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Tent Camping near Libertytown, MD

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    The forested ridgelines surrounding Libertytown, Maryland offer several tent camping options within a 30-minute drive. Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides primitive tent-only camping at 1,700 feet elevation with panoramic views. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park serves as a dedicated tent camping area for Appalachian Trail hikers. For water-oriented camping, Antietam Creek Campground in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park features walk-in tent sites along the Potomac River, while Washington Monument State Park Campground offers tent sites with both drive-in and walk-in access from April through October.

    Most tent campsites in the region require some walking from parking areas, with distances ranging from 75 feet at Antietam Creek to substantial hikes for backcountry tent camping at Annapolis Rock. Surface conditions vary significantly, with Patapsco Valley State Park featuring crushed stone tent pads that require extra padding and alternative staking methods. Many primitive tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though Annapolis Rock prohibits fires and instead provides bear poles for food storage. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with most established campgrounds operating from April through October. Pack-in, pack-out policies are standard at most locations, with limited or no trash facilities available.

    Tent campers seeking solitude often prefer the hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal, which provide basic amenities in natural settings. According to reviews, Antietam Creek offers "flat campsites with fire rings and picnic tables" though campers must "park on the road and walk about 75 feet" to reach their sites. One visitor noted that Annapolis Rock Campground provides "very basic camping, which is all you need when hiking the AT," with access to "glorious" overlook views. Weather considerations are important, as campers at Patapsco Valley reported that "when it rains it really flushes through the grounds," particularly affecting lower sites. Most tent-only areas provide shade from mature trees, with many riverside locations offering pleasant views but occasional train noise from nearby rail lines.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Libertytown (26)

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      1. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

      4.4(5)19mi from LibertytownTents, Glamping

      "Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."

      "great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice"

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      2. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

      4.1(20)31mi from LibertytownTents, Cabins

      "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

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      3. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park Campground

      4.3(3)20mi from LibertytownTents

      "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I’ve heard it is sometimes enforced."

      "Backpacker campground with bathrooms and showers. Close to the South Mountain Inn, a hiker friendly restaurant. Big field."

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      4. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      3.8(11)27mi from Libertytown20 sitesTents

      "All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site."

      "Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."

      from $20 / night

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      5. Gathland State Park Campground

      5.0(1)22mi from LibertytownTents
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      6. Picnic Key Beach Campground — Everglades National Park

      Be the first to review15mi from Libertytown29 sitesTents, Cabins

      from $175 / night

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      7. Finksburg Forest

      Be the first to review17mi from LibertytownTents, Glamping

      from $22 - $100 / night

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      8. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring

      4.0(1)27mi from LibertytownTents

      from $150 - $200 / night

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      9. Washington Monument State Park Campground

      Be the first to review20mi from LibertytownTents

      from $12 / night

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      10. Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      4.0(1)28mi from LibertytownTents

      "There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Libertytown, MD

    35 Photos of 26 Libertytown Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Libertytown, MD

    985 Reviews of 26 Libertytown Campgrounds

    • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 31, 2019

      Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

      Nice hiking opportunities!

      Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

      **Campground Review: **

      We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

      There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

      ------------------------- 

      Product Review: 

      As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

      Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

      We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

      We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

    • Michelle N.
      Aug. 13, 2020

      Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      Great Site Along the Potomac River

      Stayed one night on 8/9.

      This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

      There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

      There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

      I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

      I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

    • Nick C.
      Jun. 19, 2022

      Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

      Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

      The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

    • Craig F.
      Jul. 1, 2019

      Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

      Fun Camping and Lake Activities

      We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

      The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

      During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

      Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

    • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 11, 2023

      Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

      Beautiful campground, and great for visiting DC

      Beautiful campground, fairly large with 4 separate loops. Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites.

      There’s a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C (sorry tenters who wanted to avoid RVs). The water fill was a little annoying in that there’s a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down. 

      The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there’s continuous running water (no button to push). There’s only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain (no door and no lock). Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow. Most have too much tree cover for solar or starlink, but some sites are more open and you might be able to make it work. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Cost is $20/night, must reserve on recreation.gov, and you can do that when you arrive and pick a site (no service fee for this site)

      Cell service is pretty good for Verizon and ATT. 

      No alcohol allowed in the park. 

      GETTING TO DC: There’s normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm, and by the looks of it it’s been out a while and it doesn’t appear that it will be fixed soon. So what we did, since we don’t have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends. Weekdays it’s about $5/day if you take the metro, and about $9 if you’re just parking there. The College Park station is closer but is apparently a parking garage (can’t confirm because we didn’t go to that station). This worked very well for us. You can pay for the metro with an app or get a card, either way it costs you $2 to buy the card, and then $2 each way on the train. Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, no sharing one card. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites.

