Best Campgrounds near Patuxent River, MD

Camping near the Patuxent River, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Explore Fossil Beach: A short hike from Westmoreland State Park Campground leads you to a beach known for fossil hunting. One visitor shared, "It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils."
• Visit Historical Sites: The area is rich in history. Campers at Point Lookout State Park can explore nearby attractions like the Civil War Museum. A reviewer noted, "There’s a civil war museum and nature center nearby."
• Enjoy Water Activities: Many campgrounds, like Smallwood State Park Campground, offer access to boating and fishing. One camper mentioned, "Had a great time...with camping you were granted boat launching access."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in."
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have helpful staff. A reviewer at Adventure Bound Washington DC said, "The staff is super friendly!"
• Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at Leesylvania State Park Campground described it as "so pretty...directly on Potomac River."

What you should know

• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Cedarville State Forest mentioned, "Planes do occasionally fly over the area," which might be bothersome for light sleepers.
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "There’s not a ton to do within the park itself."
• Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Harbor View RV and Camping Resort advised, "Do not try and come in after dark."

Tips for camping with families

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One family at Westmoreland State Park Campground enjoyed, "Great playground with plenty of other kids."
• Plan for Nature Walks: Many campgrounds have trails suitable for young children. A visitor at Calvert Cliffs State Park said, "The trail now is very well marked, clean."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during hikes. A camper at Cedarville State Forest suggested, "Bring your own starters and kindling."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Greenbelt Park Campground noted, "The driveways are all very narrow."
• Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Adventure Bound Washington DC appreciated, "Full hookups at most sites."
• Arrive Early: To avoid crowds, try to get there early. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "The check-in at the camp store is crowded."

Camping near the Patuxent River, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!