Best Tent Camping in Maryland
Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent in Maryland? Find the best tent camping sites in Maryland. These scenic and easy to access Maryland campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites in Maryland (43)
1. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Catonsville, Maryland18 Reviews•94 Photos•158 SavesHilton is a place for kids of all ages to play and explore. Located off Hilton Avenue, this area is within walking distance for many residents in Catonsville. A popular spot for afternoon walks and morning workouts, the trails are active with local residents and visitors from far away.
You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures. The area also has a small campground with six mini-cabins and 12 basic campsites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $51 / night
2. Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Sharpsburg, Maryland11 Reviews•24 Photos•118 SavesOverview
The Antietam Creek Campground is located at Mile 69.4 on the C&O Canal Towpath, a few miles south of Shepherdstown on the Maryland side of the Potomac River. The campsites are nestled in the woods between the Canal and the Potomac River and they are a short distance from many recreational opportunities. Fishing, boating and hiking are but a few possibilities while staying at Antietam Creek Campground.
Recreation
Popular activities at Antietam Creek include boating and fishing. Kayaking the creek and surrounding areas during various times of the year are scenic and ever changing. Nearby boat ramps at Dargan Bend and Snyders Landing provide motor boat access to the river. Fishing is also a popular pastime in both the watered sections of the C&O Canal the Potomac River. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older. West Virginia Licenses are approved for fishing in the Potomac only.
Natural Features
Antietam Creek Campground is just south of Sharpsburg, MD. Antietam Creek is a typically mild and slow moving creek which feeds into the much larger and faster Potomac River directly adjacent to the campsite. River rise and floods can modify conditions quickly here.
Nearby Attractions
Antietam Battlefield, South Mountain Recreation Area and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park all provide additional hiking and history adventures specifically about the Civil War Era.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer. Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $20 / night
3. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
Gibson Island, Maryland8 Reviews•8 Photos•38 SavesThe park has two Youth Group Camping sites that are strictly for official youth groups only. The youth group camping sites are open from the beginning of April through the beginning of November. These rustic camping sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. Each site has a small picnic shelter with two tables and a grill. Download a Youth Group Pass application online.
If your youth group would like to do a service project during your stay, please call the park two weeks before the date of your arrival and speak with the volunteer coordinator to set up a project.
Make youth group camping reservations on-line for Sandy Point State Park or call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267).
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
4. Big Run State Park Campground
Bloomington, Maryland6 Reviews•9 Photos•83 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $55 / night
5. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
Lusby, Maryland5 Reviews•13 Photos•60 SavesYouth Group Camping
There are five youth group camping sites available and reservations are required. Youth Group passes are honored.
Access to pit toilets, fire ring, and one 12 foot picnic table are provided with each site. (Available April-October)
You can make reservations through parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
6. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Myersville, Maryland5 Reviews•24 Photos•86 Saves- Pets
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
7. Endeavor Point
Patuxent River, Maryland5 Reviews•13 Photos•56 SavesNOTE: THERE IS A 2 NIGHT MINIMUM FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.
Great place for fishing, camping, kayaking, lazy days on the beach grilling and hanging out with family and friends. Book family events on the beach. Come and explore the historic Benedict village. Join us at our Endeavor Point to enjoy simplicity and remarkable views of the Patuxent river. The Endeavor Point is located at the end of Mill Creek Road, offering breathtaking views of the Patuxent river, overlooking Golden Beach and St. Mary's County shoreline. Far enough for a serene retreat and yet just a few minutes drive to shops and restaurants in Prince Frederick or Charlotte Hall. Endeavor Point is a diamond in the rough. Come play, fish, relax, and have fun! Whether you’re in Maryland for a day, weekend stop or a week of touring, Endeavor Point is the perfect spot for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, stargazing, or just enjoying a serene evening by the fire. Enjoy breathtaking views from each one of our 3 comfortable accommodations or from any of the campsites. Spacious outdoor area, rustic beach, long pier. Explore the Patuxent river or Mill Creek with our kayaks or paddle board, available for rent on site.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$55 - $95 / night
8. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Little Orleans, Maryland4 Reviews•22 Photos•34 SavesOverview
The Paw Paw Tunnel Campground is located at Mile 156 on the C&O Canal Towpath on the Maryland side of the Potomac River, across from the town of Paw Paw in West Virginia.
