Best Tent Camping near North East, MD
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near North East? Find the best tent camping sites near North East. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near North East, Maryland (15)
1. Blackbird State Forest Campground
6 Reviews•19 Photos•96 SavesTownsend, DelawareOpen for camping 365 days a year at a cost of $25 per night per site. Online reservations only and credit card is required. Blackbird State Forest, located on the border of New Castle and Kent Counties, is Delaware's northernmost state forest. It is only a 30-minute commute from Wilmington and Newark. The ten tracts of Blackbird State Forest are open year-round at no cost to the public for nature walks, hiking, jogging, and horseback riding. The forest features a 1/2-mile, wheelchair-accessible wildlife and nature interpretation trail on the Tybout Tract as well as the Blackbird Education Center on the Meadows Tract.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$25 / night
2. Susquehannock State Park Campground
6 Reviews•3 Photos•68 SavesDrumore, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
3. Hibernia County Park
8 Reviews•14 Photos•105 SavesCoatesville, PennsylvaniaThe campground is open Friday and Saturday nights only. Two camping units are permitted at each site, one unit must be a tent. Sleeping in personal vehicles is not permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$15 - $50 / night
4. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
10 Reviews•10 Photos•186 SavesGradyville, PennsylvaniaGroup Camping only by arrangement/reservation Qualified organized groups can use the 120-person area from April to October. A restroom with flush toilets, but no showers, is available. To reserve a group tent campsite, call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday, 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day holidays.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
5. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
18 Reviews•94 Photos•160 SavesCatonsville, MarylandHilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
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. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $51 / night
6. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area
2 Reviews•4 Photos•16 SavesLancaster, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
7. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
8 Reviews•8 Photos•38 SavesGibson Island, MarylandThe park has two Youth Group Camping sites that are strictly for official youth groups only. The youth group camping sites are open from the beginning of April through the beginning of November. These rustic camping sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. Each site has a small picnic shelter with two tables and a grill. Download a Youth Group Pass application online.
If your youth group would like to do a service project during your stay, please call the park two weeks before the date of your arrival and speak with the volunteer coordinator to set up a project.
Make youth group camping reservations on-line for Sandy Point State Park or call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267).
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
8. Tinicum Island
1 Review•2 Photos•10 SavesEssington, PennsylvaniaLittle Tinicum Island has 1 designated campsite on the Island. It is located in the Delaware River is the site of one of the few tidal mud flats in Pennsylvania. This is also the site of several wetland species of plants and animals not commonly found in Pennsylvania. The island is a good place to observe waterfowl as well as some uncommon plants.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
9. Mill Creek Camping Area
1 Review•10 SavesLancaster, PennsylvaniaThis primitive tent-only camping area spans 10 acres and has five campsites; each with a picnic table and fire ring.
The Mill Creek Camping Area is located in the southern end of Lancaster County Central Park, in the woods and fields behind the Environmental Center. A driveway leads from Eshelman Mill Road to the camping area parking lot. It is bordered on the west by Mill Creek and includes both woodland and grassy areas.
A permit is required to camp. The maximum stay at the Mill Creek Camping Area is 7 consecutive days (6 nights), followed by a 7 day absence. View the camping brochure for more information.
Parking: Please park your vehicle in the cul-de- sac area. No parking is permitted at the campsites. • Water: Water spigots are located next to Campsite #2 and near Campsite #5. • Electricity: There is no electricity in the camping area. • Restrooms: A port-a-pot is provided near the parking area. Full-service restrooms are available at the Environmental Center from 8 am - dusk. Please note there are no shower facilities. • Trash: Please place all trash in the trash receptacles provided in the cul-de-sac or take it with you. • Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring. Fires are permitted only in the provided fire rings. • Firewood: A cooking pile of firewood (10-12 pieces) may be purchased for $10. Any dead wood on the ground may be used for fires. The cutting of standing trees and operation of chain saws is not permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$23 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near North East, Maryland
612 Reviews of 15 North East Campgrounds
Reba H.
