Tent camping near Street, Maryland offers primitive to rustic camping opportunities in the piedmont region where forest and river ecosystems converge. The area sits at elevations ranging from 300-600 feet, creating varied terrain and microclimates across camping locations. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during day and cool to 65-70°F at night, with higher humidity levels from June through August.
What to do
Hiking along river trails: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, trails lead to spectacular views of the Susquehanna River. "There are some excellent views of the Susquehanna River," notes camper Tom F. The park features "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River," according to David G.
Fishing for local species: Hibernia County Park offers multiple fishing locations including a stocked children's pond. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," writes Anna. John Z. adds that the park has "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
Wildlife observation: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping provides opportunities to search for fossils along the shoreline. "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," shares Angel G.
Bike riding on park trails: Susquehannock State Park features biking options to nearby attractions. "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. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up," advises David G.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers well-spaced sites for a more secluded experience. "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy," says one camper. Sarah M. agrees: "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room."
Easy access to water features: Many campers appreciate the proximity to streams and lakes. At Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, Philip B. notes, "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Natural woodland settings: Sites at Hibernia County Park feature dense tree coverage. As Jennifer S. describes, "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."
Clean facilities: Despite being primitive, many sites maintain well-kept amenities. At Mill Creek Camping Area near Lancaster, campers pay "$25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days" and can expect maintained sites. 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."
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Hibernia County Park offers both reservation and first-come options. "Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration," explains Jennifer S. "Hibernia annually hosts the 'Old Fiddlers Picnic' the second weekend in August. This is the only weekend that you are REQUIRED to call in to reserve."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Street have basic amenities only. John Z. notes about Hibernia County Park, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups." Jim N. adds, "There is no store, but there are places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either."
Seasonal considerations: Several parks have limited operating seasons. Sandy Point State Park is best visited during "winter, spring, and fall" according to Tony P., who notes it gets "extremely over crowded in the summer." Angel G. warns, "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!"
Site surfaces vary: Tent setup can be challenging at some locations. At Blackbird State Forest, D R. describes: "The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles—pretty easy to sleep in a tent." This contrasts with other area campgrounds where terrain may be uneven or rocky.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers extensive play areas for children. "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," shares Angel G. Another camper adds, "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."
Kid-friendly trails: Several parks feature easier hiking options suitable for young explorers. At Patapsco Valley State Park, "There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall. I recommend this to any beginner hikers," notes Anthony S.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites complement the natural camping experience. Jennifer S. mentions at Hibernia County Park, "There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends," providing educational value beyond the camping experience.
Weather preparedness: Camp sites can experience rapid weather changes. Alexandra T. warns about Patapsco Valley: "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 and it was very wet even after the rain died down."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. advises, "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water access planning: RVers should arrive prepared at locations with limited facilities. Jennifer S. notes 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'."
Dump station availability: Plan for waste disposal before arrival. "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," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Parking limitations: Many tent-focused sites have restrictions on RV access. At Blackbird State Forest, D R. observes, "RV camping is not encouraged," while noting tent camping is the primary accommodation type with sites featuring "a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood."
