Looking for the best options for tent camping near Dowell? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Dowell, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Maryland tent camping excursion.
Youth Group Camping
There are five youth group camping sites available and reservations are required. Youth Group passes are honored.
Access to pit toilets, fire ring, and one 12 foot picnic table are provided with each site. (Available April-October)
You can make reservations through parkreservations.maryland.gov or by calling 1-888-432-2267.
Matoaka is a privately owned and operated bay-front getaway in Calvert County, Maryland. The facility is nestled quietly on the west shore of the Chesapeake Bay with hundreds of feet of bay views and a one third of a mile private sandy beach for visitor access.
The property's many acres are primarily wooded with fields and a winding dirt lane which brings visitors to the main grounds. The main grounds boast beautiful views of the bay, sunrises, and easy access to the beach. The cabins back up to a bamboo forest and overlook the bay.
Cabin Rentals: April 15 to November 1
Check in between 3-8pm - Check out by 11 am
Dogs are not permitted
All cabins have their own kitchen with fridge, propane stove, microwave & basket style coffeemaker.
Bathrooms have stall showers, flush toilets and sink.
Grills are for charcoal cooking only, no wood fires please.
Cabins are not furnished with bedding, towels nor kitchen utencils, etc.
Please remember to bring: Bedding, towels, kitchen items, paper products, soap and charcoal for the grill.
Area Info:
Grocery stores are located about 10 minute drive away in both Prince Frederick (north) and Lusby (south).
Nearby Restaurants -
Gateway Seafood Restaurant & Lounge, Port Republic, MD (Take out & Dine-in)
Fredy's Woodfire Pizza, Prince Frederick, MD (Delivery Available)
Happy Buddha, Saint Leonard, MD (Take out)
NOTE: THERE IS A 2 NIGHT MINIMUM FOR HOLIDAY WEEKENDS.
Great place for fishing, camping, kayaking, lazy days on the beach grilling and hanging out with family and friends. Book family events on the beach. Come and explore the historic Benedict village. Join us at our Endeavor Point to enjoy simplicity and remarkable views of the Patuxent river. The Endeavor Point is located at the end of Mill Creek Road, offering breathtaking views of the Patuxent river, overlooking Golden Beach and St. Mary's County shoreline. Far enough for a serene retreat and yet just a few minutes drive to shops and restaurants in Prince Frederick or Charlotte Hall. Endeavor Point is a diamond in the rough. Come play, fish, relax, and have fun! Whether you’re in Maryland for a day, weekend stop or a week of touring, Endeavor Point is the perfect spot for bird watching, fishing, kayaking, camping, stargazing, or just enjoying a serene evening by the fire. Enjoy breathtaking views from each one of our 3 comfortable accommodations or from any of the campsites. Spacious outdoor area, rustic beach, long pier. Explore the Patuxent river or Mill Creek with our kayaks or paddle board, available for rent on site.
$55 - $95 / night
Lacy Oasis is a land that is encompasses a history of women who loves nature, family and heart of gold who wants to share her property with others to embrace the benefits of nature specifically clarity of life.
Learn more about this land:
*Welcome to a place that allows you to be in pure tranquility with nature and yourself. Come to connect, share laughter and create endless memories with your family, friends and your pets. The sunlight bursting through tree leaves, to the sound of frogs dancing along the streams to fluttering butterflies of amidst buzzing bees and the birds that whistle will encourage you to embrace the journey that you will embark on at Lacy Oasis. *
*Our space is private property within a tight knit, friendly, family oriented neighborhood. We encourage our guest to wave or simple double tap on the horn on your way in and out of the space. It truly means a lot to our neighbors at the entrance of the property. *
*All parking is provided on our property not at our neighbors house or community. We have ample amount of parking and drive up campsites for you and your guest. *
*We look forward to seeing you soon. *
Come Adopt The Pace Of Lacy Oasis: Patience
$90 - $190 / night
Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, Leesylvania offers many land and water activities, including hiking, picnicking, fishing, and boating. A universally accessible fishing pier, playground, boat launch, boat storage area, snack bar and store, visitor center, and gift shop are available. A 20-station fitness trail and canoe and kayak rentals also are available.
$15 - $18 / night
The park has two Youth Group Camping sites that are strictly for official youth groups only. The youth group camping sites are open from the beginning of April through the beginning of November. These rustic camping sites overlook the Chesapeake Bay. Each site has a small picnic shelter with two tables and a grill. Download a Youth Group Pass application online.
