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GuideCodorus State Park Campground
Top Tier
I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Best Campgrounds near Upper Falls, MD
Campgrounds near Upper Falls, Maryland provide accessible tent and RV camping within a short drive of both Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay. Susquehanna State Park Campground offers secluded tent, RV, and cabin sites about 15 miles northeast of Upper Falls, featuring electric hookups and wooded surroundings. Elk Neck State Park Campground, approximately 20 miles east, provides year-round camping with full hookup options and waterfront views. Both state parks maintain developed campgrounds with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. Private options include Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina in Abingdon, which features 91 sites with modern amenities including laundry facilities and propane fill services.
Many state park campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October. Susquehanna State Park operates seasonally from late March to late October, while Elk Neck remains open year-round. "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland, and are quite secluded in comparison," noted one camper about Susquehanna State Park. Heavy rainfall can affect campsite conditions, particularly in low-lying areas of Patapsco Valley State Park where runoff creates muddy sites. Most campgrounds feature both primitive tent sites and developed RV pads with electric hookups, though not all offer full water and sewer connections. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with stronger coverage near more developed areas.
Campers frequently mention the ability to combine outdoor recreation with urban proximity as a significant advantage. Several visitors highlighted the convenience of reaching Baltimore or Washington DC within a 30-40 minute drive while still enjoying natural surroundings. Patapsco Valley State Park receives particular attention for its extensive trail system and river access points. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "There is an electric loop with electric hookup, but no water or sewer. Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse." Shaded sites are highly valued during summer months when temperatures and humidity rise considerably. Wildlife sightings, particularly deer and various bird species, are commonly reported in campground reviews across multiple state parks in the region. Campers seeking more secluded experiences typically prefer the non-electric loops at state parks, which tend to have fewer neighbors and more natural buffer space between sites.
Best Camping Sites Near Upper Falls, Maryland (90)
1. Elk Neck State Park Campground
60 ReviewsPerryville, MD23 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."2. Susquehanna State Park Campground
25 ReviewsDarlington, MD18 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"
3. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
8 ReviewsAbingdon, MD9 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."
4. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
20 ReviewsCatonsville, MD21 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."
5. Hollofield Area Campground
18 ReviewsWindsor Mill, MD23 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. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD24 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!"
7. Lums Pond State Park Campground
52 ReviewsKirkwood, DE37 milesWebsite+1 (302) 368-6989$22 - $40 / night
"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
8. Codorus State Park Campground
42 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA36 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. "
9. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
16 ReviewsMillersville, MD29 milesWebsite+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."
10. D&J Shady Rest Campground
1 ReviewKennedyville, MD17 milesWebsite+1 (717) 529-2020$50 - $60 / night
Recent Camping Photos near Upper Falls, MD
230 Photos of 90 Upper Falls Campgrounds
Lisa T.
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
Jen V.
Susquehanna State Park Campground
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Richard B.
Hollofield Area Campground
Ryan D.
Elk Neck State Park Campground
Sharon L.
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Michael W.
Woodlands Camping Resort
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Upper Falls, MD
727 Reviews of 90 Upper Falls Campgrounds
- MMaybe I.Guide
Codorus 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.
ScoutLums Pond State Park Campground
Lums Pond
Bathrooms are clean and staff is nice
- 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.
- SSarah G.Guide
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Spacious, Well Maintained, and Top Notch
This campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
Stephen W.GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Guide to Upper Falls
Camping near Upper Falls, Maryland offers access to both freshwater and saltwater environments within the northern Chesapeake region. The area sits at the convergence of several watersheds, creating diverse fishing opportunities throughout spring and fall when average temperatures range from 55-75°F. Late summer camping often brings humidity above 80%, particularly in low-elevation sites near water.
What to do
Hiking at Turkey Point Lighthouse: Take the 1.6-mile lighthouse trail at Elk Neck State Park Campground for panoramic Chesapeake Bay views. "The lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," notes David G., who recommends allowing 45 minutes for the round-trip hike.
Fishing from your campsite: Several waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina allow fishing directly from your camp chair. "Catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing :-) Only bait at the camp store or with 25 miles is night crawlers. Bring your own if you're a fishing person," advises Lisa T.
Biking to local markets: Road cycling opportunities extend beyond parklands. "We really loved road biking to the nearby H Mart to have fun shopping and browsing their unique selection," reports Travyl Couple from Hollofield Area Campground, mentioning it's about a 20-minute ride to this large Korean grocery store.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campsites offer regular wildlife encounters in natural settings. "Lots of wildlife. Have camped here twice now. Nice playground for the kids and plenty of park events to keep you busy. Took a nice hike out to the susquehanna and spent a few hours fishing in the pond," writes Gabrielle E. about Susquehanna State Park Campground.
Site privacy: The spacing between campsites varies significantly between campgrounds. At Codorus State Park, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed. For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other," according to J K.
Swimming options: While not all water bodies permit swimming, many campgrounds offer alternative water recreation. "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," explains Catherine H. at Codorus State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal site conditions: Rain affects campsite usability differently across the region. "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," reports Alexandra T. at Patapsco Valley State Park.
Reservation timing: Competition for sites intensifies during summer weekends. "Book early because it fills up fast!" warns Ellen B. about Lums Pond State Park Campground, one of the more popular options within driving distance of Upper Falls.
Tent pad limitations: Not all sites accommodate tents equally. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises Sean M. regarding Patapsco Valley State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking with children. "We stayed in site 2 of the Beechnut Loop. I had chosen this site, based on two factors: 1. It was available and 2. It was close to the playground. Unfortunately, it was most likely available because it was overrun with roots and rocks (no pad for the tent)- and you also couldn't see the playground from the site," shares Jennifer S. about Susquehanna State Park Campground.
Nature play spaces: Some campgrounds offer innovative play options beyond standard equipment. Patapsco Valley State Park "seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," notes Sean M.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with structured events for children. "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," writes Melissa E. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Tips from RVers
Approach routes: Some campgrounds have height restrictions on access roads. "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.)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area.
Hookup positioning: Check utility layout before selecting sites. At some campgrounds "the electric loop with electric hookup, but no water or sewer. Those can be found at the campground entrance," requires planning for water fill-up timing.
Seasonal water access: Winter camping requires attention to freezing conditions. At Bar Harbor RV Park, campers "are told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," according to Laure D., who noted propane is available on-site if needed during cold weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Falls, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Upper Falls, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper Falls, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
What parks are near Upper Falls, MD?
What parks are near Upper Falls, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Upper Falls, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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