T
Trevor 
Traveler
TravelerBay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Camping near Mayo, MD
77 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Mayo, Maryland area contains a mix of established campgrounds and resort-style accommodations for visitors seeking waterfront recreation and access to major cities. Nearby options include Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville offering cabin camping, tent sites, and RV hookups, along with Pine Tree Associates which provides a more unique experience as a nudist club with cabin rentals. Several properties in the region cater to different camping styles, from traditional tent camping at Sandy Point State Park to glamping options at Lacy Oasis Campground. Most sites are positioned to allow convenient access to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington DC.
Most campgrounds in the Mayo vicinity remain open from spring through fall, with limited year-round options. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," noted one Sandy Point visitor about seasonal variations. Adventure Bound Washington DC in Lothian provides full hookups and year-round access but experiences heavy traffic from long-term residents. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. Proximity to major cities means weekend congestion is common, with several reviewers mentioning early arrival is essential to secure entry at popular spots like Sandy Point State Park.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mayo area, with Chesapeake Bay views and water recreation opportunities at several locations. Cherry Hill Park and Capitol KOA receive favorable reviews for family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. A camper at Adventure Bound Washington DC mentioned, "Location wise, it's great to see things in area. Both Washington DC and many areas along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc." Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some sites offering little separation between neighbors. Visitors frequently note the trade-off between convenient urban access and true wilderness experience, as most campgrounds maintain developed facilities rather than primitive camping. Bathhouse cleanliness and site maintenance receive mixed reviews, with several long-term resident campgrounds showing signs of wear according to visitor feedback.
Best Campgrounds near Mayo (77)
1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA
"They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."
"The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."
2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
"If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."
"The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"
from $20 / night
Check Availability3. Cherry Hill Park
"Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."
"Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."
from $999 / night
Check Availability4. Adventure Bound Washington DC
"We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."
"This place is a good place to stay, the laundry room & showers are handy, the pool is large, & it's a 40 minute drive to the capital & the Smithsonian Mall or a 25 minute drive to the closest"
5. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping
6. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club
"My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."
"Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability7. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp
"Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"
8. Cedarville State Forest
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability9. Bay Shore Campground
"We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! "
"We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood. "
from $42 - $82 / night
Check Availability10. Lacy Oasis Campground
"Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind."
from $90 - $190 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 36 min from Baltimore, MD
- 39 min from Washington, DC
- 1 hr 10 min from Lexington Park, MD
- 1 hr 26 min from Dover, DE
Recent Camping Photos near Mayo, MD
160 Photos of 77 Mayo Campgrounds
Manager P.
Pinetree Associates
Kristy R.
Adventure Bound Washington DC
Angie G.
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Candice N.
Lacy Oasis Campground
Roger W.
Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park
Tye S.
Louise F. Cosca Regional Park
Justin G.
Cedarville State Forest
Artemis A.
Cherry Hill Park
Jennifer S.
Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Ally S.
Endeavor Point
Courtney K.
Matoaka Beach Cottages
Kelly C.
Hollofield Area Campground
Recent Reviews near Mayo, MD
539 Reviews of 77 Mayo Campgrounds
Isabel Z.
ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Great for families
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
- JJohn S.Scout
Ramblin' Pines
Weak WiFi
For $90 per night the WiFi should work better. Didn’t connect at all. Had to use the antenna pointed East to get local Baltimore news.
- hheather B.Scout
Cherry Hill Park
Like a resort
This camp ground is like a resort with 2 pools mini golf splash pad and many other amenities
- H
Holly B.
GuideCherry Hill Park
My All Time Favorite…so far
This park is top notch. The grounds are immaculate. The staff is friendly and helpful. They have a lovely gift shop. We were in the 400 sites and it was nice and shady. Though you are close to highways I don’t recall hearing and noise. I love that they have shuttles to DC., walking trails and a large dog park. This is my all time favorite park so far and I need to go back.
- TTroli R.Guide
Aberdeen Proving Ground RV Park
Bougie sites; AWFUL reservation system
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
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.
- AAimee K.Traveler
Washington DC / Capitol KOA
Good location
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Brian M.ScoutElk Neck State Park Campground
Good experience
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
Guide to Mayo
Camping near Mayo, Maryland offers access to both Chesapeake Bay recreation and nearby metropolitan areas with camping options ranging from tent sites to cabin rentals. Located in Anne Arundel County with an average elevation of 36 feet, the region experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds maintain wooded areas despite proximity to urban centers, creating pockets of natural settings within reach of city amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Greenbelt Park Campground provides access to 20 miles of trails where visitors can observe local wildlife. "Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," notes Becky, who adds "the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park."
Kayaking and canoeing: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers water recreation options with a convenient launch point. "Canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors)," according to Mary S.
Fossil hunting: Sandy Point State Park provides opportunities for beachcombing and fossil collection. "Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth. In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session," shares Angel G.
What campers like
Proximity to cities: Cherry Hill Park receives praise for its location near Washington DC. One visitor noted, "Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can't be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments."
Natural settings close to urban areas: Greenbelt Park Campground offers a wooded retreat despite its metropolitan location. A camper describes it as "an urban oasis" where "traffic can be heard but not seen." Another review mentions, "There are a lot of people who use this space as a green space for walking and running."
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. One reviewer mentioned, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," while another added, "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm."
What you should know
Seasonal crowding: Sandy Point State Park experiences significant visitor traffic during peak months. A visitor noted, "This park is extremely crowded and very dirty during the summer season." Others recommend visiting in off-peak times, mentioning "The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."
Site sizes vary significantly: Campgrounds in the region offer inconsistent space between sites. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, campers report that "sites are very close but adequate," while at Cherry Hill Park, one visitor observed, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Special access restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific entry requirements or limitations. Pine Tree Associates operates as a nudist club with camping facilities. A visitor described it as having "a very nice camp ground" where "camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Washington DC/Capitol KOA provides extensive recreation options for children. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," notes Elise M., while another camper adds, "This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids."
Off-season visits: Plan family trips during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds. At Sandy Point State Park, a visitor recommends, "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life... In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session."
Book activities at campgrounds: Cherry Hill Park offers organized entertainment for families. "Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" explains Jason E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Tuckahoe State Park, carefully check site dimensions. A camper warns, "The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door."
Arrival timing: Lacy Oasis Campground provides a quieter alternative to busier parks but requires planning. "The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space," notes Terrance D., emphasizing the value compared to more crowded options.
Utility connections: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper observed, "30 amp electric. No issues there," but also mentioned water access protocols: "Which is next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Mayo, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Mayo, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mayo, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 17 reviews.
What parks are near Mayo, MD?
What parks are near Mayo, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Mayo, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Fort Dupont Park.
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