Glamping close to Dowell, Maryland provides access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with 120 miles of tidal shoreline in Calvert County alone. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F between June and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with highs in the 70s. Sites in this area typically require reservations 6-12 months in advance during peak season.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Westmoreland State Park: The park features a dedicated trail leading to fossil-rich beaches where visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year," notes a camper at Westmoreland State Park Campground.
Kayaking through water trails: Janes Island State Park offers marked kayaking routes through marsh channels and open water. "Great kayaking to Jane's Island. Very clean bathrooms. Very family oriented. Rangers are nice and so are the camp hosts. Nice trails, wide and easy," according to a visitor at Janes Island State Park Campground.
Winter camping options: Several parks remain open year-round, offering a different perspective on the Chesapeake region. "Bathhouses are heated which is amazing. We had a large group so we rented B49 and B48," shares a winter visitor to Westmoreland State Park.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Many sites provide direct water views or short walks to beaches and fishing spots. "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. Beautiful and relaxing," reports a visitor to Westmoreland State Park.
Clean facilities: Parks maintain bathhouses with regular cleaning schedules. A camper at Martinak State Park Campground notes, "Bathrooms were like brand new. Water and electric on our loop," while another adds, "We stayed one night in a small cabin. It was cosy and warm on a cold night for fall. The cabins are clean and tidy and the campground is well run."
Spacious glamping sites: Near Dowell, Maryland, luxury glamping accommodations provide ample space between units. "Great military campground with spacious sites, and anything else you could want!" shares a visitor to Solomons Navy Recreation Area, which offers glamping experiences close to Dowell's waterfront.
What you should know
Bug preparation is essential: The Chesapeake region's humidity attracts various insects, particularly in summer months. "Unfortunately the bugs were so bad, it was nearly impossible to enjoy. No-see-ums bite all day long, bug spray helps with these. Deer flies bite from the morning sun until it's dark and they are the worst at dusk," warns a Janes Island visitor.
Seasonal considerations: Spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions than mid-summer. "If you go before June or after September, you're more likely to have a good time," suggests a Janes Island camper regarding bug issues.
Site selection matters: Research specific site numbers before booking for the best experience. "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 to get in the site," shares a visitor to Janes Island State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When glamping near Dowell with children, select sites near play areas. "For kids, there's a simple swingset in the loop and a larger, newer playground," notes a visitor to Martinak State Park, adding that "Tuckahoe offers a number of additional activities, including disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating."
Weekend scheduling: Weekends bring more campers and potentially more noise. "It was SUPER quiet during my stay. Absolutely wonderful. Oh - and check for ticks and bring your bug spray. Gotta love humid Virginia summers!" reports a mid-week camper at Westmoreland State Park.
Family-focused programming: Many parks offer scheduled activities. "Westmoreland felt a little crowded at full capacity. Had to wait for restrooms and the beaches were well used. They did have great trails, a lot of scheduled events for all ages, a pool and boat rentals and competitive prices," shares a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Some sites offer multiple utility connection points for flexibility in parking. At Bethpage Camp-Resort, "Sewer is in 2 locations for each site," notes a camper, who also mentions that both "50amp & 30amp hookup" options are available.
Site leveling: Many sites in the region require minimal leveling. A visitor to Bethpage Camp-Resort reports, "We stayed in Sycamore 09. The site was clean and level. No fire pit or grill, so plan ahead."
Road navigation challenges: Some parks have tight interior roads. "Roads are tight," cautions a Bethpage Camp-Resort visitor, something to consider when maneuvering larger RVs through the campground.
