The best camping near Chesapeake Bay

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Chesapeake Bay adventure.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Chesapeake Bay

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Chesapeake Bay

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Secluded Acres

30 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Townsend, DE

Looking for a secluded place to get away from the city or town. Look at the stars and listen to the frogs or owls hooting in the distance. Deer and turkeys come by. Secluded property with forest and pond for fishing. Dog lot available for use. Located midway between Wilmington and Dover. Easy commute to Bally's Dover Casino Resort and Dover Motor Speedway. Water available to fill your tanks and limited electric.

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Creekside Orchard

4 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Street, MD

Welcome to creek-side camping on our picturesque 16 acre farm. Each site has access to Broad Creek and complementary unlimited firewood. Enjoy the sound of the water as you relax creek-side, or even take a dip to cool off! Stroll through the wildflower meadow, bird watch, pick wild raspberries and enjoy views of our orchards. Local places to visit include: Susquehanna State park, Rocks State Park and Eden Mill Nature Center. Local breweries Falling Branch and Slate Farm are both within 5 miles and are a must visit. A few ground rules: -Dogs are permitted if they are friendly and are trained well enough to listen and stay at your site. Again, they must stay at your site unless walking with you on a leash. If your dog inflicts damage to the sites (digging holes, chewing up piles of sticks, chewing up toys to bits etc. please clean up after your dogs. We will provide shovels, rakes if you need!) - OVERLANDERS: You can bring your overland camper if you want, but you must park your vehicle in the parking spot across from your site at sites 1-3. You can sleep in your vehicle, and hang in the camping area, but not both in the same place. Site 4 is large enough to accommodate your vehicle and these rules do not apply there. No exceptions! It is a safety issue to block the entryway/exit lane. -This is a place for relaxation and reflection by the creek. No loud groups or partying allowed. -This is a pack it in, pack it out site. This includes food waste, dog waste, and any garbage produced. Please respect that :) -There is NO FISHING, kayaking or boating. Go for a swim and float, no prob! But please float in the vicinity of your camp, so as not to disturb other campers. - Lastly, please do not invite visitors to your campsite. This is our home and we are sharing our place as a small source of additional income. If you want friends and family to experience our beautiful spot, please have them sign up and book a site, wouldn't that be more fun anyway!? People coming to our land who are not booked at a site will immediately be shown off the property. You can enjoy the following on our sites: - Free, unlimited wood for your campfires. Each site comes with a fire ring. - Seating arrangements (picnic table, wrought iron loungers and chairs and wood benches). - Charming outhouse situated over a septic certified holding tank with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

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1850's Greenock Farm, plus 4WD site

4 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Lothian, MD

Learn more about this land: 45 acre Historic farm, several sites to choose from depending on adventure wanderlust (including a 4WD drive site). Please read full description of the property. Located on private gravel lane, approximately 1/2 mile off county road. Either corn or soybeans with a woods backdrop. Secluded and private, yet 25 minutes to downtown Annapolis, 10 minutes to the Bay, great for cycling, paddleboarding, kayaking all 10/15 minutes from farm. Lots of great waterfront restaurants close by as well. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. Check out individual sites for description, each has its own personality. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. First listing actually has several options. For large campers/coach/fifth wheelers the area by the tractor shed will be the best. Around the corner there's two other choices both with firepits which will accommodate units up to 40 feet depending on your backing/maneuvering skills. Field of Dreams and Sycamore Ridge will accommodate campers under 25 feet with some backing/maneuvering skills. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent choose Off the Grid, two entrances for easy access, travel along a logging road to an open site with fire pit. Suitable during dry conditions and not responsible for damage to vehicle or camper. Great spot for those who truly want to be in the woods off the beaten path, site takes about 5 minutes to reach due to low speed access. All sites as mentioned have no toilet/outhouse...for #2 please pack out or dig a hole, no presents needed for me or fellow campers.

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Stegan Farm

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Highland, MD

Our property is in Howard County, Maryland, and is super convenient to I-95, I-295, Hwy 32, and I-70. It is centrally located between Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, and Frederick, MD. We are located right off of Highway 32 down a long, private paved driveway. What makes our property unique is all that it has to offer--it's an 18 acre oasis with mature woods protected by a conservation deed, lightly rolling hills, beautiful fields, wetlands, and a pond. It is not surprising to see deer and our local great blue heron on the property throughout the day. There is also a fire pit, which you are free to use. Firewood is free.

