Camping options near Prince Frederick, Maryland include tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within a 45-minute radius. The Chesapeake Bay area sits at low elevation with high humidity in summer, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Many campsites around Prince Frederick offer water access for fishing and paddling activities.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: Search for ancient shark teeth and marine fossils along the Potomac River shoreline at Westmoreland State Park Campground. The park maintains hiking trails that lead directly to fossil-rich beaches. "Beautiful and relaxing. We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," notes one visitor.
Kayaking on Tuckahoe Creek: Launch your kayak directly between sites 46 and 48 at Tuckahoe State Park Campground. The creek connects to Tuckahoe Lake where no gasoline motors are permitted. A camper mentions, "Great hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing. They have a really nice playground for kids. You can rent kayaks, canoes and fishing gear."
Beach combing and swimming: Access private beaches at Matoaka Beach Cottages where tent camping spots offer sunrise views over the Chesapeake Bay. "They have a few tent camping spots as well as cabins. Just call ahead. I just showed up and got a perfect camp spot with a view of the sunrise and access to the private beach," shares a recent camper.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Lacy Oasis Campground provides secluded tent and glamping accommodations with dedicated fire rings and picnic tables. "The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind. This space is about healing and being grounded with yourself," according to a recent review.
Clean facilities: Pohick Bay Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and camping areas about 45 minutes from Prince Frederick. "Great regional park with lots to do - trails, biking, boating. Sites are spacious and decently level. Amenities and such are what you'd expect - clean but not new," reports a camper.
Water views: Tent sites at Matoaka Beach Cottages offer direct views of the Chesapeake Bay. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful Peaceful camping trip! Out spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," notes a visitor who appreciated the waterfront location.
What you should know
Military facility restrictions: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp requires proper military identification and advance reservations. "Need military id and reservations to go," warns a camper about access requirements.
Reservation timing: Peak season for glamping in Prince Frederick, Maryland and surrounding areas runs April through October. Book sites at Westmoreland State Park Campground several months in advance for summer weekends. "Westmoreland felt a little crowded at full capacity. Had to wait for restrooms and the beaches were well used," notes one visitor.
Weather considerations: Camping near Prince Frederick brings high humidity in summer months. For comfort, a camper at Westmoreland suggests, "Went in March 2018 for my birthday, when it was still VERY cold, but had a wonderful time. The beaches and trails seem so much more peaceful and untouched this time of year. Definitely gets windy near the river."
Wildlife awareness: Raccoons frequently visit campsites after dark at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park. "Raccoons run wild at night flipping trash can lids on your campsite hunting for food. Use repel spray to keep the raccoons off your site," advises a regular camper.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak visits: For a quieter luxury camping experience near Prince Frederick, schedule mid-week stays. A visitor to Tuckahoe State Park notes, "Quiet state park with limited cell reception. Truly off the map camping. Despite being booked for the Memorial Day weekend, this campground was quaint and very quiet."
Age restrictions at pools: Families considering upscale glamping accommodations should check pool policies before booking. At Pohick Bay Regional Park, some water facilities have age limitations, while others welcome all visitors.
Playground access: Cherry Hill Park offers extensive play facilities for children. "We had a site near the pool, outdoor chess set, jumping pillow and gaga ball pit. Our kids (9, 10 and 14) all had fun and made friends," shares a family who stayed at this campground.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: When booking RV sites around Prince Frederick, check reviews for ground conditions. A visitor to Washington DC/Capitol KOA notes, "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods."
Electric hookup options: Only 5 of the 25 sites at Louise F. Cosca Regional Park offer electric hookups (sites 2, 5, 18, 24, 25), though all sites have water connections. "Only 5 sites have electric but all 25 sites have water hookup. Site 24 and 25 are very close together but the other sites are at a distance," explains a camper.
Road conditions: Access roads to upscale glamping sites near Prince Frederick may have rough sections. One camper mentions, "The farm roads around the park are very bumpy," when describing routes to Tuckahoe State Park.
