Tent campers near Olney, Maryland can access primitive campsites within several state and national parks throughout central Maryland. The region sits at the transition between the Piedmont Plateau and Coastal Plain, with elevations ranging from 300-500 feet above sea level. Summer camping typically experiences high humidity with temperatures averaging 85-90°F during July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rainfall.
What to do
Hiking and nature exploration: Patapsco Valley State Park offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. According to one visitor, "This park has a wide range of activities for kids. The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail."
Kayaking opportunities: Patapsco Valley State Park provides access to waterways suitable for paddling. A camper notes, "Roland Lake in Baltimore County is a great place to kayak on the Patapsco River. Tons of wildlife, facilities, and amenities for you and your family. The park was clean and it had knowledgable staff."
Aerial adventures: For families seeking more structured activities, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring features "the largest aerial challenge course in North America" according to one reviewer. The park offers camping options convenient for "before or after your time in the aerial challenge course."
What campers like
River proximity: Camping along the Potomac River at Antietam Creek Campground provides direct water access. One camper shared, "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: The Hilton area of Patapsco Valley offers excellent facilities for families. A reviewer mentioned, "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."
Simplicity and value: Marsden Tract Group Campsite offers basic accommodations at reasonable prices. A camper stated, "Super simple and the best price... easy to find and very clean."
What you should know
Site limitations: At Antietam Creek Campground, vehicle access is restricted. A camper explains, "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. It's great being on the water."
Bathroom facilities: Cleanliness of facilities varies significantly between parks. At Antietam Creek, one visitor noted, "When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross. We were at the site next to them and could smell them. Not pleasant."
Privacy considerations: Many campgrounds in the region have open layouts. One camper at Antietam Creek Campground observed, "All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by. It is nice if you're a social camper."
Weather impacts: Drainage can be an issue during heavy rains. A camper at Patapsco Valley noted, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features excellent play areas. A visitor shared, "This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two is the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. 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."
Safety considerations: Some trails require proper equipment when carrying children. One Patapsco visitor noted, "Hiking poles would have been good for the trails when we had a kid in a pack on our back."
Nature programs: Leesylvania State Park offers family-friendly areas. A visitor mentioned, "My son and I really enjoy spending time here! This park is ALWAYS full of family's having picnics and enjoying time together! There's playground and a beach area for kids and family to all enjoy."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping areas near Olney have minimal RV facilities. At Patapsco Valley, cabins offer an alternative to traditional RVs: "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.'"
Seasonal restrictions: Many campgrounds in the area operate only during warmer months. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area has a limited camping season from April through October, with strict check-in policies: "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3."