Skipper's Point Campground

For those affiliated with the Department of Defense (DoD) in Maryland, finding a serene and accessible outdoor retreat can be a wonderful way to unwind and reconnect with nature. While many campgrounds offer a range of amenities, some, like Skipper's Point Campground in Gunpowder, provide a more primitive and tranquil experience, specifically tailored to the military community. This unique approach allows for a back-to-basics camping adventure, emphasizing peace and outdoor activities.

Skipper's Point Campground is well-regarded for its quiet and clean environment, as highlighted by numerous reviews. One reviewer noted, "Super quiet, primitive campground for DOD personnel. There are campsites with picnic tables and stone fire rings." Another reiterated, "The campground is very clean and quiet." This consistent feedback underscores the park's commitment to maintaining a peaceful and tidy setting for its visitors.

It's important to note that Skipper's Point Campground is exclusively for authorized DoD personnel, including Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, and DoD Civilians. A valid ID is required for reservation and use, ensuring a close-knit community atmosphere for those who serve or have served. While described as primitive, the campground offers essential features that cater to a relaxing outdoor experience, making it a valuable resource for eligible individuals and families in the Maryland area.

Skipper's Point Campground is located at 1601 Skippers Point Rd, Gunpowder, MD 21010, USA. This address places it within the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), a significant military installation in Harford County, Maryland. The location offers a unique blend of secluded natural beauty within a secure, managed environment, providing a distinct advantage for its authorized users.

While the campground offers a primitive setting, its accessibility within the APG complex is a key feature. It's nestled in a relatively quiet area, allowing campers to enjoy the sounds of nature. However, it's worth noting that "there is an Army airfield nearby," so occasional aircraft activity might be heard, as mentioned in reviews. Access to the main gate of APG is easily found via Exit 77 from I-95, towards Edgewood, simplifying travel for those coming from various parts of Maryland or beyond.

Despite its primitive nature, the campground's proximity to the larger Aberdeen Proving Ground means that essential services and amenities, though not directly on-site, are within reach for military personnel. The main base at Aberdeen Proving Ground is approximately 30 miles north, offering facilities like a commissary, exchange, fitness center, and hospital/clinic. This allows campers to enjoy the simplicity of primitive camping while having the convenience of nearby military support services should they be needed. For outdoor recreation, the campground's location on the Gunpowder River or a similar body of water provides excellent opportunities for boating and fishing, directly accessible from the park.

Skipper's Point Campground is a primitive camping facility primarily designed for authorized DoD personnel, offering fundamental services that support a rustic outdoor experience while providing essential conveniences.

• Primitive Camping Sites: The campground offers dedicated tent sites, each typically equipped with basic amenities for camping. While some RV spots may exist, reviews primarily highlight tent camping, suggesting it's the predominant offering.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for dining, food preparation, or setting up camp.
• Stone Fire Rings: Campers can enjoy traditional campfires at their sites, as each is furnished with a stone fire ring, perfect for cooking or warmth (subject to local fire regulations).
• Porta-Potty Access: While lacking full bathhouses, the campground provides a "portapot" (portable toilet), offering a basic sanitary facility for campers. Reviews explicitly state, "There are no showers; but, there is a portapot."
• Boat Ramp: A significant service offered is the boat ramp, which is "great for putting small boats and canoes" into the adjacent waterway, allowing for water-based recreational activities like fishing and paddling.
• Playground: For families, a playground is available, providing a designated and safe area for children to play. Reviews confirm the playground is "in good condition."
• Dumpster: A dumpster is provided on-site for waste disposal, assisting campers in keeping their areas clean and adhering to "leave no trace" principles for primitive camping.
• Electric Hookups (Limited): While primarily primitive, some sites may offer limited electric service. One review mentioned "50amp service available, but you will need extension cords," indicating that power poles might be shared and located at the front of sites. Water might also be available via "cobbled together an impressive system of water hoses." It is crucial to verify these limited hookup details directly with the Outdoor Recreation office for accuracy and availability.
• Reservations Accepted: Reservations are accepted and can be made up to one year in advance, with requests preferably in writing via email to the Outdoor Recreation office.

It's important for prospective campers to note that this is a "leave no trace" campground, meaning all trash and personal items must be removed at checkout.

Skipper's Point Campground offers several key features and highlights that make it a distinctive and appealing choice for authorized DoD personnel seeking an outdoor escape in Maryland.

