Tent sites around Upper Marlboro provide a mix of suburban and riverside camping experiences. The region sits at low elevation within the Atlantic Coastal Plain, characterized by gently rolling terrain that transitions to wetlands near the Patuxent River. Summer temperatures average 85-90Ā°F with high humidity, creating conditions where proper site selection and timing are critical for comfortable camping.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: Endeavor Point offers direct access to the Patuxent River. A visitor noted, "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise." Sites include access to water activities with a 10-site capacity.
Nature programs for children: The Hilton Area at Patapsco Valley State Park features educational activities. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," reports a camper. The nature center offers structured programs during peak season.
Swimming and beach access: Waterfront options exist within driving distance. "Matoaka Beach Cottages provides tent campers with "a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Private camping spots: Matoaka Beach Cottages offers secluded tent sites on cliffs overlooking Chesapeake Bay. A camper shared, "I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach." Sites are separated from each other with natural barriers.
Accessible playgrounds: Families appreciate the recreation options at nearby parks. One visitor to Patapsco Valley described it as "perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Group camping facilities: Marsden Tract Group Campsite accommodates organized groups in a natural setting. A recent camper described it as "Super simple and the best price... easy to find and very clean." The site requires reservation and includes basic amenities.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Sites at lower elevations can flood during heavy rains. A camper at Patapsco Valley noted, "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."
Tent pad surfaces vary: Different campgrounds offer various surfaces for tent placement. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities, while Patapsco Valley has crushed stone pads that may require additional padding for comfort.
Seasonal crowds: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping experiences heavy use during summer months. A reviewer cautioned, "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."
Tips for camping with families
Beach alternatives: When seeking the best tent camping near Upper Marlboro, Maryland with children, consider less crowded options. One camper advised about Sandy Point, "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life... In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session."
Nature exploration programs: Several parks offer structured activities. "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," noted a parent.
Jellyfish awareness: When camping near water bodies, timing matters. A regular visitor to Sandy Point warned, "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" Late spring and early summer offer better swimming conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for tent campers: When choosing the best tent camping near Upper Marlboro, Maryland, avoid lower elevation spots during wet weather. A camper at Leesylvania State Park shared, "Sites were average, nothing too spectacular but private enough for us," noting that terrain and site placement matter significantly.
Military options: Active duty and retired military personnel have additional camping choices. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes a camper about the Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp.
Group campsite options: For larger gatherings near water access, Leesylvania State Park offers group sites. A visitor observed it's "ALWAYS full of family's having picnics and enjoying time together! There's playground and a beach area for kids and family to all enjoy."
