Tent and RV campsites near Upper Falls, Maryland offer diverse options within 40 miles of the area. Most campgrounds in this region operate from spring through late fall, with a handful maintaining year-round service. The Susquehanna River creates a natural boundary to the east, while surrounding parks feature mixed hardwood forests that provide natural shade during summer when temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked fishing ponds for campers seeking relaxation. Lums Pond State Park Campground provides "access to the Tuckahoe River for fishing and kayaking. No swimming," according to Bill G., who uses the park "as a way station while camping our way up and down the Bay."
Hiking experiences: Tuckahoe State Park Campground maintains 20 miles of multi-use trails. "Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful," notes Shawn, while another camper explains, "The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike."
Wildlife viewing: Tucquan Park Family Campground offers natural settings for animal sightings. The campground features "a nice little pond you can fish" with "a small paddle boat to take any time you want on their little lake on site," according to Stephanie, making it ideal for casual wildlife observation.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the size and layout of sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun," notes Adam and Suzanne B. Another visitor mentions, "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional cleanliness standards. Mark at Lums Pond noted, "The bathroom/ showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year." Similarly, at Tucquan Park, a reviewer specifically called out the "Clean bathhouses!" as a standout feature.
Accessibility: Washington DC/Capitol KOA offers convenient location for urban exploration. "Centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC. This trip we spent most of our time in DC and only went to Annapolis one night," explains Stephanie H., highlighting the strategic location for visitors interested in combining outdoor accommodations with city excursions.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. At Ramblin' Pines, which stays open year-round, sites can be difficult to secure without advance planning. The campground features "a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs," according to Michelle L.
Site variations: Site quality and size can vary significantly within the same campground. Buck P. warns about Tuckahoe State Park: "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."
Weather considerations: Summer storms can impact camp operations. At Tuckahoe, Sean R. noted, "We lost power during a rain storm." Similarly, many campgrounds in the area have limited tree cover on certain loops, making afternoon heat challenging during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers extensive play areas for children. "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," reports Brian S., highlighting the convenience for families.
Kid-friendly activities: Structured recreation programs appeal to families with younger children. Wendy W. explains that Merry Meadows offers "tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground ended up being kinda boring for them without others to share it with."
Special events: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities for younger visitors. Melissa E. shared her experience at Merry Meadows: "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric-only sites are common in state parks while private campgrounds typically offer full hookups. Adam and Suzanne B. note that Tuckahoe State Park "only has electric hookups available" but features a "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
Site leveling: Topography varies widely between campgrounds. "The site was fairly level, side-to-side, so I really only needed to level front to back. That was a bonus," reports one camper about their stay at a local park, while another mentions at Tuckahoe: "Some sites not level."
Campground layout: Understanding site arrangement helps with selecting optimal locations. At Cherry Hill Park, Beth R. explains pros include "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer" with cons including "Gravel pad, Expensive, Spotty Wi-Fi," providing practical considerations for RV campers planning their stay.
