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Best Tent Camping near Elk Mills, MD

649 Reviews

State parks and public lands surrounding Elk Mills, Maryland offer several tent camping options within a 30-mile radius. Blackbird State Forest in nearby Smyrna, Delaware provides primitive tent-only camping with spacious, well-separated sites, though it is currently closed until further notice. For active tent campers, Hibernia County Park in Coatesville, Pennsylvania (about 25 miles northwest) features two tent camping loops with wooded sites. Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster County provides walk-in tent sites along a creek, while Susquehannock State Park offers tent campsites with access to scenic hiking trails along the Susquehanna River.

Tent campground surfaces vary considerably throughout the region. Most sites feature dirt or grass pads with minimal grading. Hibernia County Park's tent sites are primarily grass with limited definition between sites, allowing flexibility in setup. Campers should bring adequate water supplies, as many locations have limited potable water access. At Blackbird State Forest, when operational, only portable toilets are available, with some sites positioned far from facilities. Mill Creek's walk-in tent sites require carrying gear from parking areas but provide good tree coverage. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most locations, though amenities remain basic at these primitive tent camping areas.

In early fall, many tent campsites offer more solitude and comfortable temperatures. According to reviews, Blackbird State Forest sites are "spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy," with each featuring "a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents." At Mill Creek, campers appreciate sites "down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience" with "the sound of water flowing at night." Privacy levels vary significantly between campgrounds. Hibernia County Park's Lake Loop is described as "popular with group tenters" but some visitors note the sites "are right next to each other with hardly any trees." Tent campers seeking backcountry experiences should consider Susquehannock State Park, which offers walk-in tent sites near scenic overlooks and access to hiking trails leading to Deer Creek and the Susquehanna River.

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Best Tent Sites Near Elk Mills, Maryland (17)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Elk Mills, MD

649 Reviews of 17 Elk Mills Campgrounds

  • Ra F.
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    OK, but camping gets a low rating.

    The park is lovely, but the camping facilities are subpar, primitive and lack any kind of privacy. I bike toured there. The only potable water was from a near-broken water fountain at the public rest rooms and no electrical connection to recharge electronics. There was also a fair amount of road noise at night. Bathhouse OK, but just basic. Tent spots are just lined up against one another facing a service road.

  • W L.
    Mar. 15, 2022

    Parvin State Park Campground

    Great location; Easy camping for newbies

    We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking spectacularly clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

    The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was hot). There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

    While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

    Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

    We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. One bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

    The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

    While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

    My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Nate & Erika L.
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Susquehanna State Park Campground

    Great State Park Camping

    We decided to stay a weekend at Susquehanna based on the reviews on the Dyrt and it’s closer proximity to home. We arrived and were greeted by super friendly rangers who gave us the lay of the land. We found the rangers to be very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, plants, and trees in the park. They had two display tables full of flora and fauna by the check-in station set up for kids and adults alike to glean some knowledge. On one night while we were there, there was a program run by the rangers where kids could learn about some common native and invasive species.

    We hiked the Green Trail, which had a sign saying it was ‘very difficult’, but we found it to be no problem for our crew of seven kids aged 3-10 and four adults. We only passed one other hiker. We saw some champion trees, lots of deer, and had some run ins with more than a few spotted lantern flies. One ranger told us they have nine champion trees in the park, we’d love to go back and hike to find the others.

    With only two loops, the sites were fairly spaced out with lots of trees between them. We had a spacious electric site for our pop up and camped with friends who had a nice level, secluded tent site. We hardly ever heard any neighbors and all was quiet at night. Each loop shares a bathhouse, and there are some portable toilets spaced around the loop, too. The facilities were cleaned every morning. They even have a large laundry utility sink in the bathhouse should you need it. The only downside we found was that showering at prime time (around 8 or 9 pm) led to very little hot water. A small price to pay for good camping and hiking!

  • Jim N.
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Hibernia County Park

    Hidden gem

    A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends.

  • Max C.
    Oct. 14, 2019

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall

    Stayed in B-08 on mid October and had a great trip. The site was non-electric and it seems most of the outer side of this loop is basic camping with the inside of the loop having power. The other loops offer full hookups but opting for this area kept us from being surrounded by massive RV's. Easy back in spot for our car, partially shaded, decent brush cover between sites and able to keep tent about 20 yards from the road on a crushed rock pad. I will say this site has a little bit of slope but nothing that affected our sleep. The fire ring is very high sided and if you're not sitting on a higher camp chairs you kind of miss the fire. Picnic table was sturdy but easy enough to move lnto place to fit our needs. Tons of hike mg within the park including some historic sites at Hopewell Furnace like the blacksmith shop and old residences. Checked in a. It before the stated 3pm time without issues. Very few rangers seen during stay but it is after labor day and most of the seasonal attractions like the pool etc were closed for the season. Very clean bathrooms with easy to use dish sinks on the outside. Overall for a trip that within 75 minutes of Philly you can't go wrong for a quick jaunt out of town.

  • Tara T.
    Jun. 26, 2021

    Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park

    Easy Camping

    Green Lane is a beautiful park with a small campground. The spaces are right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you’ll definitely be right up on your neighbors. The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy. Lovely park, lovely rangers, but not my favorite spot.

  • E
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Good Intro to Camping

    I booked a tent site as my first introduction to the park. Setting up a reservation was incredibly user friendly, park staff was fantastic at getting us checked in, and the camp store was well stocked and priced. 