Recreation
The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Facilities
The most popular activities for Paw Paw Tunnel campers are hiking the Paw Paw Tunnel trails, biking the C&O Canal Towpath, kayaking and fishing. The local town of Paw Paw, WV, has a boat ramp for easy access to the Potomac just across the river via surface roads. Be sure to acquire a Maryland Fishing License for those age 16 or older.
Natural Features
Tucked in the mountains of Western Maryland and adjacent to Green Ridge State Forest, experience the history and culture of the area as well as its natural beauty, which is plentiful all times of the year, but especially during autumn.
Nearby Attractions
Green Ridge State Forest is a local park to continue your adventures. Cumberland is 25 miles west on MD 51.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations A cancellation is the release of a confirmed reservation prior to the start of the defined late cancellation time frame which results in non-use by the original customer.__ __ Camping and Day Use Facilities Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window ___ Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. ___ Group Facility: Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. ___ Group Day Use Area: Customers who cancel a group day-use facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will forfeit the total day-use fee.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$10 - $20 / night
9. Dahlgren Backpacker Campground in Greenbrier State Park Campground
Boonsboro, Maryland3 Reviews•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
10. Matoaka Beach Cottages
St. Leonard, Maryland2 Reviews•6 Photos•91 SavesMatoaka is a privately owned and operated bay-front getaway in Calvert County, Maryland. The facility is nestled quietly on the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay with hundreds of feet of bay views and a one third of a mile private sandy beach for visitor access.
The property's many acres are primarily wooded with fields and a winding dirt lane which brings visitors to the main grounds. The main grounds boast beautiful views of the bay, sunrises, and easy access to the beach. The cabins back up to a bamboo forest and overlook the bay.
Cabin Rentals: April 15 to November 1
Check in between 3-8pm - Check out by 11 am
Dogs are not permitted
All cabins have their own kitchen with fridge, propane stove, microwave & basket style coffeemaker.
Bathrooms have stall showers, flush toilets and sink.
Grills are for charcoal cooking only, no wood fires please.
Cabins are not furnished with bedding, towels nor kitchen utencils, etc.
Please remember to bring: Bedding, towels, kitchen items, paper products, soap and charcoal for the grill.
Area Info:
Grocery stores are located about 10 minute drive away in both Prince Frederick (north) and Lusby (south).
Nearby Restaurants -
Gateway Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, Port Republic, MD (Take out & Dine-in)
Fredy's Woodfire Pizza, Prince Frederick, MD (Delivery Available)
Happy Buddha, Saint Leonard, MD (Take out)
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Tent Reviews in Maryland
1279 Reviews of 43 Maryland Campgrounds
- B
Becky
Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Convenient to DC and public transportation
This is an urban oasis. Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground. Living nearby but storing my popup camper elsewhere, I often park my camper here for a few days while I pack it for a trip. It's also just nice to experience that "getaway" feeling without being too far from home. Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here. No electric or hook ups. There is a dump station and water available at spickets throughout the campground. Showers and bathrooms are basic and clean. Oh, and bonus, the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park. https://discoverytrail.org/
Benjamin L.
Guide
Green Ridge State Forest
Beautiful Primitive Camping only 2 hours from DC
My family and I have gone camping all over Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but had never visited Green Ridge before this weekend. My son's and I decided to do some cold weather tent camping and to explore the Pawpaw tunnel while doing some hiking. Greenridge Forest didn't disappoint. I've added it onto my go to spots for Maryland but not one that I'll bring my wife to (true primitive camping).
The Pros:
The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite, in fact, I'm not exactly sure where it even was. All of the sites are primitive sites with only a fire circle and a picknick table. Many of the back sites require high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicles to get to. (These can be a cons too).
