RV parks near Mayo, Maryland offer convenient access to the Chesapeake Bay area with varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Most campgrounds in the region sit on relatively flat terrain with elevations under 100 feet, providing easy site access but limited views except at waterfront locations. Summer humidity levels regularly exceed 80% from June through August, making air conditioning essential for overnight comfort.
What to do
Water recreation access: Multiple campgrounds offer direct water access for fishing and boating. At Ellendale Campground, visitors enjoy spectacular Chesapeake Bay views. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," notes camper Lisa V.
Hiking opportunities: Trails ranging from easy to moderate difficulty can be found within 30 miles of Mayo. Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding" according to Mary S., who appreciated the "spacious, wooded sites" and "lots of shade."
DC sightseeing: Several rv parks near Mayo, Maryland serve as bases for exploring the nation's capital. Greenbelt Park Campground provides urban-adjacent camping with metro access. "The other great thing about it that you can spend entire days at the always-free Smithsonian museums and still fall asleep in the woods. Can't beat the close proximity to DC," shares one reviewer.
What campers like
Natural wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the Mayo area preserve natural habitat. "The area reserved for RV campsites overlooks a bluff on the Chesapeake Bay... gorgeous. Because we went in the middle of the week, we had a lot of space to our self and open areas for our dog to play," notes Cindy at Bay Shore Campground.
Clean facilities: Reviewers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight in regional RV parks. "Bathhouses are ok, happy to have free showers with hot running water. Faucets allow you to control the temperature and there's continuous running water (no button to push)," reports Laura M. at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Military options: Active duty and retired military personnel have dedicated camping options. "This campground is aboard Fort Belvoir, an US Army base in Northern, VA. It is very clean and there are many amenities close by. The base outdoor recreation center has equipment to rent such as kayaks and canoes to explore the Potomac river," notes Jack R. about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
What you should know
Site size variability: Campgrounds near Mayo often have inconsistent site dimensions. At Tuckahoe State Park, one camper warns: "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate year-round but with limited services during winter. "Stayed here 2 nights in November in the newer pull in sites. We had electric and water, there were several dump stations at the campground. They are still waiting for approval from the state for the septic," reports Helen O. about Ellendale Campground.
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or urban areas. "You can barely hear the traffic from the road outside the park," notes Miranda M. about Greenbelt Park, while another camper describes it as "a quiet spot in a semi-urban area."
Tips for camping with families
Choose parks with recreational facilities: When traveling with children, Prince William Forest RV Campground offers family amenities. "This is a small facility that is well maintained. The staff is amazing. The showers are clean/hot and the playground is in very good condition," writes Rebecca E.
Look for educational opportunities: Several parks offer interpretive programming for children. "Rangers keep a close eye on things, and there are monthly programs at the campfire circle that I sometimes attend even when not camping here," shares Becky at Greenbelt Park Campground.
Consider alternative camping options: For families new to camping, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. "They have 8 camper cabins, 4 on each loop. There are beds for 4 or 6 people, and the cabins have air conditioning, a ceiling fan and electricity. These are a nice alternative to camping in a tent," notes Mary S. about Tuckahoe State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Many campgrounds in the region offer limited hookup options. At Tuckahoe State Park, Adam and Suzanne B. note: "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced. Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
Site selection strategy: When booking at Mayo area rv parks, site position matters. "Lots are really staggered/set back from each other so feels like you have more space. Average lot size in general, but the set back feels like you have more space," advises Megan K. about Prince William Forest RV Campground.
Urban camping accessibility: For those wanting to explore Washington DC from their RV, Cherry Hill Park offers transit options. "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. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person," shares Jennifer H.
