Campgrounds near Broomes Island, Maryland include established sites within an hour's drive with various accommodation options. The area sits where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay, creating a unique coastal environment with mild spring and fall camping seasons. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, making water recreation particularly popular at waterfront campgrounds.
What to do
Kayaking river trails: Janes Island State Park Campground offers marked water trails ideal for all skill levels. "We really enjoyed kayaking through the water trails. You can also kayak out to a sand beach," shares a camper. The park features diverse paddling routes from large channels to narrow marsh paths.
Fossil hunting beyond Westmoreland: Martinak State Park provides access to different waterways for fossil enthusiasts. "The views of and access to the river are lovely," notes a reviewer. The park's location on the Choptank River creates alternative hunting grounds for those seeking river treasures.
Family recreation amenities: Pohick Bay Campground offers extensive facilities beyond just camping. A visitor mentions, "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy." The park includes disc golf on an 18-hole course and various water activities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Westmoreland State Park Campground maintains high standards for visitor comfort. A camper notes, "Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter. So appreciate the recycling bins." This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience year-round.
Waterfront views: Campgrounds in this region offer prime waterfront locations. At Westmoreland, a visitor shared, "I LOVE this park. The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others." The sites provide natural separation while maintaining water access.
Wildlife viewing: Janes Island State Park Campground offers exceptional nature viewing opportunities. "Lots of wildlife to watch," reports one camper. The park's wetland ecosystem supports diverse bird species and aquatic life throughout its water trails and observation areas.
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Seasonal insects affect comfort at waterfront sites. A Janes Island visitor warns, "Deer flies bite from the morning sun until it's dark and they are the worst at dusk. Fire smoke doesn't keep them away and Bug spray does not help keep these flies from biting." Plan accordingly with appropriate repellents.
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds offer basic services but variable cell coverage. "Cell service (T-Mobile) was spotty at times," notes a camper at Martinak State Park, though they still felt "very safe" with regular ranger patrols.
Seasonal closures: Martinak State Park Campground and similar facilities have specific operational calendars. "Most glamping accommodations in the area remain open seasonally from March through November, though availability varies by location," with some parks like Martinak closing certain amenities seasonally. One reviewer noted, "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
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Pohick Bay, a reviewer mentions, "This is definitely a family campground. So many activities for kids and places to run around." The playground proximity makes supervision easier while allowing adults to maintain camp.
Educational opportunities: Cherry Hill Park offers family-friendly learning experiences. "They have a bus stop for metro service to the city," notes one visitor, making historical sites accessible. The park serves as an excellent base for educational day trips to Washington DC.
Weather considerations: Prepare for coastal weather patterns that affect comfort. At Westmoreland, a winter visitor shares, "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help!" Packing for temperature shifts ensures comfortable family camping.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offers limited electric sites requiring advance planning. A reviewer advises, "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious. Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself." Only sites 2, 5, 18, 24, and 25 have electric hookups.
Utility connections: Most area campgrounds provide partial hookups. At Martinak, a camper notes, "Sites do not have sewer but does have dump. Great park that offers a lot!" Planning water usage and dump station visits improves the RV camping experience at these regional parks.
Leveling challenges: Terrain varies significantly at area campgrounds. At Janes Island, one RVer explains, "We weren't a huge fan of our site, site 50, because it was difficult to get into and it backed up to the marina. We basically had to do a u-turn in reverse with our 30ft travel trailer which wasn't the easiest." Researching specific site dimensions and approach angles prevents setup difficulties.
