Camping options near Linthicum, Maryland include several state and regional parks within a 30-40 minute drive. The area's humid subtropical climate provides warm summers with average July temperatures of 87°F and mild winters around 45°F, making spring and fall popular camping seasons. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, campers can fish both in the main river and smaller streams. "Hiked over a bridge and stream which was full of fish I could see! Turned around after I got to the Susquehanna itself. The river was running pretty high and fast," notes one visitor who enjoyed the water access.
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Campground offers an 18-hole disc golf course just a short walk from the camping area. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular camper who considers this their "go-to weekend spot" near DC.
Hiking trail network: Nearby parks offer trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "We went for a lovely 3 mile evening hike on the trail just down the hill behind the campsite," writes a Susquehanna State Park visitor who appreciated the accessibility directly from the campground.
Wildlife observation: Bird watching is particularly rewarding at certain parks. "Eagles everywhere!" reports one camper at Pohick Bay, highlighting the opportunity to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat without traveling far from camp.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Little Bennett Campground receives praise for site layout and spacing. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup," notes one RVer who appreciated the privacy despite full hookups.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain excellent bathhouses. "The bathhouse is very clean," writes a Tuckahoe State Park visitor who ranked it as their favorite campground. Another camper noted that "Bathroom/shower facility very clean" at Susquehanna State Park.
Tranquil atmosphere: Despite proximity to urban areas, several parks maintain a peaceful environment. "We really love this Campground! There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult," shares a Codorus State Park camper who enjoyed both open and wooded options.
Children's activities: Family-friendly amenities receive consistent praise. "Perfect for kids. We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit," reports a visitor, highlighting structured recreation options beyond typical playground equipment.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal, especially for specific equipment. "The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue," warns a camper at Tuckahoe State Park, suggesting research before booking.
Seasonal considerations: Some amenities operate on limited schedules. "You can only check in between 2 and 4! This might be off season though," notes a visitor to Ramblin' Pines, highlighting the importance of verifying operating hours.
Cost variations: Expect price differences based on residency status and amenities. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," reports a Little Bennett camper, noting the absence of senior or veteran discounts.
Highway noise: Some locations experience traffic sounds despite natural settings. "Be weary of decent highway noise, but easily drowned out with the AC," advises a Cherry Hill Park visitor who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When traveling with children, site location relative to play areas matters. "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends," shares a camper who strategically selected their location.
Educational opportunities: Codorus State Park Campground combines recreation with learning. "Great place. Have camped here twice now. Nice playground for the kids and plenty of park events to keep you busy," explains a visitor who appreciates the structured activities.
Biking-friendly environments: Consider parks with manageable terrain for young cyclists. "The camp road was minimally hilly and would be safe and easy for little kids to ride their bikes, unlike some of the campgrounds that have pretty decent hills," notes a Susquehanna State Park visitor.
Bathroom proximity: For families with young children, bathhouse location affects comfort. "The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field," reports a camper who relocated to a more suitable spot.
Tips for RVers
Campground access: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm provides options for various RV sizes. "Nice large sites with friendly staff," notes one RVer who found the park accommodating for their equipment.
Utility considerations: Power reliability varies between parks. "We lost power during a rain storm," reports a Tuckahoe State Park visitor, suggesting backup plans for weather events.
Leveling challenges: Site terrain affects setup difficulty. "Site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," warns a camper about specific spots that required extra attention during setup.
Dump station quality: Waste management facilities receive attention from experienced RVers. "The pump out station was very nice," notes a Tuckahoe State Park visitor, highlighting this often-overlooked but essential service for extended stays.
