Westmoreland State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt camping accommodations within a wooded setting along the Potomac River. Located at 1650 State Park Road in Montross, Virginia, this year-round destination features water and electric hookups, a sanitary dump station, and shower facilities. Winter camping options remain available with heated bathhouses that provide comfort during colder months.
What to do
Shark teeth hunting on Fossil Beach: Westmoreland State Park Campground provides unique fossil hunting opportunities beyond the designated glamping areas. "We came from Pa/De and wanted to look for sharks teeth. It was beautiful here so we decided to stay the night," reports Sara A., who visited with minimal gear but had an excellent experience.
Winter hiking trails: The park maintains accessible hiking paths even during off-season months. "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," notes RL, who recommends preparing for windy conditions near the river.
Kayaking water trails: Janes Island State Park Campground offers extensive water trail networks for paddlers of all skill levels. "Great kayaking to Jane's Island. Very clean bathrooms. Very family oriented. Rangers are nice and so are the camp hosts," writes John Z., who appreciated the well-maintained facilities after spending time on the water.
What campers like
Private tent sites: Despite proximity to other campers, Westmoreland's wooded camping areas provide good separation. "The tent sites are awesome and mine have always been pretty private feeling despite being somewhat near others. Bathhouses are always SO clean and heated in the winter," shares RL, highlighting the recycling facilities and natural setting.
Seasonal wildlife watching: Cross Rip Camp offers excellent waterfront views with opportunities for wildlife observation. "Motorcycle tent camped. Great owners who made sure we had everything we needed. Beautiful views of sunset and sunrise. Great beach with Adirondack chairs," notes Greg, who appreciated the clean bathhouse facilities and water views from his campsite.
Accessible water activities: Multiple beaches and water access points make swimming and boating convenient. "My wife and I live in D.C. We brought our dog for an extended weekend. It is really nice for people looking to get out of the city and into the woods, and fast. Nice clean sites and beaches, there are 2. One is a drive up and the other is a bit of a hike," explains Christian from Westmoreland State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal bug challenges: Summer months bring increased insect activity that can affect camping comfort. "I read a lot about bugs here and we didn't find them very bad. At sunset near the water, the biting flies could be annoying but they didn't seem to affect the sites which are wooded," notes Sean F., who visited Janes Island State Park Campground in early summer.
Site selection considerations: Some camping areas have limitations worth planning for. "We weren't a huge fan of our site, site 50, because it was difficult to get into and it backed up to the marina. We basically had to do a u-turn in reverse with our 30ft travel trailer which wasn't the easiest to get in the site," explains Michael G. about his experience at Janes Island.
Limited facilities: Smaller campgrounds may have more basic amenities. "Nothing fancy but beautiful setting. Great people to work with," shares Kris L. about Roaring Point Waterfront Campground, which offers waterfront views without extensive infrastructure.
Tips for camping with families
Pack for weather changes: The Chesapeake region experiences variable conditions year-round. "We had a great time at Grey's Point campground and would love to go again. The had great staff, clean restrooms, and great views of the Rappahannck River," reports Glen P., who recommends preparing for changing weather patterns.
Consider site proximity to facilities: Bethpage Camp-Resort offers family-friendly locations near amenities. "We stayed in Sycamore 09. The site was clean and level. No fire pit or grill, so plan ahead. We went the last weekend the pool was open, which wasn't crowded at all. Casino night was a blast!" shares Michael B., highlighting the importance of checking what equipment is provided.
Check water conditions: Water quality can vary by season and location. "At the time of my visit a couple of weeks ago there was a bit of algae in the water that could cause irritation to stomach and skin, so just be mindful of this. I did hike down to fossil beach but definitely avoided the water," advises RL about Westmoreland State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling preparation: Arrive prepared for potential site adjustments at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay. "This is a nice park. My first time with Thousand Trails and it's odd that you pick your spot once you get there. They were trying online check in but it didn't work. Very clean quiet at night," notes Kristina D., who found the campground spacious despite check-in challenges.
Generator restrictions: Many campgrounds near Scotland, Maryland restrict generator use to maintain peaceful environments. "They did have great trails, a lot of scheduled events for all ages, a pool and boat rentals and competitive prices," explains Rachel A. about Westmoreland, which prohibits generators but provides electric hookups at many sites.
Yurt camping alternatives: For those seeking yurt camping near Scotland, Maryland, several campgrounds offer similar accommodations. "Cabin 24 is a 2BR/1BA cinderblock cabin with waterfront views and large yard space. One room has two bunk beds, dresser, shelving, a lamp, and two night stands," details RL about Westmoreland's cabin options, providing an alternative to traditional yurt camping.
