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 (86)

    1. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    13 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"

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    23 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."

    3. Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina

    8 Reviews
    Abingdon, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +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

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    21 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."

    5. Hollofield Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Windsor Mill, MD
    23 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."

    6. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    19 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    24 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!"

    7. Lums Pond State Park Campground

    48 Reviews
    Kirkwood, DE
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (302) 368-6989

    $27 - $45 / 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

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $24 - $247 / 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

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    29 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."

    10. D&J Shady Rest Campground

    1 Review
    Kennedyville, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 529-2020

    $50 - $60 / night

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Recent Reviews near Upper Falls, MD

706 Reviews of 86 Upper Falls Campgrounds


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

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • Barbara P.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    BED BUGS in Cabin

    I believe Cabin 1409 is infested with BED BUGS! After a short stay in this cabin(7/28-7/30) I came home with 80+ bug bites that I'm certain were from BED BUGS. A dozen of them were on my eyelid! My dermatologist gave me a high strength dosage of prednisone to combat the swelling and itching. We promptly advised the property manager, who was sympathetic, but once our claim for damages(mostly items we had to throw out due to contamination) reached the insurance company, the process stalled. It's been 19 days and now the insurance adjuster is out of the office for another week- having provided no updates or feedback on our claim. I wish I had posted this earlier, as I wonder if the cabin that Michael M complained about in his Aug. 4 YELP review was the very same cabin. I had hoped our conversations with the property manager would have prevented additional folks from the same fate. I also wish I had read a few earlier reviews that warned of BED BUGS. I continue to fear an infestation in my home, in the event we brought home nymphs or eggs or the bugs themselves. I'm constantly vacuuming and looking under seat cushions and my mattress. I now dry all my laundry on high for 60 minutes, knowing it's damaging my clothes, but also knowing it's the best way to kill the bugs and their eggs- which can go dormant and survive for a year without biting again. Zero stars. Choose to stay elsewhere!

  • Edison L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    So Nice It’s Almost Not Camping

    We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy. Amenities are super clean and modern. Clean bathroom, laundry room, pool area for the kids, and a well stocked store. The only critique I have is that you can hear the distant sound of cars on the road. But this is by no means a nuisance. Just helping you make an informed decision. I would definitely go back.

  • 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!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Beacon Hill Camping

    The cleanest bathrooms and sites

    Very clean and friendly. Very small sites


Guide to Upper Falls

Camping near Upper Falls, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," highlighting the park's accessibility and friendly atmosphere.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Enjoy fishing at Codorus State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.
  • Wildlife Watching: Visit Susquehanna State Park Campground for birdwatching and spotting local wildlife. One camper shared, "Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails," emphasizing the park's natural beauty.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Elk Neck State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are immaculate," which is a big plus for many.
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds, like Codorus State Park Campground, allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. One visitor said, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the sites. A review for Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, "This was the quietest campground we have ever stayed at."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Restrictions: Some campgrounds, like Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "Camping here is for youth groups only," so check the rules before you go.
  • Site Proximity: Sites can be close together, especially at places like Hollofield Area Campground. One reviewer said, "The sites are situated quite close to one another," which might not suit everyone.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have fewer amenities than others. A visitor at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm noted, "Filthy laundry room," indicating that some facilities may need attention.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly amenities. Ramblin' Pines has multiple playgrounds and activities. A family shared, "The dog park is our favorite spot," showing there's something for everyone.
  • Plan for Crowds: Weekends can get busy, especially at popular spots like Washington DC / Capitol KOA. One camper said, "Great for kids!" but noted that it can be crowded.
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for games. A visitor at Pequea Creek Campground mentioned, "Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun," suggesting fun activities for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your site can accommodate your RV. A review for Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The trailer sites in loop C are spacious enough," which is helpful for RVers.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups, like Ramblin' Pines. One RVer noted, "The sites are clean and level," which is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Be aware of the dump station facilities. A camper at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area mentioned, "The dump station is a pipe attached to a manhole cover," which might not be ideal for everyone.

Camping near Upper Falls, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be sure to check the specific campground rules and amenities to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Upper Falls, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Upper Falls, MD is Susquehanna State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.

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.