Hollofield Campground Introduce
Hollofield Campground serves as a premier destination for Maryland residents and visitors seeking a balanced blend of outdoor adventure and suburban convenience. Nestled within the expansive and historic Patapsco Valley State Park, this campground offers a wooded sanctuary that feels worlds away from the hustle of city life, despite being located just minutes from the heart of Ellicott City. For families in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area, it provides an accessible getaway where the tranquility of the forest meets the reliability of a well-managed state facility. Whether you are an experienced backpacker or a first-time camper, Hollofield offers a welcoming environment to pitch a tent or park an RV under a canopy of mature Maryland hardwoods.
The campground is part of the Hollofield Area of the park, which is widely recognized for its stunning overlooks and deep connections to the region's industrial past. This specific camping area is designed to accommodate a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, offering a rustic atmosphere that remains professionally maintained. For local Marylanders, Hollofield represents a convenient "staycation" spot that allows for quick weekend trips without the need for extensive travel across state lines. The friendly and professional atmosphere is bolstered by diligent camp hosts who are frequently available to assist guests, ensuring that your stay in the Maryland wilderness is both safe and enjoyable.
Location and accessibility are among the strongest attributes of Hollofield Campground. Situated in Ellicott City, MD 21043, the campground is strategically positioned near major transit corridors, making it easily reachable from Baltimore (approximately 15-20 minutes) and Washington D.C. (approximately 45-60 minutes). This proximity makes it a favorite hub for travelers who wish to combine a camping trip with day tours to the Inner Harbor or the National Mall. The entrance is secured with a coded gate system, providing peace of mind for guests staying in this metropolitan-adjacent area.
Accessibility within the grounds is a priority for the Maryland Park Service. The campground features wheelchair-accessible entrances and designated parking lots to ensure all visitors can enjoy the scenery. Furthermore, wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on-site. For those driving larger vehicles, on-site parking is designed to accommodate various setups, though guests should be prepared for the natural terrain of the Patapsco Valley. Many sites are carved into the wooded hillside, and while the roads are accessible, the use of leveling blocks is recommended for RV users to ensure a comfortable stay on the natural grades of the valley.
- RV camping sites featuring electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp options).
- Dedicated tent sites for a more traditional, rustic camping experience.
- RV water hookups available at select sites to support longer stays.
- Clean running water accessible through various spigots located throughout the loops.
- Public restroom facilities equipped with flushing toilets.
- Public shower facilities providing hot water for guest comfort.
- On-site firewood sales, typically offered by camp hosts (current rates are approximately $5 for 8 pieces).
- Professional camp host services to assist with check-in, safety, and local information.
- Secured entrance with a code system to maintain a quiet and safe environment.
The features and highlights of Hollofield Campground center around its immersion in the natural beauty of the Patapsco River valley. One of the most significant highlights is the extensive trail network accessible directly from the camping loops. The area is famous for its hiking opportunities, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks that offer breathtaking views of the river below. For families, the campground is particularly appealing due to its "Good for Kids" rating, featuring kid-friendly hikes that allow younger explorers to learn about Maryland's native flora and fauna without overexertion.
- Stunning scenic overlooks providing panoramic views of the Patapsco River Valley.
- Pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed to join their owners on the trails and at campsites.
- Each site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring for evening campfires.
- Proximity to the historic town of Ellicott City, known for its unique shops and dining.
- A well-maintained playground area suitable for children.
- Ample shade provided by a dense forest canopy, keeping the campground cool during Maryland summers.
- Frequent sightings of local wildlife, including white-tailed deer and a variety of bird species.
- Ongoing facility improvements, with planned renovations to enhance the bathhouse experience.
Planning your stay at Hollofield is straightforward, but as a popular spot within the Maryland State Park system, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays. You can contact the park office or the campground directly for more information on site availability and seasonal hours.
Address: Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA (Located within Patapsco Valley State Park)
Phone: (410) 461-5005
Mobile Phone: +1 410-461-5005
When considering where to camp in the Maryland region, Hollofield Campground is worth choosing for its unbeatable combination of nature and convenience. It is rare to find a location that offers the peaceful, wooded seclusion of a state park while remaining so close to major metropolitan landmarks. For families, it is an ideal training ground for young campers, offering enough amenities to be comfortable while still providing a genuine "into the woods" experience. The friendly staff and the sense of community among campers often lead to a quiet and respectful atmosphere that is perfect for relaxation.
Furthermore, the value of the experience is underscored by the affordable rates typical of the Maryland Park Service. Choosing Hollofield means supporting the preservation of the Patapsco Valley while gaining access to some of the best hiking and birdwatching in the state. Whether you are looking for a basecamp to explore Baltimore's Wharf area or a quiet place to sit by a fire and listen to the wind through the trees, Hollofield provides a high-quality, factual, and memorable Maryland experience. The upcoming renovations to the facilities further demonstrate a commitment to guest comfort, making it a location that only gets better with time.
Would you like me to look up the specific trail maps for the Hollofield area or check the current reservation availability for an upcoming weekend?
Location
Customer Reviews
It's great to have a campground this close to D.C. so you can do day trips to all the sights around. Visited the Wharf area in Baltimore while camping here. The code system and entrance gates are a little tricky, but are needed for safety in the middle of this metropolitan area. The showers could be cleaned more frequently but the water was good and hot. The hosts seem diligent and available. Firewood is for campfires $5 for 8 pieces fall of '24. We had to use levelers for our site at 418. Great for families.
Great staff, very friendly. Nice wooded area. I did find the sites to close to each other. Great if you like to make friends, but not so good if you enjoy keeping to yourself. Overall it was very quiet and well kept. Bathrooms do need help. There was a sign on the door that renovations are coming. Some sites have electrical hookup, but no water.
Great campground, close to Ellicott City. But the state of Maryland has a very low opinion of running campgrounds. Due to renovations, the entire campground will be closed for at least this year (2025) and probably 2026 as well - according to the park superintendent. Not a great way to run a campground.A perfect case of why you shiuld privitize it if you can't do an adequate job of running it.
I love this little gem near Baltimore. Dog and family friendly. Electric sites and primitive sites. Ice on site and firewood on site 24 hrs on the paybox honor system. Dated but clean restrooms and plenty of trails for hiking and biking. River for fishing. And quiet and dark at night. Park staff are awesome.
This campground was so clean and safe! The staff was very helpful. I really enjoyed my staying over there. I will visit again for sure.
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