The best mountainous campgrounds near Catonsville, Maryland

Catonsville’s mountainous terrain draws campers looking for elevation, forest trails, and crisp morning air. Hipcamp lists over 20 spots here with prices starting at $25 a night, averaging closer to $40. You’ll find campsites tucked into wooded hillsides and perched near rocky overlooks. Top picks include Willows Farm (179 reviews), Esidarap Mountain (122 reviews), and Views of woods, pond, and sunrise (96 reviews). Most spots let you bring pets and offer showers and toilets—essentials after a long day of horseback riding, swimming, or watching deer at dusk. If you like a mountain backdrop and mornings with your head in the clouds, Catonsville delivers.

96% (569)

Top-rated campgrounds

A clear view of the mountains and the campsite from one of the cattle pastures.

Catonsville’s mountainous terrain draws campers looking for elevation, forest trails, and crisp morning air. Hipcamp lists over 20 spots here with prices starting at $25 a night, averaging closer to $40. You’ll find campsites tucked into wooded hillsides and perched near rocky overlooks. Top picks include Willows Farm (179 reviews), Esidarap Mountain (122 reviews), and Views of woods, pond, and sunrise (96 reviews). Most spots let you bring pets and offer showers and toilets—essentials after a long day of horseback riding, swimming, or watching deer at dusk. If you like a mountain backdrop and mornings with your head in the clouds, Catonsville delivers.

96% (569)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Willows Farm

99%

(254)

33mi from Catonsville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Union Bridge, MD

Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.

2. Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

98%

(124)

31mi from Catonsville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Westminster, MD

Welcome to our fifth generation, mini-valley, woodland, and rolling hills. Empty Cupboard Farm has been family owned since 1918. It is presently planted in soy and corn. Wildlife abounds, including deer, small mammals, and geese. Bald eagles and Heron even take a pond dip periodically. Woodland trails are accessible and new tree plantings can be observed. We welcome RVs under 30'. It will be too hilly for anything longer. (Be aware: inclement weather is not your friend here if your vehicle can't handle potentially slippery conditions.) Enjoy the following activities: Mountain biking, pedal onlyPond fishing. (Sorry, no swimming in the pond; but an "An open to the public", private pool is 13 miles/20min. As is the Y. Lawn games and a fire pit are available. So are the stars at night; cloud permitting. Consider the free star gazing app, SkyView Lite, even in the day and under clouds. Don't miss our stunning sunsets at the "Red Door," our entrance. Historical towns within 10 miles any direction are reached over rolling countryside. Gettysburg is less than 20 miles. Baltimore is less than an hours ride by open highway. Blue Ridge mountains 18 miles. Taneytown, 1836, has an extraordinary antique store that is a delight to browse; as well as fine dining, drive through, an open air beer garden and close by grocery stores. Homemade ice cream is found at Baugher's and Hoffmans in Westminster. Baugher's Orchard has "pick your own" available. There is a mini farm animal petting zoo at the orchard. Additional things to see: Boating in Carroll County Maryland. Local wineries Ski Liberty Carroll is a full service county whatever your needs. Check out carrollcountytourism.org to learn more No lions, tigers, and Oh my! However, be aware that small critters may try to steal your food. No recent bear sightings. Geese visit occasionally. Coyotes are seen periodically. All hunting rights are reserved for long term clientele; therefore, hiking on the farm may be curtailed if they are present during hunting season. (November- January) Consider using Sky View Lite on line to watch the sky.

3. Basecamp Frederick

100%

(7)

41mi from Catonsville · 3 sites · RVs, Lodging · Frederick, MD

Basecamp Frederick is located on almost 2 acres adjacent to the Frederick Municipal Forest & Watershed on Hamburg Rd. There is a small creek that borders one side of the property, a wooded area in the back, and access to trails across the street. This area of Frederick is prime for outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, fishing, foraging, and wildlife watching. Both Gambrill State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park are nearby and easy to access for day trips.

