Youth Camping

For organized youth groups in the Maryland region, finding the perfect balance between nature and accessibility is essential for a successful outdoor adventure. Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park offers a unique opportunity for young explorers to immerse themselves in a setting that blends agricultural history with modern recreational facilities. Located in the heart of Millersville, this campground serves as a vital resource for scouts, school groups, and youth organizations looking to foster teamwork, leadership, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

The Youth Camping area is situated within the expansive 288-acre Kinder Farm Park, a cherished local destination known for its preserved 1930s-era farm life. Unlike typical commercial campgrounds, this facility is specifically dedicated to organized youth groups, ensuring a safe and focused environment for educational and recreational programming. Whether you are planning a weekend of badge-work for a scout troop or an environmental science retreat, the park provides a backdrop of rolling pastures, wooded trails, and active farm life that is rare to find in such a convenient suburban location.

Choosing Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park means more than just setting up a tent; it means gaining access to a community-focused park that prioritizes heritage and nature. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, reflecting the local Maryland spirit of hospitality. As a local group, you will find that the park’s layout and management cater specifically to the needs of large groups, providing the necessary space and amenities to ensure that the logistical side of camping remains simple, allowing leaders to focus on the campers' experience.

Location and Accessibility

Youth Camping is conveniently located at 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA. This central Anne Arundel County location makes it an ideal choice for residents of Millersville, Severna Park, Glen Burnie, and even the greater Annapolis and Baltimore areas. Its proximity to major routes like I-97 and MD-2 ensures that transporting gear and participants is straightforward and efficient, reducing the travel time often associated with wilderness camping.

The park itself is designed with accessibility in mind. The main entrance is easy to navigate, and the campground area is positioned to provide a sense of seclusion while remaining within reach of the park's primary facilities. For those with mobility considerations, the park features a 2.4-mile paved perimeter trail that offers a smooth surface for walking or cycling through various habitats. While the camping sites themselves are natural turf, the surrounding infrastructure, including paved roads and well-maintained paths, ensures that the site is accessible for vehicles and support teams.

Services Offered

• Dedicated group tent sites specifically reserved for organized youth organizations and sanctioned clubs.
• Access to public shower facilities to ensure hygiene and comfort during multi-day stays.
• Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity available within designated areas of the park, allowing group leaders to stay connected or access educational resources.
• Streamlined camping fee payment systems managed through the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks department.
• Access to a frost-free hydrant providing treated water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning needs.
• Reserved meeting spaces like the Harvest Hall in the Visitor Center for indoor educational sessions or inclement weather backups (available by separate reservation).
• Professional park ranger assistance and oversight to ensure safety and adherence to park regulations.

Features and Highlights

• Working Farm Experience: Campers can observe and learn about farm animals including cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and turkeys cared for by local 4-H clubs.
• Historical Exploration: The park features a restored 1925 farmhouse museum and a Tobacco Barn Museum showcasing vintage agricultural tools and Maryland’s farming heritage.
• Extensive Trail Network: Over five miles of trails, including the 2.4-mile paved perimeter loop and several miles of natural surface trails through woods and meadows.
• Large Scale Playground: Known locally as "Big Kinder," the playground offers diverse structures that are perfect for younger campers to burn off energy.
• Disc Golf Course: An 18-hole disc golf course is available on-site, providing a fun, competitive activity for youth groups.
• Educational Programs: The park frequently hosts agricultural and nature-based programs that can complement a group's camping itinerary.
• Picnic Facilities: Numerous picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, with large pavilions available for group meals.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding availability, reservation requirements, or specific group permits, you can contact the park office directly. It is important to note that youth camping requires prior arrangement and a permit from the Director of Recreation and Parks.

• Address: 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA
• Phone: (410) 222-6115
• Mobile/Alternative: +1 410-222-6115
• Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

What is Worth Choosing

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park is worth choosing because it offers an "outdoor classroom" environment that few other campgrounds can match. The integration of a working farm with traditional camping allows youth to see where their food comes from and understand the history of the land they are sleeping on. This educational layer adds significant value to any camping trip, making it more than just a night under the stars.

Furthermore, the safety and security provided by a county-managed park cannot be overstated. With clear rules regarding noise, alcohol, and visitor access, group leaders can rest assured that their campers are in a protected environment. The availability of modern amenities like showers and Wi-Fi, combined with the "primitive" feel of tent camping, provides a great "introductory" camping experience for younger children who might not be ready for deep-woods wilderness areas.

Finally, the sheer variety of activities available within walking distance of the campsite—from disc golf and bird watching to exploring historical museums—ensures that there is never a dull moment. For Maryland youth leaders looking for a site that is close to home but feels worlds away from the city, Kinder Farm Park is the premier choice for fostering a love of nature in the next generation.

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