T
Trevor 
Traveler
TravelerBay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Camping near Broomes Island, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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.
Best Campgrounds near Broomes Island (80)
1. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
"It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better."
"Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail to get down to the beach which is about a mile - a mile and 1/2."
2. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The sites we have stayed at have all been super clean and close to bathrooms and water. They include a fire ring, picnic table and a hook for your trash. The bathrooms are clean and have hot showers."
"The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability3. Matoaka Beach Cottages
"I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach."
4. Endeavor Point
from $55 - $95 / night
Check Availability5. Solomons Navy Recreation Area
6. Breezy Point Beach
"There is additional space behind each site leading onto the beach that houses a table and fire ring. It feels like each site has loads of room out to the beach."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
"The land was initially used as a resort then made into a hospital followed by a prison due to its ideal location. It is at the tip of Southern Maryland. The location of the campground is ISOLATED."
"This is the southern most point on Maryland’s western shore, where the Chesapeake and Potomac converge. Bring a fan and some bug spray and you’ll be just fine."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. Cedarville State Forest
"We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."
"Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."
from $30 / night
Check Availability9. Patuxent Camp Sites
10. 1 Acre campground, 50 amp, and Kayak launch
"The 1 Acre Campground is a unique spot near the river and boat launch that offers 50AMP and sewer hookups for a convenient stay. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
from $50 - $80 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 35 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 1 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 17 min from Baltimore, MD
- 2 hrs 23 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Broomes Island, MD
143 Photos of 80 Broomes Island Campgrounds
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Westmoreland State Park Campground
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Blackwater Snakehead Campsite
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Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
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Adventure Bound Washington DC
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Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Broomes Island, MD
472 Reviews of 80 Broomes Island Campgrounds
- hheather B.
ScoutCherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
- H
Holly B.
GuideCherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
Jeremy G.TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Nancy W.
LegendMartinak State Park Campground
Quiet camping in the woods.
This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
Matt S.LegendBay Shore Campground
What stands out about this campground? The view!
We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view!
For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection.
THINGS I LIKED:
— Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening
— Friendly staff
— Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge
— They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free
THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
— Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.
— Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.
— There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.
Kindra W.GuidePoint Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
John M.GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Guide to Broomes Island
Camping sites near Broomes Island, Maryland sit on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay where the elevation rarely exceeds 100 feet above sea level. The low-lying terrain creates distinct microclimates with morning fog common during spring and fall months. Sites typically feature sandy or compacted clay soil conditions, with most established campgrounds situated within a 20-mile radius of the main settlement.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs: During low tide, search the shoreline for prehistoric shark teeth and other marine fossils. At Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping, visitors report regular success. "Such an amazing experience 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," notes Sarah F.
Water activities beyond swimming: The confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay creates varied water conditions. At Breezy Point Beach, the shoreline provides different experiences based on your location. "It's a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better," explains Anthony S.
Historical explorations: Visit Civil War sites and working lighthouses within a short drive. The area contains significant maritime history sites. One camper at Westmoreland State Park noted, "I love the sharks' teeth display in the shop and when I was there they were working on putting bones together of a whale that was found!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the buffer zones at certain campgrounds. At Matoaka Beach Cottages, Michael commented, "They have a few tent camping spots as well as cabins. Just call ahead. I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach."
Water sound exposure: Sites with audible water movement rank highest in satisfaction. "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," reports Heather at Breezy Point Beach.
Off-season solitude: Visiting between October and March dramatically changes the experience. A winter visitor to Westmoreland State Park Campground shared, "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river."
What you should know
Insect preparation is essential: Ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies can be problematic from May through September. A visitor to Cedarville State Forest advised, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers. Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot."
Beach erosion concerns: Shoreline areas throughout the region have experienced significant erosion. Several campgrounds report diminishing beach areas compared to previous years. "The beach is very beautiful even though every year it gets smaller and smaller," notes Anthony S. about Calvert Cliffs.
Off-grid communication challenges: Cell service varies dramatically by carrier and location. Some campers report complete dead zones. A Point Lookout visitor mentioned, "No internet access at the campsite, but could get it if you were a few feet away from the Loop. It's a complete dead spot for Verizon anyway. Not good if you're working while camping."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. One visitor to Calvert Cliffs noted, "This park is awesome! I have been going here for years. The park has a great play ground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms."
Educational opportunities: Many sites offer ranger programs specifically for children. The fossil-rich beaches provide natural learning experiences. At Point Lookout State Park, a camper shared, "During the October trip there were a lot of families with kids, and it was cool because people decorated their sites for Halloween."
Swimming safety considerations: Beach areas vary in monitoring and conditions. A visitor to Westmoreland State Park advised, "When I was there a couple of weeks ago there was a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin, so just be mindful of this. I did hike down to fossil beach but definitely avoided the water."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many waterfront sites require additional equipment for proper leveling. At Breezy Point Beach, Scott T. explained, "I had to mark it down for the loose-sandy sites; yes, I know it is a beach but they really need to firm-up the actual RV parking spots. Some are worse than others, but it can be a challenge leveling and stabilizers can't get a firm footing."
Campsite selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific RV dimensions. At Endeavor Point, allison W. noted, "The camping areas were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose despite there being ample availability, and the person on the phone telling me that all sites were first come first serve."
Pump-out schedules: Several campgrounds have limited dump station hours or services. "FYI there is no dumping station or site sewer connection. Apparently there is a twice weekly pump out service. That was not available to us on Sunday before departing," cautions Scott T. at Breezy Point Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Broomes Island, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Broomes Island, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Broomes Island, MD is Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What parks are near Broomes Island, MD?
What parks are near Broomes Island, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Broomes Island, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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