Road Trips Starting from Baltimore, MD
Best National Parks Near Baltimore, MD
The closest national park to Baltimore is Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, just 108 miles away. Known for its gorgeous views, it encompasses 300 square miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains with waterfalls, forests, and 4,000-foot-high peaks. There are several trails to explore, including a portion of the Appalachian Trail. If you’d rather see the park from your RV, take a ride on Skyline Drive. Other activities include rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing.
If you're up for a longer drive to explore nature's beauty, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, at 352 miles from Baltimore, is the only national park in Ohio. It is home to over 100 waterfalls, including the 65-foot-tall Brandywine Falls. The park is located along the Cuyahoga River, stretching from Cleveland to Akron. This area encompasses rolling hills, lush forests, wetlands, rivers, and narrow ravines. There are 125 miles of hiking trails, a scenic railroad, and a living history museum too.
Indiana Dunes National Park is 649 miles from Baltimore, but your trip is rewarded with rugged dunes, prairies, wetlands, rivers, and forests to explore. It’s located in the northwest portion of Indiana on Lake Michigan’s southern shores. Visitors get to enjoy both 15 miles of lakefront and 20 square miles of countryside. Activities found here include fishing, biking, hiking, watersports, and horseback riding. If you're ready for some urban excitement, the park is a little over an hour away from Chicago, IL.
Popular State Parks Near Baltimore, MD
Patapsco Valley State Park runs along 32 miles of the Patapsco River. This park is only 12 miles west of Baltimore with several historic sites scattered throughout it. This includes Maryland’s earliest factories and mills, the world’s first hydroelectric plant, and the United States’ first freight railroad. Over 200 miles of trails provide opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, biking, and running. Other popular activities include fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
Susquehanna State Park sits along the Susquehanna River. It’s located 44 miles from Baltimore with places to enjoy mountain biking, fishing, and boating. History buffs will want to make time for the Rock Run Historic Area’s working grist mill, the Carter-Archer House, and the Jersey Tollhouse.
A 41-mile drive from Baltimore takes you to Codorus State Park in Pennsylvania’s York County. The centerpiece of this park is the 1,275-acre Lake Marbury. The lake, along with 26 miles of shoreline, provides visitors with year-round boating and fishing. You can explore the area by following any of the equestrian trails, footpaths, or mountain bike trails.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Baltimore, MD
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail stretches across 290 miles from Virginia to Maryland. It’s named after our national anthem, and if you follow the entire length in your RV, it tells the story of the War of 1812. You’ll come across towns that were burned or raided, forts, and museums as you travel along the trail. It’s easy to navigate in an RV with several campgrounds along the way, and it’s only 3 miles from Baltimore.
The Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is only 3 miles from Baltimore and is where Francis Scott Key watched as the British bombarded American troops in September of 1814. He was inspired to write the lyrics to our national anthem when he saw the American flag still flying when the battle was over. RVs can access this area from Interstate 95, and the Washington, DC Capitol KOA is nearby.
The Hampton National Historic Site was originally the 25,000-acre estate of the Ridgely family from 1790 to 1948. Today, the National Park Service preserves 62.4 acres of this area, which is open to the public. Visiting in an RV allows you to explore the grounds and tour the mansion at your leisure. Roads are easy to navigate, and the Hollofield Campground is nearby. You’ll find the Hampton National Historic Site less than 15 miles from Baltimore.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm is only 36 miles from Baltimore in Freeland, MD. Here, you’ll find 50 sites with full hookups located on 375 acres of rolling countryside. Features include a 2-mile hiking trail in the Little Falls Valley, a swimming pool, mini golf, and a playground.
Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina has 70 waterfront sites available with concrete patios and fire rings. Docks and boat slips make it the ideal spot for boating enthusiasts. On-site amenities include a swimming pool, showers, and Wi-Fi. A camp store has souvenirs, ice, groceries, and propane for sale. This campground is a little over 30 miles from Baltimore in Abingdon, MD.
Cherry Hill Park in College Park, MD is 32 miles from Baltimore. This pet-friendly campground offers 500 RV sites with access to two pools, a hot tub, and a sauna. Amenities include an on-site cafe, camp store, and golf cart rentals. This family-owned and -operated campground frequently hosts movie nights and mini golf.
RV Dump Stations Near Baltimore, MD
There are many convenient dump stations near Baltimore. Patapsco Valley State Park has one that’s only 12 miles from the city. It’s open 24 hours a day from April through October. It’s free for anyone to use.
Camp Meade RV Park in Fort Meade, MD has a dump station that’s open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s 18 miles from Baltimore and open all year. You’ll find this dump station 3 miles south of the Bass Pro Shops Outlet and Arundel Mills Mall. There’s a $15 fee for using it.
Ramblin Pines Campground in Woodbine, MD is 31 miles from Baltimore. You’ll find it’s conveniently located off I-70. The dump station is open Monday through Friday. Fees are $10 or less, depending on the size of your RV.
