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Best Tent Camping near Point of Rocks, MD

1,041 Reviews

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers several tent-only camping options within 15 miles of Point of Rocks, Maryland. Antietam Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites along the Potomac River, operating seasonally from May through October. Nearby, Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Campsite offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities for backpackers. For those willing to venture slightly farther, Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian Trail provides backcountry tent camping at 1,700 feet elevation with sweeping views from nearby rock outcroppings.

Most tent campsites in this region require some walking to access, with parking typically located on nearby roads. At Antietam Creek, campers park on the street and walk approximately 75 feet across a bridge and down a hill to reach their sites. Each site typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and grill, though amenities vary by location. Vault toilets or portable facilities are standard, but running water is limited or non-existent at most locations. Many sites follow Leave No Trace principles, requiring visitors to pack out all trash. The terrain can be challenging after rain, with some sites positioned on slopes that may complicate tent setup.

According to reviews, the riverside tent camping experience offers unique advantages. One camper at Antietam Creek noted, "It's great being on the water," though they mentioned limited privacy between neighboring sites. Another visitor reported that while the sites are "fully or mostly shaded," nearby train noise can be disruptive at night. The C&O Canal towpath provides excellent access for hikers and cyclists, with many tent campsites positioned just off this historic trail. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting encounters with deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. For backcountry tent camping enthusiasts, the sites at Annapolis Rock offer what one visitor called "basic camping, which is all you need when hiking the AT."

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Best Tent Sites Near Point of Rocks, Maryland (36)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Point of Rocks, MD

37 Photos of 36 Point of Rocks Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Point of Rocks, MD

1041 Reviews of 36 Point of Rocks Campgrounds

  • RL
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great views, primitive camping

    We hiked the one mile into the campground and stayed for a night. It was a pretty flat walk from the overnight parking area to the campground. In the campground there is one bathroom facility with two vault toilets (although one of the doors was locked while we were there, which was unpleasant with a full campground). No running water or showers in the bathhouses. Non-potable water pump is near the restroom. Boil water at least three minutes before consuming. There are two areas with firewood (purchase when you check in or pay $6 cash at the kiosk - honor system). Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole. Definitely will be back!

    The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites 🪁💙

  • Lucas B.
    Jul. 2, 2017

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Awesome foray into backpacking

    Came here for the first time in February 2017 to do a shakedown on some new backpacking and camping gear. Super friendly staff and easy check in process. Parking is in a locked lot steps away from trail head which leads to campsites about a mile away. Campsites are in a wooded area of park well away from other park attractions so it's very quiet. Sites are spaced far apart and come with tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and lantern pole. Non potable water is available via hand pump near rest rooms. Rest rooms are very nice and clean. No showers. This was one of my favorite camping experiences ever and I will definitely be back!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

  • Reba H.
    May. 2, 2023

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Please don't treat this like car camping

    I understand why people are lugging wheeled carts a mile into this campground, but it is technically not allowed. This is a backcountry/backpacking experience. Most of the hike-in is on Hadow Trail, which is dirt, not gravel. It is technically an equestrian trail too, but there's no way a horse could make it without breaking an ankle right now; the trail is so worn down by wheeled cart usage that the park has created a service project on the American Hiking Society's website calling for volunteers to do restoration work on Hadow Trail on this year's upcoming National Trails Day.

    I hiked in while it was raining, and the mud wasn't as bad as I'd feared. However, the worn down parts of the trail attracted rainwater drainage, and the runoff narrowed the trail significantly. When I got to Boston Mill Rd Trail, which is gravel, the hike was easy, until the spur turning into the campground, when the trek goes uphill. If your site is further back, you will be hiking up and down many hills throughout the campground. The hills are fantastic for helping each site feel like a little private oasis. Even if the campground is full, I think most of the sites would still feel shaded and private because of how they're dispersed throughout the hills. 

    My site bordered the buddy site and scout group sites at the beginning of the campground, so there was noise from loud kids but not as bad as I thought it might be. I was still able to enjoy peace and quiet, as the group respected quiet hours and was busy hiking the rest of the state park during the daytime, so don't shy away from this site if it's the only one available. The group sites also have their own latrine at the beginning of the campground, which pleasantly surprised me because this meant there were two latrines fairly close to each other, just to accommodate projected usage. There are many thoughtful details like this throughout the design of the campground facilities. 

    For a backcountry campground, I was SO impressed with how stocked and clean everything was. Firewood is $8 (honor system), but there was some leftover at my site already. My firepit had a quality grill gate too. There are LOTS of bear trash cans available, and having a bear box at my campsite to store my food/trash/toiletries was so much easier than hanging a bear bag. If it hadn't rained, I also would've been able to use the hammock posts at my site (you could use these to hang a clothesline too if you wanted). When I talked over the phone with a ranger, she told me that only a few campsites didn't have hammock stands. If you think a lantern is worth its weight to carry in, there's a lantern post on the tent pad. I loved how level the tent pad was even on a hill. I couldn't figure out how to use the potable water pump, but there are plentiful creeks you can filter water from.

