Camping options near Annapolis, Maryland typically provide access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with sites situated at elevations under 100 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F between June and August, while spring and fall offer milder weather with daytime highs in the 60s-70s. Most campgrounds in the area are within 25 miles of downtown Annapolis, making them convenient bases for exploring the Colonial-era port city.
What to do
Kayaking on Tuckahoe Creek: Launch directly from Tuckahoe State Park Campground between sites 46 and 48. The creek connects to Tuckahoe Lake where gasoline motors aren't permitted. "There's a kayak launch. The sites are laid out in a circle with the bathhouse in the center. You can purchase ice and firewood from the ranger station and some other odds and ends," notes a camper from Tuckahoe State Park.
Fossil hunting at Sandy Point: Visit during non-summer months when crowds are lighter. "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life. It is a great little spot on the Chesapeake river. Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth," shares one visitor from Sandy Point State Park.
Wildlife observation: The Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary is located just 7 minutes from Bay Shore Campground. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood," reports a camper who stayed in November.
Urban forest hiking: Greenbelt Park provides hiking trails along the American Discovery Trail. "The park itself is safe, quiet, permitting some nice treks through the woods. 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," explains a camper at Greenbelt Park Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate Bay Shore Campground for its location directly on the Chesapeake. "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," writes one visitor who gave the campground five stars.
Clean facilities: Patapsco Valley State Park receives high marks for maintenance. "Pretty clean showers and bathrooms. The campground is clean and it had knowledgable staff," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "The bathhouse is nothing special, but it's well maintained and clean."
Family amenities: Cherry Hill Park consistently earns praise for its extensive recreational facilities. "You get what you pay for. This campground has so much to offer. 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," details one visitor who stayed with family.
Wooded seclusion: Many campgrounds maintain a natural setting despite proximity to urban areas. "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors," writes a camper about Tuckahoe State Park. Another camper adds, "Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground."
What you should know
Seasonal jellyfish: The Chesapeake Bay waters at Sandy Point become unusable during certain months. "August is the worst month to visit if you like the water. Jellyfish take over with a vengeance!" warns a regular visitor.
Capacity limitations: Sandy Point State Park fills up quickly during summer weekends. "The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," advises a visitor.
Site dimensions: Some campgrounds have challenging site layouts for larger RVs. At Tuckahoe State Park, "We booked site 21, blind. 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."
Metro transportation: Greenbelt Park Campground typically offers access to Washington DC via public transit, though conditions change. "There's normally a walking path from the campground to the metro station that takes you into DC, but as of Oct 2023 the bridge is out due to a storm," reports a camper from Greenbelt Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area features multiple play areas. "This area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," explains a visitor who brought children.
Swimming restrictions: At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, there are limitations on pool use. "I didnt like that non potty trained kids are not allowed to swim in their pool. Luckily we only have a 9 month old currently that isn't potty trained," reports a family who otherwise enjoyed their stay.
Activity planning: Cherry Hill Park offers organized events for children. "We loved the nightly hayride. They have so much going on! Plan and reserve you DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" shares a family who visited with kids.
Seasonal timing: For the best family experience, avoid peak summer periods. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full," notes a repeat visitor to Tuckahoe State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Washington DC/Capitol KOA, site location affects privacy. "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy," advises an RVer who stayed at the campground.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment. "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods," reports an RV owner who stayed at Washington DC/Capitol KOA.
Dump station access: For partial hookup sites, additional services may be available. "Sewer is not there yet, but they have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper," explains an RVer at Bay Shore Campground.
Fill station features: When topping off water tanks, prepare for specific equipment. "The water fill was a little annoying in that there's a handle you have to hold down the whole time, but we used a rock to prop the handle down," notes an RVer at Greenbelt Park Campground.
