Best Tent Camping near Crownsville, MD
State parks and public lands surrounding Crownsville, Maryland offer several tent camping options within a short drive. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, located about 25 miles northwest in Catonsville, provides tent-only camping in a forested setting with non-electric sites. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park features multiple hiker-biker campsites along the towpath, including Swains Lock, which is accessible from nearby areas. Sandy Point State Park, just 10 miles east of Crownsville on the Chesapeake Bay, offers youth group tent camping with waterfront views. Marsden Tract Group Campsite provides a more secluded backcountry tent camping experience for those willing to hike in.
Tent sites at Patapsco Valley vary in terrain, with campers noting that lower sites in the valley can become very wet during rainstorms. The crushed stone tent pads require extra padding and alternative staking methods for comfortable tent setup. Most tent campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. The C&O Canal hiker-biker sites are more primitive, with basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and chemical toilets. These walk-in tent sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and are free to use. Campers must pack out all trash at these locations, as garbage service is not provided. Seasonal considerations include cold spring nights and potential for flooding in low-lying areas.
In early fall, Patapsco Valley State Park offers tent campers colorful foliage and fewer crowds. One visitor noted that despite being surrounded by major highways, the campground remains "quiet with just a hint of traffic noise." The tent-only section of the Hilton Area provides a more peaceful experience than mixed-use campgrounds. At Swains Lock along the C&O Canal, campers can enjoy river views and wildlife sightings, though the proximity to the busy towpath means less privacy during daylight hours. According to reviews, the sites are "flat and dispersed with most located adjacent to the river," making them ideal for tent camping. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or longer adventures on connecting trail networks.