Tent camping near Freeland, Maryland provides access to the Piedmont Plateau region where elevations range from 300-500 feet above sea level. The area experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures averaging 85-90Ā°F and winter temperatures dropping to 20-35Ā°F. Most campgrounds in the region stay open from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking with water views: Susquehannock State Park offers exceptional hiking opportunities down to multiple waterways. A camper notes, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer Creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Water activities: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping provides beach access for swimming on the Chesapeake Bay. According to a reviewer, "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life. It is a great little spot on the Chesapeake river. Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth."
Backpacking: Annapolis Rock Campground connects directly to the Appalachian Trail with primitive camping options. A camper shares: "About a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private. No camp fires allowed. Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available."
Rock climbing: The Annapolis Rock area offers single-pitch climbing options with established routes. One visitor mentioned, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. they offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing! There are also two bear poles."
What campers like
River proximity: Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area offers streamside tent camping with natural cooling effects. A camper reports: "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it's hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Kayak camping options: Lower Allen Community Park provides tent sites specifically designed for kayakers. As one reviewer explains: "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Scenic overlooks: Susquehannock State Park features camping areas near viewing points. A visitor notes: "The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."
Well-maintained facilities: Patapsco Valley State Park offers clean, maintained bathrooms. A camper stated, "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean. The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins."
What you should know
Water drainage issues: After rainfall, some campsites experience significant water accumulation. One camper at Mill Creek Camping Area observed: "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Trail crossover: Some camping areas experience hikers passing through designated sites. A camper reported: "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."
Seasonal limitations: Sandy Point State Park becomes extremely crowded during summer months. A reviewer advised: "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."
Fire restrictions: Some tent camping locations near Freeland have fire bans in place. At Annapolis Rock, a visitor noted: "Great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers extensive playground facilities. A visitor commented: "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."
Trail difficulty considerations: Some tent camping areas require careful planning with children. As noted by a camper: "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly."
Beginner-friendly hiking: Patapsco Valley features less challenging trails suitable for novice hikers or families with children. One visitor shared: "This park has a wide range of activities for kids. 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."
Educational opportunities: Several tent camping locations near Freeland offer nature programs. A camper described: "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."
Tips from RVers
Site surface considerations: For tent campers using sites designed for multiple use, surface conditions require attention. A visitor to Patapsco Valley noted: "The campground is on the smaller side. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. 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."
Electrical access: Susquehannock State Park Campground provides electric hookups at some tent sites. A camper observed: "Two loops. One has a few sites with electric and some cabins. Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice."
Check-in timing: Tent campers should plan their arrival time carefully. One camper mentioned: "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3."
