Maryland's Eastern Shore offers diverse camping options near Arnold, spanning from the Chesapeake Bay to inland forests. Campers can find sites in close proximity to waterfront activities, historic sites, and urban attractions. Both RV and tent sites near Arnold, Maryland are typically available year-round, though amenities vary seasonally with some campgrounds limiting water hookups during winter months.
What to do
Water activities: Campers visiting Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina can enjoy direct water access. "You can fish from the pier or right from your site. There appeared to be a boat dock as well," notes Laure D. The park offers kayak rentals and dedicated areas for launching small watercraft.
Hiking trails: Patapsco Valley State Park provides extensive trail networks accessible from Hollofield Area Campground. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area," writes Travyl Couple.
Wildlife viewing: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers opportunities to spot local wildlife. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," says Lisa V. The park includes an aviary housing birds that cannot be fully rehabilitated.
What campers like
Metro accessibility: Greenbelt Park Campground provides convenient transit options to Washington DC. "Take the METRO if you are going into the District. There are two stations very close to camp. Rides vary depending on how far you are going but on average I spent about $10 per day on METRO versus $20-$40 on parking in the district," advises Crystal C.
Waterfront camping: The ability to camp directly beside water attracts many visitors to the region. "Beautiful waterfront sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well," writes Casey L. about Bar Harbor RV Park. "Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks."
Privacy between sites: Campsites in this region often feature good separation. "The sites are well maintained. The bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year. The sites are laid out in a circle with the bathhouse in the center," notes Jessica K. about Tuckahoe State Park.
What you should know
Campground access limitations: Several campgrounds have specific entry requirements. Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp requires military credentials, while Camp Meade RV Park reminds visitors of their location on a military base. "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post. I forgot all about revielle. They reminded me," reports Elvin J.
Site configurations: Campsite layouts vary significantly between parks. "Sites are on top of each other. Water hookup access was on the ground. It was raining and the area was saturated with no where to drain," notes Elvira A. about one location. At other parks, campers praise the spaciousness.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. 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," reports one camper about winter camping precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids," notes Jennifer S. about Hollofield Area Campground. "The kids loved it."
Recreation options: Cherry Hill Park offers numerous family amenities. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," lists Beth R. This makes it popular with families seeking structured activities.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality significantly affects family camping experiences. "The bathhouse is dated but clean," reports one camper. Another notes, "Bathrooms are located in the middle of each loop, and there are spigots on the loops with potable water."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RV campers should research site grading before arrival. "Some sites are a little unlevel, front to rear, but definitely manageable. You really need a toad since supplies are not very close to the camping area," advises Mike H. about Fort Belvoir Travel RV Camp.
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds have specific size restrictions. "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," warns Buck P.
Hookup availability: Water access varies between campgrounds. "Full hookups but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing. They do fill up propane but there's a Tractor Supply about 20min away that will also fill them," advises one RVer about winter camping protocols.
