35 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several tent campgrounds can be found within a 25-mile radius of Montgomery Village, Maryland, offering a variety of experiences for tent campers. Marsden Tract Group Campsite along the Potomac River provides secluded tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables. The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring features walk-in tent sites reserved primarily for groups visiting the aerial challenge course, while several hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal National Historical Park offer primitive tent camping experiences.
Most tent sites in the area are accessible by short walks from parking areas, making them suitable for those who prefer a more immersive camping experience without a long hike. The Swains Lock Hiker-biker campsite provides flat tent pads with fire rings and picnic tables, though campers should arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. Portable toilets are available at most sites, but amenities are generally minimal. Water access varies between locations, with some sites offering pumps or seasonal water sources while others require campers to bring their own supply. Fire regulations should be checked before arrival as restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Tent campers at Swains Lock experience riverside camping with views of the Potomac, making it a popular destination for weekend getaways. The sites offer a good balance of accessibility and nature immersion, with most campsites positioned to provide some separation from the busy C&O Canal towpath while maintaining river views. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground and Annapolis Rock Campground, though farther from Montgomery Village, offer more secluded tent sites for those willing to hike in. These tent-only areas typically provide more privacy and a stronger wilderness experience. According to one visitor, "From my limited camping experience, this is a great site! There are 5 sites that are first come, first serve across from a day use area. A short drive away from DC and it couldn't be easier to get to."
"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
Check Availabilityfrom $150 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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"
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
TravelerClose to washington as we could get. Could also park our skoolie bus which was nice and had plenty of close by shower with bathrooms. Keep in mind only one shower per restroom house. We stayed at a pretty slow season so it wasn’t bad. Would recommend if visiting DC! They also have a dump station and water fill up.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutWe stayed in site #133 with our 34'10" travel trailer/toy hauler. Overall, we really like the site. It's spacious, fairly level, heavily wooded, and feels surprisingly private. There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation. We had a nice large area for our chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and dogs. The biggest thing to know about #133 is the approach. We were instructed to pass the site, go around the loop, and then make a left turn into it. With our nearly 35' trailer, that would have required an extremely tight, almost 90-degree turn between the trees, and we did not feel we could safely make it. There is actually visible damage on one of the trees at the entrance, so it appears others may have had difficulty with the turn as well. Instead, we approached from the opposite direction and positioned the camper with our doors facing the main campsite area. That put the water and electric hookups on the opposite side, but our hoses and cord were long enough to run underneath the camper and reach without a problem. Once we figured that out, the site worked very well for us. I initially thought we probably wouldn't choose #133 again because of the awkward setup, but after spending the weekend here, I would. Now that we know how to approach and position our trailer, it really is a nice site. If you're bringing a longer travel trailer, just be prepared to do a little maneuvering and make sure your water hose and electrical cord have enough length if you decide to orient your camper the way we did.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
GuideSpent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
GuidePrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
The Montgomery Village area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in Maryland's Piedmont region, creating diverse camping terrain from riverside flats to wooded hillsides. Tent campsites near Montgomery Village provide access to both the Potomac River watershed and the Appalachian foothills within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with moderate humidity compared to areas closer to the Chesapeake Bay.
Hiking and water activities: Near Patapsco Valley State Park, campers can access multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park. It's the perfect little getaway from the city for camping, fishing and hiking. Be aware that neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly," notes Angel G.
Rock climbing: At Annapolis Rock Campground, climbers can access single-pitch routes after a moderate 2.5-mile hike from Route 40. "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing! There are also two bear poles," writes Cory D. The 1,700-foot elevation provides both technical climbing options and panoramic views.
Historical exploration: The C&O Canal towpath connects several tent campsites near Montgomery Village, Maryland with historical sites. "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures," explains Rachel S.
Riverside camping: Antietam Creek Campground offers waterfront sites with direct river access. "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," describes Michelle N. Each site includes a fire pit, picnic table and grill situated along the water.
Natural springs: Several backcountry tent sites include reliable water sources. "Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available," reports Christopher B. about Annapolis Rock Campground. These natural springs provide year-round access to drinking water for hikers and overnight campers.
Diverse wildlife viewing: The Montgomery Village camping corridor offers opportunities to spot deer, various bird species, and aquatic wildlife. "We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh," shares Caleb S. about his camping experience in the region.
Limited amenities: Most tent sites within 25 miles of Montgomery Village provide basic facilities only. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, "There is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source (the bathroom closes in winter). There isn't much to see or do really, just a spot to pitch a tent," explains Sean M.
Weather considerations: The region experiences rapid drainage during storms, affecting low-lying campsites. "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," warns Alexandra T.
Parking situations: Many sites require walking from parking areas to tent sites. "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," notes Nick C. Some campgrounds have weight restrictions for vehicles on access roads.
Playground access: The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring provides group campgrounds with integrated recreation. "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America. Groups only - no individual campsites," advises Elizabeth R. The adventure park includes ziplines and challenge courses suitable for children age 5 and older.
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities for children during summer months. "We absolutely loved this campground!! Nice playground for the kids. Some nice scenic areas - great for pictures. Lots of picnic areas. Very clean and the people we met were friendly," says Gayle B.
Choosing appropriate sites: For families with small children, select sites with shorter walks from parking. "The campground is on the smaller side. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. 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," cautions Sean M.
Size restrictions: Most tent campsites near Montgomery Village have limited access for large vehicles. "Patapsco Valley 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," suggests Angel G. Most entrance roads have width limitations under 10 feet.
Cabin alternatives: For those seeking more structured accommodations, Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers group sites while other parks provide cabins. "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,'" notes Sean M.
Water access considerations: RV campers should note most sites near Montgomery Village lack hookups. "Super simple and the best price... easy to find and very clean," reports Emerson K. about Marsden Camp. Most campgrounds require self-contained water supplies or access to central pump stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montgomery Village, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montgomery Village, MD is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Montgomery Village, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Montgomery Village, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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