Best Campgrounds near Stevenson, MD

Campgrounds in the vicinity of Stevenson, Maryland primarily cluster around the Patapsco Valley State Park area, with both Hollofield Area Campground and Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offering developed camping options within a forested setting. The region includes a mix of tent sites, RV-friendly areas with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations, particularly at locations like Cherry Hill Park and Ramblin' Pines which provide more amenities. Several state park campgrounds maintain a natural wooded atmosphere despite their proximity to Baltimore and Washington DC, making them convenient bases for urban exploration while still providing a natural camping experience.

Seasonal operations affect many campgrounds in the region, with most state park facilities operating from early April through late October. According to one visitor, "This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another. The camping area is away from the main parts of the park through gates, so you won't be bothered by non-camp traffic." Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. The terrain varies across camping areas, with some sites positioned on level ground while others feature slight grades that may require leveling blocks for comfortable setup. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including restrooms and showers, though facilities at some locations are described as dated but functional.

Campers consistently note the unexpected serenity of these campgrounds despite their proximity to urban areas. A review mentioned, "You may be close to suburbia and convenient to major highways, but you will feel like you are truly secluded in the woods." The majority of developed camping areas feature wooded sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails that connect to the broader Patapsco Valley trail system. Some campgrounds separate electric and non-electric camping areas, with tent-only sections often providing more privacy and space between sites. The park's extensive trail network receives positive reviews, with multiple access points available directly from camping areas allowing visitors to explore the Patapsco River valley during their stay. Public lands throughout the region maintain a balance between accessibility and natural immersion.

Best Camping Sites Near Stevenson, Maryland (111)

    1. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +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."

    2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +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 ❤️"

    4. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    19 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    20 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    5. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +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.  "

    6. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    7. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."

    8. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    9. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    29 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"

    10. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    39 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."

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Recent Reviews near Stevenson, MD

910 Reviews of 111 Stevenson Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

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

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!


Guide to Stevenson

Campgrounds near Stevenson, Maryland offer access to the Mid-Atlantic's unique forest ecosystems with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range. Most campgrounds in this region sit along the Patapsco River valley with a mix of deciduous forest and riverside terrain.

What to do

Hiking trails for all levels: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, families can enjoy both challenging and accessible paths. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," notes Angel G., who recommends the park for its variety of experiences.

Water activities on local waterways: The Patapsco River offers fishing and seasonal swimming options. "The lake was running pretty high and fast, pretty cool to see," reports Anne L. after hiking at Susquehanna State Park Campground. For those interested in boating, Codorus State Park allows "gas boats 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," according to Catherine H.

Educational opportunities: Several parks feature historical elements within a short drive. The working grist mill at Susquehanna State Park provides a glimpse into the region's industrial past. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat," mentions Jen V. who appreciated these educational options.

What campers like

Unexpected privacy in wooded sites: Despite urban proximity, many campgrounds maintain secluded camping spots. "The site was pretty even but did have some rocks in the area where my pad would be so I had to do a little clearing," notes Crystal C. about Greenbelt Park Campground, adding that "after staying here for a week I was so pleased by the quiet nature of the campground, the overall feeling of the outdoor space (every morning birds and squirrels)."

Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive regular maintenance at most area campgrounds. At Elk Neck State Park, "the camp host were very friendly and were actually in charge of keeping the bathrooms clean (which they did excellent at)! The bathrooms were nothing fancy but I was impressed with the cleanness," reports Jalissa Y.

Family-friendly activities: Most of the best places to camp near Stevenson include dedicated children's areas. According to Sean M. at Ramblin' Pines, "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees." Many campgrounds offer structured weekend activities during summer months.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Stevenson require advance bookings, especially during summer. Lauren S. notes about Greenbelt Park that "checking in was a breeze," but also mentions "the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road."

Varied site conditions: Tent campers should research pad types before booking. E K. reports about Susquehanna State Park: "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasn't a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren't putting up our tent on top of the fire ring."

Seasonal operations: Most state park facilities close completely or limit access during winter months. The full-hookup loop at Elk Neck State Park Campground offers extended season camping where "water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," according to Laure D., making it one of the few year-round options.

Noise considerations: While campgrounds aim to provide a natural experience, some urban noise is inevitable. At Greenbelt Park, "you can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," reports Miranda M., though weekends tend to draw larger crowds with more ambient noise.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access for children: Select sites near recreational facilities to minimize walking. Sean M. recommends Cherry Hill Park for families noting, "This campground has so much to offer. We loved it." The reviewer lists numerous child-friendly amenities including "playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride."

Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabin accommodations. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area includes "neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it'," according to Sean M.

Check trail difficulty: Not all hiking paths accommodate strollers or young children. Angel G. mentions that at Patapsco Valley State Park, "Neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly," an important consideration for families with infants.

Pack extra supplies: Bathroom facilities occasionally run low on essentials. Jennifer S. noted that at Susquehanna State Park, "on Sunday morning, I found that there was no toilet paper in the ladies bathroom," though it was restocked within two hours.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: When staying at Codorus State Park Campground, J K. advises: "Pay close attention to the site you get. We think the site we got was the best one in the park. We were in 132, which was huge and had nice open flat areas."

Hookup availability: Most state parks offer electric-only hookups with shared water spigots. David G. notes that at Elk Neck State Park, "There's a ton of camping, including a loop with full hook ups. 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."

Water fill and dump stations: Plan water management for longer stays. Laura M. explains about Greenbelt Park that "there's a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C. The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down."

Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. Alexandra T. recommends bringing leveling blocks when camping at Patapsco, noting "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Stevenson, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Stevenson, MD is Hollofield Area Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.

What parks are near Stevenson, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Stevenson, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.