Traveler
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Well maintained but fair warnings
The Hilton area campground is unique because, unlike the Hollofield area of the park, it doesn't allow RVs and its tent sites are non-electric. However, a tiny cabin experience with electricity is available... within the same loop as non-electric tent camping. My non-electric tent campsite was surrounded by brightly lit cabins, even unoccupied all of their porch lights stay on all night. It doesn't make the upper half of the campground ideal for stargazing. The other reviewers are correct that the lower half of the loop is situated lower in the valley which will make any rain you get more difficult, so avoid booking a site at the very bottom. Overall the campground and state park deserve 4 stars because from what I could see tent pads were level, firepits had grill gates, showers were hot, and staff were cleaning and maintaining the grounds everyday. But be safe; prepare detailed offline navigation if you use the trails surrounding the camp. I definitely got lost relying on blazes for what I thought was supposed to be the Charcoal Trail.
- RRachel D.
Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Ideal for locals
We love this campground for tent camping. Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There is also a playground in the middle of the tent site line, along with a basketball court. It’s not terribly exciting but it serves its purpose.
Great location on route 30, tons and tons of shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions nearby within a 5 minute drive. Lots of 24 hour places in case there was a middle of the night emergency since the little store closes fairly early, it also opens fairly late.
Being attached to Dutch wonderland is great too. It’s awesome to not have to drive home after a day of being at an amusement park.
“Lucy” B.Traveler
Elk Neck State Park Campground
Pretty views & super clean
Overall, we enjoyed our August 2020 stay at Elk Neck State Park. We stayed in the North East Loop as we needed both pet-friendly and electrical hook ups. During our hikes, we discovered that the tent sites have some truly amazing water views (particularly Miles Loop sites 169 and 173).
The bathrooms were immaculate in our loop, although the hot water heater was not working. Staff was friendly and kept their distance. The lighthouse was a nice flat hike and made for pretty pictures. We were disappointed to discover that there was a do not enter advisory for the beaches, as there was high bacteria content at the time. We did take a walk down to look at the beach, and to be honest, we probably would have passed on it anyways. Loud music and lots of litter. We don’t travel to the same site more than once, but the kids have both asked to come back to this one!- TTerri S.Traveler
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Very accommodating!
we tent camp and the site was booked over the phone and we got there nd the site was wooded and not enough room for our big tent, but they left us change sites and were very nice
- JJohn
Guide
White Oak Campground
Good and near Lancaster
Nice tent camping with plenty of space. Has a pool, too. The campground is clean and showers and restrooms like new and very clean. We liked our stay a lot.
- LLois .Guide
Roamers Retreat Campground
Small but quaint
Small campground with tent sites that are close together. Cleanly run close to Lancaster shopping and Amish country
- SSandy E.Scout
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Nice and quite. 7 mile hiking trail and 8 mile multi purpose trail.
Sites are full hook up with about 5 tent sites.
All are pretty much level.
Close to shopping if needed.
Dale B.Scout
Killens Pond State Park Campground
Great campground
Nice drive on sites for tent camping. A few well managed trails. A little heave on the rules(must use the wood they sell, clotheslines must come down overnight.
- Amy R.Scout
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
The best!
Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!
- JJenTraveler
White Oak Campground
Noisy but nice
The tent sites here are in an open field close to a busy road. The nearby mooing cow - cool. The horse and buggy traffic - super cool. The motor vehicles - so far from cool they can’t even see cool. Other than that, this is a very nice campground with a pool, rec room, and playground. The host was friendly and helpful, and the restrooms and showers were clean and adequate. The RV sites look a bit close together, but the tent sites are spaced more generously. There is a camp store with general items on the premises. Our only negative review is the road noise. And there’s a lot of it.
Mary S.
Legend
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
Small campground, large sites, lots of shade
Two thumbs up on this small campground with spacious, wooded sites!
