Tent camping near Perryville, Maryland offers access to diverse terrain where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with moderate precipitation year-round, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds in this area maintain primitive facilities with basic amenities, though water access ranges from simple spigots to no facilities at all.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, trails lead to panoramic views. "There are some excellent views of the Susquehanna River," notes Tom F. The park features "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River," according to David G.
Biking to Conowingo Dam: The park connects to a bike trail leading to Conowingo Dam. "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. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail," shares David G. The trail runs downhill from the campground, requiring preparation for the uphill return.
Water activities: Sandy Point State Park offers bay-side recreation options. "Great for work picnics, family reunions and family fun," says David G. The park includes "two main beaches and there are picnic tables all over the park. There's a popular boat launch and small marina/bait store."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground receives praise for site layout. "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room," says Sarah M. Another camper notes, "The camp sites are spaced out a good amount so each site has good privacy."
Natural settings: Mill Creek Camping Area offers water-adjacent camping. "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing," reports Philip B. The proximity to water helps regulate temperature even during hot summer days.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watchers appreciate the ecological diversity. At Susquehannock State Park, the overlook "puts you up with the birds," according to Nick S. The Conowingo Dam area serves as a renowned eagle watching location, particularly during migration seasons.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary: Most campgrounds operate on different reservation platforms. Blackbird State Forest has only 8 sites, while others require planning. "Get there early on weekends and holidays. The line to get in can be a mile long!" warns David G. about Sandy Point State Park.
Trail proximity impacts privacy: Some campsites sit directly on or near hiking trails. At Mill Creek Camping Area, "the site is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site," reports Philip B.
Limited facilities: Many sites offer only basic amenities. 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," explains one reviewer. Prepare accordingly with sufficient water supplies and sanitation plans.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreational areas: Patapsco Valley State Park features extensive child-friendly amenities. "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," recommends Angel G.
Swimming spots: Look for designated areas where children can safely cool off. "The nature center was closed when we visited, but the kids still enjoyed the sensory trail and playground. It's the perfect little getaway from the city for camping, fishing and hiking," notes Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park.
Weather preparedness: Campsites can become waterlogged during storms. "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," warns Alexandra T.
Tips for RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most campgrounds near Perryville restrict RV access. At Hibernia County Park, "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," advises Jennifer S.
Challenging site layouts: RVers face limited options. "There are a few sites that will [fit an RV], including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Dump station considerations: Plan for waste management as facilities are scarce. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," explains Jennifer S.