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Best Tent Camping near Hancock, MD

916 Reviews

Tent camping near Hancock, Maryland centers around the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which offers numerous hiker-biker overnight campsites along the historic towpath. Cacapon Junction and Paw Paw Tunnel campgrounds provide tent-only sites with basic amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, located about a mile from the historic tunnel, features tent camping on grass surfaces with chemical toilets and hand pump water access. Jordan Junction and Horseshoe Bend offer additional primitive tent camping options along the C&O Canal, with most sites positioned near the Potomac River for easy water access.

Most tent campsites in the Hancock area are walk-in sites requiring campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their camping location. Antietam Creek Campground exemplifies this setup, with parking along the road and a 75-foot walk to tent sites. Basic amenities typically include pit toilets or portable restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings at most locations. Water availability varies by site, with some campgrounds offering hand pumps that may be seasonal or occasionally non-functional. Campers should note that many sites along the C&O Canal experience train noise throughout the night, as the railroad runs parallel to many camping areas. Summer visitors should prepare for insects, particularly mosquitoes.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this region is characterized by riverside locations with varying degrees of privacy. According to reviews, Town Creek Hiker-Biker Campsite offers "a big expansive lawn with enough room for a dozen tents or more" and features multiple picnic tables and fire rings, making it ideal for groups. One camper noted that Antietam Creek Campground has "sites located along the Potomac River and between the C&O Canal with flat campsites and fire rings." Many primitive tent sites have limited space, so arriving early is recommended during peak seasons. The C&O Canal's network of hiker-biker campsites allows flexible itinerary planning for those traveling the towpath by foot or bicycle.

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Best Tent Sites Near Hancock, Maryland (31)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Hancock, MD

23 Photos of 31 Hancock Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Hancock, MD

916 Reviews of 31 Hancock Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Suzy W.
    May. 23, 2018

    Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    A nice spot to get a little off the grid a couple hours outside DC.

    I only stayed one night, but plan to return for a longer stay as it was peaceful and scenic. The campground is free, open from late April through December, and campers may stay up to 21 days. However, there are no online reservations or staff in the area; I would want to have a back-up plan in case all sites are already taken.

    Check-in and check-out are accomplished by filling out a 3 x 5 card at the entrance and placing it in the slot for your campsite. At the end of October, only 4 of the 15 campsites were occupied so I was able to select one spaced out from other campers for privacy.

    The campsites are arranged on the outer perimeter of the loop drive, with a vaulted toilet outhouse and a pump water spigot located within the center island. (I did not use the water, but have read elsewhere that it may come out looking rusty, presumably from the mineral content). Campsites had enough space between them to feel private but close enough to feel that local bears would (hopefully) pass us by. Each campsite has a long parking area (not pull through), a cleared area for tents, a picnic table, and a fire ring and lantern pole. There is no electricity at the campground.

    The road approaching the campground is not comfortably wide enough to pass oncoming cars (though I did not encounter any) so I would take it slow, especially around the many bends. My cellular reception cut out along one of the forest roads well before reaching the campground; I will have a compass and written directions in and out handy when I return.

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

  • Ray G.
    Sep. 14, 2021

    Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    Very Decent

    My tent spot was #4. The picnic table was missing a board on top. The campground is basically one big circle. There was a couple arguing across the way. Didn't really bother me. But if your sensitive to noise at night just know there's that potential. There are lots of trees that provide some privacy between camp spots. The water pump was out of order during my visit. I saw a ranger come and check on it. I didn't use the vault toilets. I had my own set up. Having said all that I enjoyed my overnight there. I'd come again.

    USDA manages this place. You can stay 21 consecutive nights then come back after 10 days.

  • Erica M.
    Jun. 28, 2020

    Happy Hills Campground

    Lots of regulars

    So this is my second time at Happy Hills Campground in Hancock, MD from June 25th-28th. It being relatively close to the home is the reason for choosing it because of doctor appts for the kids.

    The site I was in (F1) was really small and very close to the neighboring site. We got lucky no one was camping next to us. It had full hook-ups (30amp/water/sewer) and a pull thru site with picnic table and fire ring. It was $40/night. This campground is mainly for monthly site rentals with more than 3/4 of them permanent sites.

    Lots of golf cart and ATV traffic with no quiet hours that I am aware of. We weren't informed the pool would be open and you had to sign up for two hour timeslots to get in. This must have been information only available to the regulars here. Also cell service (Sprint roaming most of the time) is terrible and the campground wifi is spotty at best. The camp store was closed due to COVID so if needed anything you had to go to town.

    Bathrooms were clean. Never checked out the showers but heard they were free.

    Overall, I wasn't a happy camper. I don't think I will be back.

Guide to Hancock

Tent campsites near Hancock, Maryland cluster along the historic C&O Canal towpath with most sites situated between the canal and the Potomac River. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Province, characterized by parallel ridges and valleys running northeast to southwest. Train noise affects most camping areas as railroad tracks run parallel to many campsites, requiring campers to pack earplugs for better sleep quality.

What to do

Explore the Paw Paw Tunnel: The historic 3,118-foot tunnel offers a unique hiking experience about a mile from Paw Paw Tunnel Campground. "Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark! Amazing to see the work that the canal builders accomplished," notes Jordan B.

River activities: The Potomac River provides opportunities for swimming, paddling, and fishing. At Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, campers can easily access the river. As one visitor mentions, "Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."

Historical sightseeing: The area offers rich Civil War history with Antietam Battlefield nearby. Kevin D. from Antietam Creek Campground shares, "Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."

What campers like

Riverside camping spots: Many campsites offer direct access to the Potomac. "This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River," writes Michelle N. about Antietam Creek Campground. "I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River."

Basic but functional amenities: Most sites provide essential services. At Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, Miranda M. notes, "There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."

Spacing between some sites: While many C&O Canal campsites lack privacy, certain locations offer better separation. At Mulehalla, "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart," according to Ashley F.

What you should know

Pack-in, pack-out requirements: No trash receptacles exist at most sites. Nick C. explains, "There aren't many sites and no 'park' or ranger station. You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site."

Bathroom facilities vary: Pit toilets and portable restrooms are standard, with maintenance issues common. Casey L. warns, "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross."

Limited privacy: Most camping areas along the C&O Canal are open with minimal separation between sites. Andrew M. notes about Stoney Creek Campground, "The main problem here is that the campground itself is just one big field along the canal towpath, so you have no privacy from other campers."

Tips for camping with families

Pack extra water containers: While many sites have pumps, they can be unreliable. Jennifer from Antietam Creek Campground advises, "Stayed at this campsite while Bikepacking the C&O... was a bit crowded and buggy but every site had its own picnic table and fire pit/grill."

Consider walking distances: Most sites require carrying gear from parking areas. "It's also a weird setup with respect to parking—as you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite," explains Andrew M.

Prepare for social camping: The open layout of many sites means interaction with others. Casey L. shares, "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most camping in the area is tent-only with walk-in access. The C&O Canal campgrounds specifically don't accommodate RVs, but nearby private campgrounds offer alternatives.

Consider weather impacts: Roger W. notes about Opequon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, "Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac," though access can become difficult during wet weather when trails get muddy.

Plan for no hookups: Even campgrounds that accept small trailers rarely offer water or electric connections. One camper shared, "TENT ONLY - Tunnel Tr is nearby. Highway noise. Boat Access to the water, but not for boats on trailers."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hancock, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hancock, MD is Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight (hbo) Campsite with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Hancock, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Hancock, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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