Tent camping near North Potomac, Maryland offers primitive sites along the Potomac River with elevations ranging from 250 to 500 feet above sea level. The region features deciduous forest terrain with oak, maple and hickory trees providing seasonal shade. Spring camping brings temperatures from 50-75°F while summer conditions can reach 85-95°F with high humidity.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: Sky Meadows State Park Campground connects to the Appalachian Trail with varied terrain. "Nice area to hike around, with access to the AT. There is also a stretch of trail that they deem the 'old AT' before it was relocated. Part of the trail cuts through some areas with cows - beware the cow pies!"
Observe wildlife: The forests and riverbanks support diverse animal populations. At Sky Meadows, campers report seeing "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."
Water activities: Patapsco Valley State Park provides river access for kayaking and swimming. "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."
What campers like
Private site layouts: The terrain helps create natural separation between camping areas. At Sky Meadows, "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."
Riverside locations: Antietam Creek Campground offers direct water access. "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several parks feature playgrounds and nature centers. Patapsco Valley has "a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes."
What you should know
Walk-in requirements: Many sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Marsden Tract Group Campsite, "it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water no bathrooms or electricity but all in all it's beautiful."
Limited facilities: Most sites offer basic amenities only. Antietam Creek has "a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Pit toilet was not very clean and there are no trash cans so folks had taken to leaving their trash in the bathroom."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts site conditions significantly. At Patapsco Valley, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Leesylvania State Park Campground offers recreational areas for children. "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."
Nature programs: Some parks feature educational opportunities. Patapsco Valley "is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Trail difficulty: Consider terrain when planning hikes with children. "The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views. This definitely is a park that takes a while to explore all of it."
Tips from RVers
Tent pad surfaces: Tent sites have varying ground materials. At Patapsco Valley, "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground."
Site privacy concerns: Some campgrounds offer limited separation between campers. At Gathland State Park Campground, a camper noted it was a "solid camping area... felt safe and had a great time" but other locations have less privacy.
Check-in procedures: Parks have specific arrival protocols. At Sky Meadows, "You can check in after 1. But you have to drive up to the main building, register, go back to the overnight lot, put in the gate code, hang the lot tag on your mirror, and hike in to the site."
