Camping options near Stevenson, Maryland span from forested sites at 450 feet elevation to waterfront locations along the Susquehanna River. The region experiences distinct seasons with humid summers reaching 85-90°F and mild winters where overnight camping temperatures can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area remain open from early spring through late autumn, though several offer winter accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails network: Little Bennett Campground offers extensive hiking opportunities with well-maintained paths connecting camping areas. "There is a very nice network of trails, most if not all were leashed dog friendly," notes one visitor to Little Bennett Campground, providing numerous options for all experience levels.
Fishing opportunities: Many campsites provide direct water access for fishing. "The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field. But on the way in we noticed there are lots of wooded sites, and asked to move," writes a camper at Codorus State Park Campground. "The park has trails to the lake that were a nice walk. We drove to the public boat launch and rented a pontoon to take on the water."
Historic exploration: Gettysburg battlefields and historic sites sit within easy reach of camping areas. "This campground is byfar one of the best I have ever stayed at. The price is a little steep, but with all the amenities you get, it is well worth it," reports a visitor at Artillery Ridge Campground. "Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of camping spots in the area. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes a visitor to Little Bennett Campground. The spacing between sites creates natural privacy barriers and noise reduction.
Swimming options: Pools and lake swimming areas offer relief during summer months. "Codorus State Park Campground provides a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," shares a camper. "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park."
Family activities: Recreational amenities keep children entertained throughout their stay. "The camp road was minimally hilly and would be safe and easy for little kids to ride their bikes, unlike some of the campgrounds that have pretty decent hills," reports a visitor to Susquehanna State Park Campground. "For kids, the playground was fantastic, though, it was not shaded."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites book quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!" cautions a camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm. "We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything."
Site variability: Quality and features differ significantly between locations and loops. "Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasnt 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," reports a Susquehanna State Park camper. "We also 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."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance vary across campgrounds. "Bathhouse was nice but ran out of toilet paper often; they supposedly clean 3 times a day since COVID but we didn't see that happening on a regular schedule while we were there," notes a visitor to Susquehanna State Park. Bringing personal supplies proves advisable during busy periods.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational areas for convenient access. "We were in site #3, it had a nice huge concrete pad and fire ring," shares a Susquehanna State Park visitor. "Our site was close to the bath, a trail head, and field where we lay in the sun and played frisbee."
Entertainment options: Multiple campgrounds offer structured activities for children. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," advises a visitor to Washington DC / Capitol KOA. "We enjoyed our stay. We would come again."
Yurt camping benefits: Yurt accommodations provide comfort while maintaining outdoor experience. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun," shares a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, where yurt camping near Stevenson, Maryland offers families a comfortable introduction to outdoor experiences. "It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend considering hookup quality and positioning. "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs," reports a visitor to Cherry Hill Park. "I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay."
Utility variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds and specific sites. "D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C& E are tents only. AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," notes a Little Bennett camper, highlighting connectivity challenges despite full hookups.
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer better maneuverability for larger rigs. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff were very helpful," shares an Artillery Ridge camper, noting the gravel sites accommodate various RV sizes without significant leveling required.
