SUMMER SALE 50% off The Dyrt PRO — just $2.49/moGet now
SALE: PRO just $2.49/mo
The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Camping near California, MD

65 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates
    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    California, Maryland and the surrounding Chesapeake Bay region provide multiple camping options along the waterfront, from state parks to military recreation areas. Point Lookout State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with privacy between sites, though it is temporarily closed for water line upgrades until approximately 2023. Solomons Navy Recreation Area features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with boat-in access. The region includes both established campgrounds with full amenities and more rustic options for those seeking a simpler outdoor experience.

    Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from spring through fall, with some facilities remaining open year-round. Advance reservations are highly recommended, particularly for waterfront sites during summer weekends. A visitor commented, "The campsites are spread out which we love most about this was at night we were able to sleep with the window open and we could hear the owls hooting." Road access is generally good throughout the region, though some camping areas may have limited cell service. Weather conditions can change quickly along the Chesapeake Bay, with potential for storms, particularly during hurricane season from June through November.

    Waterfront views and access represent significant draws for campers in this region. Dennis Point Marina and Campground provides both tent and RV sites with boat-in access, while Calvert Cliffs State Park is known for its fossil hunting opportunities along the shoreline. According to one visitor, "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." Mixed-use campgrounds like Westmoreland State Park offer multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Many camping areas feature fishing piers, boat launches, and swimming areas, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Family-friendly facilities tend to include playgrounds and picnic areas, while some sites cater more to fishing and boating enthusiasts.

    Connectivity Maps

    Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
    Map showing cell service coverage and campground pins
    Try Connectivity Maps

    Best Campgrounds near California (65)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

      4.3(30)19mi from CaliforniaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 Availability

      2. Westmoreland State Park Campground

      4.7(34)22mi from California124 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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 Availability

      3. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping

      4.4(5)7mi from CaliforniaTents

      "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."

      Check Availability

      4. Take It Easy Campground

      2.7(3)5mi from California1 siteRVs, Tents

      "There is a large park area close to office with large trees and a playground."

      from $55 / night

      Check Availability

      5. Solomons Navy Recreation Area

      5.0(1)3mi from CaliforniaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping
      Check Availability

      6. 1 Acre campground, 50 amp, and Kayak launch

      5.0(1)4mi from California1 siteRVs

      "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

      7. Matoaka Beach Cottages

      5.0(3)12mi from CaliforniaTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach."

      Check Availability

      8. Dennis Point Marina and Campground

      5.0(1)10mi from California53 sitesRVs, Tents

      from $50 - $999 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Goose Creek Recreation Area

      3.0(1)6mi from CaliforniaRVs
      Check Availability

      10. Coles Point Marina

      5.0(1)13mi from CaliforniaRVs, Tents
      Check Availability
    View all 65 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    California Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Camping Photos near California, MD

    96 Photos of 65 California Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near California, MD

    290 Reviews of 65 California Campgrounds

    • Jeremy G.
      Jul. 2, 2026

      Joint 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.

    • Kindra W.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 14, 2026

      Point 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.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 28, 2026

      Matoaka 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.

    • Ashley T.
      Mar. 13, 2026

      Goose Bay Marina

      Jeepers Creepers meets Catalina Wine Mixer

      When we first arrived it was late (we are either late or not coming as always!) the cut down tobacco fields and long dark woods surrounded the entrance into this campground and marina… to be honest I was scared and cried and my husband thought I was ridiculous and reminded me I will love it tomorrow… welp he knows me! All the boat storage and walking around it so fun looking at all the boat names… they are remodeling the bathhouses now they look nice so far on the inside. Everyone is working really hard a staying busy tending to the boats or landscaping or docks… Vicki is super friendly she works practically everyday… but hopefully one day she will trust someone enough to delegate her duties to…

