Camping sites near Gibson Island, Maryland provide outdoor recreation opportunities within 20 miles of the Chesapeake Bay's western shore. The region sits at an elevation below 100 feet with mild winters and humid summers, creating a camping season that typically runs March through November. Nights along the shore can be surprisingly cool even in summer months, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: At Tuckahoe State Park, campers can launch directly into Tuckahoe Creek. "There is a canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," notes one visitor.
Nature trails and wildlife viewing: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hollofield Area offers hiking trails accessible directly from campsites. "We enjoyed hiking the trails directly from our campsite that led us down to the Patapsco River. There is a lot of history associated with the River and the area. You can even swim in this river," explains a camper. The park contains over 70 miles of trails through wooded terrain.
Metro access to DC attractions: Campers staying at Greenbelt Park can access Washington DC via public transportation. "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. So what we did was drive to the Greenbelt station about 5 miles away, parked there for the day, and took the green line into town."
What campers like
Secluded sites with privacy: The wooded setting at Susquehanna State Park creates natural buffers between campsites. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped. One of our bunk ends extended beyond the pad into the woods, which was just fine by me," writes a satisfied camper.
Clean, updated facilities: Many campgrounds in the region feature renovated restrooms and shower facilities. "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," noted a visitor to Susquehanna State Park. At Bay Shore Campground, campers appreciate the waterfront location: "Perfect location for relaxation. I think there's 3 loops. One is for group only. One is electric hook up and C is tent only."
Nature-focused playgrounds: Several parks feature innovative play spaces for children beyond traditional equipment. Patapsco Valley State Park offers "a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids... large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it."
What you should know
Weekend crowding vs. weekday tranquility: Greenbelt Park Campground experiences significant differences in occupancy patterns. "Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground. Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," explains a regular visitor. This pattern holds true across most area campgrounds.
Alcohol restrictions: Several Maryland state parks prohibit alcohol completely. Patapsco Valley State Park, Susquehanna State Park, and Sandy Point State Park all enforce no-alcohol policies. One camper advises: "Remember: no alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects."
Site selection challenges: Campsite quality varies significantly. At Patapsco Valley, "Some sites with a little extra room and privacy (419 and 420 caught my eye), but for the most part they were packed in pretty tightly. If you're a tent camper and don't need electric, the sites on the outer loop were quite nice and private."
Tips for camping with families
Youth-oriented facilities: Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping offers dedicated camping areas for organized groups. "This campground is very well taken care of, and seemed safe to me. There are wonderful views of the water and swimming at the beach, pavilions for social gatherings, showers and bathrooms that are kept pretty very clean, and room for backpacking, hiking, picnicking, but youth group camping only."
Activity planning for children: Washington DC/Capitol KOA provides numerous kid-friendly amenities. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc). If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," reports one family. Another notes, "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends."
Seasonal considerations: Timing your visit is critical with children. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," advises a Sandy Point visitor. Another warns, "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for varied terrain at Cherry Hill Park. "Gravel pad, expensive," notes one RVer, though they still rated the experience highly. Another camper at Tuckahoe State Park warns, "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites."
Access restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at several parks. One camper cautions about Patapsco Valley State Park Hollofield Area: "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)"
Utility considerations: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, sites include "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer," while Tuckahoe State Park provides "nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal."
