Glamping near Savage, Maryland offers both upscale and rustic experiences within a 35-mile radius. The region sits at the edge of the Patuxent River watershed, with summer humidity levels regularly exceeding 85% from June through August. Fall camping sees dramatic temperature drops with evening temperatures often 20°F cooler than daytime highs, requiring layered clothing for comfort.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: Little Bennett Campground maintains a network of well-marked trails with varying difficulty levels through mature forests. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one visitor who appreciated the accessibility and pet-friendly nature of the trails.
Fishing options: At Codorus State Park Campground, located about 40 minutes north, the lake provides excellent fishing opportunities. "The lake is large and fun to explore in the boat," shared one reviewer who rented a pontoon for the day. The park prohibits swimming in the lake but offers boat rentals at the public launch area.
Historical exploration: The region features several Civil War battlefields and historic sites. At Bull Run Regional Park, campers can explore nearby history. One visitor mentioned, "Check out the old battle fields and buildings that housed troops during civil war. Very cool stuff."
Water recreation: For families seeking water activities beyond swimming pools, Pohick Bay Campground offers multiple water-based options. "Boating in summer from kayaks to motorboats," highlights a reviewer who enjoyed the variety of water recreation available at this campground approximately 30 miles from Savage.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Ramblin' Pines offers a convenient base for exploring Baltimore. "The place was nice, lots for kids to do, plenty of shaded spots! Nice pool... they even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!" shared one satisfied visitor, highlighting the campground's flexibility.
Peaceful environment: Many campgrounds provide secluded sites despite their proximity to urban areas. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped," noted a visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground, appreciating the privacy despite being less than an hour from Savage.
Accessible wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to see deer, eagles, and other local wildlife. One camper at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" showcasing the natural attractions that complement the camping experience.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer programmed events, especially during peak season. A visitor to Bull Run Regional Park shared, "They had a campfire complete with s'mores followed by hayrides. Great family friendly campground."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season (April-October). Reservation fees and policies vary by location, with some requiring minimum stays.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant humidity in summer months. During spring and fall, temperature variations between day and night can exceed 20 degrees.
Traffic and noise impacts: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways, airports or other facilities. At Bull Run Regional Park, a camper noted, "There is a shooting range in the park. It is on a flight path for DCA. And, I66 is not that far away."
Variable site conditions: Site quality and privacy varies significantly, even within the same campground. "The sites are pretty close together but on the ends at least you only have a neighbor on one side," observed a camper at Cherry Hill Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, check proximity to playgrounds. A visitor to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm commented, "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground."
Family programming: Many campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "They had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning," shared a parent who stayed at Bull Run Regional Park.
Swimming options: Not all campgrounds permit swimming in natural bodies of water. At Codorus State Park, a visitor noted, "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."
Accessibility considerations: Paths to facilities vary in difficulty. One family at Susquehanna State Park mentioned, "Not all of the sites had paths to the bathhouse, and the path that they did have was also very rocky and covered in roots."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. A camper at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back."
Hook-up locations: The placement of utilities sometimes requires extra-length hoses or cords. Check site maps or call ahead to ensure compatibility with your rig's connection points.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds have tight turns or low clearance areas. Some roads within campgrounds may be narrow with limited turning radius for larger rigs.
Site selection strategy: End sites typically offer more privacy and space. As one RVer at Cherry Hill Park suggested, "Look at the park map and try to get a site at the end of a row."
