Tent camping near Crofton, Maryland provides access to both freshwater and tidewater environments within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the transition between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain, creating diverse camping landscapes from riverside locations to bay-oriented sites. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 50-75°F.
What to do
Hiking on varied terrain: Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple trail systems with different difficulty levels. "There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views," notes Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Water activities on the Chesapeake: Seasonal crabbing and fishing opportunities abound near waterfront camping areas. "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," writes Ally S. about her experience at Endeavor Point.
Nature programs for kids: Several parks offer structured activities for young campers. "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," reports Angel G.
Aerial adventures: For active campers, specialized adventure courses exist near camping areas. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America," explains Elizabeth R. about The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.
What campers like
Accessible natural areas: Many campers appreciate locations that balance wilderness with convenient access. "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two in the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great," writes Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Quiet waterfront sites: Some locations offer peaceful water views away from crowds. "Super simple and the best price... easy to find and very clean," notes Emerson K. about Marsden Tract Group Campsite.
Multiple park entrances: Larger parks offer varied experiences through different access points. "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences," explains Angel G., adding that "This definitely is a park that takes a while to explore all of it. It cannot be done in a day."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and facilities rank highly with tent campers. "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean," according to Sean M.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Be prepared for drainage issues in some camping areas during storms. "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," warns Alexandra T. about Patapsco Valley.
Site surfaces: Many tent sites have specific ground materials. "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 to the ground," advises Sean M.
Limited availability: During peak seasons, many parks reach capacity quickly. "We spent part of Labor Day weekend here, and there was almost nobody else there. The second night, one other pair of campers showed up. I found it super strange that more people didn't take advantage of a campground on the river with availability," reports allison W. about Endeavor Point.
Permit requirements: Some locations require advance permits or have group-only policies. "Groups only- no individual campsites," explains Elizabeth R. about The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas specifically designed for children. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," reports Angel G. about Patapsco Valley.
Educational opportunities: Many camping areas near Crofton offer nature learning experiences. "It seems like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," notes Sean M. about The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.
Cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, cabin options provide easier entry. "The best part of this campground are the 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,'" explains Sean M.
Trail difficulty awareness: Not all trails accommodate strollers or young hikers. "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly," cautions Angel G. about Patapsco Valley.
Tips from RVers
Limited big-rig options: Most tent camping areas near Crofton have size restrictions for RVs. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes Ginny L. about Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping differently than tent camping in this region. "After the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking," reports Alexandra T. about storm hazards that might affect RV placement.
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary significantly between sites. "The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites," explains Rachel S., highlighting the limited developed sites available.