4. Romantic Treehouse

100%

(1)

44mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Lodging · Leesburg, VA

Attached to the Forest this Treehouse has everything to live in the sky, king bed, kitchen, bath, wifi, ac, heat and a view. Located in the heart of DCs wine country there is plenty to explore within minutes. You will never wish to leave after a stay in one of Waterford Reservations desired locations

5. Comus Sky Farm

90%

(49)

34mi from Catonsville · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · Barnesville, MD

We are located in Comus, MD, at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain in the heart of the Agricultural Reserve. Beneath the pavilion: There is one large wood burning grill suitable for cooking food, one belly stove for ambience/heat and 3 fire rings to build your own fire. Firewood is provided upon request. There are no designated parking spots for now. Feel free to park wherever suits. Potable water is in the barn along with a flush toilet. One 30A outlet is located on the side of the barn inside the paddock next to the horse washing station. Other outlets are located inside the barn, outside the hay barn and run-in sheds; also, on the other side of the barn outside the paddock. Duck eggs are provided as a courtesy welcome gift and are contingent (for purchase) on availability.

6. Esidarap Mountain

97%

(165)

44mi from Catonsville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Abbottstown, PA

Note: For the winter months we are closed, we reopen in march. The furthest we are open at any given moment is about six months. We close when hunting season comes in during the fall. Description of camp: This is not a glampsite! There are limited utilities here. No Drinking water, just water for the fire. There is a self serve firewood store, you may also forage dead wood. Here only one group may camp at a time. The campsite is a big level hilltop clearing surrounded by acres of woods. There is stone driveway that leads to the site that gets you back into the woods. The driveway is wide enough for trucks, trailers, vans, etc. Since the site is up high it gets a great breeze which helps on warm days and gets good cell service. The campsite gets great sun and has shaded areas along the sides that make for good tent pitching. We have had people set up hammocks, tents, tarps, or camp in their vehicle. We provide a privy (outhouse), an outdoor showerroom/changing room, picnic tables, and a metal fire pit with grill rack that you can put in the fire pit if you wish to cook/grill over it. The woods are hilly so biking is not recomended. On the property we have 2+ miles of hiking trails. PLEASE feel free to contact us for any questions. Also please look at our pictures for a better idea of what we offer. Nearby Activities: A short drive from here will take you to Gettysburg, York, or Hanover. Codorus park offers great hiking and is next to a lake. There are many excellent restaurants and brewpubs nearby, including the award winning Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brewpub. For more information read our activities section to find out what other things we provide or have nearby that you can do. Pricing: We have a weeknight discount for the site which is 29 dollars (Sunday-Thurdsay nights). Friday night and Saturday night we charge 35 dollars. Any additional guests after five we charge 9.50 dollars per person. We allow up to 10 guests total. Rules: Extinguish camp fires that are unattended and to only make them in the designated fire pit, no noise past 9 o'clock, discharging of firearms and fireworks are prohibited, do not bring firewood (to prevent invasive bug spread), keep your pets attended/on a leash, clean up after your pets, no cutting down trees

7. Deer haven campsites

97%

(17)

46mi from Catonsville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Myersville, MD

Learn more about this land:You can set up your campsite then Bike, hike, or visit several lakes and falls within 6 miles. Lots of mountain and back roads! Never ending things to do and see nearby Camp David, Cunningham Falls and Greenbrier State Parks just to name a few. Check a map and search the area. Several sites are available!

8. Rafeen Farm

78%

(9)

48mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Middletown, MD

Tucked up against the Appalachian Mountain range, Rafeen Farm is a bucolic hideaway just an hour away from the nation's capital. This working horse farm offers shade and soft breezes in the summer by the pond and the autumn tapestry of falling leaves in the autumn. You can hike, paddle down the Potomac, take a trial ride on horseback, sip wine at a local vineyard, do sunset yoga, and make your own pottery all within a stone's throw of this serenity that is Rafeen Farm.

