Tent campsites near Brunswick, Maryland range from primitive sites along the C&O Canal to more developed areas in state parks. Most camping options sit between 250-400 feet elevation along the Potomac River watershed. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions between 60-75°F.
What to do
River access: At Antietam Creek Campground, sites provide easy river access for water activities. A camper noted, "Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it."
Tubing opportunities: Enjoy floating on nearby waterways. According to a visitor at Antietam Creek Campground, "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!"
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Camp at Annapolis Rock Campground for trail access. "Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40. Spring and compost outhouse. Great views. Been camping there for decades," reports one regular visitor.
What campers like
Primitive setting with amenities: At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, visitors appreciate the balance of wilderness with basic facilities. "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. There is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers enjoy nature encounters. One camper at Sky Meadows State Park shared, "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail."
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer better separation than others. A visitor noted, "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills."
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Many sites require equipment hauling from parking areas. At Antietam Creek Campground, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."
Limited privacy at some locations: Some campgrounds have open layouts. A camper at Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Campsite described it as "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate only part of the year. Washington Monument State Park operates from April through October, while Antietam Creek Campground typically opens May 1st and closes October 1st.
Fire restrictions: Some campsites prohibit fires. At Annapolis Rock Campground, "No fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites. There's also a large group site if youre with a crowd."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: Families with children often enjoy shoreline activities. One reviewer mentioned, "The river is beautiful and it's nice being so close to cool historical stuff."
Pack light but sufficient: With walk-in requirements, consider what's necessary. A camper at Gathland State Park described it as a "Solid camping area... felt safe and had a great time."
Plan for bathroom limitations: Facilities vary widely between sites. A family noted, "In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets. No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming."
Consider noise levels: Train tracks and multi-use trails affect some sites. According to one camper, "People are constantly walking, running, and biking by. It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Tent campsites near Brunswick primarily accommodate tent camping with few RV facilities. Most sites around Brunswick require walk-in access and cannot accommodate recreational vehicles of any size.
Nearest RV alternatives: RVers should consider campgrounds further from Brunswick that offer hookups and parking for larger vehicles. Most tent-only campgrounds near Brunswick have parking lots that cannot accommodate trailers or larger vehicles.
