A
Al L.
Scout
ScoutWestmoreland State Park Campground
Nice end of summer retreat
It was a well maintained campsite. Clean bathrooms and great hikes to fossil beach.
Camping near Leonardtown, MD
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The Chesapeake Bay region surrounding Leonardtown, Maryland features a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and waterfront camping options within a 30-mile radius. Point Lookout State Park, located at the southern tip of Maryland's western shore where the Potomac River meets the Chesapeake Bay, offers historical significance alongside camping facilities, though it is temporarily closed. Westmoreland State Park Campground across the Potomac in Virginia provides year-round camping with full hookup sites, tent camping areas, and cabins. Smaller operations like Take It Easy Campground in nearby Callaway cater to both tent and RV campers, while specialized options include the single-site "1 Acre campground" with 50-amp service and kayak launch facilities.
Camping reservations are essential during the peak season from late spring through early fall, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules outside this window. As one camper noted, "This is the southern most point on Maryland's western shore, where the Chesapeake and Potomac converge. Bring a fan and some bug spray and you'll be just fine." Humidity and insects can be challenging in summer months, particularly in low-lying areas near water. Several campgrounds report standing water after rain, creating muddy conditions that can persist for days. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with some areas like Point Lookout described as "a complete dead spot for Verizon" according to visitor reviews.
Water activities represent the primary attraction for many campgrounds in the area. Fossil hunting at beaches, particularly at Westmoreland State Park where visitors can find shark teeth washed out from the cliffs, provides a unique experience. According to one regular visitor, "My family has always loved coming here to look for sharks teeth on Fossil Beach." Kayaking opportunities abound, with several campgrounds offering boat launches or rentals. Site privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some offering natural separation through vegetation while others place campsites in close proximity. Bathroom facilities typically include hot showers, though maintenance standards differ between locations. Most campgrounds provide standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water.
Best Campgrounds near Leonardtown (83)
1. Westmoreland State Park Campground
"The sites we have stayed at have all been super clean and close to bathrooms and water. They include a fire ring, picnic table and a hook for your trash. The bathrooms are clean and have hot showers."
"The park is well off the beaten path, but has plenty of historic and other attractions near by."
from $27 - $134 / night
Check Availability2. Point Lookout State Park
"The land was initially used as a resort then made into a hospital followed by a prison due to its ideal location. It is at the tip of Southern Maryland. The location of the campground is ISOLATED."
"This is the southern most point on Maryland’s western shore, where the Chesapeake and Potomac converge. Bring a fan and some bug spray and you’ll be just fine."
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability3. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping
"It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better."
"Also right off the parking lot is a little fishing pond which leads you to the main trail to get down to the beach which is about a mile - a mile and 1/2."
4. Take It Easy Campground
"There is a large park area close to office with large trees and a playground."
from $55 / night
Check Availability5. 1 Acre campground, 50 amp, and Kayak launch
"The 1 Acre Campground is a unique spot near the river and boat launch that offers 50AMP and sewer hookups for a convenient stay. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
from $50 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Solomons Navy Recreation Area
7. Endeavor Point
from $55 - $95 / night
Check Availability8. Matoaka Beach Cottages
"I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach."
9. Thousand Trails Harbor View
"Nearby Colonial Beach is a cute area that has nice waterfront access. We also loved going to Westmoreland park which was practically next door to Harbor View. Great trails and fossil beach was fun."
"The harbor you can see is private property and not very nice to look at--better to drive out to Colonial Beach."
10. Patuxent Camp Sites
Drive Time
- 16 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 3 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 29 min from Baltimore, MD
- 2 hrs 38 min from Salisbury, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Leonardtown, MD
128 Photos of 83 Leonardtown Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Take It Easy CampgroundD
Dennis Point Marina and Campground
Endeavor Point
Matoaka Beach Cottages
Westmoreland State Park Campground
Thousand Trails Harbor View
Point Lookout State Park
Lacy Oasis Campground
Cedarville State Forest
Caledon State Park Campground
Blackwater Snakehead CampsiteL
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Recent Reviews near Leonardtown, MD
419 Reviews of 83 Leonardtown Campgrounds
- Jason
GuideAnnapolis MWR Academy RV/Campground
Great spot for Retirees/Active
If you want to be near Annapolis, right on the Severn River...this is it. About 15 RV spots nestled in the woods...with full hook ups. A couple of primitive spots as well. Just a quick 5 min walk to the river...right across from the Academy. NEX, gas within 10 min walk, and 15 min drive to downtown Annapolis. Staff is always great here, and the park is clean....for a park on the woods.
- SSean D.
