Best Campgrounds near Dunkirk, MD

Campgrounds near Dunkirk, Maryland range from state forests to private camping resorts, with most facilities concentrated within a 30-mile radius of the town. Cedarville State Forest offers tent and RV camping from April to October with basic amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities. Adventure Bound Washington DC in nearby Lothian provides year-round camping with cabin options alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Several campgrounds in the area feature waterfront access, particularly those closer to the Chesapeake Bay, while inland options tend to be more wooded with hiking trails.

Road conditions and site accessibility vary significantly across the region's campgrounds, with some requiring advance planning for larger vehicles. "We chose this campground based on proximity to work. This campground was priced fairly, however, it does come with its downfalls," noted one visitor about Cedarville State Forest. Many campgrounds near Dunkirk maintain seasonal operations, typically opening from April through October, though some private facilities remain open year-round. Summer weekends often see full occupancy, especially at waterfront locations, making reservations essential during peak season. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be spotty in more remote sections of state forests.

The camping experience around Dunkirk benefits from proximity to both natural areas and urban amenities. Campers report varying levels of privacy between sites, with state forest campgrounds generally offering more seclusion than private resorts. One camper shared that "the sites were decently spaced out from one another, it didn't feel like we were right on top of the people across and next to us." Wildlife encounters are common, particularly in the more wooded campgrounds where deer sightings are frequent. Noise levels can be a consideration at some locations, with several reviews mentioning aircraft noise from nearby military installations. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary widely between primitive sites and full-service RV parks.

Best Camping Sites Near Dunkirk, Maryland (80)

    1. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    2. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

    3. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    4. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    26 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."

    5. Lacy Oasis Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chesapeake Beach, MD
    4 miles
    +1 (202) 270-5189

    $90 - $190 / night

    "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."

    6. Breezy Point Beach

    5 Reviews
    Chesapeake Beach, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 535-0259

    $60 - $70 / night

    "There is additional space behind each site leading onto the beach that houses a table and fire ring. It feels like each site has loads of room out to the beach."

    7. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (703) 339-6104

    $37 - $170 / night

    "We 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."

    "We enjoyed sitting around the campfire at night and walking the dogs down to the water. We were right next to a hiking trail that went down to the water and a beach area."

    8. Final-Lee Here

    1 Review
    Huntingtown, MD
    6 miles
    +1 (410) 414-3100

    $40 / night

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Nestled within the beautiful greenery of Huntingtown, Maryland, this campground offers heart, scenery, and access to numerous adventures."

    9. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 868-1397

    $10 - $45 / night

    "Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance however, 6 of the 25 sites are unleveled so tent camping is probably the only option."

    "Close to town but far enough to enjoy yourself. Bathrooms are clean and have decent showers."

    10. Endeavor Point

    5 Reviews
    Patuxent River, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 684-7666

    $55 - $95 / night

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Recent Reviews near Dunkirk, MD

601 Reviews of 80 Dunkirk Campgrounds


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

    Aquia Pines Campground

    Good stopover near the highway but hidden between the trees

    We where forced land-inwards because of tropical storm Erin (potential hurricane hitting the Outer Banks). So we decided to visit Washington DC and had a stopover here. It was conveniently located. Terrain is not flat but our spot was well levelled. There is a big dog (and an older gentleman) in the office to welcome you. Full hook up was oké and our spot was nicly secluded between the trees.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Shanna S.
    May. 12, 2025

    Martinak State Park Campground

    We’ll be back!

    Great short camping trip for a quick weekend away. We stayed on the butterfly loop.

    Cell service (T-Mobile) was spotty at times, bathhouses were fine, and the ranger was on patrol regularly. We felt very safe!

    Wonderful park! We’ll be back!


Guide to Dunkirk

Camping near Dunkirk, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the sights of Washington, D.C. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore Washington, D.C.: Many campers use the nearby campgrounds as a base to visit the nation's capital. For instance, at Cherry Hill Park, visitors appreciated the helpful staff who explained the Metro system, making it easy to get into D.C. without driving.
  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Campers at Bull Run Regional Park enjoyed the hiking trails, with one family noting that the park was a great introduction to camping for their kids.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, visitors loved the calm waterways for kayaking and fishing, making it a perfect spot for water activities.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers at Pohick Bay Campground praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms, with one reviewer stating they were "cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
  • Community Feel: Many visitors to Cherry Hill Park mentioned the sense of community, which made their stay enjoyable despite the close proximity of the sites.
  • Convenient Location: Campers at Lake Fairfax Campground appreciated its location, which allowed easy access to both nature and urban amenities.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Bull Run Regional Park, can be noisy due to nearby highways. One camper described it as "like sleeping on the side of the highway."
  • Site Proximity: Campers at Greenbelt Park Campground noted that the sites are fairly close together, which might not be ideal for those seeking privacy.
  • Limited Amenities: At Oak Ridge Campground, some campers found the lack of electric hookups and showers to be a downside, but enjoyed the spacious sites and natural surroundings.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park offer activities like tractor rides that kids love. One family mentioned their children enjoyed the playgrounds and swimming pools.
  • Safety First: At Pohick Bay Campground, parents advised keeping a close eye on kids near steep drop-offs and water areas.
  • Plan for Meals: Campers at Tuckahoe State Park Campground found it helpful to bring their own food, as the camp store had limited supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: RVers at Cherry Hill Park mentioned that while the sites are tight, they managed to fit their Class A motorhome without issues.
  • Use Public Transit: Many RVers recommend using public transit to get into D.C. from campgrounds like Greenbelt Park Campground to avoid parking hassles.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Campers at Lake Fairfax Campground noted that weekends can get crowded, so arriving early is a good idea.

Camping near Dunkirk, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Dunkirk, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunkirk, MD is Cedarville State Forest with a 3.8-star rating from 17 reviews.

What parks are near Dunkirk, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Dunkirk, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Dupont Park and Fort Washington Park.