Campgrounds near Annapolis offer a blend of Chesapeake Bay culture and proximity to major cities. Located on Maryland's coastal plain with elevations rarely exceeding 300 feet, the area experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters. Most camping options sit within a 45-minute drive of Annapolis, providing convenient access to both natural areas and urban attractions without requiring long travel times.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides direct water access with a dedicated kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. "The water felt great, but the bottom was rather pebbly. There are also plenty of areas to stop along the road in the campground, with access to the creek for wading," notes a visitor who enjoyed exploring the streams and Susquehanna River nearby.
Disc golf courses: Pohick Bay Campground features an 18-hole disc golf course that draws players of all skill levels. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who considers this their "go-to weekend camping spot" just outside DC.
Historic exploration: Near Susquehanna State Park Campground, visitors can explore a working grist mill and historic buildings. "There is a historic area in the park, with a working grist mill, mansion and other little buildings to view. Not really my thing, but was pretty neat," shares one camper who appreciated the educational value despite personal preferences.
What campers like
Quiet wooded settings: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers secluded sites with ample spacing between neighbors. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full. Which I love," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the privacy.
Family-friendly amenities: Campgrounds like Washington DC / Capitol KOA offer extensive children's activities. "We stopped at the DC KOA as a base to visit the Capitol. This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids. We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit," reports a family who found the amenities ideal for children ages 9-14.
Convenient locations: Cherry Hill Park provides easy access to Washington DC and Baltimore for day trips. "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5," explains a visitor who used the campground as a base for urban exploration.
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: At Susquehanna State Park Campground, tent pads are not available at all sites. "I docked a star because I'd say about half—maybe more—don't have pads. I didn't get a chance to check out the Acorn Loop, other than a quick drive by," notes a visitor who struggled with site conditions during their stay.
Shuttle service reliability: While some campgrounds advertise shuttle service to nearby attractions, availability isn't guaranteed. "Close to DC but they didn't let us know ahead of time that the shuttle wasn't working. That was super disappointing," reports a visitor to Capitol KOA who had to adjust transportation plans upon arrival.
Reserve early for holidays: Holiday weekends fill quickly at most campgrounds near Annapolis. "There is opportunity to see a great night sky if the clouds stay away. One note is if you're here for the annual Easter egg hunt GET There Early and make reservations, the campsites fill quickly," advises a Tuckahoe visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds available: Martinak State Park Campground offers several play areas throughout the grounds. "We had a great time with our 3 little ones. They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," shares a family camper.
Swimming restrictions: Some pools have specific rules about young children. "I didn't like that non-potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained so she didn't care if she was in the pool or not," explains a Capitol KOA visitor who noted this could create challenges for families with toddlers.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer junior ranger programs for children. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," notes a visitor to Martinak State Park, highlighting opportunities for structured learning activities alongside camping.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park has variable terrain for RV sites. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious. Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself," advises a recent visitor who found the campground suitable despite some challenging sites.
Electric hookup options: When glamping near Annapolis, Maryland, electric sites are limited at some parks. "This campground is about 25 sites. Only 5 sites have electric (2, 5, 18, 24, 25) but all 25 sites have water hookup," reports a Cosca Regional Park visitor sharing essential information for those needing power.
Dump station availability: Most state parks offer dump stations but not full hookups. "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," notes a Tuckahoe State Park visitor, highlighting an important amenity for RV campers planning extended stays in the area.
