Best Campgrounds near Chesapeake Beach, MD

Camping near Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds nearby, it’s a perfect spot for families, friends, and solo adventurers alike.

What to do

• Canoeing and kayaking: Explore the stunning waterways at Janes Island State Park Campground. One visitor shared, “The canoe trails are absolutely beautiful and the horizon seems to go on endlessly.” This park is known for its scenic paddling routes.
• Hiking: Check out the trails at Tuckahoe State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, “There are hiking trails everywhere—easy biking too!” Perfect for those who enjoy a good walk in nature.
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Trap Pond State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. One reviewer noted, “We had a great experience... the camp store has all the necessities.”

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Pohick Bay Campground, one visitor said, “The bathrooms were cleaner than any other campground we have stayed in.”
• Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, such as Cherry Hill Park, are known for their roomy campsites. A family shared, “The setting is wooded with great shade and a very peaceful pond backdrop.”
• Friendly staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Bull Run Regional Park, a visitor said, “The staff was very helpful and really explained the Metro system very well.”

What you should know

• Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or activities. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park complained, “This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place... like sleeping on the side of the highway.”
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. For example, Oak Ridge Campground offers no electric hookups, which may not suit everyone’s needs.
• Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Greenbelt Park Campground advised, “You must reserve on recreation.gov.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose kid-friendly parks: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Cherry Hill Park has plenty of options for kids, as one parent noted, “There is also plenty to do for the kids, like a tractor ride through the campground.”
• Plan for nature activities: Bring bikes or canoes to keep the kids engaged. A family at Tuckahoe State Park Campground enjoyed, “The calm waterway... excellent for kayaking.”
• Pack snacks: Campers often mention the importance of snacks for kids. One visitor at Janes Island State Park Campground said, “We stayed up pretty late enjoying the weather, laughing, and eating lots of fun camp snacks.”

Tips from RVers

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground’s site dimensions. A reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, “Our main goal was to explore DC but there is lots to do near the campground.”
• Use nearby metro stations: If you’re visiting DC, consider parking at a metro station. A camper at Cherry Hill Park shared, “There is a bus stop right by the entrance to the campground that will get you into Washington DC.”
• Be prepared for limited hookups: Some campgrounds, like Oak Ridge Campground, don’t offer electric hookups. A visitor noted, “The campground is nice, beautiful, shaded, but not private.”

Camping near Chesapeake Beach, Maryland, is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors while being close to the city. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next adventure!