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Best Campgrounds near Mechanicsville, MD

499 Reviews

Camping near Mechanicsville, Maryland encompasses a mix of state parks, regional facilities, and private campgrounds situated between the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay. The area features established campgrounds like Cedarville State Forest, which operates from April to October, and Westmoreland State Park across the Virginia border, which remains open year-round. Endeavor Point offers boat-in camping opportunities with just 10 sites, while Pohick Bay Campground provides family-oriented facilities with water access. Many campgrounds in this region serve as convenient bases for exploring Washington DC, with several reviewers noting the balance between natural settings and urban proximity.

Most campgrounds in the Mechanicsville area require reservations, particularly during the peak season from May through September. Summer humidity and mosquitoes are significant factors to consider when planning a trip, with several campers reporting heavy mosquito activity, especially after rainfall. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better connectivity at campgrounds closer to major roads. Fire restrictions are uncommon except during extreme drought conditions. Many campgrounds in this area experience aircraft noise due to proximity to military installations and flight paths to regional airports, which can affect the wilderness experience.

The camping options near Mechanicsville reflect the region's position between rural landscapes and urban conveniences. RV campers will find full hookup sites at several locations, though big rig access can be limited on narrower campground roads. According to one visitor at Cedarville State Forest, "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." Waterfront camping is available at several locations, with fishing opportunities in both freshwater and tidal environments. Historical sites are often within short driving distance, including Civil War landmarks and colonial-era attractions that add educational value to camping trips in this region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mechanicsville, Maryland (77)

    1. Westmoreland State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Montross, VA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (804) 493-8821

    "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."

    2. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    16 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."

    3. Endeavor Point

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

    $55 - $95 / night

    4. Pohick Bay Campground

    39 Reviews
    Lorton, VA
    28 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."

    5. Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping

    5 Reviews
    Lusby, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    "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."

    6. Matoaka Beach Cottages

    2 Reviews
    St. Leonard, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 586-0269

    "I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach."

    7. Patuxent Camp Sites

    1 Review
    Broomes Island, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 586-9880

    8. Breezy Point Beach

    5 Reviews
    Chesapeake Beach, MD
    17 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."

    9. Final-Lee Here

    1 Review
    Huntingtown, MD
    14 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."

    10. Thousand Trails Harbor View

    7 Reviews
    Colonial Beach, VA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Mechanicsville, MD

499 Reviews of 77 Mechanicsville Campgrounds

Guide to Mechanicsville

Camping near Mechanicsville, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and easy access to the sights of the D.C. area. 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, one visitor mentioned, "We stayed a week at Cherry Hill and it had everything we needed for visiting DC." The campground provides easy access to public transit, making it simple to get into the city.

  • Enjoy Nature Trails: Hiking is a popular activity in the area. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park noted, "The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull-throughs." This park offers trails that are perfect for families and nature lovers alike.

  • Water Activities: If you love being on the water, Pohick Bay Campground is a great choice. One camper shared, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in," highlighting the cleanliness and convenience of the facilities after a day of kayaking or fishing.

What campers like:

  • Community Feel: Campers often appreciate the friendly atmosphere. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "There is a generally good sense of community, which is lucky because of how close together the sites are."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "The bathhouses are ample and clean but can be a hike from some sites."
  • Convenient Location: Many campers enjoy the proximity to attractions. One camper at Pohick Bay Campground noted, "About a 40-minute drive into DC and definitely worth it."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby highways or airports. A camper at Pohick Bay Campground warned, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7."
  • Site Proximity: Many campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "The sites are all nice and level, but rather close, as expected given the proximity to DC."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "There’s not a ton to do within the park itself."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Cherry Hill Park, one family enjoyed the "great cafe onsite, and clean bathrooms and showers were great features."
  • Plan for Nature Exploration: Bring along bikes or hiking gear. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring items that will keep everyone comfortable. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground appreciated the "clean bathrooms" after a long day of activities.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Oak Ridge Campground noted, "RV sites are limited to 32’ and trailers to 26’."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA mentioned, "If looking for a place to stay near Richmond with full reliable hook-ups this would service that need."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds may charge extra fees for early check-in. A visitor at Richmond North - Kings Dominion KOA pointed out, "They'll charge you an extra $20 for early check-in."

Camping around Mechanicsville, MD, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mechanicsville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mechanicsville, MD is Westmoreland State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.

What parks are near Mechanicsville, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Mechanicsville, MD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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