We stayed here on a Thursday when the campground was almost empty, but there was a reservations list that showed the campground would be full for the Columbus Day weekend. We have good luck walking up to campgrounds during the week, but we look ahead to weekends and make reservations.
Spacious, Wooded Sites
- Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground.
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Parking pads on the electric loop are asphalt.
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There's very finely crushed rock on the non-electric loop. This includes the parking pad and tent pad.
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There are 8 camper cabins, 4 on each loop. There are beds for 4 or 6 people, and the cabins have air conditioning, a ceiling fan and electricity. These are a nice alternative to camping in a tent.
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Bathrooms are located in the middle of each loop, and there are spigots on the loops with potable water.
Small Park But Many Activities
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Canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake.
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Fishing
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20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding.
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Archery range
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Disc golf
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Hunting - as a hiker, I am extremely wary of hiking in parks at a time when hunting is allowed.
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- AAngel L.Traveler
French Creek State Park Campground
Close to the city
This state park is close to Philly but has some wonderful tent sites. There are also cabins and yurts but they aren’t dog friendly. Lots of nice trails.
- Joshua B.Scout
Philadelphia South/Clarksboro KOA
Great little koa
A small koa but very nice, I stayed in a cabin for my MTB race weekend. Great! Pool is a tad small. Restrooms very clean and good looking tent sites.
- bbrian R.Guide
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Camping close to civilization
We went tent camping with 3 friends. We occupied 2 camp sites. There was a clean bath house with showers. There was plenty of downed trees and limbs for firewood. If you like being close to stores, this is your place. We were 5 minutes from a grocery store and plenty of places to eat.
- LLois .Guide
Old Mill Stream Campground
Family camping close to Dutch Wonderland
Family cabins available, tent sites are small. Clean parks with a small stream. Next to Dutch Wonderland, showers are nice, laundry facilities available. Enjoyed our time but only because we were going to the park, not a campground to visit if your looking for quiet and isolation.
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.GuideFrench Creek State Park Campground
A great Trip for us.
I usually Tent Camp so the Cottage was nice. Had a stack of wood waiting for me and light and heat on. The campground is very nice but I’m here in the off Season and so heard it gets crazy. So much to do. We will be back!!! Bathrooms were not the best. But maybe bc it was off Season?
AnthonyTravelerFrench Creek State Park Campground
Solo Tenter- winter trip
Great location for a tent setup, especially since I’m new to winter camping. The site facilities were near my site and I felt comfortably spaced from other sites although that can also be attributed to choosing a corner space. There were a few other campers, mostly RV, but that didn’t detract from the beauty or experience of tent camping. Only wish I could have stayed longer to fish!
Great spot for a state park!
AdventureStang
Ranger
Old Cedar Campground
Not the best experience
We got there, the host wasn’t very friendly. We had to pay $50 per night for a tent site that was sandy mud. The facilities were nice and they had a pool and some other amenities. Somebody found a snake in there trailer so watch out for those 😂
Sara S.LegendFrench Creek State Park Campground
camping cabin
The camping cabins and yurts are somewhat grouped together in the middle of the campground area. We chose to stay in a yurt, as we were on a business trip to Philly, but wanted a couple days outside before heading home. There looked to be some nice tent sites as well. Lots of hiking trails to explore!
Dave R.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Great little spot
Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites. Only complaint being not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike. We did notice they have really nice tent sites that are all to themselves. Might be back to give those a try at some point
Christy M.ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Peaceful and clean, with friendly staff!
My husband and I have stayed at Elk Neck twice. It’s a great campground with lots of different loops to choose sites from. The bath houses are very clean, and the folks responsible for their upkeep are great. There are sinks for washing dishes outside the bathhouses, making cooking cleanup very convenient (especially if your site is close by, like ours). I can’t speak for the camper/RV sites, as we tent camp. But overall our experiences at Elk Neck have been consistently great.