The Cons:
The area is beautiful, but it is a working forest so don't expect a ton of old growth trees and some areas will have been freshly logged. All of the campsites are primitive sites, and some require high clearance and 4 wheel drive in order to get to the site. You can't make a reservation in advance, you have to take a chance that there will be a site available. There are no latrines, bathrooms or showers anywhere to be found and the closest store is 30 minutes away.
My boys and I all loved it there even though it was only 14 degrees at night. We will definingly return.
Renee P.Guide
Janes Island State Park Campground
So beautiful!!
Unfortunately, there was a fire ban and extremely windy conditions, which is out of the parks control so I didn't get to enjoy it as much. From what I have experienced, it was amazing! The hike trails are so beautiful and being by the water was a complete experience! I got to see the sunset for the first time in a long time. Park was clean and well maintained. Bathroom was clean and WARM! they also have showers. They sale firewood at the cabin store but the store is only opened Thursday- Sunday
- TTimothy C.Scout
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Great site - super accessible!
Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly.
- Heather
Ranger
Breezy Point Beach
Nice to be by the water & hear the waves
They have renovated the beach and per my friends, the fencing protecting the area is new, but needed. The sites are too close to each to each other and people were blaring their music. The bathhouse needs updating. Not enough fire rings and if you don’t have one and the campground is full, you’re out of luck. Saw an otter one night!
Lee D.
Legend
Assateague State Park Campground
Ocean breezes and horses too!
General: Large campground in 10 units (A-J). J is a walk-in tent site only; the others all have paved camper pads. The layout is horizontal so that all units are close to the ocean. Some back right up to the dunes while the ones on the other side of the loops have a tree barrier separating the sites from the ocean. 80-100 wild horses roam free on the beach and throughout the campground. You are instructed to give them a 40-foot berth. Generators need to be “whisper quiet” and the hours are strictly enforced (although the camper in the site next to us did not understand the definition of whisper quiet; when we asked the camp host, we were told it was up to the ranger to police this).
Site Quality: Sites are level and paved. Each comes with a picnic table and a fire ring. Although there is nothing to physically separate the sites, they are located a modest distance apart from each other. I don't believe there are hookups in any of the sites.
Bath/Shower House: Modern and very clean. Hot water from the taps was appreciated. The showers looked nice, but we did not use them.
Activities/Amenities: There is beach access from each loop in the campground and miles of beach await you. There is a beach toy lending station, and it was filled with toys. A little free library, recycling, and dishwashing sinks. The visitor center sells ice and other basic sundries. Only saw a couple of horses as we arrived but a site across and down from us had four horses wander into their site when they were making hot chocolate, and they wouldn’t leave! As we were leaving the next morning, we saw many horses. They tended to congregate in the sites closer to the entrance.
We were only able to spend one night here. The check-in time of 2 pm is strict as is the check-out time of 11 am, which was a bit of a bummer. Wish we could have spent more time here and would definitely return.
- ZZu Y.Guide
Martinak State Park Campground
Beautiful campground with cozy bathroom
I love this campground very much. I called the office book my reservation, the representative put me in Acorn loop.
When I arrived by the late evening, there are only two camper in a huge site. Then I drove to Butterfly loop, this site have much more peoples, some camper tell me, the Ranger will coming soon; finally the ranger help me move my site into the Butterfly loop. From my experience, better book campsite by yourself online, then you have an idea this site how many occupancy.
- AA B.
Traveler
Hollofield Area Campground
Closed
We arrived at 1am, hadn’t made a reservation, and it was closed and the gates locked. No where on the website does it say it’s closed. Very frustrating, especially as a weary traveler.
Laurie H.Guide
Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway
Great Location to Ocean City
We stayed at this campground to be close to Ocean City for Ocean Calling music festival in September 2024...It is a great family rv Park...Lots of amenities...clean...close to OC or Historic Berlin...After the in-season fee and lock site fee...our nightly overall cost was $145...I will stay again next year if we attend the music festival. Only 4 stars b/c the showers need upgrading.