9. Mother Earth Organic Farm

100%

(63)

49mi from Catonsville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Smithsburg, MD

The farm is located in picturesque rolling hills of Maryland. We've had many requests for photo shoots and weddings... it's that amazing! The farmhouse used to be the local post office (many years ago).Mother Earth Organic Farm is the epitome of getting away. Camp with your tent, RV, schoolie, truck camper, or hammock tent on this marvelous organic farm with scenic pasture and mountain views. Bring your telescope or add ours as an extra. The night sky view is amazing! The Milky way is visible on clear nights. You may see farm animals including goats, chickens and cows during your stay. In addition, Mother Earth Organic Farm has a plethora of wildlife including hummingbirds, bald eagles, white egrets, turtles, bears, and foxes. There are walking trails on the farm and a 1/3 acre pond.The Appalachian Trail (AT) is about a mile down the road (access point with ample parking). There are many parks nearby including Gambrill State Park, Cunningham Falls State Park (longest cascading waterfall in Maryland) and many others.

10. Sweet Grass

100%

(3)

49mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Lodging · Lovettsville, VA

Enjoy a relaxing stay at this newly renovated historic milk house. The original structure sits on a functioning farm with beautiful picturesque pond. The cottage (sprinkled with timeless antiques) has all the amenities for a perfect stay- bed, sitting area ,full bathroom and full kitchen with dining table. This treasure is located right off the road and minutes from the areas finest wineries, cideries , breweries and farm-to- table restaurants.

11. Springs Cottage

44mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Lodging · Lovettsville, VA

Newly restored historic Springs Store Cottage is a perfect location for a couples get-a-way. Within walking distance to a popular local winery, and close drive to several farm-to-table restaurants and breweries, this private house, with detailed custom wood-work, king size bed and cozy interior, is sure to impress. So whether you are visiting for a wedding, exploring wine country or in need of a quiet setting, we invite you to enjoy!Learn more about this land:Newly restored historic Springs Store Cottage is a perfect location for a couples get-a-way. Within walking distance to a popular local winery, and close drive to several farm-to-table restaurants and breweries, this private house, with detailed custom wood-work, king size bed and cozy interior, is sure to impress. So whether you are visiting for a wedding, exploring wine country or in need of a quiet setting, we invite you to enjoy!

Camper favorites near Catonsville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Deer haven campsites

97%

(17)

46mi from Catonsville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Myersville, MD

Learn more about this land:You can set up your campsite then Bike, hike, or visit several lakes and falls within 6 miles. Lots of mountain and back roads! Never ending things to do and see nearby Camp David, Cunningham Falls and Greenbrier State Parks just to name a few. Check a map and search the area. Several sites are available!

Rafeen Farm

78%

(9)

48mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Tent, RV · Middletown, MD

Tucked up against the Appalachian Mountain range, Rafeen Farm is a bucolic hideaway just an hour away from the nation's capital. This working horse farm offers shade and soft breezes in the summer by the pond and the autumn tapestry of falling leaves in the autumn. You can hike, paddle down the Potomac, take a trial ride on horseback, sip wine at a local vineyard, do sunset yoga, and make your own pottery all within a stone's throw of this serenity that is Rafeen Farm.

Mother Earth Organic Farm

100%

(63)

49mi from Catonsville · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Smithsburg, MD

The farm is located in picturesque rolling hills of Maryland. We've had many requests for photo shoots and weddings... it's that amazing! The farmhouse used to be the local post office (many years ago).Mother Earth Organic Farm is the epitome of getting away. Camp with your tent, RV, schoolie, truck camper, or hammock tent on this marvelous organic farm with scenic pasture and mountain views. Bring your telescope or add ours as an extra. The night sky view is amazing! The Milky way is visible on clear nights. You may see farm animals including goats, chickens and cows during your stay. In addition, Mother Earth Organic Farm has a plethora of wildlife including hummingbirds, bald eagles, white egrets, turtles, bears, and foxes. There are walking trails on the farm and a 1/3 acre pond.The Appalachian Trail (AT) is about a mile down the road (access point with ample parking). There are many parks nearby including Gambrill State Park, Cunningham Falls State Park (longest cascading waterfall in Maryland) and many others.

