Camping near Mayo, Maryland offers access to both Chesapeake Bay recreation and nearby metropolitan areas with camping options ranging from tent sites to cabin rentals. Located in Anne Arundel County with an average elevation of 36 feet, the region experiences humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Most campgrounds maintain wooded areas despite proximity to urban centers, creating pockets of natural settings within reach of city amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Greenbelt Park Campground provides access to 20 miles of trails where visitors can observe local wildlife. "Traffic can be heard but not seen. Weekdays are pretty quiet in this campground," notes Becky, who adds "the American Discovery Trail (ADT) passes through the park."
Kayaking and canoeing: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers water recreation options with a convenient launch point. "Canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors)," according to Mary S.
Fossil hunting: Sandy Point State Park provides opportunities for beachcombing and fossil collection. "Our favorite thing to do is to fossil hunt for sharks teeth. In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session," shares Angel G.
What campers like
Proximity to cities: Cherry Hill Park receives praise for its location near Washington DC. One visitor noted, "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."
Natural settings close to urban areas: Greenbelt Park Campground offers a wooded retreat despite its metropolitan location. A camper describes it as "an urban oasis" where "traffic can be heard but not seen." Another review mentions, "There are a lot of people who use this space as a green space for walking and running."
Clean facilities: Cedarville State Forest maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. One reviewer mentioned, "Restrooms were clean, closed daily for cleaning between 1 pm - 3 pm," while another added, "Bathrooms are clean and showers are warm."
What you should know
Seasonal crowding: Sandy Point State Park experiences significant visitor traffic during peak months. A visitor noted, "This park is extremely crowded and very dirty during the summer season." Others recommend visiting in off-peak times, mentioning "The best times to go are winter, spring, and fall."
Site sizes vary significantly: Campgrounds in the region offer inconsistent space between sites. At Adventure Bound Washington DC, campers report that "sites are very close but adequate," while at Cherry Hill Park, one visitor observed, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Special access restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific entry requirements or limitations. Pine Tree Associates operates as a nudist club with camping facilities. A visitor described it as having "a very nice camp ground" where "camping fees include access to a large outdoor pool, an indoor pool and a hot tub."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Washington DC/Capitol KOA provides extensive recreation options for children. "They have a nice area for kids (pool, playground, jumping pillow, basketball courts, giant chess, etc)," notes Elise M., while another camper adds, "This is not a site for nature lovers but is perfect for kids."
Off-season visits: Plan family trips during shoulder seasons to avoid crowds. At Sandy Point State Park, a visitor recommends, "My family and I have been coming to Sandy Point my entire life... In the summer it can get pretty crowded, so we prefer to visit in late spring while school is still in session."
Book activities at campgrounds: Cherry Hill Park offers organized entertainment for families. "Plan and reserve your DC tours right at the campground. No need to drive anywhere, the tour buses pick you up at the park!" explains Jason E.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking at Tuckahoe State Park, carefully check site dimensions. A camper warns, "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."
Arrival timing: Lacy Oasis Campground provides a quieter alternative to busier parks but requires planning. "The rates are very economical for what is being provided on the space," notes Terrance D., emphasizing the value compared to more crowded options.
Utility connections: Most campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Cedarville State Forest, a camper observed, "30 amp electric. No issues there," but also mentioned water access protocols: "Which is next to one of the water spigots. The idea is to use it to fill up tanks. Ranger let us know not to stay hooked up to it."