- RRick V.Traveler
Camp Meade RV Park
Great RV park to stay near Vicksburg
Did stay here after visting Vicksburg. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Friendly hostess and we had a nice shady spot, what was great with a heat of 94F.
- BBernie C.Traveler
Woodlands Camping Resort
No frills, but OK
Staying in the overnight section was just OK. Only 4 50 amp spots, luckily we secured one. No sewer hookup, but there is a dump station in the seasonal/ permanent section. The campground is gated and that is nice, because the surrounding area is not great. *Highlight- super fun restaurant very nearby, great food, live music, on the Elk river. Restaurant is Unwind on the Water.
Rob O.Traveler
Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
So peaceful, free split firewood, close to Gettysburg
Reservations are made through the National parks service "recreation.gov" website. Arrived for tent camping for 2 nights and found a pleasantly prepared raised bed area to pitch my tent on. My stay was quiet and the bathrooms were clean and well stocked. This is a great base camp for getting out to the Gettysburg National park and battlefield. town is less than 10 miles away that has a grocery store and restaurants. FREE split firewood. So quiet i swear i heard a squirrel burp.
Brett D.Guide
Susquehanna State Park Campground
Good Near by Camping
Good near by camping less then 90 minutes from me. Relatively quiet campsite, family friendly. We stayed in site 38 on the Acorn loop, which had a fair amount of roots and took some work to get leveled , but was manageable once the camper was leveled. Electric worked great. Hiking trails were infested with yellow jackets and stung myself and my wife while hiking. Also Steppingstone farm was closed , but was not indicated on the website prior to camping. If you like beer I recommend checking out Hopkins Brewery, which is about 8 minutes away from the campsite.
- VVanessa S.Guide
Tuckahoe State Park Campground
A Gem of a State Park
We were looking to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore and picked Tuckaho because they had electric sites available. We were so pleased with our stay. The campground is well maintained and the sites are great. We have a small travel trailer and our site was pretty level and nicely private. We backed up to a hiking trail which was nice. There's lots to do here. There's a disc golf course and the camp store has discs available to use. We've never played before but had a blast learning, now we're hooked. We also enjoyed kayaking on the lake. If you enjoy birding this park is great, we saw so many cool birds. There's an arboretum and horse riding trails. We will definitely be going back!
- KKarin P.Traveler
Little Bennett Campground
Great for families
Fun weekend trip very close to DC. Well kept park with lots of activities for kids - jumping pillow, laser tag, pedal carts, arts and crafts. Nice little game room and some outdoor games at the activity center as well. Full hookup spots in the D loop were pretty nice. The spots in the first half of the loop felt a little close together for my taste, but our spot (D61) was nice as we didn’t have any neighbors on one side. Only complaint is that it’s pricey and has a two night minimum on weekends, but felt worth it with all the activities that were available.
- nnick H.Traveler
Shad Landing Campground
Peace and quiet with lots to do for kids
Amazing state park in the woods. Lots to do for the kids.
- DDale Y.Traveler
Brunswick Family Campground
Nice campground
The campground is adjacent to a very large, very busy train yard. It’s not bothered me but you should be aware.
The campground is also right on the Potomac, easy to get to, reasonably priced, and the sites are spacious. The loops are small, each containing a dozen or fewer spaces. Many sites share a power pole and water faucet, but they are well situated.
There is a small camp store, but the campground is convenient to ample grocery stores, convenience stores, and restaurants as well as many local historic attractions.
Germ E.Scout
Horsepen Branch
Good
many passport photo maker tools are versatile enough パスポートカラコン 2024 to accommodate other types of identification photos, such as those for visas, driver’s licenses, or ID cards. By providing options for various photo specifications, these tools can serve multiple needs beyond just passport applications. This versatility makes them a practical investment for individuals who require different types of official photos for various purposes.
