Maryland may be tiny, but it is ideal for camping due to its stunning oceanside beaches and dense woodlands.
And this guide on Top 5 Campgrounds In Maryland is just what you need if you are planning to visit here.
Do you know when camping in Maryland, there are various options, from beautiful seaside campsites to isolated sites nestled away in the woods?
Whether you’re looking for a secluded backcountry hideaway or a family-friendly vacation at a full-service campground, it has it all.
Some places might not be open temporarily, or you might need to make reservations beforehand.
Also, at the moment, some places provide only pick-up services. There might be changes in their working hours and availability altogether.
So make sure to read this article till the end so that you don’t skip something important!
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Maryland |
|---|---|
| Best places near | Annapolis, and more |
| Campgrounds | Assateague State Park, and more |
| Things to bring | Torch, tent, etc. |
| Situated | U.S. |
1. Assateague State Park
The Assateague State Park is Maryland’s only coastal park, located on the northern end of Assateague Island.
Visitors usually come to observe the island’s wild horses, but there are also other popular activities such as surfing, fishing, and swimming in the water.
Although camping is only allowed in approved places, most campsites feature a picnic table, a fire ring, and access to a public bathhouse and the beach.
You can rent most of the campsites between late April and late October.
If you plan to visit on a summer weekend or holiday, making a reservation will save you a big hassle.
Address: 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811
2. Bay Shore Campground
The Bay Shore Campground is conveniently approximately 3 miles away from Rock Hall, on the Chesapeake Bay.
Although several stores and restaurants are within a few minutes’ drive, many people choose to spend their time swimming, fishing, and relaxing on the beach.
Electric and water hookups are available, and if you are a camper, you should use the two bathhouses at the park.
A gaming room, a boat ramp, a children’s playground, and basketball and volleyball courts are other attractions.
Campsites are accessible all year. However, rates differ depending on the season.
Address: 4228 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661
3. Brunswick Family Campground
The Brunswick Family Campground is between the Potomac River and the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, and it is ideal for fishing, boating, and strolling along the canal’s picturesque promenade.
The campsite is open from late spring to early fall, and it offers both tent and RV sites, as well as four rustic cottages for those who want a little more comfort during their visit.
Guests have access to hot showers, bathrooms, community picnic spaces, fire pits, and running water regardless of whatever option they pick.
Address: 100 S Maple Ave, Brunswick, MD 21716
4. Camp Merryelande
The Camp Merryelande, which opened in 1984, is a family-friendly campground with seaside campsites and quaint cottages that can seat 2 to 24 people.
Picnic tables and fire rings are available at all of the campsites, as well as showers, bathrooms, a games area, and a children’s playground.
Fishing, mini-golf, and beach cook-outs are just a few of the things available to keep guests occupied.
Check-in is only possible on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and you have to reserve cabins for a minimum of two, three, or four nights depending on the time of week and season.
Address: 15914 Camp Merryelande Rd, St. George Island, Piney Point, MD 20674
5. Catoctin Mountain Park
You can find Catoctin Mountain Park on the northern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and that area has a lot of stunning vistas, good fishing, and roughly 25 miles of hiking trails.
Owens Creek Campground, Adirondack Shelters, and Poplar Grove Youth Camp Site, which are exclusively available to adult-supervised groups of children under the age of 18, are the three campgrounds in the park.
The Adirondack Shelters are only accessible by a 3-mile journey, making them ideal for anyone looking to explore the outdoors.
Large RVs can not enter any of the sites. However, Owens Creek Campground allows RVs under 22 feet.
Address: 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788
Reddit users share their recommendations:
Camping in Maryland??
by u/yodelAEwho in maryland
Best Places To Visit Near Maryland
Annapolis
Life appears to slow down the instant you approach Historic Annapolis. It’s as though history is pulling at your heels, slowing you down so you can take in the sights.
Indeed, the city took its name after Queen Anne at the beginning of the 18th century.
It has maintained its courtly reputation for almost 300 years, luring visitors to its Colonial architecture and cobblestone paths.
Today, though, Maryland’s state capital is recognized as much for its sailing as it is for its politics and local retail and restaurant culture.
Frederick
If you enjoy history, make a beeline for Frederick, a city in western Maryland with historic Civil War roots.
Start your journey at the Monocacy National Battlefield and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine.
Or hire a bike and ride the 10-mile Frederick History Bicycle Loop, which takes you to over 20 historic sites.
When you’ve had your fill of history, wander through Downtown Frederick’s hundreds of shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
The Public Art Trail and the Frederick Wine Trail are both located in the city center.
Checklist Before Camping In Maryland
We rely on memory or experience to prepare for a camping trip without a detailed camping checklist, which can lead to less-than-ideal outcomes.
Whether you have intensive experience in camping or are brand new to the outdoors, the camping tips in Arkansas below may be useful!
- Hat
- Jacket/rain gear
- Pants/shorts
- Shirts
- Shower shoes
- Bar soap
- Comb or hairbrush
- Deodorant
- Insect repellent
FAQ
Are there any fees for camping in Maryland?
Depending on the campground you choose, there could be fees for you to stay there, but there are also free campgrounds where you do not have to pay money.
Is camping in Maryland dangerous?
Maryland is not a dangerous state, so if you do not go anywhere really distant from the state of civilization, it is not dangerous at all.
Do you expect to have fun when camping in Maryland?
Thanks to the amazing campgrounds we have mentioned above, Maryland is a really fun place to visit and camp.
So, you can expect to have a lot of fun when you are camping in Maryland if you choose the right place to do so.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
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