Tent camping near Queenstown, Maryland puts campers within easy reach of both the Chesapeake Bay waterfront and inland forested areas. Seasonal considerations are important when planning a trip, as summer months bring temperatures in the 80s with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional rain. The region's low elevation terrain ranges from sea level to about 100 feet, creating mostly flat camping experiences with some sites experiencing drainage issues during rainy periods.
What to do
Fossil hunting along beaches: At Calvert Cliffs State Park, a hiking trail leads to a beach where visitors search for prehistoric shark teeth and fossils. One camper noted, "The trail is marked very clearly through the woods, across some bridges, and next to a marsh. Finally the beach is very beautiful even though every year it gets smaller and smaller."
Crabbing from piers: Endeavor Point offers direct water access where campers can catch Chesapeake Bay blue crabs during summer months. The campground has "a pier [that] was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," according to a recent visitor.
Hiking through pine forests: Redden State Forest Campground features trails through dense pine woods about 45 minutes from Queenstown. A camper mentioned, "There are trails to hike, but they weren't marked well enough for this first timer so I didn't explore much." The trail system includes unmarked paths through mature pine stands.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Blackbird State Forest Campground receives praise for its site layout and privacy. A camper described, "Only 8 sites in the campground, very spaced apart. Each site has lots of room, very much enjoyed our stay and will return!" Another mentioned, "Each campsite features a picnic table or two, and a fire pit, plus one bundle of firewood."
Waterfront views: Many tent campers appreciate sunrise views from shoreline sites at Matoaka Beach Cottages where tent sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. A camper shared, "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves."
Natural camping surfaces: Unlike the packed gravel sites mentioned in other campgrounds, some locations offer softer tent spots. At Redden State Forest, a visitor noted that "The campsites are small and close together" but the natural setting creates "beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful" camping conditions with pine needle covered ground.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds vary dramatically: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping becomes extremely busy during summer weekends. One visitor warned, "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."
Restroom facilities differ significantly: While some parks offer full facilities, others provide only basic services. A Blackbird State Forest camper noted, "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."
Reservation requirements have changed: Some previously first-come sites now require advance booking. For example, at Redden State Forest a camper explained, "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers excellent family facilities near tent sites. A camper described, "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."
Water activities: Sandy Point provides swimming opportunities for families with children during summer months, though timing matters. A visitor advised, "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!"
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programming for children. Patapsco Valley's nature center provides seasonal activities, and as one camper noted, "There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Queenstown strictly limit RV access. At Redden State Forest Campground, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed."
Military option: Military personnel can access the Naval Academy FamCamp near Annapolis, which offers more RV amenities than most area campgrounds. A visitor described it as "Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap."
Limited hookups: Even at campgrounds that permit small RVs, expect primitive conditions. A Redden State Forest camper explained, "There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a 'leave no trace, carry in/carry out' facility."