If your youth group would like to do a service project during your stay, please call the park two weeks before the date of your arrival and speak with the volunteer coordinator to set up a project.
Make youth group camping reservations on-line for Sandy Point State Park or call 1-888-432-CAMP (2267).
Visitors eligible for reservations at this location are limited to Active Duty, Reservists, Retired Military, Unremarried Widow, Veterans and Department of Defense employees. Learn more about eligible visitors and access to this military base recreation site. A variety of recreational programs and facilities await you and your family at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, located just 55 miles south of Washington D.C. Situated at the confluence of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, this is an area rich in both American and Navy history and natural beauty. Part of the legacy of Southern Maryland may be found in the spacious, natural campsite areas aboard the installation. Hogs Point Campsites are nestled in the woods between the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River and are just a few walking steps for fishing and crabbing.
Water lovers will find that NAS Patuxent River strectches across approximately 12 miles of shoreline offering locations to launch kayaks, stand up paddle boards, motor and sail boats, places for fishing and crabbing as well as areas for the beach lovers.______ Bicyclists will find a 10 mile paved loop within the installation as well as designated bike trails.__ MWR also has a Golf Course, Outdoor Pool, Marina, Theater, Community Recreation Office, Auto Hobby Shop and Fitness Center.
Water lovers will find that NAS Patuxent River strectches across approximately 12 miles of shoreline offering locations to launch kayaks, stand up paddle boards, motor and sail boats, places for fishing and crabbing as well as areas for the beach lovers.______ Bicyclists will find a 10 mile paved loop within the installation as well as designated bike trails.__ MWR also has a Golf Course, Outdoor Pool, Marina, Theater, Community Recreation Office, Auto Hobby Shop and Fitness Center.
NAS Patuxent River Hogs Point Campground is located where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Patuxent River, offering the best views for sunrises.__
This location is staffed. Please call (301) 342-3573 to speak with local staff.
Historic St. Mary's City__ Patuxent River Air Museum Historic Sotterly__ St. Clement's Island Point Lookout State Park Solomon's Island Navy Recreation Center Solomons__
$30 / night
$50 - $80 / night
Guide
Unfortunately, there was a fire ban and extremely windy conditions, which is out of the parks control so I didn't get to enjoy it as much. From what I have experienced, it was amazing! The hike trails are so beautiful and being by the water was a complete experience! I got to see the sunset for the first time in a long time. Park was clean and well maintained. Bathroom was clean and WARM! they also have showers. They sale firewood at the cabin store but the store is only opened Thursday- Sunday
Scout
Sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover. NOTE: park service forbade tying lines or straps to the trees at the time of our visit (Autumn 2024), so if you favor hammock camping or deploying tarps/ridgelines, plan accordingly.
Ranger
They have renovated the beach and per my friends, the fencing protecting the area is new, but needed. The sites are too close to each to each other and people were blaring their music. The bathhouse needs updating. Not enough fire rings and if you don’t have one and the campground is full, you’re out of luck. Saw an otter one night!
Scout
Pohick Bay Campground in Virginia offers a peaceful escape with beautiful views and a variety of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. It's an ideal spot for families and nature lovers. Don’t forget to register dito sim to stay connected during your visit!
Guide
I love this campground very much. I called the office book my reservation, the representative put me in Acorn loop.
When I arrived by the late evening, there are only two camper in a huge site. Then I drove to Butterfly loop, this site have much more peoples, some camper tell me, the Ranger will coming soon; finally the ranger help me move my site into the Butterfly loop. From my experience, better book campsite by yourself online, then you have an idea this site how many occupancy.
Scout
If you are a nature lover, a person who loves peace, serenity, and, tranquility, or just need some respite, Lacy Oasis is the place to be. Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself. My agency took about 25 children there last week and they did not want to leave, neither did I. The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space. There is not enough I can say about this place. It was definitely more than I expected. But my agency has worked with the owner in the past on other community support initiatives and she has always been an overachiever. Please come and enjoy this space. You will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to return.
ScoutWe loved staying at Pohick. We were here to visit DC and it was an excellent spot to stay. It was extremely hot as it was July but the sites had a lot of shade. Site 46 where we stayed was close to the bathrooms and nice and flat. The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in and they have laundry and a nice stainless sink and counter for washing dishes if needed. About a 40 minute drive into DC and definitely worth it. Also, campers get a discount at the water park which was a very reasonable 5 dollars per person. The weekend tends to be a bit louder but during the week was very quiet.
