The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Hagerstown, MD

930 Reviews

Tent campsites along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park form the backbone of camping options near Hagerstown, Maryland. The area features several hiker-biker overnight campsites including Antietam Creek Campground, Horsepen Branch, and Jordan Junction, all providing basic tent accommodations for hikers and cyclists traversing the historic C&O Canal towpath. Additionally, Annapolis Rock Campground on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail offers tent camping with sweeping views approximately 10 miles west of Hagerstown.

Most tent camping areas require walk-in or hike-in access, with sites ranging from 75 feet to a full mile from parking areas. Facilities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and basic pit toilets or portable toilets. Water availability varies significantly between locations; some sites like Horsepen Branch offer non-potable water pumps that require treatment, while others have no water access. According to one visitor at Antietam Creek, "You have to park on the road and haul all of your stuff across the field and over the fence so it's not exactly easy to get all of your equipment at the campsite." Most locations follow Leave No Trace principles with pack-in, pack-out trash policies.

Tent campsites along the C&O Canal provide direct access to the Potomac River with varying levels of privacy between sites. Many locations place campers within sight of the popular towpath trail used by cyclists, runners, and hikers during daylight hours. A visitor commented that even with a full campground, "the sites are flat and dispersed with most located adjacent to the river." Noise factors vary by location, with some sites affected by nearby highways or rail lines. The more remote tent campgrounds offer greater solitude, particularly during weekdays or shoulder seasons. Tree cover provides ample shade at most sites, with locations like Swains Lock offering both sunrise and sunset views over the Potomac River. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park offers tent-only sites with shower facilities, making it a good option for multi-day hikers needing to refresh.

Map showing campgrounds near Hagerstown, MarylandExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Hagerstown, Maryland (28)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Hagerstown Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hagerstown, MD

35 Photos of 28 Hagerstown Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hagerstown, MD

930 Reviews of 28 Hagerstown Campgrounds

  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

  • Reba H.
    May. 2, 2023

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Please don't treat this like car camping

    I understand why people are lugging wheeled carts a mile into this campground, but it is technically not allowed. This is a backcountry/backpacking experience. Most of the hike-in is on Hadow Trail, which is dirt, not gravel. It is technically an equestrian trail too, but there's no way a horse could make it without breaking an ankle right now; the trail is so worn down by wheeled cart usage that the park has created a service project on the American Hiking Society's website calling for volunteers to do restoration work on Hadow Trail on this year's upcoming National Trails Day.

    I hiked in while it was raining, and the mud wasn't as bad as I'd feared. However, the worn down parts of the trail attracted rainwater drainage, and the runoff narrowed the trail significantly. When I got to Boston Mill Rd Trail, which is gravel, the hike was easy, until the spur turning into the campground, when the trek goes uphill. If your site is further back, you will be hiking up and down many hills throughout the campground. The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills. 

    My site bordered the buddy site and scout group sites at the beginning of the campground, so there was noise from loud kids but not as bad as I thought it might be. I was still able to enjoy peace and quiet, as the group respected quiet hours and was busy hiking the rest of the state park during the daytime, so don't shy away from this site if it's the only one available. The group sites also have their own latrine at the beginning of the campground, which pleasantly surprised me because this meant there were two latrines fairly close to each other, just to accommodate projected usage. There are many thoughtful details like this throughout the design of the campground facilities. 

    For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was. Firewood is $8 (honor system), but there was some leftover at my site already. My firepit had a quality grill gate too. There are LOTS of bear trash cans available, and having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag. If it hadn't rained, I also would've been able to use the hammock posts at my site (you could use these to hang a clothesline too if you wanted). When I talked over the phone with a ranger, she told me that only a few campsites didn't have hammock stands. If you think a lantern is worth its weight to carry in, there's a lantern post on the tent pad. I loved how level the tent pad was even on a hill. I couldn't figure out how to use the potable water pump, but there are plentiful creeks you can filter water from.

    Overall, this is a fantastic campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. Use the Avenza Maps app that the park has its map uploaded into, and you won't get lost finding the overnight parking/self check-in station like I did. Know the gate code of this area before you go. The gate takes a hard push and pull. If you're prepared for all this, you'll arrive at camp before dusk when the wild animals come out. At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail on the creek side of Hadow Trail!! If all this sounds awful rather than exciting to you, just drive in for the day and stick to the historic areas rather than venture into the park's backcountry areas.

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Amy S.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great hike in campground

    It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents. Pit toilets, no showers, cell service. Make sure you bring a bear bag or box with you.

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

Guide to Hagerstown

Tent camping near Hagerstown, Maryland, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from historical parks to beautiful riverfronts, there's something for every tent camper.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy a peaceful stay at Antietam Creek Campground, where you can relax by the river and engage with fellow campers on the nearby multi-use trail.
  • Experience breathtaking views and hiking opportunities at Annapolis Rock Campground, located just off the Appalachian Trail.
  • Take a break from hiking at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, which features a large grassy area perfect for pitching tents and is close to a hiker-friendly restaurant.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $20

Tent campers should check out Gathland State Park Campground

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find tent camping near Hagerstown, MD?

The Hagerstown area offers several excellent tent camping options along the historic C&O Canal. Antietam Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites along the Potomac River with easy access from the road. For a more secluded experience, Paw Paw Tunnel Campground offers basic tent-only sites just a mile from the historic tunnel. If you're willing to venture slightly further, numerous hiker-biker campsites dot the C&O Canal towpath, including Jordan Junction and Opequon Junction. Most of these sites require walking in your gear, making them perfect for peaceful tent camping experiences away from RVs and vehicle noise.

What amenities are available at tent campgrounds in Hagerstown?

Tent campgrounds near Hagerstown typically offer basic amenities. Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite provides convenient parking with space for approximately 8 vehicles and a manageable walk to campsites. At Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, you'll find flat areas for pitching tents along the C&O Towpath. Most campgrounds in the area offer portable or vault toilets, water access (though availability may be seasonal), picnic tables, and fire rings with grates. Bear in mind that shower facilities are rare at these more primitive sites. Cell service is generally available, though signal strength varies by location and carrier.

How much does tent camping cost in Hagerstown?

Tent camping costs near Hagerstown are generally affordable. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, which is within driving distance, primitive campsites typically run around $20-30 per night with a straightforward check-in process. Many of the C&O Canal hiker-biker sites like Horsepen Branch are even more budget-friendly, often charging $10-20 per night or sometimes offering first-come, first-served sites at no cost. Most campgrounds in the area don't require reservations for tent camping, though this can mean sites fill up quickly during peak summer weekends and holidays. Some locations charge additional fees for parking or park entrance, so factor these into your budget.

Keep Exploring