TravelerCampsites at Watkins Regional Park
Excellent choice for a Washington visit or local getaway
Based on my stay 3 nights and what I read of Greenbelt Park (the other closeby to Washington campground) I would say this has to be much better and I will stay here again on a future visit. Campground sits inside of a much larger park with great trails, amenities and well maintained. Campground is quiet, lots of trees, forest and yet each space is very large with good spacing and privacy to adjacent sites. High tree canopy at your site so lots of room to spread out. Sites themselves are a little rustic - a mix of grass, gravel and dirt, but not muddy (it rained a good bit prior to my stay) - but in good condition. Shower/toilet block is clean and good hot water and good water pressure. Most sites are flat or near flat and the ones that aren't need minimal levelling blocks. Campground apparently is never full and there was only 1 other when I was there - really hard to believe. There is a neighborhood road up by the sites near the shower block but it is low speed and lightly travelled and I had no disturbance from it. Nice surrounding neighborhood. No signs of vagrants. Park police patrolled multiple times per day and report very little non-camper entry to ther facilities. I felt very safe.Easy access to Eashington - bus stop outside the campground to metro or just drive to the metro (free parking weekend, $6 midweek) and then train (about 8 per hour) into the sites - an hour or less total to get there. For more local people, this seems like a good escape "to the woods" without travelling forever.
- BBrian H.Traveler
Pettigrew WMA
Pettigrew WMA - great dispersed camping
Good spot to get away and pitch a tent. Never anyone else there too! Make sure to get a daily ($4) or annual (~$22 I forget) Access Permit on Virginia DWR, as well as special WMA camping license (free)
- Judy W.Guide
Smallwood State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED THROUGH JULY 2023
Great Escape! Air conditioned cabins!
What a gem! We found this place as an alternative to staying in DC during 4th of July festivities. Nice spacious sites, cabins were super clean and smelled great! Did I mention they were air conditioned during the hotest week of the summer!
Bathrooms and showers were spotless.
Many things to see and do there. Historic property, big lake (no swimming), boating, fishing, hiking. There is an Art Center with juried displays for sale.
Kat E.ScoutBurke Lake Park Campground
Amenities good
The park is very well maintained, and the campsites have clean fire pits and cooking grills. The restrooms are clean, spacious, and well maintained, and my campsite was large enough to comfortably fit a 6-person tent and a canopy.
However, there were a few concerns during our stay. Despite the campground’s quiet hours policy starting at 10:00 PM, many campers continued to make noise well past that time. I did not notice any campground staff or maintenance personnel making rounds to enforce the quiet hours.
I also felt concerned about security. One of my neighboring campers, who was visiting from South Carolina, told me that his generator had been stolen during the night. He reported the theft to the police, and an official report was filed. Incidents like this made me feel unsafe while camping.
I recommend increasing staff or security patrols, especially during the evening and overnight hours, to enforce quiet hours and improve the safety and security of campers and their belongings. With better enforcement and security, Burke Lake Campground would provide an even better camping experience.
Jeremy G.TravelerJoint Base Andrews Military FamCamp
Could be a great campground but......
There are some good things about this Famcamp. It's like a diamond in the rough. If the military would spend some time and money on it, it could be a great campground. One of the greatest points about this campground is its location. You are so close to downtown D.C.! Every RV site (as far as I saw) was a level concrete pad. All sites, except for tent sites, have full electricity. Most sites have sewer and water. Sites 12-18 should be mainly used for the smaller travel trailers. I had an interesting time getting my 35' 5th wheel into the site. Even though I got my RV into the site, I don't have much room for my truck. My site has a picnic table, fire pit, and a grill. Everything is rusted beyond repair. My grill was filled with cigarette butts and my fire pit had trash in it. There is some shade. My site has two trees at the front of the pad on both sides of the RV. My bedroom stays nice and cold and I have a good view for my Starlink in the rear. The sites are close to each other, but there is some space. The good thing is that we are surrounded by the golf course. You don't get much noise from the base, because of the location, and because the FamCamp is surrounded by trees. You can hear the busy road outside the fence but I don't hear it much inside the RV. Every once in a while you'll hear an aircraft... but this is an air base, it's expected. We were told the community laundry was not working and to use the base laundry mat. Finally, one of the best parts about the campground, is the lady at outdoor rec that is in charge of the Famcamp. She is very nice and helpful. She will try to assist you with anything you need from directions to useful tips.
Kindra W.GuidePoint Lookout State Park
5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical
Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.
John M.GuideMatoaka Beach Cottages
Fantastic location with winderful hosts
Private campground with cabins and tent sites. Tent sites are first come, first service so call ahead to ensure the space is available. The host family was very nice and easy to work with and talk to. Fire pits were at tent sites and past the office was beach access into Chesapeake Bay. There are trash bins and porta potty’s on sight that are all maintained and kept clean. Beautiful sights and plenty to do in the area with DC being roughly an 40-60 minutes away.
Guide to Leonardtown
The Chesapeake Bay's western shoreline around Leonardtown, Maryland sits at low elevation, typically under 100 feet above sea level, creating a humid microclimate that influences camping conditions. Campgrounds near Leonardtown experience extended periods of standing water after rainfall due to the region's clay-rich soil and minimal drainage. Cell service varies dramatically between locations, with coverage improving at higher elevation points and deteriorating in low-lying waterfront areas.
What to do
Fossil hunting and identification: At Westmoreland State Park Campground, many visitors plan their trips specifically for finding prehistoric treasures. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," reports Sara A., who found the experience relaxing enough to extend her visit.