Traveler
Stayed one night in our camper van, walked down to fossil beach which was the perfect amount of hiking for a two year old, great playground with plenty of other kids, camp store is well stocked and had decent hours. Our site was right next to bathrooms which was also great with the kids but we didnt hear or smell them. Cleanest campground bathrooms we've ever seen. Gravel parking and pebbles in the picnic table area, which my 2 year old enjoyed and my 9 month old tried his hardest to ingest. Loved it, would def go back.
ScoutWe have been camping here for nearly 20 years. Each military tour brought us back to this area so Pohick became our second home. Our kids kayak now older but used to walk the trails as little kids. The waterpark is new and loud so we avoid but nice if you have young kids. Careful low bridge on Route 1 exit ramp little warning when taking ramp off I95. Go around to next exit. The check in at the cap store is crowded and narrow even with renovations but our 34 ft makes it okay. Bring bikes. Long bike trail along road. Farmers markets in Lorton and things to do in DC. Park at Huntington or Springfield metro. Short boat ride straight across from Ft Belvoir new family campground. Ice cream shop in season by water docks. Bathrooms clean always hot water three stalls each. Sink outside for dishes. Playground buts up against inner circle which are the only sewer sites. Others are electric water. Careful some near steep drop off. Stick to main road or inner circle or first circle if in big unit. Must go round circle to get to those spots which can be annoying. Two speed bumps. Camp store sells smores ingredients, limited candy, no eggs or bacon get those off Rte 1. Past entrance on Rte 1 is a Food Lion, McDonalds. Gas stations along Rte one are tight so fill up before exiting to campground. If you are desperate there is gas 7/11 at corner of Pohick and Rte 1 but its sketchy. Up the road off Rte 1 is Fort Belvoir Access w a drivers license however cant shop without military sponsored ID. Great bbq at Telegraph Rd and greek at Olympians family restaurant. Movie theater on Telegraph is nice. Springfield Mall close. Take Onville Rd which is a backroad by Pohick Church to shortcut to Rte 1. Pohick Rd past camping turn deadends into private neighborhood. Do not pass camp entrance. Hard to turn around if you do. Near End of Pohick is a small walk with overlook. See birds at point. Drive a car not RV. Park at lot on right before road split deadend. Gunston Hall on left can see from campground and water. Tours are nice.
TravelerThis is a fairly nice, bare bones NPS campground. If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it. Helicopters and planes fly over regularly, and you can hear sirens from neighboring college park. The campsites are pretty close together, we could see probably about 10 or so other campsites from our campsite. And there is not a ton to do within the park itself -- there are a few picnic areas, a pretty unimpressive small playground, some nature/walking trails, and that's about it.
But it is a pretty nice campground -- campsites and showers seem clean and well maintained, bathrooms are fine and you're never far away from one. Rangers come around regularly to check on things and every one we interacted with was extremely friendly. I don't think there's anything comparable so close to DC, so if you're in the DC area and just want someplace close by for a short camping trip, or are looking for an affordable outdoors-y option to stay while you're visiting DC from out of town, this probably fits the bill. As soon as you leave the park you are in College Park with Metro access close by, and very close to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway.
TravelerQuick one night stop on our way south. While the sites are pretty exposed, it was a cold night so there were only a few other campers!
The bathroom was clean and extremely warm which was much appreciated after a cold night.
TravelerWhile we only camped here for one night, we enjoyed the park from check in to checkout!
Since we tent camp our site was dry and had no amenities but there were full hook up sites available. Our site was nestled in with the full hook up sites so it was as far away from the bathrooms as possible, not a big deal just something to note.
Since we visited in March, the trees did not have much foliage so the sites were more exposed than I tend to prefer and lots of the campers around left their outside RV lights on all night.
Being in campground A, we were only a short walk to the trail leading to fossil beach which was beautiful!
