Shiloh Valley Camping

For Maryland locals seeking a peaceful and natural escape without venturing too far from home, Shiloh Valley Camping in Forest Hill, MD, presents an inviting option. Nestled on a private, 20+ acre farm, this hidden gem offers a quiet and beautiful setting for campers looking to unwind amidst nature. Unlike bustling, large-scale resorts, Shiloh Valley Camping provides a more intimate and serene experience, allowing visitors to truly connect with the outdoors and enjoy the simple pleasures of camping.

Located in Harford County, Shiloh Valley Camping is characterized by its tranquil environment, bordered by West Branch Winters Run and featuring a mix of woods and pastures. This picturesque landscape is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, fox, eagles, Canadian geese, blue/white heron, red-tailed hawks, and wild turkeys, offering ample opportunities for nature observation and photography. The emphasis here is on relaxation and enjoying the natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for those who prioritize peace and quiet.

Shiloh Valley Camping offers a variety of lodging options to suit different preferences, from traditional tent and RV sites to comfortable cabins and even furnished houses, ensuring that various types of campers can find their ideal stay. While it boasts a quiet, country setting, it remains conveniently located within miles of some of Harford County's best restaurants, wineries, creameries, golfing, and shopping. This balance of secluded tranquility and accessible local amenities makes it a versatile choice for a weekend getaway or a longer retreat.

This article will provide a detailed overview of Shiloh Valley Camping, covering its precise location and accessibility, the diverse range of services and accommodations it offers, its unique features and highlights, any potential promotions, and why it stands out as an excellent choice for Maryland locals looking for a refreshing camping experience.

Location and Accessibility

Shiloh Valley Camping is located at 2310 Putnam Rd, Forest Hill, MD 21050, USA. This address places it in the scenic rural landscape of Forest Hill, a community within Harford County, Maryland. Harford County is situated in the northeastern part of Maryland, offering a blend of agricultural areas, natural preserves, and charming small towns.

The campground's location, described as a "private 20+ acre farm," ensures a peaceful, country setting. While it provides a feeling of seclusion and natural immersion, it remains remarkably accessible for Maryland locals. Forest Hill is easily reachable via major state routes. For visitors traveling from Baltimore, it's a relatively straightforward drive north on I-95, connecting to various state roads that lead into Harford County. Those coming from areas like Annapolis or Washington D.C. can also find direct routes that make the journey manageable.

Despite its tranquil ambiance, Shiloh Valley Camping boasts convenient proximity to a range of local attractions and amenities within Harford County:

• Restaurants and Wineries: Several local eateries and wineries are within a short drive, offering opportunities for dining out or enjoying local vintages.
• Golfing: Golf courses in Harford County are accessible for enthusiasts.
• Shopping and Nightlife: While in a rural setting, the campground is not far from local shopping centers and venues for evening entertainment.
• Ma & Pa Trails: The Ma & Pa Trail, a popular biking and walking trail system in Harford County, is nearby, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation.
• Rocks State Park: Approximately 5 miles away, Rocks State Park offers hiking, rock climbing, and scenic views, including the famous Kilgore Falls.
• Gunpowder Falls State Park and Susquehanna State Park: These larger state parks are also within a reasonable driving distance, offering extensive hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities.

The balance between being "in a country setting, and yet still within miles of some of Harford county's best" highlights its suitability for those who desire both natural tranquility and convenient access to local conveniences and attractions. The precise address for booking is typically provided after reservation to maintain guest privacy, but its general location is well-established for easy navigation.

Services Offered

Shiloh Valley Camping provides a versatile range of lodging and essential services, catering to various camping styles and ensuring a comfortable stay for its guests in Forest Hill, MD. Their offerings extend beyond traditional tent camping to include RV sites and comfortable cabins/houses, some available year-round.

