Best Campgrounds near Dowell, MD
Campgrounds near Dowell, Maryland span from state parks to military recreation areas along the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Point Lookout State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin camping with full hookup sites surrounded by reeds providing privacy between campsites. Calvert Cliffs State Park provides youth group camping opportunities with tent sites accessible by various means including hike-in and boat-in options. The region includes several waterfront camping areas with mixed-use campgrounds accommodating different camping styles from primitive tent sites to glamping yurts.
Camping in this area operates primarily from March through October, with some facilities like Westmoreland State Park Campground and Solomons Navy Recreation Area remaining open year-round. A camper noted, "The sites on the loop near the water were somewhat close together, giving the campground a bit of a social feel, but the 10 PM quiet time was well-respected and there was more of a family than a party atmosphere." Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Weather conditions can create challenges, with standing water and mud persisting after rainfall. Mosquitoes become problematic in summer months, particularly in low-lying areas near marshes and water.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Dowell area. Janes Island State Park Campground offers well-marked kayaking trails and boat rentals, with a beach accessible by a short paddle. According to one visitor, "The water trails have a big variety from large channels to narrow marsh routes and bird watching is excellent." Several campgrounds provide fishing opportunities, with Point Lookout situated at the convergence of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Campers frequently mention historical attractions as secondary draws, including Civil War sites at Point Lookout and fossil hunting at Westmoreland State Park where visitors can find sharks' teeth on Fossil Beach. Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering full hookups, camp stores, and hot showers, while others provide more primitive experiences with basic facilities.
