Tent camping options within 30 miles of Harwood, Maryland include several established parks along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The region's mild climate allows for camping from April through October, with summer highs averaging in the 80s and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most campsites in this area sit at elevations below 300 feet, offering access to both forest and waterfront environments.
What to do
Fossil hunting on beaches: At Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping, visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline. "The park has a great play ground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms. Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail to get down to the beach which is about a mile - a mile and 1/2," notes Anthony S.
Kayaking and water sports: The Patapsco River offers calm waters for paddlers of various skill levels. "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. about Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area.
Fishing and crabbing: The region's waterways provide ample opportunities for catching blue crabs and various fish species. "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," writes Ally S. about her stay at Endeavor Point.
What campers like
Privacy and quiet settings: Some campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," shares Courtney K. about her experience at Matoaka Beach Cottages.
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate being close to the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries. "We went for labor day weekend and had a great time. it was pretty busy due to the holiday but still manageable. the campsites aren't dispersed and are pretty small but that's the only downside," notes Ally S. about Endeavor Point.
Hiking trail variety: The best tent camping near Harwood, Maryland often includes access to trail networks. "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," explains Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "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," advises Rachel S. about Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping.
Weather considerations: The Chesapeake region experiences hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon storms. "Nice small campsite in MD not too far from DC. 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," reports Alexandra T. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Seasonal jellyfish: Bay waters can become filled with jellyfish during late summer. "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. August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" warns Angel G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature designated play areas for children. "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two is the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great. 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," explains Sean M.
Educational activities: Look for parks with nature centers or interpretive programs. "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," recommends Angel G.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, consider specialized sites. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America. Groups only- no individual campsites," notes Elizabeth R. about The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Harwood offer minimal RV amenities. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," reports Ginny L. about Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Site surface challenges: Many tent sites have crushed stone surfaces that can be uncomfortable without proper padding. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises Sean M. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Off-season advantages: Several reviewers recommend visiting outside peak summer months for better experiences. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," suggests Tony P. about Sandy Point State Park.