Local history exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to significant historical sites, including Civil War and colonial landmarks. "The park used to be a prison for Confederate soldiers, so lots of cool exhibits and memorials for history buffs," notes one camper about Point Lookout State Park. Nearby George Washington's birthplace offers additional historical context for visitors.
Swimming at different beaches: Many campgrounds offer beach access, but conditions vary significantly. "They did have great trails, a lot of scheduled events for all ages, a pool and boat rentals and competitive prices," notes Rachel A. about Westmoreland's beach and recreational options.
Seasonal community activities: At Thousand Trails Harbor View, campers can participate in weekend gatherings. "They have Saturday night communal bonfires," mentions Ariel F., adding detail about the social aspect of camping near Leonardtown.
What campers like
Privacy levels between sites: Site privacy varies dramatically between campgrounds near Leonardtown. At Westmoreland State Park, one reviewer notes, "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others." This contrasts with other campgrounds where space is limited.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting outside peak summer months provides a different experience. "If you're anything like me, traveling for peace and quiet and solitude, I highly recommend Sunday and Monday nights if you have flexibility with jobs etc. It was SUPER quiet during my stay," recommends RL about Westmoreland State Park.
Winter camping options: Some campgrounds remain open year-round with special accommodations. "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year," reports RL, adding "Bath houses are heated which is amazing."
Waterfront views: At Matoaka Beach Cottages, tent sites offer direct water views. "Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," shares Courtney K., highlighting the sensory experience that many visitors seek.
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer brings specific difficulties to campsites near Leonardtown, Maryland. "Oh - and check for ticks and bring your bug spray. Gotta love humid Virginia summers!" advises one camper about Westmoreland State Park, highlighting common concerns in warmer months.
Water quality monitoring: Waterfront campsites sometimes experience natural conditions affecting swimming. "At the time of my visit a couple of weeks ago there was a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin, so just be mindful of this," warns RL at Westmoreland.
Cell service variability: Working remotely requires planning for connectivity. "I work full-time remote and the Verizon service was perfect with our hotspot," reports Ariel F. about Harbor View, contrasting with other campgrounds where connectivity is limited.
Site conditions after rain: Endeavor Point and other low-lying campgrounds can experience standing water issues. "The camping areas were all on the lawn," notes one reviewer, with others mentioning muddy conditions persisting for days after rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: For families with young children, playgrounds provide important activity options. "Everybody was super friendly and we felt very comfortable letting our kids go over to the playground by themselves," shares Em M. about Thousand Trails Harbor View.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer family-oriented learning experiences. At Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping, "The trail now is very well marked, clean, and there are facilities down by the beach to use. They do have a nice park for the kids by the entrance," reports Anthony S.
Beach selection for kids: Different beaches offer varied experiences for families. "Nice clean sites and beaches, there are 2. One is a drive up and the other is a bit of a hike. Which is great if you're looking for that kind of thing," explains Christian about Westmoreland State Park.
Booking buddy sites: Some campgrounds accommodate larger family gatherings. "We took about 30 women camping here at the end of April and had the best time together," shares Katie T. about Westmoreland's buddy site options, which allow groups to camp together.
Tips from RVers
Site pad conditions: Gravel pads at many campgrounds require monitoring after rain. "Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added. Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," reports Nick E. about Harbor View.
Winter heating considerations: RVers camping in colder months should prepare for temperature fluctuations. "Definitely gets windy near the river. Nothing a big pot of camp soup or chili can't help!" suggests RL about winter camping at Westmoreland State Park.
Site spacing awareness: RVers should research site dimensions carefully. "The sites are extremely close. Tent campers are an absolute afterthought here, as the sites are in the back and the bathhouse is in the front," notes Jocelyn B. about Harbor View, adding context about site proximity.
Single-site options: For RVers seeking maximum privacy, the 1 Acre campground offers "50AMP and sewer hookups for a convenient stay" near a boat launch, providing a unique alternative to larger campgrounds for self-contained units.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I refill or purchase propane tanks in Leonardtown, MD?
Where can I refill or purchase propane tanks in Leonardtown, MD?
For propane tank refills or purchases near Leonardtown, check the amenities at Thousand Trails Harbor View near Colonial Beach, which provides propane services for campers. Alternatively, Pohick Bay Campground offers propane services for visitors. Most local hardware stores, U-Haul locations, and some gas stations in Leonardtown also provide propane refill services. For the most current information on propane availability, contact the Leonardtown visitor center or check with local RV supply stores.
Where can I find campgrounds near Leonardtown, MD?
Where can I find campgrounds near Leonardtown, MD?
Several excellent campgrounds are located within a reasonable drive from Leonardtown. Take It Easy Campground near Callaway is one of the closest options, offering both drive-in and walk-in access with water hookups and toilet facilities. For waterfront camping, Janes Island State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities with kayaking opportunities that are perfect for families. Other nearby options include Cedarville State Forest, Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, and Patuxent Camp Sites. Most campgrounds in this region require reservations, especially during peak summer months.
Which is the most popular campground near Leonardtown, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Leonardtown, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Leonardtown, MD is Westmoreland State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
What parks are near Leonardtown, MD?
What parks are near Leonardtown, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Leonardtown, MD that allow camping, notably Fort Washington Park and George Washington Memorial Parkway.
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