Best Tent Camping near New Windsor, MD
Tent campers near New Windsor, Maryland have several established options within a 30-minute drive. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers non-electric tent sites and is popular for its wooded setting and proximity to hiking trails. Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian National Scenic Trail provides primitive tent camping with stunning views after a moderate 2-mile hike from Route 40.
Tent sites at Patapsco Valley are set on crushed stone pads that can be challenging for tent stakes, so campers should bring alternative securing methods. Most tent campgrounds in the region provide fire rings and picnic tables, though Annapolis Rock prohibits campfires due to restoration efforts. Campers should verify seasonal availability, as Patapsco Valley operates from April through October. Bathhouses with hot showers are available at Patapsco, while backcountry sites like Annapolis Rock offer more primitive facilities with composting toilets and natural springs for water collection.
The walk-in tent sites at Annapolis Rock provide a more secluded backcountry experience for those willing to hike to their campsite. At 1,700 feet elevation, these primitive tent sites offer exceptional views and access to rock climbing opportunities. The nearby Dahlgren Backpacker Campground provides another option for hikers along the Appalachian Trail with tent-specific amenities. Tent campers at Patapsco may experience more family-oriented surroundings with access to playgrounds and nature centers. A camper noted, "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 and alternative ways to secure the tent."