    • Vidalia S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 10, 2025

      Coles Point Marina

      Marina on the Potomac

      We kept our boat here, so it was no problem for us to park our van for free. But they do have lovely campsites, with toilets, showers, water, pump out, electric, and trash, right on the Potomac River. They allow tent, camping and RVs and have several cottages. Price varies depending on size and services. Tents are $20 a night. The only problem, or maybe it's an advantage, is that it is a long way to anything else. Small store onsight. Will recieve and hold packages. Great accommodating and friendly staff.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 27, 2025

      Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds — Naval Airstation (Nas) Patuxent River

      Left Early, Won’t Be Back

      When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable — it is not quiet or peaceful. A (clearly quite drunk) group nearby was singing at the top of their lungs until at least 11pm when we made the decision to bail seeing as we weren’t going to be getting any sleep between being eaten alive and serenaded.

    • EThe Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 23, 2025

      Adventure Bound Washington DC

      Nice

      This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

    • C
      Jul. 21, 2025

      Grey's Point Camp

      Good park with alot of area!

      Went for a long weekend. Everyone was friendly from entry of the gate, to the store to the grounds guys! Quite a bit to do here. Wish the playgrounds had a bit more for the younger children but it kept them occupied! Fishing didn’t get us much but not the campgrounds fault! Higher Water temps and jellyfish when we were there most likely kept them away. Would return again!

    • Genie W.
      Apr. 26, 2025

      R & D Family Campground

      Sparta Pines Family R V Park

      We are winter residents having spent our first time this past year. We found the new owners and management very accommodating. Lot fee is reasonable. We found it quiet, pet friendly,and wooded off-road location. Looking forward to returning in the fall.

    Guide to California

    Camping spots near California, Maryland feature a mix of Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River access points within 30 miles of town. The region sits at near sea level with tidal marshes and mixed pine-hardwood forests creating diverse ecosystems. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-75°F range for more comfortable camping.

    What to do

    Fossil hunting: Calvert Cliffs State Park offers a unique opportunity to find prehistoric shark teeth and fossils. "It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils," notes a visitor, though they mention "the beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better." The well-marked trail leads to a shoreline where you can search for 15-20 million-year-old fossils.

    Historical exploration: Point Lookout State Park combines camping with Civil War history. "The park used to be a prison for Confederate soldiers, so lots of cool exhibits and memorials for history buffs," explains one camper. The lighthouse, museum, and historical sites provide context about the area's significance during the Civil War.

    Water activities: Dennis Point Marina and Campground provides direct water access for boaters and anglers. "I went tent camping here and it was really really nice. Staff was friendly and the bathrooms was very clean," notes a visitor who enjoyed the marina amenities. The facility includes boat launching facilities, fishing areas, and camping within walking distance of the water.

    What campers like

    Privacy between sites: Westmoreland State Park Campground offers secluded camping spots. "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others," shares one camper. Another notes, "We stayed on the B loop, the lot we reserved by only looking at a park map was nice a spacious for our popup."

    Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Westmoreland State Park, a visitor mentions "bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter. So appreciate the recycling bins." At Dennis Point Marina and Campground, a camper specifically noted the "very clean" bathrooms as a highlight of their stay.

    Seasonal variety: Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions. A Point Lookout visitor in April noted, "We didn't have to fight the summer crowds," while another camper visiting in October reported, "It was quiet with a couple activities planned." Off-season camping provides more solitude with fewer insects compared to summer months.

    What you should know

    Bug pressure: Insects can be intense, particularly in summer months. A Point Lookout camper warned, "The bugs were killer. Luckily, there was a nice strong breeze blowing off the water during the vast majority of our stay. However, the second it stopped, the bugs descended on us. Mosquitoes, gnats, biting flies, you name it."

    Standing water concerns: Low-lying areas often have drainage issues. At Point Lookout, a camper observed, "I think we're in a swamp. I assume mosquitos get very nasty here pretty soon! There's standing water surrounding my site." Sites near marshes tend to retain water after rainfall.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular campground near California, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near California, MD is Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed with a 4.3-star rating from 30 reviews.

    What parks are near California, MD?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near California, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

    Keep Exploring

    4. View all Maryland cities for camping