    Our site, however, left something to be desired. The sites were all very close together, and the tent pad areas were fairly small. You can drive right up to your site and park there, which is incredibly convenient in terms of unpacking and set up. Around our site was pretty loud with neighbors at all hours, regardless of quiet hours, and balls being kicked into our tent pad area from surrounding visitors. There were some bottle caps and garbage on our tent pad upon arrival.

    I think if you had kids and were looking for a "not so quiet" get away into nature, this would be a fantastic spot. There were larger and more private sites on our loop, and if I returned I would prioritize getting one of those. There are also more loops than the one we were on. 

    The firepit had an adjustable height grill grate, and there was a picnic table at each site. Firewood ran $5 a bundle at the camp store.  Ice and potable water was also available. 

    There was a nearby dumpster that was easy to use. Disappointed that there did not seem to be a recycling receptacle. Bathrooms were nice, the handicapped shower was very spacious. No shortage of hot water. 

    We hiked all available trails from the trail map, though it seems there were more than listed, and a portion of the park is closed following previous tornado damage. We saw an abundance of herps, gorged ourselves on pawpaws, and generally foraged and tracked a ton of interesting wildlife. The trails themselves were pretty, but the rankings somewhat misleading. The "hard" trails would be hard in comparison to a flat gravel path, but in terms of general hiking, were comfortable with only a couple mildly steep or narrow points. I am unsure if the ranking system is for general hiking or in terms of ADA accessibility, however. If accessibility, it makes a lot of sense. For hiking? Less so; I'd rank the trails as a normal difficulty for their 'hard' trails. 

    The beaches were lovely! We did not get the opportunity to kayak, swim, or fish, but are hoping to do that sometime in the future. Was still relaxing to sit out with a book and watch the water.

    I do feel like we explored most of what the park had to offer, so while I would be happy to return it feels less urgent to do so. I think I would be better equipped to pick a site (or explore a cabin!) the next time which would resolve my minimal issues. Given the relaxed atmosphere of the trails, close amenities, etc. I think this would be a good choice to bring friends who are new to the camping scene, or for families.

  • R
    Oct. 13, 2021

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    Great Kayaking and Beautiful Woods

    We camped with our 17' travel trailer at site 19E with electric hookups. Some sites have water and sewer as well, which is rare in a MD state park. We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site. Good dry wood was available for $5 a bundle. The restrooms were spotless. Hiking trails everywhere- and all level for easy biking. There's a small lake where many people were fishing for bass, and a calm waterway (Tuckahoe River) excellent for kayaking. We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them. A few miles down the road is a boat launch (Hillsboro) with access to another section of the Tuckahoe River, also great for kayaking. We saw beautiful aquatic plants, many birds, and a gazillion turtles. We paddled past several beaver dams, but they successfully stayed hidden. We love this park and campground!

Guide to Elk Mills

Tent camping near Elk Mills, Maryland offers opportunities for primitive wilderness experiences within state forests and county parklands. Most sites sit on the Pennsylvania side of the Mason-Dixon Line at elevations between 300-800 feet, with mixed hardwood forest canopies providing natural shade. Campgrounds typically receive 42-45 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush surroundings but occasional muddy conditions through spring and early summer.

What to do

Waterfront activities: At Tinicum Island, accessible only by boat, campers can enjoy complete isolation. "A great place to stay if you have a watercraft," notes Bobby S., making it ideal for paddlers seeking solitude.

Fishing experiences: The Susquehanna River and nearby creeks offer diverse fishing opportunities. At Evansburg State Park, one visitor reports catching "a beautiful Brown Trout here," though reminds anglers "you need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing license, currently $9.90."

Wildlife viewing: Bird watching and wildlife spotting are popular in the area. David G. mentions that biking from Susquehannock State Park to "Conowingo dam is a great place to see lots of eagles" and "there are amazing wildflowers on that trail."

What campers like

Private camping spots: Many campers appreciate the secluded sites available in the region's forests. At Blackbird State Forest, Emily M. enjoys that "the trail was close by so you'd occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn't still feel secluded."

Creek sounds: Several campgrounds offer sites positioned along waterways. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Meagan J. appreciates sites "down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."

Woodland surroundings: The region's state parks feature mature forests. John C. found Blackbird State Forest's sites spacious with "grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it."

What you should know

Reservation policies: Campground booking systems vary widely in the area. For Hibernia County Park, "sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," though for special events like the Old Fiddlers Picnic in August, "you must reserve both Friday & Saturday nights."

Limited facilities: Many sites offer only basic amenities. Philip B. notes Mill Creek has "lots of creepy crawlers" but "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."

Trail proximity: Some campsites sit near public walking paths. Philip B. reports Mill Creek "is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site."

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly fishing: Several parks offer dedicated fishing areas for younger anglers. Anna reports Hibernia County Park has "a children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing" and is "great for families. We are already planning our next trip."

Trail difficulty levels: Many parks feature trails suitable for various ages. At Ridley Creek State Park, Andrea R. found "easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park," making it accessible for children.

Playground access: Some campgrounds provide play areas. John Z. notes Hibernia offers a "great playground" along with "inexpensive $15 a night" camping, though "you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."

Tips for RVers

Site limitations: Many tent campgrounds can accommodate small RVs despite appearances. According to Jennifer S., at Hibernia County Park, "though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."

Water planning: Water access varies significantly. Jennifer S. advises "NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."

Dump station challenges: The region lacks convenient dump stations. Jennifer S. warns Hibernia has "NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Elk Mills, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Elk Mills, MD is Blackbird State Forest Campground - CLOSED TIL FURTHER NOTICE with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Elk Mills, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Elk Mills, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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