Camping near Dunkirk, Maryland provides options in forested settings, waterfront locations, and urban-adjacent parks within a 25-mile radius. The region experiences a humid subtropical climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and mild winters, making April through October the primary camping season for most facilities. Winter camping remains available at select year-round campgrounds including Adventure Bound Washington DC.
What to do
Fishing and crabbing opportunities: At Breezy Point Beach, campers have waterfront access to the Chesapeake Bay. "Great time yesterday with my little guy, playing the the water and sand! I also collected shark teeth... 178 shark teeth to be exact," noted one visitor about the beach activities. Sites back directly to the water, providing immediate beach access.
Outdoor water activities: Many campgrounds offer swimming or water recreation options. "The sites were well-maintained, including lavatories. Plenty of tree cover," reports a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground. The park features trails and natural spaces for outdoor recreation despite being close to urban areas.
Day trips to DC: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Washington DC. "We took the METRO from the Greenbelt station to the national mall in about 30 min. Get off at the Archives station to be in the center of all the sites," explains a camper about using Greenbelt Park Campground as a base for city exploration. The station parking costs $5 weekdays and is free on weekends.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Campsites with water views rate highly among visitors. "The sites are backed right to the Chesapeake Bay and the view and access are priceless. The day-use folks are not allowed on the camping side of the beach... so, there's plenty of beach space and water space for campers," notes a visitor to Breezy Point Beach, appreciating the dedicated beach access for overnight guests.
Amenities at private resorts: Cherry Hill Park receives high marks for facilities. "50 amp hook-up, water, sewer, playground, mini golf, swimming pool, hot tub, basketball court, snack bar on site, nightly hayride, gated, on-site camp store, on-site bus shuttle," lists one camper describing the comprehensive amenities available. This facility focuses on convenience for families and RVers.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers appreciate natural surroundings and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates," comments a visitor to Cedarville State Forest, highlighting the biodiversity of the area. Early morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
What you should know
Site spacing and privacy: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close sites are positioned. At Pohick Bay Regional Park, "Sites are spacious and decently level (depends on the site I'm sure)," according to one review. This contrasts with more densely packed private facilities.
Seasonal considerations: Ticks can be problematic during warmer months. "Lots and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," warns a camper about conditions at Cedarville State Forest. Insect repellent is considered essential equipment from April through October.
Noise factors: Background noise varies between locations. "It's close to a Naval base, and therefore you constantly hear airplanes, and helicopters at all times," notes a camper about one location. Urban-adjacent sites often experience more ambient noise than those deeper in forested areas.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Adventure Bound Washington DC offers activities for children. "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at Adventure Bound Camping Resort. This camp has electric and water at each site, clean toilet and shower facilities, playground and pool," shares a grandmother who camped with her grandchildren, noting the family-friendly amenities.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality can significantly impact family camping experiences. "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm. Water is readily available," notes a camper at Cedarville State Forest, providing important information for families with children who may need reliable facilities.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds lack security features. "The driveway was dirt/gravel with a lot of holes. Nearby road was very busy with a lot of traffic noise especially early in the morning," cautions a visitor to Adventure Bound, highlighting potential safety concerns for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Louise F. Cosca Regional Park has limited large rig access. "This is not big rig friendly but there are pull through sites but the roads are very narrow and there is only 1 way in and 1 way out," advises a camper familiar with the park. Only 5 of the 25 sites offer electrical hookups, with sites 2, 5, 18, 24, and 25 being the only options for powered camping.
Leveling challenges: Several campgrounds present leveling difficulties. "Check out your site before booking, some sites are steep but spacious," recommends an RVer who stayed at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park, emphasizing the importance of site selection for larger vehicles.
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Dunkirk offer only partial hookups. "The sites for tents are big enough for a 4 person tent. There are clean bathrooms and the hosts, who I have spoken to many times, are friendly and knowledgeable about the area," explains a visitor to Cedarville State Forest, noting the modest site sizes.
