Tent camping options near Temple Hills, Maryland offer a diverse mix of experiences within a short drive of this suburban community. Located in Prince George's County at an elevation of approximately 280 feet, the area provides access to both riverfront camping and woodland experiences. Most tent camping sites open from April through October, with summer humidity and temperatures averaging in the mid-80s creating conditions that campers should prepare for.
What to do
Swimming and beach access: Leesylvania State Park Campground provides a beach area for cooling off during hot summer days. One visitor notes, "This park is ALWAYS full of family's having picnics and enjoying time together! There's playground and a beach area for kids and family to all enjoy."
Water sports on the Potomac: At Leesylvania State Park, boating and kayaking access make it a popular water recreation spot. A camper points out it has "good access for kayak, boat, jet skis" and is "directly on Potomac River."
Holiday light displays: Winter camping might be limited, but Sandy Point State Park stays active year-round. A reviewer highlights, "Lights on the Bay is a great Christmas light drive thru that's over a mile long. Great host for the polar bear plunge."
Fossil hunting: The Chesapeake Bay area offers unique activities beyond typical camping recreation. At Sandy Point State Park, a family tradition includes looking for prehistoric remains: "Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth. In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session."
What campers like
Secluded riverside camping: Marsden Tract Group Campsite provides a more isolated camping experience with riverside access. A camper describes it as "beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization."
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: Endeavor Point offers direct water access for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor reports, "the pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise."
Nature centers and educational facilities: Several parks in the region maintain nature centers for family learning. One reviewer at Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area mentions, "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Fall and spring camping seasons: The region's humid summers make shoulder seasons preferable for many campers. A visitor to Sandy Point advises, "The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall" to avoid crowds and uncomfortable conditions.
What you should know
Campground entrances can be challenging: Several parks have entrances that can be difficult to locate. One camper at Patapsco Valley State Park noted, "Getting in to the park was a little difficult. We missed the entrance and had to turn around... Friends who were camping with us had the same problem."
Summer jellyfish presence: Water conditions change seasonally in the Chesapeake Bay region. A Sandy Point visitor warns, "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!"
Varying ground conditions: Tent sites at different campgrounds offer variable surfaces. At The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, sites are primarily designed for groups rather than individuals, with a reviewer noting they offer "no individual campsites."
Weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect camping conditions. A Patapsco Valley visitor shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For the best tent camping near Temple Hills with children, Lacy Oasis Campground provides engaging outdoor activities. A visitor observed the impact on young campers: "My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I."
Sensory trails for kids: Specialized trails designed for children make some parks stand out for family camping. At Patapsco Valley, one camper explains the area "is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center."
Trail difficulty considerations: When hiking with children, choose appropriate trails. A reviewer at Patapsco Valley notes, "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."
Non-stroller friendly areas: Parents with very young children should plan accordingly. A camper points out that at Patapsco Valley, "neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly."
Tips from RVers
Mini cabins for transition campers: For those not ready for full tent camping, Lichtman Camp 1 offers alternatives to traditional RVs. Patapsco Valley also features "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.'"
Arrival timing considerations: Campgrounds in the Temple Hills region often have strict check-in policies. One camper noted this was "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."
Parking limitations at popular sites: Several parks have capacity restrictions during peak periods. At Sandy Point, a visitor warns, "Get there early on weekends and holidays. The line to get in can be a mile long!"
