Tent camping near Glen Burnie, Maryland can be found within a 30-mile radius of this suburban city located in Anne Arundel County. The region sits at low elevations between 10-100 feet above sea level with humid summer temperatures averaging 87°F during peak camping season. Campers should note that the Chesapeake Bay influences local weather patterns, creating frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Patapsco Valley State Park offers multiple trail options beyond the campground area. "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. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail. There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," reports Anthony S.
Kayaking opportunities: For water-based recreation near Glen Burnie, consider Patapsco Valley State Park. "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family. The park was clean and it had knowledgable staff," shares Anthony S.
Beach activities: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping provides Chesapeake Bay access with designated swimming areas. "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. In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session," notes Angel G.
What campers like
Multiple park entrances: Patapsco Valley State Park spans a large area with diverse experiences. "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides a several different trail heads and experiences. For camping or just spending a day out on the trail with the kids we prefer the Hilton entrance. There are two huge playgrounds and a youth campground as well as a family campground," explains Angel G.
Close proximity to Baltimore: For tent camping near Glen Burnie with urban access, consider the Hilton Area. "We absolutely loved this campground!! Very short drive in to Baltimore- around 30 minutes. 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," shares Gayle B.
Mini-cabins for beginners: The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring offers group camping with basic amenities. For those seeking slightly more comfort at Patapsco Valley, "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,'" notes Sean M.
What you should know
Group camping restrictions: Several parks near Glen Burnie limit camping to organized groups. At Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping, "This campground is very well taken care of, and seemed safe to me. There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach, pavilions for social gatherings, showers and bathrooms that are kept pretty very clean, and room for backpacking, hiking, picnicking, but youth group camping only," explains Rachel S.
Early arrival considerations: Campground check-in policies vary by location. "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," warns Gabrielle E. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Weather impacts: Summer storms can create camping challenges in the Glen Burnie area. "One negative was that 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," shares Alexandra T.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lacy Oasis Campground provides family-friendly camping experiences. At Patapsco Valley, "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. The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground," shares Angel G.
Stroller limitations: When tent camping with small children near Glen Burnie, prepare for terrain challenges. "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly," advises Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Kid-friendly educational options: Several campgrounds offer nature-focused activities for children. "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. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes," notes Sean M.
Tips from RVers
Small RV considerations: Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers limited RV access with no hookups. "Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water no bathrooms or electricity but all in all it's beautiful," explains Chrystal P.
Military options: Active duty and retired military personnel can access additional tent camping near Glen Burnie. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes Ginny L. about Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Site selection tips: When booking RV sites at Patapsco Valley, consider location within the campground. "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. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby," cautions Alexandra T.