland ranges from private campgrounds with full RV hookups and cabins to tent sites within state parks, with options concentrated within a 30-mile radius. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm in nearby Freeland offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with full amenities. Several state parks provide additional options, including Patapsco Valley State Park, which offers tent and RV camping with electric hookups approximately 25 miles south of Monkton. Most campgrounds in this region feature a mix of wooded and open sites with varying levels of privacy. Developed facilities typically include restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities vary by location.
Seasonal availability affects most campgrounds in the Monkton area, with many operating from April through October. Patapsco Valley State Park campgrounds operate seasonally from April 1 to October 30, while some private campgrounds like Merry Meadows remain open year-round. Summer weekends often see full occupancy at the more popular locations, making advance reservations essential, especially for holiday periods. Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, with booking windows opening months in advance. Primitive tent camping options are more limited compared to surrounding regions. A recent visitor noted, "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."
Campers consistently rate the wooded sites at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm highly for their privacy and natural setting. The campground provides numerous recreational facilities, including a swimming pool, miniature golf, and playgrounds. State parks in the region offer additional activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities. Some campers mention that private campgrounds enforce strict rules but appreciate the resulting cleanliness and order. One reviewer shared: "Sites are private and large. They have a lot to do but half is only open on the weekends." Several campgrounds in the area feature water recreation opportunities, with Codorus State Park Campground in nearby Pennsylvania offering lakeside camping with boat access. For families seeking amenities and activities, the private campgrounds provide more developed infrastructure compared to the more rustic experience at state park campgrounds.
Best Camping Sites Near Monkton, Maryland (127)
1. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD9 milesWebsite+1 (410) 329-6636"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!"
2. Codorus State Park Campground
41 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA21 milesWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$20 - $195 / night
"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. "
3. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (410) 461-5005$20 - $51 / night
"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."
4. Susquehanna State Park Campground
25 ReviewsDarlington, MD24 milesWebsite+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"
5. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (410) 461-5005$19 - $27 / night
"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."
6. Elk Neck State Park Campground
60 ReviewsPerryville, MD34 milesWebsite+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."7. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA36 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $89 / night
"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"
8. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
8 ReviewsAbingdon, MD21 milesWebsite+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."
9. Ramblin' Pines
17 ReviewsWoodbine, MD27 milesWebsite+1 (410) 795-5161$30 - $70 / night
"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 ❤️"
10. Otter Creek Campground
10 ReviewsPequea, PA24 milesWebsite+1 (717) 862-3628"Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
Recent Camping Photos near Monkton, MD
354 Photos of 127 Monkton Campgrounds
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
Sharon L.
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Anthony W.
Codorus State Park Campground
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Jen V.
Susquehanna State Park Campground
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Recent Reviews near Monkton, MD
1083 Reviews of 127 Monkton Campgrounds
- MMaybe I.
GuideCodorus State Park Campground
Excellent campground!
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!
Nancy W.
LegendLums Pond State Park Campground
Clean, big-rig friendly, large sites.
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.
Matt S.LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
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.
- SShannon D.Scout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Lums Pond
Bathrooms are clean and staff is nice
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.GuidePine Grove Furnace State Park Campground
App Trail and Store 🙌🏻
Probably my favorite due to the Store, the store employee and the App Trails. Will be back. My site was next to the amp trail which I didn’t particularly like, but my site was beautiful. WiFi available at Camp Store
James B.
TravelerHershey Road Campground
An alternative to Hershey Park Campground. A little cheapwr but sites are better here.
Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
- ccara S.Scout
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Hilton area
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.
MBOLScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Guide to Monkton
Camping options near Monkton, Maryland extend through three counties with elevations ranging from 300-600 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F from June through August, making late spring and early fall optimal for comfortable camping conditions. Most campgrounds in this tri-county area provide campers with fire rings and picnic tables, though firewood availability varies by location.
What to do
Hiking along waterways: Patapsco Valley State Park offers extensive trail systems following the Patapsco River. "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures," notes Rachel S.
