Point Lookout State Park offers tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and cabins across multiple camping loops. Campers report that sites on the outside of loops provide more privacy with mature trees and waterfront views. The park has natural beaches on both the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay for swimming and fossil hunting. Winter camping remains available with heated bathhouses, though summer visitors should prepare for biting insects due to the marshy terrain.
What to do
Fossil hunting at Calvert Cliffs: Walk approximately 1.8 miles from the parking area to reach the beach where visitors search for prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils. "Such an amazing expieriance and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth. Not only is searching for shark teeth a blast, but, the views are beautiful and walkin thru the woofs Is very calming!" notes Sarah F. about Calvert Cliffs State Park Youth Group Camping.
Disc golf at Cedarville: Play an 18-hole course through wooded terrain at Cedarville State Forest. "Great forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC," explains reviewer moonbeans. This activity works well for campers of all experience levels and remains accessible year-round when trails might be muddy.
Fishing and crabbing: Bring fishing gear to take advantage of waterfront access at multiple campgrounds. Endeavor Point provides direct access to the river with a dedicated pier. "The pier was perfect to fish or crab off of and the beach had great views of the sunrise," reports Ally S. Many campgrounds require Maryland fishing licenses, which can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded feeling at several campgrounds near Port Republic. At Westmoreland State Park Campground, "the tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others," notes reviewer RL. Sites on outer loops typically offer more privacy than interior spots.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in visitor satisfaction. "Bathrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm. Two showers were included but didn't use it so not sure about pressure or heat," reports Nurse N. about their stay at Cedarville State Forest. Most campgrounds maintain regular cleaning schedules for bathhouses.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. At Point Lookout State Park, "I've never left this park without at least one tick," warns Bill G., highlighting the importance of tick prevention while enjoying nature. Bald eagles, herons, turtles, and other water birds appear frequently at waterfront campgrounds.
What you should know
Insects can be intense: Ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies present significant challenges, especially in summer months. "Bring bug and tick spray - definitely need it!" advises Nurse N. about Cedarville State Forest. Campgrounds near water or in marshy areas report the highest insect activity, particularly after rainfall when standing water collects.
Limited cell service: Communication capabilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, "We have AT&T and had two bars pretty consistently," reports one camper at Cedarville State Forest. However, Point Lookout visitors report "no good anywhere near this campground. We were an hour away before getting any kind of cell service."
Military requirements: Some campgrounds require military ID for access. The Solomons Navy Recreation Area offers "spacious sites, and anything else you could want!" according to sharon F., but civilian access is restricted. Check requirements before booking at military-affiliated campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for summer: Families appreciate campgrounds with swimming options during hot months. "Westmoreland felt a little crowded at full capacity. Had to wait for restrooms and the beaches were well used. They did have great trails, a lot of scheduled events for all ages, a pool and boat rentals and competitive prices," reports Rachel A. about Pohick Bay Campground.
Playgrounds and programs: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. "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 Ben G. about Pohick Bay, noting these amenities were particularly valuable with young children.
Dog-friendly options: For families camping with pets, look for campgrounds with dedicated pet areas. "We brought our dog for an extended weekend... Nice clean sites and beaches, there are 2. One is a drive up and the other is a bit of a hike," explains Christian about Westmoreland State Park Campground, which offers separate pet beaches away from main swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many RV sites near Port Republic lack level pads, requiring extra preparation. "Not all sites are level (half)," notes Robert P. about Pohick Bay. RVers should bring leveling blocks and check campground maps for pull-through availability.
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from basic to full. At Lacy Oasis Campground, sites offer primitive camping without hookups in a natural setting. Meanwhile, Point Lookout provides full hookups in the Tulip Loop, though "the sites are basically in a swamp. I think we were there before the mosquitos. I'm sure with all the standing water they'd be everywhere!!" warns Buck P.
Dump station accessibility: RV owners should note that not all campgrounds offer sanitary dump stations. For those traveling between locations, Point Lookout provides "a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower," shares Ben J. about Cedarville State Forest.