Sweet Grass

100%

(3)

49mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Lodging · Lovettsville, VA

Enjoy a relaxing stay at this newly renovated historic milk house. The original structure sits on a functioning farm with beautiful picturesque pond. The cottage (sprinkled with timeless antiques) has all the amenities for a perfect stay- bed, sitting area ,full bathroom and full kitchen with dining table. This treasure is located right off the road and minutes from the areas finest wineries, cideries , breweries and farm-to- table restaurants.

Springs Cottage

44mi from Catonsville · 1 site · Lodging · Lovettsville, VA

Newly restored historic Springs Store Cottage is a perfect location for a couples get-a-way. Within walking distance to a popular local winery, and close drive to several farm-to-table restaurants and breweries, this private house, with detailed custom wood-work, king size bed and cozy interior, is sure to impress. So whether you are visiting for a wedding, exploring wine country or in need of a quiet setting, we invite you to enjoy!Learn more about this land:Newly restored historic Springs Store Cottage is a perfect location for a couples get-a-way. Within walking distance to a popular local winery, and close drive to several farm-to-table restaurants and breweries, this private house, with detailed custom wood-work, king size bed and cozy interior, is sure to impress. So whether you are visiting for a wedding, exploring wine country or in need of a quiet setting, we invite you to enjoy!

Stories from the community

B

Brock

2 days ago

18 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Basecamp Frederick

Perfect spot to spend the night in our van. Great location close to Frederick, but very peaceful. Hosts had great communication. Got a great night's sleep and were able to enjoy some of the local trails the next day.

Jess&Mike

2 weeks ago

16 ft car

Group trip

1 night at Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

Loved the place, my husband and i and a few friends used the campsite for an impromtu friendsgiving. Place was clean and very private.

John

2 weeks ago

25 ft travel trailer

18 nights at Comus Sky Farm

I stayed at Conus SKY Farm (now known as Camp Comus) multiple times in my RV. I love the farm animals, the Camp Hosts, the solitude, and the feel of the forest. 20, 30, and 50 amp electric, bathroom, and central water source is available. I will definitely be back next year.

This site is a perfect place for your Camper Van. If you need to rent one visit bestywesty.com They have wonderful fully outfitted VW Westfalia Vans for rent.

C

Carlos

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Willows Farm

What an amazing site!!! Thank you so much Curtis for being very responsive. This site was private and had plenty of space to spread out. Firewood was readily available, the outhouse was a plus and the drive from Montgomery county was a breeze. I 100% recommend this site to anyone who loves the outdoors and is looking for a beautiful campsite in the woods. We will be coming back real soon.

A

Austin

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

Lovely spot with great views. Amazing for a relaxing weekend. Peggy (the host) was very sweet and welcoming. Would love to stay again.

Maria

3 weeks ago

20 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

My husband, myself, our kids and grandkids all met up at this amazing farm just overnight for a wonderful and rare campfire get together, but wished we had stayed longer. The grandkids loved all the animals but especially Zeus, the big, super sweet dog of the property! The expansive property accommodates RVs well with plenty of space to be private yet camp amongst the animals. Our camp host greeted us, got us set up with power, and told us all about the workings of the farm and all that was available to us on the property. These extras that you don’t normally get at most Hipcamp properties was really cool! A barn with a restroom and gathering area where chili was available the night we were there along with many homemade and local goodies like shortbread cookies, honey, dried lavender sachets and produce for purchase. We happily donated a small amount toward taking care of the rescued animals on the farm. A couple of our kids and their families live in the area so we will definitely be back! Thanks Juanita it was a pleasure!!

H

Haley

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Willows Farm

Plenty of space for us and our two dogs. Lots of fallen tress to choose firewood from. Curtis came by the site to check on us which I thought was nice. Will love to come back in the spring.

Josh

November 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Basecamp Frederick

Great spot to spend the night. Nice and level can pull straight through and the host were nice and accommodating. Would stay again

M

Mark

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

Beautiful, peaceful location with an incredibly friendly and responsive host! Getting to say hi to the very friendly dogs and kitten was a definite plus. Plenty of room to set up camp while still being a stone's throw away from the barn with a restroom & running water. All in all a tremendous experience!

