Best Campgrounds near Broomes Island, MD
The Chesapeake Bay shoreline near Broomes Island features several camping options within easy reach of the water. Established campgrounds include Matoaka Beach Cottages, which offers both tent sites and cabin rentals with waterfront views, and Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping, approximately 10 miles southeast, providing primitive camping surrounded by fossil-rich cliffs. Most campgrounds in the area support tent camping, while several accommodate RVs with varying levels of hookups. Endeavor Point and Solomons Navy Recreation Area provide additional options with cabin accommodations in the vicinity.
Seasonal considerations play a significant role in Broomes Island area camping, with many campgrounds operating primarily from spring through fall. Calvert Cliffs State Park maintains a March to October season, while Breezy Point Beach operates from May through October. Several campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. The area experiences humid summer conditions with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, making water access particularly valuable. Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent during warmer months, particularly near marshy areas. As one visitor noted, "When we saw a review complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not."
Waterfront access represents the primary draw for most campers visiting the Broomes Island region. Several campgrounds offer direct Chesapeake Bay shoreline access, with fishing, crabbing, and fossil hunting among popular activities. Campers report particular satisfaction with sites offering sunrise views over the water. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful peaceful camping trip! Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," wrote one visitor. The area's mixed-use campgrounds often provide amenities ranging from basic (picnic tables and fire rings) to more developed facilities with electric hookups, shower houses, and boat launches. Sites with water and bay views typically receive the highest ratings, though reviews indicate campground quality varies significantly, with some locations receiving criticism for crowding, noise levels, or dated facilities.