Campground options within 30 miles of Hardesty, Maryland range from rustic tent sites to full-amenity RV parks. The region sits in Maryland's coastal plain where summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with high humidity levels. Fall camping offers more comfortable conditions with average daytime temperatures of 65-75°F and reduced humidity. Sites can be muddy after rainfall, particularly in spring when the area averages 3-4 inches of precipitation monthly.
What to do
Hiking through forest habitat: Cedarville State Forest offers multiple trail systems with varying difficulty levels. One visitor noted, "We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk. We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently." The forest contains several abandoned camp loops that make for interesting exploration opportunities.
Water activities on Chesapeake Bay: While primarily a day-use facility, Sandy Point State Park provides youth group camping facilities near its beaches. "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life. It is a great little spot on the Chesapeake river. Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth," shared one regular visitor who recommends avoiding August when "jellyfish take over with a vengeance."
Explore urban green spaces: Just 10 minutes from the Metro, Greenbelt Park Campground offers woodland hiking while providing easy access to Washington DC. As one camper explained, "The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods... The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods."
What campers like
Convenient DC access without city prices: Many campgrounds serve as affordable bases for exploring Washington DC. A camper at Washington DC Capitol KOA reported, "Sites were pretty close together but enough space to do your thing and lots of woods around for shade and hammocks. Showers were decent. You can hear some traffic noise. Over all very nice and convenient."
Family-oriented recreation: Campgrounds feature numerous activities for children. One visitor to Pohick Bay Campground noted, "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Despite proximity to urban areas, many campgrounds offer wildlife encounters. At Cedarville State Forest, one camper observed, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates." Similarly, at Greenbelt Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "While cooking dinner noticed a family of deer grazing close by, a great way to settle in for the evening."
What you should know
Seasonal availability limitations: While some campgrounds operate year-round, many have restricted seasons. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area operates April 1 to October 30, with one camper noting, "The campground is on the smaller side. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. 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."
Reservation requirements vary: Most campgrounds require advance booking through recreation.gov or their own reservation systems. At Greenbelt Park, "This is a NO CASH facility which means you CANNOT pay upon arrival so you will have to do so online."
Long-term residents at some facilities: Adventure Bound Washington DC has numerous extended-stay campers. As one visitor observed, "It appears that most of the people here live full-time. Sites were very close. The site was part Gravel and mostly mud/grass. There was trash on site." Another camper noted, "60% were long term residents of the campground. Our sight was one of the few semi-isolated."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive recreation options. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," explained one visitor.
Nature exploration programs: Several parks run educational activities for children. At Patapsco Valley State Park, "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."
Weather preparation: Summer heat and humidity can be challenging with children. Pack extra water, insect repellent and sun protection. At Cedarville State Forest, be prepared for "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have variable site conditions. At Pohick Bay Campground, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)." Check campground maps carefully before booking.
Utility connections: Several campgrounds offer partial or full hookups. When staying at Greenbelt Park Campground, note that "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."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entrances, particularly for larger rigs. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, "Do not try and come in after dark. Very tight and very dark." Similarly, at Cherry Hill Park, "We had a premium site for seven nights. The site was perfectly level with a fire ring, grill, picnic table and table with three chairs."
