Best Campgrounds near Chester, MD

Searching for the best camping near Chester, MD? Chester is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Chester, reviewed by campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Chester, Maryland (70)

    1. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

    "Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."

    2. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    3. Bay Shore Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rock Hall, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 639-7485

    $42 - $82 / night

    "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "

    "Perfect location for relaxation. No pool & not much to do for kids. But loved the view & area. Only 3 miles to drive into town"

    4. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."

    5. Martinak State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Denton, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $77 / night

    "Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots."

    "Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."

    6. Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area

    1 Review
    Grasonville, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 827-7577

    $12 / night

    "I would LOVE this area to be opened for public primitive camping, but I do not see this occurring in the near future."

    7. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp

    1 Review
    Annapolis, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 293-9200

    "Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"

    8. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "My kids (ages 8 and 6) made friends with kids at other sites and they enjoyed running around playing together."

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.

    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    9. Susquehanna State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Edgewood, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 557-7994

    $21 - $50 / night

    "The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."

    "I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"

    10. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 70 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Chester, MD

484 Reviews of 70 Chester Campgrounds


  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Redden State Forest Campground

    Secluded and improving

    8/15/2025

    Arrived after dark to find that I had the campground to myself. As noted in other reviews, turn right as you drive past the office/house and let yourself in through the closed (but unlocked) gate. Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table. The restroom featured on the map is just a portalet, but there is plenty of overflow parking in that branch. Apparently you're not supposed to pull onto the gravel with your vehicle, just park parallel to the road alongside it. 

    Another note about the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent so I didn't tent adjacent to the pad amidst the pine needles. I did drive around the right branch (sites 1-7) in the morning to find that they are dirt/grass sites and probably would be ideal for tenting/staking (and in case you haven't guessed, I don't have a freestanding tent). The area is densely forested with pines and is quite pleasant in that regard.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Lums Pond State Park Campground

    A Gem Among State Campgrounds

    We spent a long weekend with family at Lums Pond State Park Campground and so glad we did. 

    We paid $46 per night plus fees for a FHU 50 Amp Back-in site(#56). 

    This place is a gem, even among nice state parks. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • Easy access from I-95 

    • Beautiful park setting with fantastic site— spacious, level, good-working hookups, and paved 

    • Friendly and helpful staff 

    • Great state park with lots to do (kayaking, biking, and more) 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • There’s nothing we didn’t like about this place 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty to do
  • A
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park At Delaware Beaches

    Great First Camping Trip

    My family tent camped for 1 night here at site 190. Decent array of electrical hookup options. My kids had a blast in the water area with the pool and large slides. It was our first time camping and we had trouble sleeping due to groups around us having fun until 11, but overall it was a really great experience and we will be returning

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Nice full hook up

    Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless.

    Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    meh

    The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available.  The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use. There isn't much to do in the park but it was an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels. Good dump station and potable water fill.  Spigots throughout the campground.

  • L
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Nice Little Campground

    Decent little campground! It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful. My spot was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road. Checking in was a breeze, though!


Guide to Chester

Camping near Chester, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to all kinds of campers.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the scenic trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Trap Pond State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and canoeing. A visitor shared, "Canoes were available for rent & I highly recommend canoeing water trails through the beautiful Cypress trees."
  • Visiting Local Attractions: Cherry Hill Park is conveniently located for trips to Washington, D.C. One camper noted, "Staff very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Lums Pond State Park Campground stated, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Spacious Campsites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. One visitor at Trap Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A review for Pohick Bay Campground said, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded and narrow... but our 34 ft makes it okay."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground expressed frustration, saying, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A review for Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization... this probably isn't it."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. One visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A family at Tuckahoe State Park Campground enjoyed, "Our site was directly in front of a small playground with a slide, swings and monkey bars."
  • Plan for Nature Exploration: Bring along binoculars for birdwatching. One camper at Martinak State Park Campground mentioned, "The park is small and beautiful and clean."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park noted, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Lake Fairfax Campground mentioned, "We tried both sides 46 and 44 and both were not level."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground appreciated, "Sites are paved and mostly level. Full hookups on all sites."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground advised, "The dump station is closed... you’ll have to dump your tanks at nearby Tuckahoe State Park."

Camping sites Chester, MD, and the surrounding areas provide a variety of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chester, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 70 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Chester, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, MD is Tuckahoe State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chester, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Chester, MD.

What parks are near Chester, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Chester, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Fort Dupont Park.