Camping spots near Westminster, Maryland are scattered across the forested foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,100 feet. The region experiences average summer temperatures around 85°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to the mid-60s. Local campgrounds regularly see fog in low-lying areas during morning hours, particularly in spring and fall when temperature differences between day and night are greatest.
What to do
Horseback riding tours: The Gettysburg area offers guided battlefield tours on horseback at Artillery Ridge Campground. A visitor noted, "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback" and another camper mentioned how the campground has "an amazing horse rescue on the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line in stocked ponds and natural waterways. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, a creek runs through the property, with one camper commenting that "the creek was really nice." At Ramblin' Pines, they maintain a fishing pond where families can relax and try their luck.
Historical exploration: Visit nearby Civil War sites within 30 minutes of campgrounds. Multiple battlefields and historic sites surround the area. A camper at Artillery Ridge noted, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campgrounds feature mature forest settings. At Owens Creek Campground, a reviewer praised that "the campsites were spread out enough to give each site its privacy yet not separated too far." Another visitor described it as "nice small campground WAY back in woods."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and common areas. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, campers appreciate that "the cabin was clean and well maintained" and the "bathroom earned about a B- for cleanliness." While not perfect, most campgrounds receive positive comments about facility maintenance.
Family-friendly recreation: Swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. One camper at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA praised it as "awesome for first family camping trip" with "lots of activities for kids and dogs!" Another noted the campground "had plenty of activities from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"
What you should know
Campground accessibility varies considerably. Some campgrounds have challenging terrain. At Cunningham Falls State Park - Houck Area, a visitor mentioned, "there is a steep hike back and forth from campsite to beach, we ended up driving to beach area after our first attempt to walk to beach with all our gear."
Seasonal popularity requires advance planning. Weekends from May through October fill quickly. One camper advised about Cunningham Falls State Park, "it books up quickly during peak season!" Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends often book 3-6 months in advance.
Weather impacts camping comfort significantly. The region receives approximately 45 inches of rainfall annually, with summer thunderstorms common. One visitor to Owens Creek Campground noted "despite an ample coating of Sawyer insect spray on the tent...ants coated the rainfly exterior (another by-product of using wood chips - carpenter ants)."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated kid zones: Multiple campgrounds feature specialized play areas. At Gettysburg Campground, a visitor mentioned it's "a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do." The campground typically "puts on various activities, parties, etc, mainly kid oriented."
Consider proximity to water features: Lakes and streams provide natural entertainment. At Cunningham Falls State Park, a camper shared that "the beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed."
Choose campsites away from main paths: Some campgrounds have heavy foot traffic. At Cunningham Falls, one camper noted "there are paths to the bathroom through many sites so people walk through your site to get to the bathhouse," suggesting selecting more private sites.
Tips from RVers
Confirm site dimensions before booking: Some campgrounds have challenging access. At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, a camper with a big rig advised, "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier."
Electric service levels vary by campground: Check amperage availability when booking. At Codorus State Park Campground, a camper noted "No water but the bath house was close and very clean" and another mentioned "paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms" make up for the limited hookups.
Seasonal operations affect availability: Many public campgrounds close for winter. One RVer at Ramblin' Pines appreciated that it's "open all year" while noting it's "clean" and well-maintained during off-season months when many other options are closed.