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 2, 2023

      Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

      Peaceful w filtered sun

      Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
      Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

    • Simon S.
      Dec. 30, 2021

      Jellystone Park™ Williamsport

      Great place for kids

      Camp site (Tent camping)

      Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

      Facilities / Amenities

      Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

      They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

      There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

      During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

      There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

    • A
      Sep. 24, 2020

      Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

      Nice Small Campsite Close to DC

      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 and it was very wet even after the rain died down. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking. 😬 The positives are as others have pointed out there is a huge park for kids- it’s not within walking distance for little kids but it’s a very short drive by the entrance to the park. There’s also another small park on the loop. The restrooms were central and well maintained. We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park. All sites had a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood available from camp host. Hiking poles would have been good for the trails when we had a kid in a pack on our back. Overall a nice close small campground.

    • Napunani
      Jun. 24, 2022

      Little Bennett Campground

      Nice County Park

      PROS 

      Very nice small Montgomery County Park 

      No reservation fee to make on-line reservations 

      Reserved 137 days prior to arriving 

      Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull; complete check-in after camper was unhooked at site

       Great night sky viewing as no lights what so ever in camping loops except for toilet/shower buildings 

      Lots of vegetation between sites providing privacy from neighbors 

      Site#D69 shady 

      Very quiet campground 

      Site#D69 level side-to-side but we were forced to greatly elevate front of trailer to level front-to-back 

      Site#D69 gravel parking pad 

      Wooden/metal picnic table that was moveable 

      Metal fire pit with cooking grate 

      Toilet/shower facility very clean 

      3 washers and 3 dryers, along with folding tables in the basement of the check-in building. Accepted credit card for $1.75/load 

      Harper’s Ferry National Historical park 35 miles from Park 

      Walmart and Wegman’s 5 miles from Park 

      CONS 

      Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents,$66/night 

      No senior or veteran discount 

      Trees falling on Park power lines caused power outage for hours 

      No toilet/shower facility in FHU loop so had to hike to facilities in Loops B & E

      No camp host 

      No ranger patrolling thru campsite 

      No WIFI 

      1 bar Verizon

    Guide to Libertytown

    The central Maryland region surrounding Libertytown has tent camping areas accessible on both the Appalachian Trail and along the Potomac River. Campsites typically sit at elevations between 400-1,700 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Several sites in this area require hikers to carry gear from parking areas, with walk distances ranging from 75 feet to over 2 miles.

    What to do

    Explore rock climbing spots: The cliffs at Annapolis Rock Campground provide both panoramic views and climbing opportunities. As camper Christopher B. notes, "Rock climbing available. Short walk to Annapolis rock," making this an ideal combination of camping and adventure sports.

    Cool off in nearby waterways: During summer months when temperatures reach the 80s, many campers enjoy the water access. At Antietam Creek Campground, one visitor mentioned, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."

    Visit historic monuments: The region contains significant Civil War history and monuments. While staying at tent sites, you can walk or drive to nearby historic areas. According to a camper at Horseshoe Bend, "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."

    What campers like

    Natural water sources: Access to fresh spring water is appreciated by backpackers. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, a hiker mentioned, "The place also has fresh drinking water, another welcome site while on the AT."

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The local ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. One Annapolis Rock camper warned, "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," indicating the natural habitat that surrounds many of the best tent camping near Libertytown, Maryland.

    Shower access on trail: Some campsites offer unexpected amenities for backpackers. A hiker at Dahlgren noted it's a "Backpacker campground with bathrooms and showers. Close to the South Mountain Inn, a hiker friendly restaurant. Big field."

    What you should know

    Tent pad conditions vary: Different campgrounds have varying surface types that affect setup. At Patapsco Valley State Park, campers report "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."

    Weather impacts campsites differently: Drainage can be an issue at certain locations after rain. A Patapsco Valley 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."

    Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities range from well-maintained to problematic. At Antietam Creek, one camper reported, "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Families with children will find dedicated play areas at some campgrounds. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, Angel G. shared, "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."

    Nature programs: Educational opportunities exist for young campers. According to Patapsco reviews, "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."

    Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins provide a transition option. A Patapsco review mentioned, "The best part of this campground are the 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 hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Libertytown have few accommodations for larger vehicles. At The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring, they specify "Groups only- no individual campsites," limiting options for RV campers.

    Parking restrictions: Many sites require separate parking away from camping areas. At Antietam Creek, campers note, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."

    Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entrance points. A Patapsco Valley review noted, "It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood," indicating navigation can be challenging for larger vehicles.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular tent campsite near Libertytown, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Libertytown, MD is Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

    What is the best site to find tent camping near Libertytown, MD?

    TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Libertytown, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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