RangerDid a fourth of July visit and it was such a blast! We stayed in camp loop C and we had plenty of space for our 10-person tent and we stayed up pretty late enjoying the weather, laughing, and eating lots of fun camp snacks. The Canoe trails are absolutely beautiful and the horizon seems to go on endlessly. When we were there the day's canoe outings were cancelled due to weather and storm forecasts. We were able to enjoy the state parks edu series on how to catch soft crabs and ofc went out and got soft crabs and ate them at a local restaurant before we left. There are also some modest walking trails - but the main attraction are the canoe trails of course that go all the way out to the ocean for those with that level of expertise.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
RangerWe go here when we want to just chill. It's a good place to do that. Site are nice and large and it's an enjoyable place to just go, burn wood and listen to nature. Fairly quiet when we were there!
Legend
We spent part of Labor Day weekend here, and there was almost nobody else there. The second night, one other pair of campers showed up. I found it super strange that more people didn’t take advantage of a campground on the river with availability. That said, there were a bunch of people who came in and used the cabins and invited large extended families during the day. They played loud music and had kids running all over the place, very festive atmosphere. It kind of felt like it was more appropriate for that kind of use. The camping areas were all on the lawn, and the owners were a bit uptight about which site we could choose (despite there being ample availability, and the person on the phone telling me that all sites were first come first serve). Just felt strange. We did enjoy taking evening walks through the town to the restaurant/bar on the water, but that was literally the only thing to do unless you have a fishing/crabbing license.
ScoutState in a cabin with the family for New Year's Eve had a great time
ScoutThis place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7. Another absolutely insane noisy campground run by nova. Absolutely a rip off because of the noise just like all nova parks seem to be. Insane
LegendBeautiful campground, fairly large with 4 separate loops. Loop A is for organized groups/youth/scouts, Loop B is for tents and RVs under 30 ft, Loop C is for tents, and Loop D is for tents and RVs under 35 ft. No hookups at any of the sites.
There’s a dump station and drinking water fill in loop C (sorry tenters who wanted to avoid RVs). The water fill was a little annoying in that there’s a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down.
The bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there’s continuous running water (no button to push). There’s only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain (no door and no lock). Sites vary in levelness, some are fairly level and some are on a mini hill. Driveways are all very narrow. Most have too much tree cover for solar or starlink, but some sites are more open and you might be able to make it work. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Cost is $20/night, must reserve on recreation.gov, and you can do that when you arrive and pick a site (no service fee for this site)
Cell service is pretty good for Verizon and ATT.
No alcohol allowed in the park.
GETTING TO DC: There’s normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC (the green line takes you to the National Mall), but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm, and by the looks of it it’s been out a while and it doesn’t appear that it will be fixed soon. So what we did, since we don’t have a tow car, and just have our 26ft motorhome, is we packed up and drove to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town. The lot there is huge and open and free on weekends. Weekdays it’s about $5/day if you take the metro, and about $9 if you’re just parking there. The College Park station is closer but is apparently a parking garage (can’t confirm because we didn’t go to that station). This worked very well for us. You can pay for the metro with an app or get a card, either way it costs you $2 to buy the card, and then $2 each way on the train. Everyone over age 5 needs their own card, no sharing one card. The train ride from the Greenbelt station to the national mall is about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites.
ScoutLo primero es lo primero: soy unávido pescador y cangrejero. Tengo licencias para DC, Md y Va. Llevo más de 4 años viniendo a Tide Mill Resort, ahora llamado Endeavor Point. Aquí no ha cambiado mucho, excepto el propietario. El muelle todavía necesita reparación o está en necesidad, muchos pierden tablas, grandes pilones están dañados y todavía no hay barandillas de seguridad, por mencionar algunos. Conocía al dueño anterior y ahora a los dueños actuales.¡Que diferencia! El propietario anterior también era unávido deportista acuático que sabía todo sobre pesca, pesca de cangrejos y cualquier deporte acuático relacionado. Los actuales propietarios son 100% lo contrario. No saben nada sobre pesca o pesca de cangrejos y esperan que"no quieran que pesques demasiados". El propietario anterior permitió a sus clientes/invitados que pagaban pescar y hacer cangrejos a voluntad(por supuesto, todo dentro de los límites legales). Los actuales propietarios intentan restringir e intimidar a sus clientes. Durante los años que llevo viniendo aquí, nunca me han dicho cuántos cangrejos o peces puedo conservar. Ahora, los propietarios actuales tienen un límite de dos docenas de cangrejos, independientemente de tener una licencia en Maryland que diga que se pueden pescar hasta un bushel. Para empeorar las cosas, se apresuran a llamar a la policía del parque o a los guardas de juegos de sus clientes si creen que usted ha excedido sus límites personales. Esto es una locura. Debido a que los propietarios ignoran las leyes que rigen la pesca y la pesca de cangrejos, se indignan cuando aquellos de nosotros que las conocemos intentamos educarlos. Para mí, este asunto se volvió personal. Uno de los dueños mintió y dijo que estaba pescando tantos cangrejos porque los estaba“vendiendo”. Esa fue una mentira descarada. Escuche, si pudiera comer cangrejos todos los días, lo haría. Los amo mucho y mi esposo también. Por cierto, la mayoría de la gente que viene aquí son españoles, asiáticos y negros. Seamos realistas, llaman a la policía del parque con tanta frecuencia que es sólo cuestión de tiempo antes de que estos“nuevos propietarios” comiencen a llamar también a la policía de inmigración.
