Camping near Arnold, Maryland provides access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with its tidal marshes and hardwood forests. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F and mild winters rarely dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area sit on relatively flat terrain with elevations between 10-100 feet above sea level, making them accessible for all camping styles.
What to do
Explore water recreation: At Martinak State Park, kayaking and canoeing opportunities abound on the Choptank River. According to a camper, "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground."
Visit Washington DC: Cherry Hill Park offers convenient transportation options to the capital. "This was a great stop to take the kids to visit the city. Easy access and well laid out sites. They have a bus stop for metro service to the city, but we took the 20 minute drive," shares one visitor at Cherry Hill Park.
Fishing opportunities: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides access to stocked fishing areas. "There's a boat launch in nearby West Denton or also at Tuckahoe and a few other nearby spots," notes a reviewer. The park allows fishing in both Tuckahoe Creek and Tuckahoe Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Pohick Bay Campground gives visitors chances to spot bald eagles and other wildlife. "Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" exclaims one camper about their experience.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Washington DC / Capitol KOA offers secluded camping spots in their back-in sites. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," mentions one reviewer.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the maintenance of bathhouses. At Susquehanna State Park, a visitor noted: "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated."
Natural setting: Lacy Oasis Campground provides a quiet glamping experience with a focus on nature. "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," shares an enthusiastic visitor.
Variety of accommodation options: Beyond traditional camping, many parks offer glamping alternatives. "There are some nice tenting sites under the trees and off by themselves for the true campers, and for the rest of us glampers there are hookups and lots to do," notes a Cherry Hill Park visitor.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular parks fill quickly during peak seasons. At Little Bennett Campground, one visitor mentioned: "Reserved 137 days prior to arriving." For holiday weekends, booking months in advance is recommended.
Site selection matters: Carefully research site dimensions and layouts. "We booked site 21, blind. The website does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue," warns a Tuckahoe camper.
Pricing variations: Expect higher rates for premium sites and out-of-state visitors. "Out-of-state campers pay higher camping fee than Maryland residents, $66/night," notes a Little Bennett visitor.
Seasonal facility changes: Check operating schedules before booking. A Martinak State Park reviewer cautioned: "August 1, 2021, the boat ramp will close for a year; that will likely diminish the appeal of this park for those who want to get out on the river."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Ramblin' Pines offers multiple entertainment options for children. "The kids loved the bounce pillow. They had mini golf but that is in need of some love just a little clean up of nine needs really," notes one family's experience.
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas. "I wish there was a little bit more room in between the campers for privacy but it did not hurt our stay. This campground is very close to DC," writes a Cherry Hill Park visitor.
Safety considerations: Gated campgrounds provide extra security. A Cherry Hill Park visitor appreciated that the campground is "gated" among its many pros, which included "playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site."
Programming for children: Washington DC/Capitol KOA offers structured 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," explains one parent.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at many area campgrounds. At Susquehanna State Park, a visitor noted: "Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped."
Full hookup availability: Little Bennett offers complete services for larger rigs. "The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only," explains a visitor.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely between parks. "AT&T 5 MB/s without booster (1 bar), 8 MB/s with it (2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy," reports a Little Bennett camper.
Dump station quality: For those without sewer hookups, dump station facilities matter. "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," notes a Tuckahoe State Park visitor.