John

November 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Comus Sky Farm

Juanita's horse farm has plenty of room for RV and tent campers. I enjoyed the quiet country feel, the animals (her sweet dogs, the ducks and geese and the neighbors horse), and the solitude of walking her trails surrounded by autumn trees. The camp hosts are absolutely fantastic. Friendly, accommodating, and generous. They made me feel like family. The Comus Inn restaurant is a hidden jewel. There are lots of nearby areas to explore, breweries and wineries to sample, and the trails of Sugarloaf mountain are worth your time. I plan to return next year at this time.

H

Houston

October 2025

13 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Willows Farm

We had a great time camping here! Very peaceful and quiet. We will be back.

Chris

October 2025

29 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

Another wonderful stay here, theres something new and wonderful every time! The camp hosts are fantastic too!

Enjoy a peaceful coffee at the camp site

Z

Zachary

October 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Mother Earth Organic Farm

We loved Mother Earth Organic Farm! The farm is beautiful (particularly so in the fall!) and the campsites are well-maintained. We spent two nights there and our kids had a blast. The hosts were great communicators and very friendly in person. We came from DC and it was an easy 1hr drive to reach the farm. I would definitely recommend camping here if you’re looking for a nice escape from the city.

B

Brianne

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

Peggy's land was beautiful! Peggy was easy to communicate with and super helpful. I would absolutely recommend this spot! We will go back again!

Simpson

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

The property was gorgeous, the amenities were sufficient, and the hosts were so gracious! We had plenty of room to spread out for our group of 14. The plus was the super adorable Zeus. Thank you so much for having us!!

Chase

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

Loved the farm so much it was hard to leave. I had to keep extending my stay to check out more of the area. It was very peaceful and everyone was incredibly nice. Hate to let people know because im sure it will be full up when I try to come back, but it is a great place to go.

R

Ralph

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Comus Sky Farm

The property was well maintained. Hosts and campers were friendly.

John

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

8 nights at Comus Sky Farm

I had electricity and was able to easily fill my talk. The hosts (Josh and Katie) are VERY welcoming. Juanita is delightful and very accommodating. The geese and ducks are great reminders you are on a farm and the horse next door is very friendly. I saw a deer most evenings. It was quiet and comfortable. Will return soon and next year at this same time.

Lynn

October 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

This is a glorious, pristine farm w/ complete privacy & seclusion. I was the ONLY camper during my 2 nite stay. Peggy came out of her house to kindly greet me, then left me alone to pick anywhere on her 8 acres i wanted to set up. Nothing was off limits. Was in a yurt w/ 2 dogs they ran around like they owned the place. She was always avail however. Just a text, phone call away or even a holler up the hill. She had a huge burn pile ready for me to use but it was too windy & I set my tent up too close-so no campfire-boo my bad! Property consists mostly corn fields, a lovely pond, a barn & hog house. Lots of green mowed grass. Not totally level (somewhat hilly) but flat enough to set up camp. Lovely willow, maple, locust & walnut trees. The sun set over the pond in a blaze of color. Barn swallows graze the pond & a ground hogs munch dinner. Deer if you're lucky. Bring binoculars! There were ZERO mosquitos. I loved that Peggy was attune to my needs & happy to help without being nosy/overbearing. I felt a real kinship as she runs the place by herself & it's absolutely perfect. She's the real deal-a true blue hard-working farm woman. Empty Cupboard Farm is only a few minutes from all the shopping you'll need but private enough you can't hear a sound at night but cows, owls & crickets. At the top of farm is the infamous Red Door & tons of chestnuts to roast. Its very easy to find, very easy access in. Run, dont walk to EMPTY Cupboard Farm for a FULL renewing spiritual experience.

M

Mary

October 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Willows Farm

We loved camping in the Woods at Willows!! The site felt secluded yet not isolated. The area was spacious and flat. We heard some Owls in the trees at dark and saw several red headed woodpeckers during day. Curtis was very hospitable and helpful. We will definitely go back.