Camping options near Huntingtown, Maryland range from forest-based tent sites to waterfront camping along the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River systems. The region's sandy soil presents challenges for tent stakes and RV leveling, particularly at sites closest to water. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity from June through September, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for many overnight visitors.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing at Endeavor Point: Sites provide direct access to the Chesapeake watershed for anglers. "We went for labor day weekend and had a great time. The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," notes a visitor to Endeavor Point.
Disc golf at Pohick Bay: Play an 18-hole course in a forest setting within 25 miles of Huntingtown. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," says a camper at Pohick Bay Campground.
Nature hiking at Cedarville: Follow color-coded trail systems through the forest environment. A camper reports: "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it! We hiked the brown trail and it was a nice walk."
Kayaking from Final-Lee Here: Rentable boats provide access to nearby Kings Landing Park and water trails. One visitor shared: "We kayaked the river and creek through beautiful marshlands where we saw caterpillars walk on water, a heron and bald eagles soaring above, turtles, a cove where thousands of tadpoles were amidst metamorphosis."
What campers like
Secluded forest camping: Campsites at Cedarville State Forest offer privacy from nearby urban areas. "Very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another. Multiple loops for groups or individuals," notes a visitor.
Direct beach access: Sites at some campgrounds provide private access to shoreline. "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," explains a camper at Breezy Point Beach.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dawn and dusk bring opportunities to see native animals. One camper mentioned: "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," while another noted: "Saw an otter one night!"
Convenient location: The proximity to Washington DC makes these campsites practical base camps. A guest explains: "Pretty cool for so close to DC. Moderate privacy and space, especially considering how close it is to DC."
What you should know
Seasonal insect concerns: Ticks and mosquitoes are abundant, especially in wooded areas. "I've never left this park without at least one tick," warns a Cedarville State Forest camper, while another notes: "Lots and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each."
Bathhouse schedules: Facility cleaning times can affect accessibility. "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," reports a visitor to Cedarville State Forest.
Aircraft noise: Several camping areas experience flyover noise from nearby military and civilian airports. A camper at Matoaka Beach Cottages mentioned: "You can hear the planes overhead at times, but it's not frequent enough to disrupt the experience."
Site leveling challenges: Sandy soil conditions affect tent and RV stability. "Some are worse than others, but it can be a challenge leveling and stabilizers can't get a firm footing, be sure to have some wood or other platform for your stabilizers," advises a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Mini golf and swimming options: Multiple activities keep children engaged at larger campgrounds. "Great campground with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Plenty of playgrounds and trails nearby to keep the family busy," notes a visitor.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds cater to quiet family experiences while others are more social. "We were 1 of 3 campers in this loop during our week-long stay. This made it peaceful and quiet," reports a camper at Cedarville.
Zip line and outdoor games: Final-Lee Here offers additional outdoor activities. "There is a small zip line for kids and you may request games such as cornhole, horseshoes, or Yardzee to play," explains one visitor.
Site selection for playground access: Campground layout affects convenience with children. A camper recommends: "We got a site on the inner loop and it backed to the playground and the bathhouse. The site was spacious."
Tips from RVers
Advance dumping planning: Limited sewer options require advance planning. "There is no dump station and the pump-out option is only offered a couple days per week," warns a camper at Breezy Point Beach.
Site width considerations: Lacy Oasis Campground offers wider sites for larger rigs. "The camping loop is small, with all the sites pretty close together," notes a camper at a different location, indicating the importance of researching site dimensions.
Water and electric hookup locations: Connection points vary by campsite. "Site 6 was good but not for larger rigs. We have a pop up and had to navigate around a tree that would have been very difficult for larger rigs," advises a visitor to Cedarville State Forest.
Seasonal site firmness: Ground conditions change significantly after rainfall. A camper warns: "They really need to firm-up the actual RV parking spots. Some are worse than others, but it can be a challenge leveling."
