Camping options around Mayo, Maryland primarily focus on established campgrounds within a 40-60 minute drive. This coastal region has an average summer temperature of 87°F with humidity levels typically above 60% from June through August. The area's flat terrain and proximity to waterways makes it popular for boaters and anglers, though overnight facilities specifically designed for equestrians are limited.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Martinak State Park Campground, the waterfront access provides excellent fishing conditions. One camper noted, "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here."
Trail riding: The trail system at Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers 20 miles of paths open to hikers, bikers and equestrians. While no dedicated overnight horse facilities exist, day rides are popular. A reviewer mentioned, "There's a nearby Arboretoreum as well. I think my only problem is that parts of this state park are not on adjoined property and you do have to drive to them."
Water activities: Waterways near Mayo provide kayaking and canoeing options. One visitor to Martinak State Park shared, "Campsites and bathrooms are clean. Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Pohick Bay Campground offers spacious sites with natural screening. A camper mentioned, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)." This campground is approximately 50 minutes from Mayo.
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest maintains well-kept bathroom facilities. A camper noted, "Bathrooms don't look like much from the outside, but the inside is very nice. Clean, hot water, and good water pressure."
Proximity to water: Many campers appreciate the waterfront access at local parks. One Martinak visitor shared, "Very clean. Great amenities! On the water. You can rent canoes. Sites do not have sewer but does have dump. Great park that offers alot!"
What you should know
Tick presence: Summer months bring heavy tick activity at several campgrounds near Mayo. A Cedarville visitor warned, "We never left this park without at least one tick." Another camper at Cedarville reported, "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers."
Noise factors: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp requires military ID for access, but aircraft noise affects nearby campgrounds too. Several reviewers mention military aircraft flying overhead at various campgrounds in the region.
Limited horse facilities: For equestrians seeking camping with their horses, most parks offer day-use trail riding but no dedicated overnight horse facilities. Temporary containment systems are necessary at all campgrounds in the area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Finksburg Forest provides facilities suitable for families with children. Martinak State Park also offers multiple play areas as noted by a camper: "They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs are available at some parks. A visitor to Martinak stated, "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program."
Activity planning: Look for scheduled ranger activities. A camper at Pohick Bay recalled, "They informed us that they had a scavenger hunt for the kids going all weekend, they had an outdoor movie scheduled for Friday night, a campfire story time scheduled for Saturday night and crafts scheduled for Sunday morning."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking RV sites, check the specific dimensions. A Tuckahoe camper warned, "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and with were an issue."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds near Mayo offer electric and water hookups but limited full-hookup sites. At Cedarville State Forest, a reviewer noted, "Each site had picnic table, fire ring, and pretty level parking spot."
Dump station quality: Facility maintenance varies between campgrounds. One camper at Tuckahoe mentioned, "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."