ScoutDon't Come Here: Park Police today, Immigration Police tomorrow
First things first, I am an avid fisherman and crabber. I have licenses for DC, Md and Va. I’ve been coming to Tide Mill Resort, now called Endeavor Point for more than 4 years. Much hasn't changed here, except the owner. The pier is still in need or repair, many lose boards, massive damaged pylons and still no security rails, to state a few. I knew the previous owner and now the present owners. What a difference! The past owner was also an avid watersport man who knew all about fishing, crabbing and any related water sport. The present owners are 100% the opposite. They know nothing about fishing or crabbing expect they“ don’t want you to catch too many.” The past owner allowed his paying customers/guest(s) to fish and crab at will,(of course all within legal limits). The present owners try to restrict and intimated their customers. Over the years of coming here, I’ve never been told how many crabs or fish I can keep. Now, the present owners have a 2-dozen limit on crabs regardless of having a license in Maryland that says you can catch up to a bushel. To make matters worse, they are quick to call the park police/games wardens on its customers if they believe you have exceeded their personal limits. This is insane. Because the owners are ignorant about the laws governing fishing and crabbing, they get incensed when those of us in the know, try to educate them. For me, this matter turned personal. One of the owners lied and said I was catching so many crabs because I was “selling” them. That was a blatant lie. Listen, If I could eat crabs everyday, I would. I love them that much and so does my husband. By the way, the majority of the people coming here are Spanish, Asian and Black. Let’s face it, they call the park police so frequently that it’s only a matter of time before these “new owners” start calling the immigration police as well.
ScoutWe chose Janes Island for our first camping trip as a couple and we had such a beautiful weekend!
The camp store employee was incredibly sweet and helpful. It was well stocked and even had a little wildlife museum.
Our tent site was away the main loops, which was great for privacy and quiet, close to the bath house, and faced the canal. Made for a gorgeous sunset!!
The bugs, mostly flies, were a bit much and I would expect that to be worse as the temperatures increases. I think that this is the experience of waterfront camping.
Overall, the park is beautiful, peaceful and clean. We really enjoyed our time here and will come back!
GuideIt’s a very small campground, looks like 99% of the people live here. Also, looks like they’re trying to do some very nice renovations. But they are really not up for customers. No pool, but they do have a pier that looks nice. We needed a place to stay for the night so we stayed. I don’t think they have any accommodations at all bathrooms or showers. Joy was very nice. 
Guide
Campground is mostly people that live there,and what few sites they had you had to squeeze into our between people that have the Homestead set up. The office was nice but the campground was not and the people were not welcoming. The only thing I can say is it look like it had a nice pool. We drove around to pick a spot and fast decided we did not want to stay here. Sorry everyone have a good day. 
ScoutThis was our first visit to this park and we really loved it. We stayed in a tent site which included a fire ring and picnic table, and we had two tents and plenty of space for everything. While we were there, I believe all of the cabins were full and some other tent sites reserved, but the grounds were still very quiet and peaceful. The bathrooms and showers were modern and very clean and looked to be only a brief, flat walk from most of the sites/cabins in the loop. The loops were smaller than I expected, but that wasn't a bad thing. There is also a large sink on one side of the bathhouse which was nice for cleaning up after cooking. AT&T phone service was slow but available. While in the area, we also visited WorkHorse Farm for a tour, First Fruits Orchard for PYO blueberries, and Denton Station antique mall.
LegendJake from the Dyrt here! Lacy Oasis is new to the Dyrt, and provides guests with a quiet spot to stay while enjoying this escape. Check them out and show them some love!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dowell, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dowell, MD is Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dowell, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Dowell, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
