Camping vacations are trips you and your children will remember forever — they’re fun, healthy and often more affordable than long-haul flights.
According to the National Park Service, reconnecting with nature does the mind and body good by soothing mental health woes, improving sleep, encouraging physical activity and setting the stage for family bonding.
Take advantage of late summer and fall weather by planning a camping trip at one of these five seasonal or year-round spots featuring cabins, shade and plenty of activities that will make a splash with your family.
Brunswick Family Campground
40 Canal Road, Brunswick, MD 21716
Open now through Nov. 10
Families can rent a cabin, stay in an RV or hike out and camp the old-fashioned way at one of the tent sites at this campground on the Potomac River. Cabins sleep a maximum of six people. Highlights include a bath house, playground and picnic pavilion. There is also boat ramp access for families looking to fish, kayak, canoe and enjoy the water.
rivertrail.com
Blue Rocks Family Campground
341 Sousley Road, Lenhartsville, PA 19534
Open for activities through October; camping year-round
Learn what makes Eastern Pennsylvania stand out by exploring its trails that span 100 acres of forests, mountains and streams. Family attractions at the Blue Rocks Campground include a boulder field, fire truck rides, swimming pools, a fishing pond, basketball court, volleyball court, playground, game room, horseshoes and a classic car garage. Families can stay in a tent, RV or one of the campground’s cabins and cottages.
bluerockscampground.com
Happy Hills Campground
12617 Seavolt Road, #2733, Hancock, MD 21750
Open year-round
Prepare your RV or tent, or stay in rustic one-room cabins at Happy Hills Campground. Despite what you might expect from their cozy, historic structure, all cabins have air conditioning and heat. The camp-ground also offers a full year’s calendar of family-friendly events to add a little something special to your family’s getaway. Enjoy wagon rides, trails, sports facilities, a playground, a dog park and swimming facilities during your stay. happyhillscampground-md.com
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground
9550 Jellystone Parkway, Williamsport, MD 21795
Open now through Nov. 27 | Additional locations: Williamstown, NJ (open through Nov. 3), Luray, VA (open through Nov. 27), Lincoln, DE (open through Nov. 3), Quarryville, PA (open through Nov. 4)
If you’re looking for more glamping with less camping, this campground offers nine luxury cabin types and accommodations that can sleep up to 16 people. That means, yes, you can bring the cousins—and a few friends, too. Families can also enjoy the water park and pools, mini golf, a jumping pillow and themed events. Cabins, RV sites and tent sites are available to rent. Find a full list of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park locations online. jellystonemaryland.com
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
1523 Freeland Road, Freeland, MD 21053 | Open year-round
Make a splash in the spray pool, ride the mechanical bull and learn with the Little Falls sluice and mine activity at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm. This campground offers both campsites and cabins.
merrymeadows.com
