Tent camping options around Huntingtown, Maryland include diverse waterfront and wooded sites throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Camps range from basic tent sites with direct water access to more secluded locations within forest settings. The area averages 43 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush surroundings but requiring weather preparation during the May-September camping season when afternoon thunderstorms are common.
What to do
Fossil hunting along shorelines: Calvert Cliffs State Park campground offers youth group tent camping with access to prime fossil hunting beaches. "Such an amazing expieriance and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth. Not only is searching for shark teeth a blast, but, the views are beautiful and walkin thru the woofs Is very calming!" reports a camper at Calvert Cliffs State Park.
Fishing and crabbing: Sites around Huntingtown provide excellent water access for fishing enthusiasts. At Endeavor Point, the "pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise." Many campgrounds require Maryland fishing licenses which allow up to a bushel of crabs per person, though some private campgrounds may set their own limits.
Hiking forest trails: Multiple campgrounds feature walking paths through varied ecosystems. A visitor to Patapsco Valley State Park notes, "The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were suppose to go. Luckily I had an app that kept me on trail. There are some pretty cool Bridges, old houses, and a water fall."
What campers like
Private tent areas: Lacy Oasis Campground near Huntingtown provides secluded tent sites. One visitor described it as "serenity, serenity, serenity! If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and, tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be."
Waterfront camping views: Tent campers appreciate the direct water access at several sites. At Matoaka Beach Cottages, a camper reported, "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."
Uncrowded camping during weekdays: Several campgrounds near Huntingtown remain relatively quiet outside holiday periods. A visitor to Endeavor Point noted, "We spent part of Labor Day weekend here, and there was almost nobody else there. The second night, one other pair of campers showed up. I found it super strange that more people didn't take advantage of a campground on the river with availability."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Chesapeake Bay area experiences frequent afternoon thunderstorms during summer months. Heavy rains can affect campsite conditions. At Patapsco Valley State Park, a camper warned, "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."
Site requirements vary: Many tent sites around Huntingtown have specific setup requirements. Some campgrounds restrict where tents can be placed. As one camper explained about 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."
Insect preparedness: Bugs can be problematic, particularly in waterfront locations. A visitor to Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds reported, "When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Caledon State Park, families appreciate the "Quiet place. Well maintained. Simple and scenic" environment with easy hiking trails suitable for older children.
Educational opportunities: Many sites offer nature programming and wildlife viewing. A visitor to Patapsco Valley noted, "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."
Beach activities: Shoreline tent camping sites provide natural entertainment for children. At Sandy Point State Park, a camper shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: True tent camping dominates around Huntingtown with few full-service RV sites. At Endeavor Point, RVers should note the campground offers RV spots but without many amenities, as it lacks sewer hookups and offers only basic electric and water connections at select sites.
Arrival timing: Several campgrounds enforce strict check-in policies. A camper at Patapsco Valley warned, "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3."