    Overall, this is a fantastic campground for a beginner backpacking experience in the real backcountry. Use the Avenza Maps app that the park has its map uploaded into, and you won't get lost finding the overnight parking/self check-in station like I did. Know the gate code of this area before you go. The gate takes a hard push and pull. If you're prepared for all this, you'll arrive at camp before dusk when the wild animals come out. At night I saw white-tailed deer and heard owls and cattle! During the day I saw/heard SOOO many birds on the South Ridge Trail and found a bear track after the Cpt. Morgan Trail on the creek side of Hadow Trail!! If all this sounds awful rather than exciting to you, just drive in for the day and stick to the historic areas rather than venture into the park's backcountry areas.

  • Amy S.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Sky Meadows State Park Campground

    Great hike in campground

    It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park. Firewood is available for sale and there are fire rings with grates and a picnic table. Sites are large enough for three one person tents. Pit toilets, no showers, cell service. Make sure you bring a bear bag or box with you.

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Beautiful campground, and great for visiting DC

    Beautiful campground, fairly large with 4 separate loops. Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites.

    There’s a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C (sorry tenters who wanted to avoid RVs). The water fill was a little annoying in that there’s a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down. 

    The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there’s continuous running water (no button to push). There’s only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain (no door and no lock). Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow. Most have too much tree cover for solar or starlink, but some sites are more open and you might be able to make it work. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Cost is $20/night, must reserve on recreation.gov, and you can do that when you arrive and pick a site (no service fee for this site)

    Cell service is pretty good for Verizon and ATT. 

    No alcohol allowed in the park. 

    GETTING TO DC: There’s normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm, and by the looks of it it’s been out a while and it doesn’t appear that it will be fixed soon. So what we did, since we don’t have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends. Weekdays it’s about $5/day if you take the metro, and about $9 if you’re just parking there. The College Park station is closer but is apparently a parking garage (can’t confirm because we didn’t go to that station). This worked very well for us. You can pay for the metro with an app or get a card, either way it costs you $2 to buy the card, and then $2 each way on the train. Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, no sharing one card. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

Guide to Point of Rocks

The Point of Rocks area offers tent camping options along sections of the Potomac River at elevations ranging from 240 to 1,700 feet. Most campgrounds are accessible from the C&O Canal towpath, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during daytime hours. Local campgrounds typically close between late October and early April due to freezing temperatures and occasional snow.

What to do

Tubing on the Potomac River: Camp at Antietam Creek Campground where one camper notes, "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!" The Potomac River has relatively calm sections ideal for beginners.

Climbing at Annapolis Rock: Visit Annapolis Rock Campground for rock climbing opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "The Annapolis Rock cliffs offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!" The cliffs are located a short walk from the campground area.

Explore Historic Sites: Stay at Gathland State Park Campground, which puts you close to Civil War historical sites. "Solid camping area... felt safe and had a great time," reports one camper. The park includes a monument to war correspondents and preserved historic structures.

What campers like

Riverside Access: Campers appreciate the proximity to water at Horseshoe Bend Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite. One reviewer shared, "Small campsite but no one else was there, so it was perfect. There is a porta potty, water pump, and picnic table. Wonderful spot on the river."

Social Camping Experience: The best tent camping near Point of Rocks, Maryland often includes meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts. A camper at Antietam Creek mentioned, "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."

Wildlife Viewing: Tent campers regularly spot wildlife during their stays. At Sky Meadows State Park, a visitor noted, "We had a family of deer pay us a visit each morning - didn't come across any bears." Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

What you should know

Seasonal Closures: Many campgrounds in the Point of Rocks region operate seasonally. At Antietam Creek, camping is available "from May 1 to October 1," with limited amenities during shoulder seasons.

Trail Conditions: Hiking to backcountry sites can be challenging after rain. A camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground shared, "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I've heard it is sometimes enforced." Always check current trail conditions before heading out.

Bear Safety Requirements: Most tent camping options near Point of Rocks require proper food storage. At Annapolis Rock, a camper pointed out that "There are also two bear poles. one near the beginning of the campsite trail and one closer to the spring." Never leave food in your tent overnight.

Tips for camping with families

Choose Sites with Facilities: For tent camping with children, prioritize campgrounds with amenities. At Sky Meadows, a reviewer appreciated that "Each site has a bear box, fire ring, picnic table, tent pad with pea gravel, and a lantern pole."

Consider Hiking Distance: Families should factor in the walk to campsites. A visitor at Mulehalla noted, "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart." This provides room for children to explore safely.

Plan for Weather: Summer temperatures can reach 90°F, while spring and fall nights often drop below 50°F. A Sky Meadows camper advised, "The park has wide open rolling hills and mountain views. Lots of families picnicking and flying kites." Bring appropriate clothing for temperature variations.

Tips for RVers

Limited RV Options: Most tent camping near Point of Rocks, Maryland cannot accommodate RVs. A visitor to Antietam Creek noted, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road."

Consider Alternative Arrangements: RV campers may need to set up at nearby state parks instead. Sky Meadows campers mentioned, "It's about a mile hike in to the campground, which sits in the woods in the park," making it unsuitable for RV camping.

Day-Use Access: RVers can park at designated day-use areas and hike to scenic spots. According to one visitor, "We didn't get to check out the Appalachian Trail - but it was only a few miles from the campsites," allowing for day trips from RV parks further away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Point of Rocks, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Point of Rocks, MD is Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 3.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Point of Rocks, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Point of Rocks, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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