Tent camping near Lineboro, Maryland offers wooded sites within 30-40 minutes of Baltimore. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from March through November with sites costing between $20-30 per night. Local water systems include the Patapsco River and Susquehanna River watersheds, creating several options for waterfront camping and recreational activities.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers multiple trail difficulty levels for hikers of all abilities. A camper noted that "there are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes" while another mentioned "there are amazing wildflowers on that trail" at nearby Susquehannock State Park Campground.
Water activities: Bring kayaks or tubes to access the local waterways. One camper at Lower Allen Community Park highlighted that "you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. The park is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things."
Nature observation: Look for wildlife around marshlands and river areas. A camper at Patapsco Valley mentioned, "The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean."
Rock climbing: More adventurous campers can find climbing opportunities at Annapolis Rock, where a reviewer noted there are "beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!"
What campers like
River views: The elevated viewpoints at Annapolis Rock Campground provide scenic overlooks. A camper mentioned, "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious. The elevation is 1700 feet so it's quite a trek up to the site."
Cooling water features: During hot summer months, camping near streams provides natural air conditioning. A camper at Mill Creek Camping Area shared that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Kid-friendly spaces: The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is designed with families in mind. A camper explained it "offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences. For camping or just spending a day out on the trail with the kids we prefer the Hilton entrance."
Secluded tent sites: Walk-in tent sites provide more privacy at some campgrounds. Mill Creek campers report that sites are "spaced out large spaces for multiple tents" with a "flat rate, for up to 6 days."
What you should know
Camping surface challenges: Beyond the crushed stone issues mentioned previously, campers should prepare for variable terrain. At Patapsco Valley, a camper warned about drainage: "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."
Shared trail systems: Some campgrounds have public trails running through or near tent sites. One Mill Creek camper observed, "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."
Park entrance navigation: Finding the correct entrance can be challenging at larger parks. A Patapsco Valley camper noted, "Getting in to the park was a little difficult. We missed the entrance and had to turn around. Friends who were camping with us had the same problem."
Restricted cooking options: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground and some other sites have specific fire rules. Campers should "keep alcohol consumption discreet, it's in a state park where alcohol is not allowed, even though it is generally allowed on the trail."
Tips for camping with families
Nature centers and programs: The Patapsco Valley area offers educational opportunities for kids. A camper shared, "It seems like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center."
Stroller access limitations: Parents with very young children should plan accordingly. One camper warned, "Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly" at Patapsco Valley.
Weather contingency planning: Some campgrounds offer flexible booking policies during rainy periods. A Mill Creek camper mentioned, "Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Safety awareness: Watch for natural hazards while camping with children. At Annapolis Rock, a camper warned, "Be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook."
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: For those wanting a less rustic experience than tent camping near Lineboro, Maryland, Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area offers other options. Patapsco Valley State Park features "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.'"
Check-in timing: Plan arrival times carefully as some parks strictly enforce check-in policies. A camper at Patapsco Valley mentioned, "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3."
Cleanliness expectations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Some campers report well-maintained bathrooms while others note that "shower facilities are dirty & need maintenance. Bugs in the showers, etc."
