Tent camping options near Clarksburg, Maryland range from primitive hiker sites to more developed campgrounds with amenities. Located in Montgomery County at 341 feet elevation, the area experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters. Camping is most popular from April through October when overnight temperatures remain above 50°F in most locations.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple trail options across its six entrance areas. "This definitely is a park that takes a while to explore all of it. It cannot be done in a day. Which is nice. It's close enough to home that we can visit often and not get bored," notes one visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Riverside activities: Swimming and paddling opportunities exist along the Potomac River at Antietam Creek Campground. A camper reports, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."
Aerial adventures: For those seeking more adrenaline, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring provides "the largest aerial challenge course in North America" adjacent to its tent camping area. According to reviews, it's "very convenient for before or after your time" in the park.
Rock climbing: At Annapolis Rock Campground, visitors can access "all kinds of single pitch rock climbing" on the cliff faces. The site sits at 1700 feet elevation, providing both recreation and views. "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious," writes one camper.
What campers like
Privacy levels: While some sites offer minimal separation, others provide more seclusion. At Patapsco Valley, one reviewer notes the campground has "helpful and friendly camp hosts always on duty" and sites with "fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table."
Water proximity: Campsites along waterways are particularly popular. At Antietam Creek Campground, a camper mentions, "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."
Natural features: Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance camping experiences. One camper at Marsden Tract shared that their site was "beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors."
Bathroom facilities: Availability varies widely between campgrounds. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, hikers appreciate that "there is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source."
What you should know
Tent site surfaces: Some campgrounds have specific surface requirements. At Patapsco Valley State Park, "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent."
Walk-in requirements: Many sites require carrying gear 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."
Seasonal considerations: Water availability changes throughout the year. According to a Dahlgren Backpacker Campground reviewer, "There is also a year-round water source (the bathroom closes in winter)."
Fire restrictions: Not all campgrounds allow fires. At Annapolis Rock, campers note "no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites" due to "major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area is especially family-friendly. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," writes one camper.
Trail difficulty assessment: Consider trail ratings when planning hikes with children. A visitor to Patapsco Valley notes, "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly."
Wildlife encounters: At Gathland State Park Campground, campers report feeling secure while still experiencing nature. One visitor simply stated they "felt safe and had a great time" while camping along the trail.
Weather planning: Summer heat and rain can impact family camping. At Patapsco Valley, one family noted, "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: For those wanting more structure than tent camping but not requiring an RV, Patapsco Valley State Park offers "neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it.'"
Park regulations: Specific rules apply at various campgrounds. At Patapsco Valley, "Remember: no alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects. But the money goes toward the parks volunteer program."
