Featuring some fantastic recreational activities, relevant historical sites, and excellent RV camping, Susquehanna State Park is a great choice for your next RV holiday destination. Located in the northeastern part of Maryland outside of Havre de Grace, Susquehanna State Park has a history that dates back to the late 1950s when the land was donated to the State of Maryland by J. Gilman D’Arcy Paul. The park takes its name from the river that it lies along, and the area of the park includes land on both sides of the water, as well as several small islands.
The Susquehanna River is the place to check if you want to enjoy some water-based recreational activities during your visit, such as fishing and boating. The park also has an awe-inspiring waterfall that is a must-see. Hiking enthusiasts of all skill levels and abilities can find something to do in the park, with over fifteen miles of trails, including the accessible Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail. Horseback riders and mountain bikers can also enjoy the lush landscape and river views. The park is also a great place to visit for those interested in the local historical attractions, such as the Rock Run Grist Mill.
Susquehanna State Park has plenty of camping options available for you, thanks to the two-loop campground. The campground has a total of 69 sites that are great for beginner and experienced RV travelers alike. If you want to have a little bit of luxury, there are also reservable cabins available in the park that you can reserve. The campground is open for visits between April and October, and reservations are strongly recommended.
Susquehanna State Park is located 42 miles northeast of Baltimore, Maryland, and 38 miles southwest of Wilmington, Deleware. Drivers should be aware that coming to the park from either city may require RVers to take toll roads. The closest city to Susquehanna State Park is Havre de Grace, which is less than five miles away.
Since the park is quite large, many roads will give you access, including Craig's Corner Road, Quaker Bottom Road, and Rock Run Road. All of the roads in and around the park are easy to navigate, including the two campground loops. While camping is only allowed during part of the year, the park is open year-round. If you are just visiting the park and not camping, there are plenty of places that you can park your RV, including near the park office and the museum.
The Susquehanna State Park campground is known to be a well-maintained campground that has large, level sites that will provide you with a great home base during your stay. There are 69 RV and tent sites within two loops of the park, the Acorn Loop and the Beechnut Loop. Six of these sites have electrical hookups, and the maximum length for RVs is 30 feet. Each site features a fire ring and picnic table. Both loops have comfort stations, where facilities such as hot showers are available. Water spigots and dumpsters are available in several places around the camping loops. There is also a playground and amphitheater situated in the middle of the two loops, which can provide entertainment for families.
Boats are allowed in the campground, but they must be parked in the appropriate lots. Boats are counted as one of the two vehicles allowed at each campsite. Pets are permitted in the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times. The campground takes reservations, which are strongly recommended, especially on the weekends. Susquehanna State Park Campground is open from April until October.
In the Susquehanna Campground, sites that aren't reserved roll to first-come, first-served camping. If you plan to camp without a reservation, the park requests that you check the reservation board before you circle the campground looking for available sites.
At Susquehanna State Park, there are more than fifteen miles of trails that offer visitors some incredible exploring opportunities. You will notice a variation in both terrain and skill level, with the trails ranging from easy to difficult. The Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail is handicapped accessible and is flat, which makes it ideal for novices and families to hike. Other trails are more difficult, such as the Susquehanna Ridge Trail. Much of the trails are marked and maintained, and you may encounter mountain bikers, as well as horseback riders along your trek.
At Susquehanna State Park, there are a variety of historical sites that are a must-visit. There is a working gristmill, and the nearby Carter-Archer Mansion (built back in 1804), where the mill owner once lived. You can also see remnants of the Jersey Toll House. There is a privately owned and operated museum in the park, which celebrates the rural heritage of Harford County. The museum is worth checking out if you are interested in seeing farm equipment and artifacts from the 1800s as well as exhibits featuring the blacksmith's shop.
Some hunting is allowed at Susquehanna State Park. When in-season, deer hunting is permitted between Wednesday to Sunday, and only in designated areas of the park. Only bow hunting is allowed, and to hunt on park property, both hunting permits and reservations are required. If you prefer birds over land animals, waterfowl hunting is also a popular park activity, and there are sites for blinds located along the Susquehanna River. Permits are needed for waterfowl hunting, and reservations for the blind sites are also required.
Susquehanna State Park has a private museum that is a fantastic place to visit for RV lovers interested in the history of the general area. The museum covers the period from 1880 to 1920, and it has plenty of interesting historical artifacts on display. Throughout the year, museum staff also give guided tours and lead interpretive programs that detail how life was like back when people lived off the land. The museum is open all year round.
Susquehanna State Park Campground also has six camper cabins that are available for you to rent if you want to have a night outside of your RV. The cabins are rustic, suitable for up to four people, and they carry some additional rules. These rules include no cooking within the cabin, no extra guests, and no pets are allowed. Since the cabins are located within the campground, you can use all of the campground amenities.
During your RV vacation to Susquehanna State Park, you can view some exciting fishing runs during the spring. The fish involved in these runs are shad and herring, and these fish run when the waters begin to warm up in the spring. The fish are especially active in April. What exactly is a fish run? This fishing phenomenon is when fish swim upriver to spawn their young. Once the fish are born, the young swim back downstream to the ocean, where they will live out the majority of their lives. If you are looking to take some snaps during your trip, this will be a great time to do so!
If you are interested in boating, Susquehanna State Park offers excellent boating facilities for you to use during your RV stay. The Lapidum Boating Facility provides direct access to the Susquehanna River and is a great spot to launch the watercraft of your choice. Traveling a short distance downstream, you can access the Chesapeake Bay and all the delights that are present there. The boating ramps charge a service fee, and the cost depends on if you are an out-of-state resident or a Maryland state resident. Bathroom facilities are present in the area. Pets are allowed in the area, but no alcohol is permitted.
Susquehanna State Park is an anglers paradise, thanks to the direct river access. There is a variety of fish that you can reel in, including striped bass, catfish, and perch, depending on the season. A Chesapeake Bay Sports Fishing License is needed for most of the fishing, as it is a tidal water license. Fishing in the nearby Deer Creek only requires a non-tidal fishing license. Fishing is an activity that people enjoy year-round at Susquehanna State Park.
For those interested in having a relaxing picnic during their trip, you will be pleased to note that Susquehanna State Park has an impressive picnicking area. The Deer Creek Picnic Area has plenty of amenities to help you enjoy your day out, including picnic tables, a restroom, grills, and two shelters. Large groups may rent the shelters from March to October. We highly recommend reserving a pavilion if you plan on having a big gathering.