Paddling options: At Codorus State Park Campground, campers can access multiple water recreation areas. Catherine H. explains, "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."
Historical sites: Several campgrounds provide access to preserved historical structures. "The park has a historic area, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat. The views of the river are really nice from here," shares Jen V. about Susquehanna State Park.
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: Elk Neck State Park Campground features prime sites overlooking the water. "Site was well maintained and very clean. Bathrooms were clean with showers and wash stations. Great views of the bay and beaches. Very well stocked camp store. We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," reports Kate J.
Quiet wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at the less developed campgrounds. Sean M. describes Otter Creek Campground saying, "From the spacious sites, respectful staff and friendly seasonal campers we felt like we didn't have a care in the world. Thank you Joe and Mary for telling us about the great trails and the campgrounds bucket load of wood for $35, made this pyro very happy."
Wildlife viewing: Several parks in the region offer opportunities to spot native animals. At Hollofield Area Campground, Jennifer S. noted, "Easy to walk trails are right off the loop and there are tall trees with a little opening to see the stars. Overall, it was a great place to get away for a few days!"
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campsites near Monkton follow specific operating schedules. Susquehanna State Park Campground operates from "March 31 to October 29," according to park information, giving campers seven months to enjoy the facilities.
Tent pad challenges: Tent campers should check site descriptions carefully. "We had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it," shares E K. from Susquehanna State Park, highlighting the importance of bringing appropriate gear.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Alexandra T. reports, "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Ramblin' Pines offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "This is our local campground and our second time here and we really like it. It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds," says Sean M., making it one of the best places to camp near Monkton, Maryland for families.
Nature exploration: Several parks feature dedicated nature education areas. Angel G. shares that "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Swimming access: Water recreation options vary widely between locations. A reviewer at Codorus State Park explains, "There is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground. There are also a lot of trails available for hiking, biking, or riding horses."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers convenient services for RV campers. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. 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. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," advises Laure D.
Site selection considerations: Larger RVs should research campground layouts carefully. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, David G. cautions, "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."
Access constraints: Some campgrounds have specific limitations affecting larger vehicles. When visiting Hollofield Area Campground, campers should note: "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.)"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I camp near Monkton, Vermont?
Where can I camp near Monkton, Vermont?
For camping near Monkton, Vermont, several great options are available within driving distance. Pequea Creek Campground offers beautiful picturesque sites with large spots and plenty of trees, providing a quiet atmosphere with good privacy between sites. Another excellent choice is Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, which offers convenient overnight or extended stays. Both campgrounds provide clean facilities and access to nearby attractions. For those seeking a more natural setting, the Monkton area has several state parks within reasonable driving distance that offer camping opportunities with varying levels of amenities.
What are the best hiking trails near Monkton, Vermont?
What are the best hiking trails near Monkton, Vermont?
Monkton, Vermont offers excellent hiking opportunities with diverse trail systems. Near Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park, you'll find peaceful trails with beautiful creek views and shaded paths perfect for summer hiking. The Gambrill State Park Campground area provides access to scenic trails with varying difficulty levels and hidden natural features. The Monkton Ridge Trail is particularly popular for its moderate terrain and rewarding views. For family-friendly options, several of the local parks offer shorter interpretive trails with educational signage about the region's natural history and wildlife. The interconnected trail systems allow hikers to customize their experience based on desired distance and difficulty.
What wildlife can be seen at Monkton Swamp Wildlife Management Area?
What wildlife can be seen at Monkton Swamp Wildlife Management Area?
Monkton Swamp Wildlife Management Area hosts diverse wildlife throughout its wetland ecosystem. Visitors to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area have reported seeing similar wetland species including great blue herons, wood ducks, and other waterfowl that are likely present at Monkton Swamp as well. Hollofield Area Campground visitors note various wildlife sightings in similar habitats, suggesting Monkton Swamp likely supports beaver, muskrat, and possibly river otters. The area is known for amphibian diversity, including several frog and salamander species. Spring and fall migrations bring numerous bird species to the wetlands. Early mornings and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, and patience at designated observation areas will reward visitors with the most sightings.
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