Tent camping near Accokeek, Maryland provides visitors with access to several wetland ecosystems along the Potomac River watershed. Located just 18 miles south of Washington DC, this area sits at elevations ranging from 10 to 200 feet above sea level, with most campgrounds positioned along the tidal marshes that characterize the region. Summer humidity levels regularly exceed 85% with temperatures averaging 85-95°F from June through August.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: The Potomac River shoreline at Endeavor Point offers excellent fishing and crabbing access. "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," reports one camper who visited during Labor Day weekend.
Kayak launching: Water access points at Leesylvania State Park Campground provide convenient launch sites for paddlers. A visitor notes it has "good access for kayak, boat, jet skis" with parking that may require some walking during busy periods.
Hiking through historic areas: The trail system at Patapsco Valley State Park offers hiking routes past old structures and bridges. A reviewer mentioned, "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall. I recommend this to any beginner hikers."
What campers like
Waterfront camping views: Tent sites at Caledon State Park Campground offer scenic river views after a moderate hike. "We hiked for a few hours and finally got to our site which was right on the Potomac River. Gorgeous view and I was glad to be there after the long haul," writes one camper.
Playgrounds for children: Family-oriented facilities at Patapsco Valley State Park include multiple play areas. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," notes a reviewer, who added it's "perfect for keeping the kids entertained."
Privacy between sites: Most campgrounds in the region maintain good separation between campsites. At Lacy Oasis Campground, a visitor appreciated how "this space is about healing and being grounded with yourself," mentioning that the "owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind."
What you should know
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Many tent camping areas require self-sufficiency. At Marsden Tract Group Campsite, a camper warns "there's no parking nearby, no water, no bathrooms or electricity but all in all it's beautiful."
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant rainfall that can affect camping conditions. At Patapsco Valley State Park, one camper noted, "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."
Varied rules between campgrounds: Different sites maintain their own regulations on alcohol, generators, and fires. At Endeavor Point, some campers reported frustrations with management policies, with one stating the "owners are quick to call the park police/games wardens on its customers if they believe you have exceeded their personal limits" for crabbing.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly programming: Lacy Oasis Campground caters to young visitors with intentional design elements. A reviewer mentioned bringing "about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave," adding that "the rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space."
Educational opportunities: The sensory trails at Patapsco Valley State Park offer interactive learning experiences. One camper noted, "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."
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for tent camping, consider the cabin options. At Patapsco Valley, a reviewer described "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.'"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds near Accokeek offer minimal RV services. At Prince William Forest Park, facilities like Lichtman Camp provide electric hookups but primitive conditions overall, with one visitor simply noting they "had a bunch of candy."
Tent pad restrictions: Several campgrounds limit where tents can be placed. At Patapsco Valley State Park, a camper warned, "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."
Access limitations: Many RV sites have narrow access roads. At Leesylvania State Park, a camper noted it's "not very big-rig friendly" but mentioned its proximity to DC: "This campground was so pretty. It is small, but the price and location near DC cannot be beat."
