Best Campgrounds near Mayo, MD

The Mayo, Maryland area contains a mix of established campgrounds and resort-style accommodations for visitors seeking waterfront recreation and access to major cities. Nearby options include Washington DC/Capitol KOA in Millersville offering cabin camping, tent sites, and RV hookups, along with Pine Tree Associates which provides a more unique experience as a nudist club with cabin rentals. Several properties in the region cater to different camping styles, from traditional tent camping at Sandy Point State Park to glamping options at Lacy Oasis Campground. Most sites are positioned to allow convenient access to Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington DC.

Most campgrounds in the Mayo vicinity remain open from spring through fall, with limited year-round options. "Extremely over crowded in the summer. The park closes daily very early as it hits capacity. The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall," noted one Sandy Point visitor about seasonal variations. Adventure Bound Washington DC in Lothian provides full hookups and year-round access but experiences heavy traffic from long-term residents. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. Proximity to major cities means weekend congestion is common, with several reviewers mentioning early arrival is essential to secure entry at popular spots like Sandy Point State Park.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Mayo area, with Chesapeake Bay views and water recreation opportunities at several locations. Cherry Hill Park and Capitol KOA receive favorable reviews for family-friendly amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. A camper at Adventure Bound Washington DC mentioned, "Location wise, it's great to see things in area. Both Washington DC and many areas along the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Chesapeake Beach, Solomon's Etc." Privacy varies considerably between campgrounds, with some sites offering little separation between neighbors. Visitors frequently note the trade-off between convenient urban access and true wilderness experience, as most campgrounds maintain developed facilities rather than primitive camping. Bathhouse cleanliness and site maintenance receive mixed reviews, with several long-term resident campgrounds showing signs of wear according to visitor feedback.

Best Camping Sites Near Mayo, Maryland (74)

    1. Washington DC / Capitol KOA

    15 Reviews
    Millersville, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 923-2771

    "They have a nice dog area for the dog to be able to run around and exercise which a lot of places we have been do not have a place for the dog to really exercise."

    "The location worked for my trip but not sure it’s that convenient to DC."

    2. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter.

    Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    3. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $282 - $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    4. Sandy Point State Park Youth Group Camping

    8 Reviews
    Gibson Island, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    5. Adventure Bound Washington DC

    8 Reviews
    Upper Marlboro, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 607-8609

    "We had a fantastic time our 1st time at #AdventureBoundCampingResort in Lothian, Maryland."

    "This campground is conveniently located in the middle of the DC / Annapolis area and has a lot to offer! There are plenty of options, both for RV's and in general and the staff is super friendly!"

    6. Pine Tree Associates Nudist Club

    2 Reviews
    Crownsville, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 841-6033

    $30 - $55 / night

    "My wife and I were trying to find an RV location near the Annapolis city dock for a boat show and found Pine Tree Associates."

    "Camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub. There is room for tenting and campers."

    7. Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp

    1 Review
    Annapolis, MD
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 293-9200

    "Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap"

    8. Cedarville State Forest

    17 Reviews
    Brandywine, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 888-1410

    $30 / night

    "We picked up the camping registration outside the office at the entrance, no need to speak with anyone. Then we just drove down to our campsite in the family camping loop."

    "Forested campground with fairly lengthy but level (and thus beginner friendly) hiking just a short distance away from Washington, DC."

    9. Lacy Oasis Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chesapeake Beach, MD
    16 miles
    +1 (202) 270-5189

    $90 - $190 / night

    "Whether you are an adult or a child, this place will have a positive effect on you. The owners are involved and designed this space with the visitors pleasure in mind."

    10. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

    "Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."

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Recent Reviews near Mayo, MD

544 Reviews of 74 Mayo Campgrounds


  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Nice full hook up

    Our site was a level full hook up. The road on the FHUnloop is narrow and hilly. Out site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping. The lovely camp host, Carol, kept the bathhouse spotless.

    Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy.

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2025

    Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    meh

    The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available.  The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use. There isn't much to do in the park but it was an ok jumping off point to visit St. Michaels. Good dump station and potable water fill.  Spigots throughout the campground.

  • L
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    Nice Little Campground

    Decent little campground! It was quiet aside from occasional air traffic noise, and while there wasn't much spacing between some camp sites everyone was respectful. My spot was a little difficult to find because the online park map was incorrect, and the spot was basically an extended shoulder of the road. Checking in was a breeze, though!


Guide to Mayo

Camping near Mayo, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," highlighting the park's accessibility and friendly atmosphere.
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Tuckahoe State Park Campground, you can fish or kayak on Lake Tuckahoe. A visitor shared, "We had a picnic table, lantern pole and fire ring in a spacious, wooded site," making it a perfect spot for a family outing.
  • Visiting Historic Sites: Check out the nearby Point Lookout State Park, where one camper noted, "It was beautiful... the sites were spread out," allowing for a peaceful experience while exploring the area's rich history.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathrooms at Lums Pond State Park Campground. One review stated, "Great bath houses, always super clean," which is a big plus for families.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness of the sites at Cherry Hill Park. A visitor mentioned, "The campground is well run... the sites are all nice and level," making it easy to set up camp.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Bull Run Regional Park offer playgrounds and trails. One family shared, "The kids really enjoyed the chance to take in nature," emphasizing the park's suitability for families.

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Bull Run Regional Park, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place," which might be due to the park's rules and location.
  • Proximity to DC: If you're looking to explore the city, Cherry Hill Park is conveniently located. One reviewer said, "You can't beat this campground for a DC visit," making it a great base for sightseeing.
  • Seasonal Closures: Be aware that some parks, like Point Lookout State Park, may have seasonal closures. A visitor mentioned, "We arrived and were told the campground was closed until probably 2023 for water line upgrades," so check ahead before planning your trip.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for campgrounds like Lums Pond State Park Campground, which has a playground. One parent said, "Great secluded campground, peaceful," making it ideal for kids to play.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks to places like Tuckahoe State Park Campground. A camper noted, "We saw beautiful aquatic plants, many birds, and a gazillion turtles," which can keep kids entertained.
  • Check for Family-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities and nearby attractions. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "The staff was very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well," which is great for families visiting DC.

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Campgrounds like Bull Run Regional Park are big rig friendly. One RVer shared, "Campsite was easy to pull into and hookup to," making it a stress-free experience.
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check out Cherry Hill Park. A camper noted, "Sites are paved and mostly level," which is perfect for RVs.
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds, like Pohick Bay Campground, can be noisy. One reviewer said, "This place is so noisy with these helicopters that fly 24/7," so consider this when choosing your spot.

Camping near Mayo, Maryland, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun, clean facilities, or a peaceful getaway, there's a campground nearby that fits the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mayo, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mayo, MD is Washington DC / Capitol KOA with a 4-star rating from 15 reviews.

What parks are near Mayo, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Mayo, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Fort Dupont Park.