Hollofield Campground, Ellicott City, MD

For Marylanders seeking a refreshing break from urban life without traveling far, Hollofield Campground in Ellicott City, MD, offers an ideal solution. Nestled within the expansive and beloved Patapsco Valley State Park, this campground provides a unique blend of natural serenity and remarkable accessibility to the vibrant metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington D.C. It’s a perfect spot for families, couples, and solo adventurers looking to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy outdoor activities, and still be within easy reach of major attractions. Hollofield Campground truly represents a "little piece of wilderness in the middle of suburban Baltimore," allowing you to feel away from it all while remaining remarkably connected.

Hollofield Campground is one of two camping areas within Patapsco Valley State Park, and it stands out for its unique location and features. It's known for being a pet-friendly section of the park's campgrounds, making it a great choice for those who wish to bring their furry companions along. While occasionally you might hear the distant buzz of traffic from nearby Route 40, the campground generally provides a quiet and well-kept environment. It offers a variety of sites, some with electric hookups, catering to both tent and RV campers. This campground has been a long-standing fixture for outdoor enthusiasts, with diligent camp hosts available to assist guests and maintain the grounds. It's a place where the sounds of nature often outweigh the nearby urban hum, offering a genuine outdoor experience with the convenience of being centrally located in Maryland.

Hollofield Campground is located at 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA. This address places it almost in the center of Patapsco Valley State Park along US Route 40. Patapsco Valley State Park spans over 32 miles of the Patapsco River, encompassing areas in Howard, Baltimore, Carroll, and Anne Arundel counties. Hollofield specifically lies within Howard County, offering a convenient hub for exploring the diverse park regions.

The accessibility of Hollofield Campground is one of its most significant advantages for Maryland residents. It's strategically located very close to major transportation arteries. For instance, its proximity to Washington D.C. makes it "great to have a campground this close to D.C. so you can do day trips to all the sights around." Similarly, Baltimore's Inner Harbor and other attractions are just a short drive away, with one reviewer noting a visit to "the Wharf area in Baltimore while camping here." Being directly off Route 40 (Baltimore National Pike), and with easy access to I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) and I-70, the campground is remarkably easy to reach for campers traveling from various parts of Maryland and beyond. The paved roads within the park further ensure smooth navigation for all types of vehicles, including large RVs. This central location means that campers can enjoy a peaceful natural setting during their stay while having the flexibility to embark on day trips to iconic Maryland and D.C. landmarks, historical sites, and cultural venues, making it an exceptionally convenient base for exploration.

Hollofield Campground provides a range of essential services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for its visitors.

Campsites: The campground features 73 campsites, including both tent and RV sites. Some sites offer electric hookups.
Electric Hookups: Many sites come equipped with electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp service available) for RVs and campers. However, it's important to note that while electric hookups are common, water hookups are generally not available directly at individual campsites. Water spigots are accessible throughout the campground for filling tanks.
Modern Bathhouses: The campground provides modern bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers. While some reviews mention that the facilities "could be cleaned more frequently" and "do need help" with renovations "coming," the availability of hot water is consistently praised ("water was good and hot"). A utility sink is also available for washing dishes.
Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available within the park for RVs and trailers to dispose of wastewater.
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, complete with a grill grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
Firewood for Sale: Firewood is available for purchase from the camp hosts for campfires. As of Fall 2024, it was $5 for 8 pieces. It's crucial to remember that bringing your own firewood into Maryland State Parks is generally prohibited due to the threat of invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer. Dead wood on the ground can be collected for use in fire rings.
On-Site Camp Hosts: The campground benefits from diligent and available camp hosts who can provide information, assist with emergencies, and ensure adherence to campground rules and regulations. They also sell firewood and ice.
Code System for Entrance Gates: For enhanced safety in its metropolitan location, the campground utilizes a code system and entrance gates, which campers receive instructions for upon check-in.

Hollofield Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Maryland campers.