Jason M.GuideAssateague State Park Campground
Loved it
Had a great time. Came with an outdoorsy circle of friends and we all had a awesome time at Assateague. The Atlantic was pretty rough but we still had a lot of fun at the beach. Our site was perfect too. We were very close to the bathrooms, showers, and the beach. The sound of the beach at night makes for great natural white noise. Chickens and horses might wake you up at a reasonable early hour, which isn’t a problem for me since I’d probably oversleep myself
- DDonna S.Traveler
Hillcrest River & Canal Tunnel River Campgrounds
Nice quiet place
I left a review but Dyrt keeps wanting to give another one. We stayed 2 weeks. I'm originally from the area but live in Florida. I was back for a family reunion and to visit friends and former classmates. I had no idea this gem was here, but after finding it, when I come to visit, which is once a year or every other year, if I bring the motorhome, I will definitely stay here.
Richard B.TravelerHollofield Area Campground
Nice place to camp
This campground is pleasant, but the sites are situated quite close to one another. The camping area is away from the main parts of the park through gates, so you won't be bothered by non-camp traffic. A few hiking trails lead to many more extended trails, but it is a steep slope down to the river.
- DDonna S.Traveler
Hillcrest River & Canal Tunnel River Campgrounds
Love this place!!
When we arrived, Donnelly showed us a few sites that we may like. He does ride a mower because he had a double knee surgery. I'm from this area and didn't realize this campground gem was here until recently. Our stay is 2 weeks.
I always read the recent reviews before coming and wasn't sure what to expect and truthfully was a bit nervous. Now that I know those horrible reviews are not true, I feel better. It's a shame people would give such horrible reviews on such a cute place and super nice owner.
Kim M.Scout
New Germany State Park Campground
Gross!
If your looking for cleanliness find another campground. The bathrooms and Showers in the campground and the beach house are Gross all the time. The swim area leaves a brown residual stain in your swimwear and on your person. A simple shower won't get the stuff off your skin you will have to scrub multiple times to get clean. Forget getting a peaceful night's sleep because you won't due to dogs barking and the amount of traffic traveling through the area or by the campground. The Lack of rangers presence and lack of cleanliness has made this place go from a nice place to spend time to a absolute last resort when it comes to camping for my family.
Terrance D.Scout
Lacy Oasis Campground
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. Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself. My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I. The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space. There is not enough I can say about this place. It was definitely more than I expected. But my agency has worked with the owner in the past on other community support initiatives and she has always been an overachiever. Please come and enjoy this space. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.
Mike G.ScoutHillcrest River & Canal Tunnel River Campgrounds
Host discriminates
Donelly decided that we were Muslims and told us to get off his property. I'm not making this up - it really happened.
- PPatrick M.Scout
Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA
Clean grounds friendly accommodating staff
We really enjoyed our stay here. Sites, amenities, and bathrooms/ showers were all clean and well kept. Staff was always friendly and accommodating (we even extended our stay and while our first site was booked they found us a near by site that was open). No problems with hook ups or dump station.
- KKatie H.Guide
Rocky Gap State Park Campground
Love this campground A+++++
This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach. The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping.
Guide to Maryland
Tent camping in Maryland offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts and families alike.
Local Activities for Tent Campers
- Enjoy the scenic views and hiking opportunities at Antietam Creek Campground, where you can set up camp along the river and explore nearby trails.
- Experience the tranquility of Big Run State Park Campground, perfect for fishing and kayaking in the peaceful surroundings of Western Maryland.
- Take a short hike to the historic Paw Paw Tunnel from Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, where you can enjoy a unique blend of history and nature.
Amenities for a Comfortable Stay
- Matoaka Beach Cottages offers tent camping with access to clean facilities, including showers and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable experience.
- At Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, you'll find essential amenities like drinking water and portable toilets, making it a convenient stop for hikers and bikers.
- Washington Monument State Park Campground provides a basic yet well-maintained camping experience with access to fresh water and picnic areas.
Unique Features of Maryland Campgrounds
- Experience the social atmosphere at Horsepen Branch, where open sites along the multi-use trail allow for interaction with fellow campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lost Land Run is a hidden gem for those seeking an off-the-grid experience, surrounded by stunning mountain views and wildlife.
- Enjoy the peaceful setting of Gathland State Park Campground, where you can relax by a creek and immerse yourself in the sounds of nature.