Tent camping near North East, Maryland offers access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed and surrounding Mid-Atlantic forests at elevations generally below 400 feet. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 85°F, making water-adjacent sites particularly valuable during peak season. Most campgrounds within a 45-minute drive operate from April through October, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, campers can fish in nearby streams and ponds. "Spent a weekend in BO1, spacious campsite, grill, picnic table, firepit, parking for 2-3 cars plus overflow parking. Firewood was easy to get and was plenty of it," notes John C.
Hiking trail access: Susquehannock State Park offers multiple trail options with river views. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. 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," according to David G.
Swimming spots: Though many camping areas prohibit swimming in adjacent waterways, several locations offer cooling options. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill," shares Anna about Hibernia County Park.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Blackbird State Forest receives praise for site spacing. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return! No running water- only port a potties but they were clean," reports Sarah M.
Natural surroundings: Campers appreciate the woodland settings. "The only thing about this site specifically is the trail was close by so you'd occasionally see people walking by but not enough that it didn't still feel secluded. Nice hikes in the area, great weekend!" says Emily M. about her experience.
Affordability: Budget-conscious campers enjoy reasonable rates. "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," notes John Z. about Hibernia County Park.
What you should know
Site surface conditions: Crushed stone or woodchip surfaces are common at several campgrounds. "The ground is dirt covered with woodchips and sometimes evergreen needles -- pretty easy to sleep in a tent," explains D.R. from Blackbird State Forest.
Bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary widely across locations. "There are multiple port a potties here but some sites are a bit far from them. Each site has a fire pit, a grill, and two tables with a decent amount of space for tents," explains Blind from Blackbird State Forest.
Water access limitations: Mill Creek Camping Area provides streamside camping but with caveats. "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night," notes Meagan J. But be aware that "The campground is not a far walk from the parking lot. Great tree coverage. Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas," warns Sakina P.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers excellent play areas. "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes," notes Sean M.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer nature programs. "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," shares Angel G.
Weather considerations: Plan for summer heat and potential storms. "Nice small campsite in MD not too far from DC. 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," reports Alexandra T.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most sites within 45 minutes offer minimal amenities. "Two loops. One has a few sites with electric and some cabins. Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice," explains David G. about Susquehannock State Park Campground.
Site size restrictions: Larger rigs have limited options. "The campsites are smaller and it's more open. It is popular with group tenters. I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," warns Jennifer S. about one loop at Hibernia County Park.
Water management: Come prepared with full tanks. "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. There is one spigot at the bathroom," advises Jennifer S.
