Patapsco Valley State Park

4.17

48 reviews

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

73 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Maryland DNR site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Patapsco Valley State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.17

Satisfactory

Based on 48 reviews

6347 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulshadefriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"Reviewers consistently praise Patapsco (Hollofield) as a quiet, heavily wooded campground with good shade, privacy between sites, extensive trails and convenient river access. Campers value its close proximity to Baltimore/Ellicott City while still feeling removed from urban life."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Patapsco Valley State Park

39.2947, -76.7854

Driving directionsAccess via US-40; tall rigs (over 11'1") should enter via the Route 40 East entrance to avoid low clearances encountered on other approaches. If approaching on 40 West, drivers may be advised to pass the entrance, make a U-turn, and return on 40 East for taller rigs.

Park is bisected by US-40 with convenient park exit ramps; campground access is directly from the US-40 corridor.

Nearby places

Baltimore (~10 minutes)

Washington, DC (~40–45 minutes)

Ellicott City (nearby). Nearby state park locations: Soldiers Delight NEA (19 miles), Patuxent River SP (21 miles), Morgan Run NEA (25 miles), Seneca Creek SP (39 miles).

Nearby supplies

Services and takeout options along the US-40 corridor (convenient for campers).

Best Time to Camp at Patapsco Valley State Park

Each season transforms the campground into a different experience. Spring breathes life into bare branches with fresh green leaves, while summer brings firefly displays in June and opportunities to cool off in the river (wade at your own risk in the refreshing current). Fall steals the show with spectacular foliage that paints the valley in gold and crimson. Winter strips away the leaves to reveal distant river views you can't see during leafy months, creating a stark, beautiful landscape perfect for quiet contemplation and crisp-air hiking.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers shade, river swimming/wading and firefly displays in June; bathhouse age noted as drawback.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in MD

Colorful fall foliage and sweeping valley views make fall an excellent season at the overlook.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings fresh green leaves, birdsong and good trail conditions—high seasonal appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Top 25% in MD

Trails and valley views remain accessible but leaf-off season reduces forest canopy and some scenic cover.

Planning Tips

About Patapsco Valley State Park

Escape to a forested retreat where towering trees shade your campsite and the Patapsco River valley stretches out below. Just minutes from Baltimore, Hollofield offers the rare combination of true woodland seclusion and urban convenience—wake to birdsong, hike 70+ miles of trails, then grab dinner in the city if you'd like.

Mixed-use campground with sites suitable for tent camping and RVs; inner electrified loop and outer non‑electrified loop provide different site types and sizes.

Historical SignificancePark history is interpreted on-site with signboards and displays along trails. The campground also serves as a close natural base for visits to nearby historic Ellicott City.

Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms the campground into a different experience. Spring breathes life into bare branches with fresh green leaves, while summer brings firefly displays in June and opportunities to cool off in the river (wade at your own risk in the refreshing current). Fall steals the show with spectacular foliage that paints the valley in gold and crimson. Winter strips away the leaves to reveal distant river views you can't see during leafy months, creating a stark, beautiful landscape perfect for quiet contemplation and crisp-air hiking.

Natural Features and SceneryYour campsite sits perched on a wooded bluff, surrounded by mature hardwoods that create natural privacy screens between neighbors. Wander to the overlook for sweeping views across the river valley, then explore the trail network that sprawls through the park—over 70 miles of connected paths await. The Ole Ranger and Peaceful Pond trails offer gentle introductions to the landscape, while the Union Dam Trail descends to the river itself, where cool waters and smooth stones invite you to linger. The forest canopy creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor.

Geological RegionPatapsco River Valley (wooded bluff above the river valley).

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Patapsco (Hollofield area) offers extensive trail access, river access for swimming and fishing, and wooded scenery; nearby historic Ellicott City and proximity to Baltimore make it a convenient base for combined urban/nature trips.

HikingNumerous trails connect to and from the campground (parkwide over 70 miles of trails). Short local trails referenced by reviewers include the Ole Ranger Trail and Peaceful Pond Trail; the Hollofield overlook and Union Dam Trail provide scenic viewpoints and river access.

FishingReviewers cite river access (Union Dam Trail and other access points) used for fishing; birds such as herons observed fishing in the river.

SwimmingRiver access for swimming/wading is commonly used by visitors (swim at your own risk; no lifeguards). Reviewers mention sandy areas for kids along the river.

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsOccasional traffic noise from nearby US-40 can be heard in the campground. Low clearances exist on some approaches along US-40 (vehicles/rigs over 11'1" should use the Route 40 East entrance). Trails to river access can be steep in places and may be challenging for those with knee issues. Swimming is unguarded (swim at your own risk).

Weather at Patapsco Valley State Park

Reviews

4.2

48 reviews

Satisfactory

Patapsco Valley State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Patapsco (Hollofield) as a quiet, heavily wooded campground with good shade, privacy between sites, extensive trails and convenient river access. Campers value its close proximity to Baltimore/Ellicott City while still feeling removed from urban life.

Review Summaries

Based on 48 reviews

What Campers Love

Wooded, peaceful sites with shade and privacy; excellent trail network and scenic Hollofield overlook; easy river access for swimming and fishing; convenient to Baltimore and Ellicott City; friendly...

Based on 48 reviews

Common Concerns

• **Aging bathhouses:** The most consistent complaint is that the **bathrooms and showers are old and in need of renovation**, although they are generally still functional and kept reasonably...

Based on 48 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reservations are recommended (campground can fill). RV drivers taller than 11'1" should use the Route 40 East approach to avoid low clearances. Choose the inner loop for electric hookups and closer...

Based on 48 reviews

Camper Quotes

"A nice quiet wooded landscape in the middle of Baltimore's metro area"; "It's a Trash Free Park meaning there are no trash cans available on site."; "RVs over 11' 1" don't try entering from 40...

Based on 48 reviews

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