1 campground with availability this weekend
Primitive tent camping options around Darlington, Maryland include several state parks and county-managed areas. Susquehannock State Park Campground, located about 13 miles northeast across the Pennsylvania border, offers dedicated tent sites with trail access to the Susquehanna River. Other options include Hibernia County Park in Coatesville with its lake-adjacent tent camping loops, and Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster, which provides walk-in tent sites in a wooded setting. Most tent locations require advance reservations during peak season.
Tent sites in the region typically feature dirt or grass surfaces with minimal leveling. Patapsco Valley State Park provides tent campers with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets or basic restroom facilities. Most established tent campgrounds require campers to pack out trash and follow strict fire regulations. Susquehannock State Park offers some sites with electric hookups, while others remain primitive with only basic amenities. During summer months, sites beneath tree cover are highly sought after, providing natural shade and cooler conditions for tent campers.
The region's tent camping experiences vary from secluded forest sites to more open, social campgrounds. Hibernia County Park offers tent-specific loops with sites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy while maintaining access to hiking trails and Chamber's Lake. The Lake Loop features larger sites suitable for group tent camping, though they provide less privacy than the wooded Fiddler's Loop. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "Each campsite has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built-in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found. Great for families." At Mill Creek Camping Area, tent campers should be prepared for public trail users passing through, as one camper noted "the site is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping."
"Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
"This is Organized Group Tenting Only."
Available this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
"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."
"There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. The campground is on the smaller side."
from $20 - $51 / night
"Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
"We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
from $15 - $50 / night
"Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
from $23 / night
"This is a good free state forest with maybe 10 (or less) designated tent-camping sites, and designated areas for deer hunting."
"Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it."
from $25 / night
"Terrific space for exploring"
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
"There are two main beaches and there are picnic tables all over the park. There’s a popular boat launch amd small marina/bait store.
Get there early on weekends and holidays.""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,"
from $40 - $45 / night
TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
ScoutThe campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
GuideIf you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
TravelerOMG! Next to busy interstate, railroad tracks and shooting range. Way to much for me!
Tent camping near Darlington, Maryland offers varied terrain from riverside spots to wooded retreats in the rolling hills of northeastern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania. With average summer temperatures reaching 85°F, campsites beneath tree cover provide essential relief during peak camping months. Annual rainfall averages 40 inches, making waterproof gear necessary for camping in this region from April through October.
Fishing at scenic water spots: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, campers can find excellent fishing opportunities along the Susquehanna River. "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles," notes reviewer David G. The trails feature "amazing wildflowers" and access to renovated historical structures.
Family hiking trails: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers multiple family-friendly hiking options. "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall," according to Anthony S., who recommends the park for beginner hikers. The park's trail system varies in difficulty, with some routes following the Patapsco River for water views.
Kayaking on calm waters: Water recreation options near Darlington include the Patapsco River. "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," shares Anthony S. Chamber's Lake at Hibernia County Park offers non-motorized boating opportunities with rentals available seasonally.
Secluded wooded camping spots: The Fiddler's Loop at Hibernia County Park provides peaceful tent camping under dense tree cover. Jennifer S. explains, "It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire." This makes it ideal for campers seeking a quiet retreat.
River sounds for peaceful sleep: Several camping areas offer streamside sites that provide natural white noise. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Meagan J. notes, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night." These water-adjacent sites often stay cooler during summer months.
Private forest camping: Blackbird State Forest Campground features well-spaced sites that offer privacy while remaining accessible. Sarah M. reports, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" Another camper adds, "Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents."
Public trail proximity considerations: At some campgrounds, hiking trails pass near or through camping areas. At Mill Creek Camping Area, camper Philip B. cautions, "The site is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site." Another reviewer noted similar issues: "The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites."
Water availability challenges: Some campsites have limited access to drinking water. Jennifer S. warns about Hibernia County Park: "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'." Even tent campers should bring adequate water supplies.
Weekend-only operations: Many smaller campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Jennifer S. notes, "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season." Call ahead to confirm current hours of operation as these can change seasonally and many facilities close completely during winter months.
Child-friendly playground access: Ridley Creek State Park provides group tent camping with excellent facilities for families. "It has a greag picnic area with grills," Mackenzie B. reports. The park features "well marked trails great for hiking" and is "pet friendly" making it suitable for the entire family.
Nature exploration opportunities: Patapsco Valley State Park offers dedicated children's areas. Angel G. explains, "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." She cautions, "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly."
Fishing ponds for young anglers: Several campgrounds offer designated fishing areas for children. At Hibernia County Park, John Z. mentions a "Great children's pond for 12 and under" which provides a safe, manageable fishing experience for younger campers without the challenges of river fishing.
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. Jennifer S. advises about Hibernia County Park: "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." She recommends specific sites: "#3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Darlington offer minimal facilities for RVs. At Susquehannock State Park, David G. notes, "One loop has a few sites with electric and some cabins. Potable water is available in several places on each loop." He adds that "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice" but warns about challenging terrain for larger vehicles.
No dump stations on-site: Jennifer S. cautions RVers at Hibernia County Park: "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home." Plan accordingly for longer stays or bring portable waste tanks for extended camping trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Darlington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Darlington, MD is Susquehannock State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Darlington, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Darlington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