Dave G.GuideFlorys Cottages & Camping
Decent, if nothing else available
We needed a tent site for the night in November and discovered that most of the campgrounds in PA were closed for the season. We found Florys, outside of Lititz, PA. It's mostly an RV campground with 5 or 6 tent areas. Each site is small and you're not allowed to build a fire. The only interesting thing about the site, was waking up and looking out 50 yards at the horse stables where horses greeted you from a distance.
- Ellen B.Guide
Lums Pond State Park Campground
Great place in the back yard
We do Lums Pond at least twice a year if we can get reservations.
Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer. There are some equestrian and tent sites as well.
Lots of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking. There’s an off leash dog park, equestrian center and boat ramp. Book early because it fills up fast!
Tom M.ScoutFrench Creek State Park Campground
A Fall visit was well worth the effort.
Stayed one night in C-loop in the Fall and it was excellent!! Weather was great, the lack of people was perfect, and the facilities were more than comfortable. Sites ranging from level with asphalt and sidewalks to the fire pit to near-natural for that full tent camping experience. Plenty of full hook-ups interspersed with electric only and no services. Something for everyone.
The state park has numerous hiking and biking opportunities and probably some fishing as well. The lake and pool facilities were closed but the scenery was still in full effect.
- Fransheska A.Ranger
Killens Pond State Park Campground
Great for kids!
My son absolutely loved this place. There’s anything and everything you could think of available to keep everyone busy. A water park, volley ball field, playgrounds, amphitheater, nature center, nature trails, and boat rentals at the lake.
It is a huge park, with secluded spots available for tent camping, cabins, and regular open spaces for camping rvs with electric hook up. Staff was friendly, campgrounds were well kept. It can get a little crowded but it’s worth it to stay. If you don’t like crowds, I suggest coming during the week days!
Simon S.RangerPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Many great trails to explore
Camp site(Tent camping)
The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :) It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD. We live close by so we go there for hiking a lot too.
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Facilities/ Amenities
Bathrooms were clean and well maintained.
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Surrounding area
This is where this camp ground shines. It has access to many trails and the Patapsco River. Saw Mill trails is great for a family hike.
The state park is in a great location for a quick trip for groceries and restaurants.
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- Philip B.Guide
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Worth a Night or Two
There’s not much to the site. The basics are here for RV sites but no water available for primitive tent camping. The fire pits have no grill and there is little shade. There is a creek side camping but the water is slow moving which mean a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The open field is nice but lack of shade will have you sweating by 7am. Still the site is low cost and the people are nice and friendly. The showers and bathroom leave much to be desired but are a welcome site after a long day in the sun.
Guide to North East
Tent camping near North East, Maryland offers a variety of scenic locations and outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts looking to escape into the great outdoors.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Enjoy scenic hiking trails at Susquehannock State Park Campground, where you can explore beautiful views of the Susquehanna River and discover long trails leading to Deer Creek.
- Experience the tranquility of Blackbird State Forest Campground, which features spacious campsites and opportunities for horseback riding along the main trail.
- Visit Hibernia County Park for family-friendly activities, including a children's pond and access to Brandywine Creek for fishing.
Tent campers should check out local attractions
- Take a bike ride from Susquehannock State Park Campground to the Conowingo Dam, a great spot for eagle watching and enjoying the stunning wildflowers along the trail.
- Explore the nearby trails at Ridley Creek State Park, which offers a variety of hiking options and beautiful landscapes perfect for first-time campers.
- Discover the charm of Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, where you can enjoy refreshing dips in the stream and engage with friendly passersby on the trails.
Unique features of these campgrounds
- Blackbird State Forest Campground is known for its secluded sites, allowing campers to enjoy privacy while still being close to nature.
- At Hibernia County Park, you'll find well-maintained facilities, including clean porta potties and picnic tables at each site, making it a comfortable choice for families.
- Gamlers Boat Yard Campgrounds offers a unique experience with its boat-in access, perfect for those looking to combine camping with water activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near North East, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North East, MD is Blackbird State Forest Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near North East, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near North East, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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