Best Tent Camping near Fulton, MD
Tent camping opportunities near Fulton, Maryland include multiple designated sites and primitive options within a short drive. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers tent-specific campsites alongside basic amenities, while the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring provides walk-in tent sites with a more primitive experience. Several Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park hiker-biker campsites, including Swains Lock and Antietam Creek, are within reasonable driving distance.
Most tent sites in the region feature crushed stone or dirt pads with fire rings and picnic tables. The Patapsco Valley sites have tent pads that can be challenging during rain, as some campers report water pooling on lower-elevation sites. Campgrounds along the C&O Canal generally offer more primitive tent camping with pit toilets or portable facilities but limited amenities. Most locations require campers to pack out all trash, with few providing on-site disposal. Seasonal availability varies, with Patapsco Valley State Park's tent camping season running from April through October.
Tent-only campers in the region benefit from proximity to hiking trails, the Potomac River, and relative seclusion despite being near urban areas. The C&O Canal campsites provide river access and flat terrain ideal for tent setup, though privacy between sites can be limited. Areas like Swains Lock offer multiple tent sites with fire rings and river views, though they experience daytime traffic from towpath users. A camper reported: "There are at least 6 separate campsites with their own picnic table and fire ring. The afternoon light was perfect for solar charging our power bank." Many tent sites throughout the region offer full or partial shade, which provides relief during hot summer months but may limit solar access in cooler seasons.
