Glamping accommodations near Chesapeake Beach, Maryland provide access to the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, where the average summer temperatures range between 70-90°F. Most luxury camping options in this region are situated within a 30-mile radius of Chesapeake Beach, creating convenient access points to both waterfront activities and metropolitan attractions. The terrain transitions from coastal plains to more wooded settings as you move inland from the shoreline.
What to do
Fossil hunting along riverbanks: Access Westmoreland State Park Campground's fossil beach where visitors search for prehistoric shark teeth. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night. We only have a small tent and some snacks. Lol but we are having an amazing time," notes Sara A.
Kayaking on multiple waterways: Martinak State Park Campground offers direct river access for paddlers. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," explains Laura M. The park connects to a network of river trails when the boat launch is operational.
Metro excursions to DC: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park serves as an affordable base camp for city adventures. "We loved our stay! It was quiet and peaceful and we were able to take the metro into DC for a day of exploring," shares Caralee B. The park charges approximately $20 for non-Maryland residents.
What campers like
Private beach access: Matoaka Beach Cottages offers secluded tent sites with water views. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," reports Courtney K. Sites are positioned on elevated terrain overlooking the water.
Clean facilities despite seasonal crowds: Campers consistently mention the maintenance standards at Tuckahoe State Park Campground. "The bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year," notes Bill G. The park features a commercial-sized washing sink for dishes since sites don't have full hookups.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings at Pohick Bay Campground provide bird watching opportunities. "Beautiful campground located near the National Harbor. Eagles everywhere! Large clean sites. Great staff!" explains Kathie M. The park's proximity to water attracts diverse bird species throughout the seasons.
What you should know
Site size variations: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven site distributions. At Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," advises Ben S. Only 5 of the 25 sites have electrical hookups (sites 2, 5, 18, 24, and 25).
Seasonal closures and renovations: Infrastructure maintenance affects accessibility. At Martinak State Park, "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 for fishing or boating," warns Jean C.
Weekend noise levels: Noise patterns vary significantly by location and timing. At Pohick Bay Campground, one camper noted, "This place is packed full of people who like to stay up late and make lots of noise. Park rules aren't very well enforced," states Kelli T., though this contrasts with other visitors' experiences.