• Tent Sites:
  • No hookups are provided for tent sites.
  • Rates: $24 Daily / $120 Weekly for the first 6 people; $2 more per person.
  • Maximum occupancy: 8 people per site.
• RV Sites: Shiloh Valley offers several types of RV sites:
  • RV Sites 1-8 & 12-24: These sites include water, 30 amp electric, and sewage hookups. They are rented year-round. Contact the director for specific pricing and availability.
  • RV Sites 9, 10 & 11: These sites provide water and 30 amp electric. Septic dumping is available with a $10.00 donation. Rates: $35 Daily / $225 Weekly. Availability depends on the time of year, with options for day-to-day, week-to-week, or extended durations.
  All RV sites are described as "gravel and pretty level" with "well-maintained utility hook-ups."
• Cabin Rentals: Shiloh Valley offers various cabin types, though pets are no longer allowed inside them:
  • C Cabin: Open May 1 - Oct 15. Rates: $85 Daily / $480 Weekly. Features 1 bedroom with 2 twin bunk beds and one Queen bed, a full kitchen (microwave, oven, fridge, coffeemaker, toaster, dishes/flatware), hot and cold water, private fire pit, picnic table, and fixed charcoal grill outside.
  • 2 Bedroom House: Open year-round. Features 1 bedroom with a full bed, 1 bedroom with twin bunk beds, a cot available, full kitchen, bathroom with shower/tub, enclosed front porch facing the lake. Outside includes a private fire pit, picnic table, and fixed charcoal grill.
  • 3 Bedroom House: Available for rent. Upstairs has 1 bedroom with twin bunk beds, 1 room with a queen bed, 1 room with a twin over full bunk bed, cot available. Downstairs has a bathroom with a shower stall, full kitchen, breakfast nook, living room with a piano, enclosed front porch facing the lake. Outside includes a private fire pit, picnic table, and fixed charcoal grill.
  • 4 Bedroom House: (Details similar to 3 bedroom house, implying similar amenities).
  • All rental units include private fire pits, picnic tables, and fixed charcoal grills.
• Clean Restroom and Laundry Facilities: The campground provides clean and modern restrooms and a clean laundry facility with operational machines, ensuring comfort and convenience for all campers.
• Camp Store: A camp store is available with "minimal stock," but it carries items "you might need in a pinch," such as firewood bundles ($3.50/bundle or 3 for $10.00) and worms for fishing ($4.00 or 3 for $11.00).
• Sports Gear Rental: Various sports gear is available for free use within the park, to be returned by 5 PM when the main office closes. This promotes active recreation.
• Waterfront Safety Information: Shiloh provides clear rules for waterfront activities, noting that swimming facilities are not lifeguard-supervised but have safety equipment available. Life jackets are required for Shiloh boats.

Features / Highlights

Shiloh Valley Camping offers a collection of features and highlights that emphasize its appeal as a quiet, nature-focused retreat in Forest Hill, MD, suitable for a range of camping preferences.

• Private Farm Setting with Abundant Wildlife: This is a standout feature. The campground is located on a "private 20+ acre farm" with woods and pastures, bordered by West Branch Winters Run. This tranquil environment allows for frequent sightings of deer, fox, eagles, various birds (Canadian geese, heron, red-tailed hawks), and wild turkeys, providing an immersive nature experience that is truly a highlight for animal lovers and those seeking peace.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: From rustic tent sites and full-hookup RV spots to comfortable cabins and furnished houses, Shiloh Valley caters to various camping styles and group sizes. The availability of year-round rentals for some RV sites and houses is particularly beneficial for those seeking off-season retreats.
• Emphasis on Peace and Quiet: Reviews consistently highlight the "quiet" and "beautiful peaceful place" ambiance. This is ideal for campers looking to escape noise and unwind in a serene environment, fostering true relaxation.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: The campground is praised for being "very clean" with "clean and modern" restrooms and a "clean, all machines operational" laundry facility. This attention to cleanliness significantly enhances the guest experience.
• Affordable Rates: While specific pricing can be confirmed with the campground, reviews suggest it offers "Affordable" rates, making a peaceful getaway accessible to more local Marylanders.
• Proximity to Local Attractions (Balanced with Seclusion): Despite its rural setting, Shiloh Valley is "still within miles of some of Harford county's best restaurants, wineries, creameries, golfing, shopping, nightlife, and the MaPa biking/walking trails." This provides the best of both worlds – a quiet retreat with convenient access to entertainment and amenities.
• Year-Round Operation (for some lodging): The availability of certain RV sites and houses year-round allows for camping and retreats during all seasons, enabling visitors to experience the beauty of Maryland in spring, fall, and even winter.
• Community Focus (Bible Studies/Potlucks): During July and August, the campground hosts daily Bible studies and a weekly Potluck dinner, fostering a sense of community among guests. This offers an opportunity for fellowship and shared experiences for those interested.
• Pet-Friendly Campsites: Pets are welcome at campsites (on a leash), which is a significant plus for many families who wish to bring their furry companions along. However, it's important to note pets are not allowed in rental units or buildings.

