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.
