3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent camping options near Kensington, Maryland include several primitive sites along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, with Swains Lock and Marsden Tract offering dedicated tent-only camping areas. These walk-in tent campsites provide a surprising wilderness experience within close proximity to urban areas, with most situated along the historic C&O Canal towpath and the Potomac River.
Most tent sites in the area require short walks from parking areas, with Swains Lock offering approximately eight vehicle spaces near the trailhead. Campgrounds typically include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and some form of toilet facilities, though amenities vary significantly between locations. The Marsden Tract Group Campsite requires a good hike to reach with no nearby parking, water, or restrooms. A recent review noted, "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." Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly along the C&O Canal, where the five tent sites at Swains Lock fill quickly during peak season.
The Potomac River provides a scenic backdrop for many tent camping locations near Kensington. Early morning fog rising from the river creates memorable views, especially from riverside sites like Swains Lock. Access to the extensive C&O Canal towpath trail system makes these locations ideal for hikers and cyclists looking for overnight stops. According to one visitor at Swains Lock, "If I lived in Washington DC, this is where I would ride my bike to every weekend." The contrast between urban proximity and natural setting makes these tent sites particularly valuable, with many campers appreciating the ability to escape the city while remaining within a short drive. Fall and spring offer the most pleasant tent camping conditions with fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures.
from $150 - $200 / night
"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 even after the rain died down."
"There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. The campground is on the smaller side."
from $20 - $51 / night
"Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $40 / night
"Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit."
from $12 - $45 / night
"Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot..."
"Close to me so theres nothing new"
from $15 - $18 / night
"There are two main beaches and there are picnic tables all over the park. There’s a popular boat launch amd small marina/bait store.
Get there early on weekends and holidays.""There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach, pavilions for social gatherings, showers and bathrooms that are kept pretty very clean, and room for backpacking, hiking, picnicking,"
"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."
"Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."
Available next weekend
from $20 / night
TravelerClose to washington as we could get. Could also park our skoolie bus which was nice and had plenty of close by shower with bathrooms. Keep in mind only one shower per restroom house. We stayed at a pretty slow season so it wasn’t bad. Would recommend if visiting DC! They also have a dump station and water fill up.
ScoutWe stayed in site #133 with our 34'10" travel trailer/toy hauler. Overall, we really like the site. It's spacious, fairly level, heavily wooded, and feels surprisingly private. There's plenty of room around the camper, and although there are other campsites and cabins nearby, the trees provide a lot of separation. We had a nice large area for our chairs, fire pit, picnic table, and dogs. The biggest thing to know about #133 is the approach. We were instructed to pass the site, go around the loop, and then make a left turn into it. With our nearly 35' trailer, that would have required an extremely tight, almost 90-degree turn between the trees, and we did not feel we could safely make it. There is actually visible damage on one of the trees at the entrance, so it appears others may have had difficulty with the turn as well. Instead, we approached from the opposite direction and positioned the camper with our doors facing the main campsite area. That put the water and electric hookups on the opposite side, but our hoses and cord were long enough to run underneath the camper and reach without a problem. Once we figured that out, the site worked very well for us. I initially thought we probably wouldn't choose #133 again because of the awkward setup, but after spending the weekend here, I would. Now that we know how to approach and position our trailer, it really is a nice site. If you're bringing a longer travel trailer, just be prepared to do a little maneuvering and make sure your water hose and electrical cord have enough length if you decide to orient your camper the way we did.
ScoutSimple and friendly check in process. Clean and well-maintained site.
GuideSpent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
GuidePrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
GuideThis is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
RangerWe stayed at Little Bennett starting on Labor Day Monday and left before the weekend, so it is hard to say how this looks when the campground is full of life. They had quite a few activities for families and a pavilion capable of concerts and such, but there was minimal activity during our stay. My biggest complaint is that the gate code changed and we didn't get any notice--so after a long day and a dinner out near Baltimore (nearly an hour away), I had to call the police to get back to my camper. Otherwise, the campsite was relatively spacious and quiet. The bugs were a little rough. Lots of whitetail running around.
RangerThis KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms
Tent camping options near Kensington, Maryland extend well beyond the C&O Canal sites, with several additional primitive and established campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 200-400 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain from riverfront flatlands to wooded hillsides. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate conditions.
Water activities at Patapsco Valley State Park: Located within 30 minutes of Kensington, this park offers kayaking opportunities on the Patapsco River. According to one camper, "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." The park features multiple entrances with diverse trail options.
Historical exploration at Antietam Creek Campground: This campground provides easy access to nearby Antietam battlefield and historical sites. As one visitor noted, "It depends on what you're looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper's? Golden. Especially if you want to camp but also do site seeing and/or paddling in the area." The location serves as an excellent base for exploring Civil War history.
Aerial adventures near Sandy Spring: For active campers, The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring offers group camping combined with daytime challenges. A reviewer explains it's "Very convenient for before or after your time in the largest aerial challenge course in North America. Groups only- no individual campsites." Perfect for organized groups seeking both camping and daytime activities.
Riverside camping experiences: The best tent camping near Kensington, Maryland often involves waterfront sites. At Antietam Creek Campground, one camper described their site: "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."
Multiple trail options: Campers appreciate the extensive trail networks near many campgrounds. At Patapsco Valley State Park, a visitor shared, "Patapsco Valley offers 6 different entrances. Each one provides several different trail heads and experiences... The trails we have been on are all pretty moderate to hard but offer beautiful waterfalls and river views."
Proximity to urban amenities: Tent campers value being close to towns while enjoying nature. One Antietam Creek visitor mentioned, "One can walk to Shepherdstown, WV for some fun. Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!" This balance of wilderness and accessibility is a recurring theme in reviews.
Site accessibility varies significantly: Many campgrounds require walking to reach your site. At Antietam Creek, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners." Plan accordingly with appropriate gear for transporting equipment.
Limited privacy at some locations: Several campgrounds feature open layouts. One camper at Antietam Creek observed, "This campground is not for those looking for silence and solitude. All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Timing matters greatly for quality experiences. At Sandy Point State Park, reviewers warn, "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." Consider off-season visits for more peaceful camping.
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: Some parks offer excellent facilities for children. A visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park shared, "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." These amenities can keep younger campers engaged.
Consider cabin options for easier family trips: For families new to camping, cabins provide a comfortable introduction. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it.'"
Weather preparation is essential: Rain can significantly impact camping conditions. One family noted, "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 and it was very wet even after the rain died down." Pack appropriate rain gear and consider site location.
Limited RV options near Kensington: True RV camping is restricted in the immediate area, with most sites being tent-only. The Marsden Tract Group Campsite specifically notes limitations: "Purchasers the camp site is beautiful secluded quiet wonderful if you're looking for that extreme outdoors a no civilization it's a good hike to get to the campsite there's no parking nearby no water no bathrooms or electricity."
Access constraints for larger vehicles: Roads to many campgrounds near Kensington have limited width and low clearance. Even at established sites like Patapsco Valley, reviewers mention "It's a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood." Research routes carefully if bringing anything larger than a small trailer.
Consider day use with nearby full-hookup alternatives: Several reviewers suggest using parks for day activities while finding more accommodating overnight options. At Leesylvania State Park, a visitor noted, "Great day at the beach" while another suggested, "Good for a day use, parking is full most of the time but have a lot of space to park you may have to walk but you will find one spot."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kensington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kensington, MD is Marsden Tract Group Campsite — George Washington Memorial Parkway with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kensington, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Kensington, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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