Camping opportunities near Lusby, Maryland range from wooded state park sites to waterfront facilities along the Chesapeake Bay's western shore. The region sits at low elevations between 0-100 feet above sea level with a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Seasonal considerations include high humidity from June through September when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: At Westmoreland State Park Campground, visitors search for prehistoric shark teeth and other marine fossils along the Potomac River shoreline. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," reports one camper who extended their day trip into an overnight adventure.
Kayaking water trails: The extensive water trail system at Janes Island State Park Campground offers routes ranging from wide channels to narrow marsh passages. "The kayaking alone is worth the trip," notes a reviewer. "There's a beach that's an easy 1-mile paddle away with lots of room to spread out and have a private space to yourself."
Disc golf course: Pohick Bay Regional Park features an 18-hole disc golf course through wooded terrain. "I'd recommend taking in a game of disc golf on their 18 hole course," suggests a regular visitor who considers this location their "go-to weekend camping spot" when needing a quick escape from DC.
What campers like
Private waterfront campsites: Matoaka Beach Cottages offers premium tent sites directly on the cliffs above Chesapeake Bay. "I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach," reports one spontaneous camper who appreciated the flexibility and prime positioning.
Clean facilities: Martinak State Park maintains exceptional bathrooms that receive consistent praise from visitors. "Bathrooms were like brand new. Water and electric on our loop," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Bathhouses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Evening entertainment: Roaring Point Waterfront Campground schedules regular weekend performances throughout the camping season. "Live music was great!" shares an enthusiastic tent camper. Another visitor notes, "Nothing fancy here but who needs fancy when you have a beach, fishing, live entertainment and the best sunsets going?"
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Summer insects can significantly impact camping enjoyment in Maryland's coastal areas. "The biting flies were kept at bay by cutter," notes one camper at Janes Island State Park who visited in July. Another warns more explicitly: "Deer flies bite from the morning sun until it's dark and they are the worst at dusk. Fire smoke doesn't keep them away."
Military-only facility: Solomons Navy Recreation Area offers spacious sites and extensive amenities but restricts access to military personnel. "Great military campground with spacious sites, and anything else you could want!" explains one visitor who appreciated the "beach, 3 pools, marina" and other amenities.
Seasonal closures: Many facilities in the region operate on limited schedules. "August 1, 2021, the boat ramp will close for a year," noted one reviewer about Martinak State Park Campground, adding that alternatives exist at "nearby West Denton or also at Tuckahoe and a few other nearby spots."
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playground options: State parks in the region prioritize family-friendly facilities. "They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park," reports a visitor to Martinak who camped with three young children.
Scheduled activities: Pohick Bay organizes regular events for younger campers. "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," shares a parent who found these activities perfect for their 3-year-old and 1-year-old.
Nature-focused learning: Sandy Hill Family Camp provides opportunities for fishing and crabbing along the Nanticoke River. "Great no frills campground, little beachy area, fishing and crabbing," notes a visitor who appreciated the quiet, family-oriented atmosphere with "lots of residents and seasonal campers."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Pohick Bay Campground, not all sites accommodate larger vehicles equally well. "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," advises one RVer who recommends researching specific site numbers before booking.
Pump-out services: Roaring Point Waterfront Campground offers on-site sewage pump-out, though service quality varies. "The only drawback we had was the fella who came to pump out our camper. He was a man who definitely hates his job," reports one otherwise satisfied RVer who found the campground "clean and has beautiful views."
Alternative glamping close to Lusby, Maryland: For those seeking upscale camping without their own equipment, luxury tent accommodations exist within driving distance. When traditional RV camping isn't preferred, several locations offer prepared glamping sites with varying levels of amenities from basic to premium.
