Tent camping options near Newark, Maryland range from primitive forest sites to family-oriented campgrounds within a 50-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping offers more comfortable 60-75°F conditions. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping available.
What to do
Hiking with river views: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, campers access trails with panoramic views of the Susquehanna River. One camper notes, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River." Another mentions there's "a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Fishing for trout: Local parks provide freshwater fishing opportunities. At Evansburg State Park, anglers report success with various species. One visitor shared, "I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago!" Remember that "you need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing license, currently $9.90."
Creek exploration: Many camping areas feature accessible water features. At Mill Creek Camping Area, the streamside location creates natural recreational opportunities. Campers appreciate that "camping down by the creek makes for a cooler camping experience."
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. One reviewer noted, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room." Another camper shared, "Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents."
Natural sounds: Campers frequently mention enjoying the sounds of nature at night. At Mill Creek Camping Area, reviewers specifically appreciate the "sound of water flowing at night" from adjacent creeks. Sites positioned near water features tend to be cooler and more popular during summer months.
Affordability: Many campers cite reasonable rates as a positive factor. One camper at Hibernia County Park noted the "super great price at $15/night" while another camper mentioned it was "inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites in this region offer basic amenities without modern conveniences. At Blackbird State Forest, "There are a couple portapotties in the camping area, which are a few feet from one campsite, or a few blocks from another. There is one water pump." Plan accordingly by bringing sufficient water supplies.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance booking while others operate on first-come basis. Mill Creek Camping Area charges "$25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days" and will "refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Trail proximity: Several campsites are located near hiking paths, affecting privacy. One camper at Fort Washington State Park noted, "The give you firewood—if you bring your own, leave with any left over." At Mill Creek, a camper warned that "hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly fishing: Some parks maintain dedicated fishing areas for younger visitors. At Hibernia County Park, there's a "great children's pond for 12 and under" alongside Brandywine Creek and Chambers Lake.
Playground access: Many parks offer recreational facilities beyond natural features. Fort Washington State Park provides "designated biking areas, areas with water and modern restrooms, picnicking areas, shelters and pavilions, volleyball court, ballfields, disc golf course, hawk watching deck, children's playgrounds."
Family-sized sites: For families needing space for multiple tents, Mill Creek Camping Area offers "campgrounds spaced out large spaces for multiple tents." This allows families to set up communal camping arrangements while maintaining comfort.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV campers should research carefully as many sites have size restrictions and minimal services. At Hibernia County Park, one experienced RVer advised, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature natural, ungraded terrain requiring preparation. At Hibernia County Park, campers note that sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix." RVs longer than 28 feet may struggle at several campgrounds in the region.
Site selection strategy: When seeking the best tent camping near Newark, Maryland with an RV, research specific site numbers. At Hibernia County Park, an experienced camper identified that "sites #3, #17 & #18" will accommodate larger RVs when others won't.
