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Best Campgrounds near Annapolis, MD

528 Reviews

Campgrounds near Annapolis, Maryland range from developed facilities to natural settings along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville and Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis provide established camping areas with varying amenities. Most locations accommodate tent camping, while sites like Cherry Hill Park and Pine Tree Associates also offer RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options. Military personnel can access the United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station FamCamp, which provides basic accommodations with electric hookups and water access about 4 miles east of downtown.

Seasonal considerations strongly influence the camping experience in the region, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. Sandy Point State Park operates primarily from March to October, while many private campgrounds remain open year-round. Summer brings crowds to waterfront locations, particularly on weekends and holidays when some parks reach capacity early in the day. Campers seeking more privacy often prefer spring and fall visits. A visitor noted, "This park is extremely crowded and very dirty during the summer season," while another advised, "The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."

The Annapolis camping region features proximity to both urban attractions and natural areas. Many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Washington DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis itself, with locations strategically positioned for day trips. Waterfront access represents a significant draw, with Chesapeake Bay views and swimming opportunities available at several parks. Family-friendly amenities like pools, playgrounds, and recreational facilities enhance many private campgrounds. While some locations offer peaceful natural settings, others prioritize convenience and developed facilities. As one camper described the Capitol KOA: "Staff was friendly and helpful with any information we needed. Nice playground for the kids. They also really enjoyed the jumping pillow. It was centrally located between Annapolis, Baltimore, and DC."

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Best Camping Sites Near Annapolis, Maryland (77)

    1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."

    2. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    3. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    24 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."

    4. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    21 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"

    5. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club

    2 Reviews
    Crownsville, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 841-6033

    $30 - $55 / night

    "My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."

    "Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."

    6. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    9 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "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!"

    "Location wise, it's great to see things in area.  Both Washington DC and many area's along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc.  The sites are very close but adequate."

    7. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp

    1 Review
    Annapolis, MD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 293-9200

    "Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"

    8. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    19 Reviews
    Catonsville, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 461-5005

    $20 - $51 / night

    "Camp site(Tent camping)
    The camp site is what it is, just a camp site :)  It's one of the bigger state parks surrounded by forest in MD."

    "Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby."

    9. Bay Shore Campground

    5 Reviews
    Rock Hall, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 639-7485

    $42 - $82 / night

    "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "

    "Perfect location for relaxation. No pool & not much to do for kids. But loved the view & area. Only 3 miles to drive into town"

    10. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "It is less than 40 mins from Annapolis and close to DC and Baltimore.   Yet it is isolated and quiet.  There’s some great trails as well as walking between the camp loops and picnic areas.  "

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

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Recent Camping Photos near Annapolis, MD

186 Photos of 77 Annapolis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Annapolis, MD

528 Reviews of 77 Annapolis Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Pax River Hog Point Campgrounds — Naval Airstation (Nas) Patuxent River

    Left Early, Won’t Be Back

    When we saw a review of this campground on Rec.gov complaining about the amount of bugs we thought they were being ridiculous, they were not. In addition to an insane amount of bugs making the experience here uniquely miserable — it is not quiet or peaceful. A (clearly quite drunk) group nearby was singing at the top of their lungs until at least 11pm when we made the decision to bail seeing as we weren’t going to be getting any sleep between being eaten alive and serenaded.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Adventure Bound Washington DC

    Nice

    This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest Metro station. It's crowded but folks are quiet & respectful!

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

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • 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

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Nice full hook up

    Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless.

    Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy.

  • 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.

Guide to Annapolis

Camping near Annapolis, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, you can enjoy nature while still being close to the city.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Fishing: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish in Lake Tuckahoe. A camper shared, "There’s a small lake where many people were fishing for bass."
  • Kayaking: The Tuckahoe River is great for kayaking. One visitor said, "We had our own yaks, but the park will rent them," highlighting the fun water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Lums Pond State Park Campground. A review noted, "Great bath houses, always super clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Cherry Hill Park. One camper remarked, "Sites are paved and mostly level," making it easy to set up.
  • Family-Friendly: Bull Run Regional Park is great for families. A reviewer said, "The playground and trails were nice; kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. At Greenbelt Park Campground, one visitor noted, "There’s only one large shower per bath house, and you only have a curtain."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground advised, "If they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Playgrounds: Look for spots like Westmoreland State Park Campground where kids can play. One parent said, "Great playground with plenty of other kids."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Tuckahoe State Park Campground enjoyed hiking and visiting the nearby arboretum.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "Nicely stocked store, great cafe onsite."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site."
  • Use Local Resources: Campers at Lums Pond State Park Campground suggested checking out nearby breweries for a fun outing. One said, "If you like small breweries, about 20 minutes away is Stewarts Brewpub."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Bring gear for unexpected weather changes. A camper at Oak Ridge Campground mentioned, "It was a very nice fall day."

Camping near Annapolis, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Annapolis, MD?

Several excellent campgrounds are located within a short drive of Annapolis. Tuckahoe State Park Campground is a favorite option less than 40 minutes from Annapolis, offering quiet surroundings, great trails, and level pads with paved drives in the electric loop. For those wanting amenities, Adventure Bound Washington DC is conveniently located in the middle of the DC/Annapolis area with plenty of RV options and friendly staff. Other notable options include Washington DC/Capitol KOA, which features playgrounds and a jumping pillow for kids, and Greenbelt Park Campground, which offers a more basic National Park Service camping experience close to the city.

When is the best season for camping in Annapolis?

The best season for camping around Annapolis is typically late spring through early fall when temperatures are most comfortable. Cedarville State Forest offers pleasant camping during these months with clean sites and family-friendly amenities. Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal is particularly enjoyable in spring and fall when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are most comfortable. Summer camping is popular but can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though facilities may be limited in winter. Spring brings blooming flowers while fall offers beautiful foliage, making these shoulder seasons especially appealing for camping near Annapolis.

What are the costs for camping in Annapolis, Maryland?

Camping costs around Annapolis vary significantly depending on the type of campground and amenities offered. Greenbelt Park Campground provides one of the more affordable options as a National Park Service facility with basic amenities. Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offers around 25 sites with water hookups at all sites and electric at 5 specific sites (2, 5, 18, 24, 25), typically at county park rates. Private campgrounds like Washington DC/Capitol KOA tend to be more expensive but offer additional amenities like pools and Wi-Fi. Be aware that some private facilities charge additional fees for guests ($5/person plus $5/car at some locations). Most public campgrounds in the region range from $20-40 per night, while private RV parks can cost $40-80+ depending on hookups and season.

Is waterfront camping available near Annapolis?

Yes, waterfront camping options are available near Annapolis, offering beautiful Chesapeake Bay views and water access. Pine Tree Associates provides a private, beautiful setting near Annapolis with water features, though note this is a nudist club offering a unique camping experience. Bay Shore Campground near Rock Hall offers waterfront access with boat-in options. For those seeking public waterfront camping, Sandy Point State Park provides youth group camping areas with Chesapeake Bay access. The Annapolis area's connection to the Chesapeake Bay means many campgrounds are located near water, even if not directly on the waterfront. These locations often provide opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities within a short distance of your campsite.

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