Youth Camping

For organized youth groups across Maryland, discovering a safe, engaging, and educational outdoor experience is paramount. Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, Maryland, stands out as a unique and invaluable resource right in our backyard. Nestled within the expansive 288-acre Kinder Farm Park, this dedicated campsite offers a fantastic opportunity for scout troops, school groups, and other youth organizations to connect with nature, learn about agricultural history, and build camaraderie in a structured environment. As Marylanders, we appreciate accessible and enriching local destinations, and Kinder Farm Park provides just that, blending rustic camping with a wealth of recreational and educational activities.

Kinder Farm Park itself is a gem within Anne Arundel County, offering much more than just a place to pitch a tent. It serves as a living testament to Maryland's agricultural heritage, featuring a working farm with animals, a visitor center showcasing historical artifacts, and miles of trails. For youth groups, this means a camping trip here isn't just about sleeping under the stars; it's an opportunity for hands-on learning, exploration, and adventure. The emphasis on youth group camping ensures a supervised and appropriate setting for younger campers, making it a trusted choice for leaders and parents throughout our state.

Youth Camping is situated within the Kinder Farm Park, located at 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA. This central Anne Arundel County location makes it exceptionally convenient for youth groups coming from various parts of Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, and surrounding suburban areas. Its accessibility from major roadways ensures that travel time is minimized, allowing more time for actual camping and activities within the park.

Kinder Farm Park is a well-known local landmark, making navigation straightforward for group leaders. The park's extensive acreage means that while you're close to populated areas, the camping experience feels genuinely immersed in nature. The park is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to dusk, with the Visitor Center having specific operating hours. This accessibility means groups can arrive and depart within reasonable times, fitting into typical youth group schedules. The park also provides ample parking, including bus parking, which is crucial for larger youth group excursions. The benefit of this location is the blend of natural tranquility with the convenience of being close to urban centers, offering a practical and enriching outdoor experience without extensive travel across the state.

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park is specifically designed to cater to the needs of organized youth groups, providing essential services for a comfortable and educational outdoor experience.

• Tent Camping Only: The campsite is exclusively for tent camping; no pop-up trailers or RVs are permitted, maintaining a traditional camping feel for youth groups.
• Water Access: A frost-free hydrant is available for treated water, ensuring groups have access to potable water for their needs.
• Picnic Tables: A limited number of picnic tables are provided at the campsite for group meals and activities.
• Designated Fire Rings: Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings, ensuring safety and adherence to park regulations.
• Restroom Access: While use of public restrooms for washing dishes or persons is prohibited (emphasizing responsible camping practices), general restroom facilities are available within Kinder Farm Park.
• Supervised Environment: The park requires youth groups to be sponsored by a recognized organization and maintain a ratio of one (1) adult (age 21 and over) to ten (10) youths (17 years and under), ensuring proper supervision and safety.
• Daily Trash Pickup: Campers are responsible for cleaning their campsite and the port-a-pot restroom before leaving, and all trash should be taken to the dumpster, promoting a Leave No Trace ethic.

Beyond the dedicated youth campsite, Kinder Farm Park offers a wealth of features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience for young people.

• Working Farm: A major highlight is the park's working farm, which includes a variety of farm animals such as chickens, turkeys, geese, cows, pigs, goats, and sheep. This provides an excellent educational opportunity for youth groups to learn about agriculture and animal care firsthand.
• Visitor Center: The Visitor Center offers exhibits on 1930s farming artifacts and the agricultural history of Anne Arundel County, providing an engaging learning experience.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts a 2.8-mile paved perimeter trail, perfect for walking, biking, and jogging, as well as several miles of natural trails for hiking and nature exploration.
• Playground and Tot-Lot: A large playground and tot-lot cater to children of all ages, offering a fun space for active play.
• Picnic Areas and Pavilions: Numerous picnic tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, and two large pavilions are available for rental for larger gatherings.
• Natural and Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, the park offers walking, biking, bird watching, fishing, and general picnicking.
• Educational Programs: Kinder Farm Park is home to an agricultural history program and partners with the Kinder Farm Park 4-H Livestock Club, offering various educational opportunities.
• Community Events: The park frequently hosts community events and programs, which youth groups may be able to incorporate into their visit (check the park's calendar for details).

Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park operates on a specific fee structure for organized youth groups rather than offering general promotions or discounts typically seen at commercial campgrounds. The fee for Youth Group Camping is $40.00 per night, with a maximum capacity of 30 individuals per group. This standardized rate ensures clear pricing for recognized youth organizations.

It's important for group leaders to understand that while there might not be "promotions" in the traditional sense, the value lies in the specialized nature of the camping experience and the comprehensive facilities available within the park. Maryland State Parks also offer a separate Youth Group Pass program for non-commercial youth organizations, which entitles groups to free day-use entry into Maryland state parks (excluding weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day) and eligibility to camp in designated youth group areas. However, for Kinder Farm Park specifically, it's best to confirm their direct youth group camping fee and any other applicable charges by contacting the park office directly, as their fee structure is specific to their facility. Always verify current rates and availability when planning your trip.

For youth group leaders and organizers interested in reserving a spot at Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park, or for any additional inquiries, the park office is the primary point of contact.

• Address: 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA
• Phone: (410) 222-6115
• Mobile Phone: +1 410-222-6115

It is highly recommended to call the park office in advance to confirm availability, understand the full reservation process, and discuss any specific requirements or rules for your youth group. They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding bookings, check-in procedures, and any specific regulations pertinent to your visit.

For Maryland-based youth groups, Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination. Its prime location in Millersville, in the heart of Anne Arundel County, offers unparalleled accessibility, minimizing travel time and making it feasible for even shorter weekend trips from across the state. This convenience means more time for the actual camping experience and less time spent on the road, which is a significant benefit for managing youth excursions.

What truly sets this site apart for local groups is its integration within Kinder Farm Park. This isn't just a basic campground; it's an immersive educational and recreational environment. Youth campers have the unique opportunity to learn about Maryland's rich agricultural history through the park's working farm and visitor center, providing a hands-on learning experience that complements traditional outdoor activities. The presence of various farm animals offers a captivating and memorable interaction, often a highlight for young visitors.

The park's extensive trail system, playgrounds, and picnic areas provide ample opportunities for diverse activities beyond just camping, ensuring that groups can fill their days with hiking, biking, playtime, and organized outdoor games. The dedicated nature of the youth campsite, with its tent-only policy and specific rules around supervision and conduct, creates a safe and structured environment that is ideal for chaperoned youth outings. Leaders can feel confident in a setting designed with the well-being and engagement of young people in mind.

In essence, Youth Camping at Kinder Farm Park offers Maryland's youth groups a multifaceted experience: a convenient location, a safe and structured camping environment, and a wealth of educational and recreational opportunities embedded within a historic farm setting. It’s a truly local treasure that empowers young Marylanders to connect with nature, learn about their state's heritage, and forge lasting memories through engaging outdoor adventures.

Youth Camping

1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, USA