Best Tent Camping near Damascus, MD
Tent campers visiting Damascus, Maryland can find several established campgrounds within driving distance of town. Patapsco Valley State Park's Hilton Area offers tent sites with amenities including toilets, showers, and picnic tables, while Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian Trail provides free, hike-in tent camping with basic facilities. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring maintains group tent campsites approximately 15 miles south of Damascus.
Most tent sites in the region require advance planning for water access. Patapsco Valley provides drinking water and electric hookups, while primitive sites like Horsepen Branch and Chisel Branch along the C&O Canal offer only iodine-treated pump water. Fire rings are available at most locations, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Many campgrounds feature vault toilets or portable facilities rather than flush toilets. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some sites like Antietam Creek Campground closed during winter months.
Walking distances from parking areas vary significantly among tent campgrounds. Swains Lock offers relatively accessible tent sites about 500 feet from the parking area, making it popular for weekend campers. The sites are flat with picnic tables and fire rings, positioned along the Potomac River. While convenient, campers should prepare for moderate trail traffic nearby. A visitor commented, "From my limited camping experience, this is a great site! There are 5 sites that are first come, first serve across from a day use area." More secluded tent camping can be found at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park, where hiking access provides greater separation from roads. Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers another tent-focused option with reservable group sites that accommodate multiple tents.