Best Campgrounds near Savage, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park contains several campground options within a short drive of Savage, Maryland. The park's Hilton Area and Hollofield Area campgrounds provide tent sites, RV hookups, and small cabins approximately 10 miles northwest of Savage. Cherry Hill Park in College Park and Greenbelt Park Campground in Greenbelt offer additional developed camping experiences within 15 miles. The region includes a mix of state park, regional park, and private campgrounds with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and glamping options.
Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with Patapsco Valley State Park's campgrounds typically open from April 1 to October 30. Site reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends when campgrounds fill quickly. The campgrounds closest to Savage feature varying terrain, with some sites positioned on slopes that may require careful tent placement. The developed areas provide amenities including showers, restrooms, and fire rings, though facilities at some locations are described as older and awaiting renovation. One camper shared: "Most of the sites we saw had a bit of a grade/slope to it and made setting up our tent a bit more challenging."
Campers praise the accessibility of these campgrounds to nearby urban areas while still providing a natural experience. "We found it a great way to visit Baltimore without having to stay at a hotel," noted one visitor. Sites at Patapsco Valley State Park are particularly popular for families with children due to extensive playgrounds and kid-friendly trails. The campgrounds closest to Savage provide good proximity to hiking trails, with the Patapsco River offering recreational opportunities including fishing and kayaking. Camp Meade RV Park in nearby Laurel provides a secure, military-operated camping option with full hookups for RVs. During rainy periods, campers report that drainage can be an issue at some of the lower-elevation sites in Patapsco Valley, with one visitor commenting that their "site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet."