Tent camping near Hampstead, Maryland offers direct access to Maryland's portion of the Appalachian Trail system, with campsites ranging from 300 feet to 1,700 feet in elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many primitive sites require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites, sometimes across bridges or up significant inclines.
What to do
Outdoor climbing experiences: At Annapolis Rock Campground, visitors can enjoy single pitch rock climbing adventures along the cliffs. "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. they offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing," notes camper Cory D., who also mentions there are "two bear poles" for food storage.
Waterfront activities: Camping near the Potomac River provides opportunities for paddling and tubing. At Antietam Creek Campground, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing," reports Michelle N. Another visitor, Shawn W., adds that "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!"
Historical exploration: The area's rich history is accessible from many campgrounds. One camper at Antietam Creek Campground noted, "We came for a festival and just needed somewhere to camp and this was the perfect spot." Proximity to Antietam Battlefield and Harper's Ferry makes these sites ideal for history buffs combining camping with educational day trips.
What campers like
Nature programs for all ages: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features unique educational facilities. "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," explains Sean M. Another visitor, Angel G., confirms "The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground."
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate the riverside settings. "We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh," shares Caleb S. about his experience at Patapsco Valley State Park. At Antietam Creek, Casey L. notes, "The river is beautiful and it's nice being so close to cool historical stuff."
Diverse hiking options: Trail systems throughout the region offer varying difficulty levels. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, David G. highlights that "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River... One trail has two amazing specimen trees." Patapsco Valley visitor Angel G. notes, "The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views."
What you should know
Site accessibility challenges: Many campgrounds require some effort to reach your campsite. At Antietam Creek Campground, "you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite. If you got one close to the bridge over the canal then you're 100ft from the car, but if not then it could be a little bit of a walk," explains Andrew M. Casey L. adds, "you have to park on the road and carry all your stuff across a bridge and down the path to your site. Could be a very far walk."
Sanitation conditions vary: Bathroom facilities range widely between campgrounds. "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean," reports Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park. For primitive sites, Casey L. warns about Antietam Creek, "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross. We were at the site next to them and could smell them."
Limited privacy: Many tent sites near Hampstead offer little separation between campers. "All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by," explains Casey L. about camping at Antietam Creek. Andrew M. elaborates, "the campground itself is just one big field along the canal towpath, so you have no privacy from other campers."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground offers amenities appreciated by families. "There is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source," notes Sean M. Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment, with Alexandra T. mentioning at Patapsco Valley, "there is a huge park for kids- it's not within walking distance for little kids but it's a very short drive by the entrance to the park."
Trail difficulty awareness: Consider children's abilities when selecting hikes. "The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go," explains Anthony S. from Patapsco Valley. Alexandra T. recommends, "Hiking poles would have been good for the trails when we had a kid in a pack on our back."
Weather preparedness: Camp sites can become challenging after storms. Alexandra T. shares from experience at Patapsco Valley, "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 and it was very wet even after the rain died down." Plan for rain gear and waterproof footwear during wet seasons.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodation options: For those wanting tent camping with more comfort, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring offers unique options. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America," notes Elizabeth R., though keep in mind these are "Groups only- no individual campsites."
Cabin alternatives: Some RV campers opt for cabins during shoulder seasons. At Patapsco Valley State Park, Sean M. highlights, "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.'"
Surface considerations: RVers recommend checking ground surfaces before setting up tents. "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. about Patapsco Valley State Park, information relevant for tent campers using RV sites.
