Tent camping near Knoxville, Maryland provides access to several historic and scenic areas along the Potomac River and Appalachian Trail corridor. Located about 50 miles northwest of Washington D.C., this region features a mixture of deciduous forest and riverside terrain at elevations ranging from 250 to 1,700 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: The Potomac River runs directly alongside many campsites, providing easy access for water activities. At Antietam Creek Campground, campers can enjoy the river views and water access. As one visitor noted, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."
Historic exploration: Camp within walking distance of significant Civil War sites and historic structures. Gathland State Park Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring the area's rich history, with one camper mentioning they "felt safe and had a great time" at this location adjacent to a historic monument.
Rock climbing: For more adventurous campers, the region offers some excellent climbing opportunities. According to a visitor at Annapolis Rock Campground, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!" The site sits at 1,700 feet elevation and requires a moderate hike to access.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Many campers appreciate the proximity to water at tent sites near Knoxville. One camper at Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite described it as a "small campsite but no one else was there, so it was perfect. There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."
Trail access: Direct connection to major trail systems is a highlight for many visitors. A camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground noted it's "a welcome relief to get to a spot where I could wash off and have indoor plumbing for a night. The sites are nice, but seemed pretty close together. As far as campgrounds on the AT go, this is one of the nicer ones."
Privacy between sites: While some campgrounds have closely spaced sites, others offer more seclusion. At Sky Meadows State Park, a visitor observed, "The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills."
What you should know
Accessibility challenges: Many tent sites require carrying gear some distance from parking areas. At Sky Meadows State Park Campground, "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents."
Limited amenities: Facilities at most sites are basic. One camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground described it as "a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I've heard it is sometimes enforced. It's a bit different than most AT stops, as there are no real sites, just a large grassy area to pitch tents."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife. A visitor to Annapolis Rock Campground cautioned, "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," highlighting the importance of watching your step on rocky areas, especially during warmer months.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly options: Some sites offer a good introduction to backcountry camping without difficult access. A visitor to Sky Meadows noted, "This is a fantastic campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. Use the Avenza Maps app that the park has its map uploaded into, and you won't get lost."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals. As one camper at Sky Meadows shared, "At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail."
Gear transport assistance: Some parks offer equipment to help move camping gear. Sky Meadows provides "wheelbarrows you can borrow to help bring in your stuff from the car," according to one family camper, making the mile-long hike to campsites more manageable with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: The Knoxville area primarily caters to tent camping rather than RVs. At Mulehalla, one of the few places accommodating various camping styles, visitors note "tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart. This property also offers glamping experiences and sometimes live music."
Alternatives for RV camping: Most campgrounds near Knoxville don't accommodate RVs, so consider using developed campgrounds farther away as a base. Many RVers visit the area's historic sites and trails during the day while camping at more accessible locations with hookups in nearby towns.
Pack-in requirements: Even at campgrounds that technically allow small RVs, most require carrying gear from parking areas to campsites. As noted in reviews, this often means parking on nearby roads and carrying equipment across bridges and along trails to reach tent sites.