• Exclusive for DoD Personnel: This is a major highlight, as the campground is exclusively for Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, and DoD Civilians. This ensures a sense of community and security among those with shared military affiliations.
• Super Quiet and Primitive: Repeatedly praised in reviews, the "super quiet" and "very clean and quiet" nature of the campground is a significant draw for those looking to disconnect and enjoy tranquility. The primitive aspect encourages a back-to-nature experience.
• Boat Ramp Access: A highly valued feature is the "great for putting small boats and canoes" boat ramp. This provides direct water access for fishing, paddling, and enjoying the scenic waterways of the Gunpowder River or surrounding areas.
• Family-Friendly Playground: For campers with children, the "playground is in good condition," offering a dedicated space for kids to play and burn off energy within the campground.
• Basic Camping Essentials Provided: The presence of "campsites with picnic tables and stone fire rings" means campers have immediate access to fundamental necessities for outdoor living, making setup straightforward. Pavilions with picnic tables and small charcoal grills are also available.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: Despite its primitive nature, the campground is noted for being "very clean," indicating that management and users collectively contribute to keeping the area tidy and enjoyable.
• Proximity to Nature: Located in Gunpowder, the campground offers opportunities for fishing and hunting (where permitted), immersing campers in the natural environment of rural Maryland.
• Affordable Rates: As part of the Army MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) program, camping rates are typically very affordable for eligible personnel, with daily rates for Skipper Tent Camping listed at $10.00.

These features collectively provide a unique and accessible outdoor experience tailored to the military community in Maryland.

Skipper's Point Campground, being part of the Army MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) program at Aberdeen Proving Ground, primarily offers its services as an inherent benefit to authorized DoD personnel. Rather than traditional "promotions" aimed at the general public, its very existence and pricing structure constitute ongoing special offers for its exclusive user base.

• Exclusive Access: The most significant "special offer" is the exclusive access provided to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, and DoD Civilians. This limited access ensures a more intimate and secure environment for its patrons.
• Affordable Rates: Camping at Skipper's Point is offered at a highly competitive and affordable rate. For instance, Skipper Tent Camping is listed at just $10.00 per day (new fees effective October 1, 2023). This low cost makes outdoor recreation highly accessible for military families and individuals.
• Long-Term Stays Available: While focused on shorter primitive stays, the possibility of longer reservations (up to 60 days during peak season) can be seen as a benefit, offering extended opportunities for recreation without high costs.

Specific, time-limited promotional codes or discounts, like those seen at commercial campgrounds, are not typically advertised for military MWR facilities like Skipper's Point. The value lies in the consistent low pricing and exclusive access. For the most up-to-date information on rates, availability, and any specific policies, authorized users should consult the Aberdeen Proving Ground MWR Outdoor Recreation office directly. Reservations are generally required and can be made up to one year in advance.

For authorized DoD personnel interested in making reservations or inquiring about Skipper's Point Campground, please use the following contact information. It's important to direct inquiries to the Aberdeen Proving Ground MWR Outdoor Recreation office, as they manage the campground.

Address: 1601 Skippers Point Rd, Gunpowder, MD 21010, USA (Campground physical location)

For Reservations and Inquiries:

Outdoor Recreation Service Center Address: 6627 Aerospace Road, Building 2184, APG North

Phone (Outdoor Recreation): (410) 278-5789

Phone (General Campgrounds Inquiries, potentially): (410) 278-4124 (This number was listed specifically for Skipper's Point Campground within APG MWR information).

Email for Reservations: usarmy.APG.imcom-fmwrc.list.usag-mwr-outdoorrec@army.mil (Reservation requests should be sent via email, preferably in writing.)

Please note the provided phone numbers in the initial prompt ((410) 436-2713 and +1 410-436-2713) may be general contact numbers for the area or a specific local office. For campground-specific inquiries and reservations, the APG MWR Outdoor Recreation contact information is the most reliable.

For Marylanders who are authorized DoD personnel, Skipper's Point Campground offers a uniquely suitable and highly valued outdoor escape. Its specific design and management cater directly to the needs and preferences of this community, making it an ideal local retreat.

Firstly, the most significant factor in its suitability is its exclusive access for DoD personnel. This ensures a secure, familiar, and supportive environment for military families and individuals. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experience, allowing visitors to relax among their peers without the concerns sometimes associated with more public campgrounds. For those deeply embedded in the military lifestyle in Maryland, Skipper's Point provides a dedicated space tailored to their community.

Secondly, the campground's emphasis on a "super quiet, primitive" experience is a major draw for locals seeking a genuine break from daily life. In a state with bustling urban centers and many developed recreation areas, Skipper's Point offers a refreshing opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature. The presence of basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and a porta-potty, combined with the "very clean" environment, demonstrates a commitment to providing a comfortable, albeit rustic, experience without over-commercialization. This focus on simplicity allows Maryland's DoD community to truly unwind.

Finally, the practical features such as the boat ramp and playground, combined with its affordable rates, make it highly appealing. The boat ramp offers immediate access to local waterways for fishing and boating, tapping into Maryland's rich natural resources. The playground ensures that families with children have a designated area for safe and enjoyable play. All of this comes at a significantly lower cost than many public or commercial campgrounds, reflecting the MWR mission to enhance the quality of life for service members and their families. For DoD personnel residing in Maryland, Skipper's Point Campground is not just a place to camp; it's a dedicated, affordable, and peaceful haven designed specifically for them.

Skipper's Point Campground

1601 Skippers Point Rd, Gunpowder, MD 21010, USA