Pet-Friendly: Hollofield is a designated pet-friendly campground within Patapsco Valley State Park, allowing campers to bring their leashed dogs (and other pets) to enjoy the outdoor experience with them. This is a significant advantage for pet owners across Maryland.
Wooded and Quiet Setting: Despite its proximity to urban areas, the campground offers a "nice wooded area" and is generally "very quiet and well kept." This provides a genuine sense of being away in nature.
Access to Extensive Trail System: Being part of Patapsco Valley State Park, campers have direct access to over 200 miles of diverse trails for hiking, biking, and exploring. The Ole Ranger Trail and Peaceful Pond Trail are specifically mentioned as quick options near the Hollofield Area. Anglers can also access the Patapsco River via the Union Dam Trail.
Proximity to Major Attractions: Its "great" location allows for easy day trips to Washington D.C., Baltimore's Inner Harbor, historic Ellicott City, and other regional sights. This offers a unique blend of nature and urban exploration.
Family-Friendly Environment: Reviewed as "Great for families," the campground provides an atmosphere conducive to family outings, with activities like campfires and access to outdoor recreation.
Scenic Overlook: The Hollofield Area boasts one of the most stunning views of the Patapsco River Valley, changing beautifully with every season. This overlook is a perfect spot for scenic photography and enjoying the natural landscape.
Renovations Underway: While some facilities (like bathrooms) have been noted as needing improvement, there's a positive sign of "renovations are coming," indicating future enhancements to the campground's infrastructure. In fact, the Hollofield Campground is reportedly closed for renovations during the 2025 season, which suggests significant upgrades are being implemented.
Variety in Site Proximity: Some sites are noted as being "too close to each other" ("great if you like to make friends"), while others are more spaced out, offering privacy, allowing campers to choose based on their preference for solitude or social interaction.

As a Maryland State Park campground, Hollofield Campground operates under the pricing and reservation policies set by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered. However, value can be found through:

Standardized State Park Rates: Rates for state park camping are generally set to be affordable and competitive, providing excellent value for access to natural resources and amenities.
Booking through a Central System: Campsite reservations are typically made through a centralized online system (often ReserveAmerica via the MD DNR website), allowing for planning up to a year in advance.
Seasonal Closures for Improvements: While a temporary inconvenience, the closure of Hollofield Campground for renovations during the 2025 season indicates a significant investment in improving the camper experience, which ultimately benefits future visitors.

For the most current information on rates, availability (especially considering the 2025 renovations), and any specific park advisories or policies, it is always best to consult the official Maryland DNR website for Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area.

For reservations, inquiries, or more information about Hollofield Campground within Patapsco Valley State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA (This is the address for the Hollofield Area of Patapsco Valley State Park, where the campground is located).

Phone: (410) 461-5005 (This is the primary phone number for Patapsco Valley State Park Headquarters, which oversees the Hollofield Area).

Email: You can generally email Patapsco Valley State Park via the contact information provided on the Maryland DNR website (e.g., specific email for Hollofield Area or general park inquiries).

Online Reservations: Reservations for Maryland State Parks are typically made through the Maryland DNR website, which links to a reservation portal (often ReserveAmerica). It's crucial to check the website for current availability, especially in light of the 2025 renovation closure.

When contacting, clearly state that your inquiry is about Hollofield Campground within Patapsco Valley State Park.

Hollofield Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Maryland locals, offering a unique blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Its prime location within Patapsco Valley State Park means residents don't have to travel far to find a refreshing escape into nature, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations. The convenience of being just a short drive from both Baltimore and Washington D.C. allows campers to easily combine their outdoor adventures with visits to major cultural attractions, historical sites, and entertainment venues. For pet owners, the campground's pet-friendly policy is a significant draw, enabling the entire family to enjoy the experience. The presence of diligent camp hosts, the security of a gate code system, and the availability of essential amenities like electric hookups and modern bathhouses (with planned renovations promising even better facilities) contribute to a comfortable stay. Whether you're looking to hike miles of trails, fish in the Patapsco River, or simply relax around a campfire in a wooded setting, Hollofield Campground provides an ideal and convenient solution for Marylanders seeking to embrace the great outdoors right in their own state.