Promotions or Special Offers

Shiloh Valley Camping, as a privately owned and operated campground with a focus on providing a peaceful family-friendly environment, primarily outlines its pricing structure through daily and weekly rates rather than extensive promotional offers in the traditional sense. However, inherent "value" can be found in their pricing and offerings:

• Weekly Rate Savings: For those planning a longer stay, the weekly rates for tent sites ($120 for the first 6 people) and RV sites ($225 for some, or to be confirmed for others) offer a discount compared to booking individual nights. This is a standard but effective way to incentivize extended visits.
• Affordable Lodging Options: The pricing for cabins (e.g., C Cabin at $85 Daily / $480 Weekly) and houses (e.g., 2 Bedroom House at $125 Daily / $675 Weekly in summer) is presented as "affordable." This makes a cabin or house rental a more accessible option for families or groups who prefer more amenities than a typical tent or RV site.
• Group Potential: While not explicitly stated as a discount, the provision of various lodging types (tent, RV, cabins, houses) and communal areas makes Shiloh Valley suitable for various groups, potentially offering cost-effective solutions for retreats or family reunions compared to booking separate accommodations elsewhere.
• Included Amenities: The use of various sports gear (to be returned by 5 PM), access to clean restrooms and laundry facilities, and the natural beauty of the grounds are included in the camping fees, adding value to the overall stay.
• Firewood and Worm Sales: While not a "promotion," the availability of firewood bundles ($3.50 a bundle or 3 for $10.00) and worms for fishing ($4.00 or 3 for $11.00) on-site offers a convenience that prevents campers from needing to source these essentials externally, potentially saving time and effort.

It is always advisable for prospective campers to directly contact Shiloh Valley Camping via phone to inquire about the most current rates, confirm availability, and discuss any specific needs or potential arrangements for larger groups. Their website, if available, would also be the best source for up-to-date pricing and information.

Contact Information

For Maryland locals interested in experiencing the peaceful retreat offered by Shiloh Valley Camping, or for inquiries regarding reservations, rates, and amenities, the following contact information is available:

Address:2310 Putnam RdForest Hill, MD 21050, USA

Phone:(443) 310-8500

Mobile Phone:+1 443-310-8500

It is recommended to call during business hours to speak with staff regarding specific campsite availability, cabin/house rentals, or any questions about the campground's rules and offerings. For more detailed information, especially concerning different lodging types, amenities, and community activities, visiting their official website (likely shiloh-campground.com, based on search results) would be beneficial.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Shiloh Valley Camping in Forest Hill, MD, stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Maryland locals, offering a blend of natural tranquility, diverse accommodation, and convenient accessibility. Its appeal lies in its ability to provide a true escape into nature without requiring extensive travel, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.

Firstly, its primary advantage for locals is the "peaceful" and "quiet" setting on a private farm. In an increasingly busy world, having a nearby retreat where one can relax amidst nature, observe wildlife, and enjoy the sounds of West Branch Winters Run is invaluable. This serene environment is perfect for unwinding, de-stressing, and creating lasting memories away from urban hustle.

Secondly, the variety of lodging options—ranging from no-frills tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, and comfortable cabins or even furnished houses—means that Shiloh Valley can cater to almost any local family or group. Whether you're a seasoned RVer, a family new to camping, or a group looking for a comfortable cabin for a reunion, there's an option to fit your preference and budget. The availability of year-round rentals for some units further extends its utility for locals looking for off-season retreats or specific event bookings.

Thirdly, while offering a secluded feel, its location in Forest Hill within Harford County provides easy access to local amenities and attractions. Locals can enjoy the quietude of the campground, then take a short drive to explore local restaurants, wineries, or the popular Ma & Pa biking and walking trails. This balance of natural immersion and convenient access to local culture and entertainment makes it a practical and appealing choice.

Finally, the consistent positive feedback on cleanliness, affordability, and the friendly, well-maintained nature of the property underscores its reliability as a quality camping destination. For Marylanders seeking a genuine outdoor experience that is both accessible and offers a true sense of peace and reconnection with nature, Shiloh Valley Camping provides a welcoming and fulfilling escape right in their own backyard.

Shiloh Valley Camping

2310 Putnam Rd, Forest Hill, MD 21050, USA