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Bald Eagle Farm on the Patuxent

3 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Brandywine, MD

Bald Eagle Farm has been in our family for three generations. Today two generations still live and operate the family farm. We once raised tobacco and cattle and have now converted to growing hay and grain. My family wants to share the views and the experience of sleeping under the stars on our beautiful secluded farm. You will hear nothing but the wind, birds, frogs and insects while you doze off or enjoy the dark sky and camp fire. We live on the farm so we are always here to help you out if needed. We can provide you with the firewood you need and water from our deep well. We are here to make your stay as comfortable as possible and provide a restroom in the case of an "emergency". Recently named a finalist for 'Best Hipcamp in Maryland'! Thank you SO much for your support and we look forward to hosting you in 2022. There are three campsites on the farm, one by the pond and two by the river. Very secluded and all sites include , firepit, log bench, and a picnic table that seats 3-4 people. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD. AT THIS TIME WE ARE OUT FOR THE SEASON. The original river campsite has been moved to a more remote spot so that all campers can access the pond and pier to the river. Farm encompasses nearly 300 acres on the Patuxent River. There is access to the river on high tide via our private creek (must bring your own canoe or kayak) and 150 acres of marshland. Over 100 acres of woods to walk through and a pond for wildlife watching. Local Spots to Visit: Canoe/Kayak/Fishing: Clyde Watson Boating Area, Patuxent River Park, Patuxent Wetlands Park, Cedar Haven Fishing Area Hiking: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park, Cedarville State Forest, Rosaryville State Park, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Maxwell Hall Park Places to Eat: Hardesty Haven Cafe, Moreland's Produce & Market, Cedarville Grocery. (Highly recommend packing well, we are approx. 20 minutes from a grocery store) Places to Drink: Robin Hill Farm & Vineyards, Romano Vineyard & Winery, Janemark Winery & Vineyard

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Parson’s Landing

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Madison, MD

Perfect waterfront camping. Flat, open and spacious. Enjoy the fire pit, Picnic table and porta John. Launch kayaks from the shore or bring your boat and launch at boat ramp a few miles away Picturesque sunsets Wildlife/ birders paradise Fishing, crabbing from shore. 20 mins from Cambridge, black water wildlife drive and Harriet Tubman museum 10 mins to Emily’s market 5 mins to slaughter creek marina to Wolford store, Taylor’s island boat ramp and restaurant No water or electricity

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Canoein' Sue's

2 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Millington, MD

🛶 🎣 🏕 🔥 🦅 Whether you just need a pit-stop or want to paddle for days - come spend some time on Maryland's Eastern Shore! ✅ River access ✅ Wifi ✅ Electric ✅ Water ✅ Campfires The tiny nearby town of Millington has an excellent restaurant (Two Tree) as well as gas station/grill (Tailgate), Dollar General, Food Lion, and laundromat. Milano's and Carletto's restaurants will even deliver right to your camp! The Millington Public pool is less than 5 minutes away. * There is road noise from the Route 301 bridge. Some days it fades into the background and others it can detract from the peace depending on your tolerance. Host lives on site. There are two dogs on premises in fenced area. Instagram @canoeinsuesonthechester

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Community Acers

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Hurlock, MD

My land has a simple story originally just a small 30 acre farm with a small farm house. But the current farm house which was built in 1890s was moved from a diffrent farm in 1975. The house orgiannly was on a farm which is 10 miles away on gravel branch rd in Hurlock Maryland. I’m glad to share my property it’s a very quit location and relaxing which is why I fell in love with this location.Learn more about this land:A secluded wide open space among 30 acres of corn and soybean fields on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Flat level, dry ground, and no trees field setting. Very quiet and great for star gazing. Farmhouse on the property. Backyard bonfire pit with seating and lighting and our side porch is included in your stay! The property is only 25 min away from Black Water Wild Life Refuge. The Choptank river is only 10 minutes away with a public boat ramp. One hour away from local beaches, Ocean City, Maryland and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

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HUNTER'S PARK BY DC

13 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Damascus, MD

The campground is situated in the wooded area on the back of 27 acre horse farm which is known as "The Stables at Mezza Luna." There is Wi-Fi to all the sites. Every year in the spring there are 4-6 Thoroughbred foals born that eventually will become racehorses. They live on the farm until they are 2 years old and then they go off to begin their racing career. In the daytime, when you are not sitting around your campfire, you can walk the fence lines and visit with the Mares and Foals or just watch them frolic in the fields. Hint! "They love peppermints, carrots and apples." Who knows, you might get to meet a future Kentucky Derby winner. Nearby attractions include: Vineyard 61 (5 minutes) Stone Silo Brewery (5 Minutes) Leechwood Haunted Forest (5 Minutes) October weekends only There are also chickens and peacocks that are very anxious to receive your love and affection with any type of treat (Raisins) as well. Kids can even go in the chicken coop and pick out their very own egg they can cook for their breakfast. For the energetic campers and kids there are also lots of trails that you can walk or hike on and there is a small stream the kids can play in. There also is a playground with swings, monkey bars, seesaw and trampoline. There is a dumpster in front of the barn for you to place your trash from your campsite. Please drop off during your stay or on your way out of the property. Don't miss out out on this hidden gem just minutes from our nation's capital.

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Levin's Waterfront @ Blackwater

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Church Creek, MD

Learn more about this land: Levin's paradise is a private and quite campsite with gorgeous sunsets over Blackwater Wildlife Refuge! Wildlife abounds around the woodlands and marshlands that surrounds you in this secluded haven! The perfect place to rest and relax by the fire! You will find yourself a world away from it all, yet close to all of the wonderful attractions and dining that Cambridge has to offer! Bring your tent or camper and get off the grid! (No electric hook up, but great cell service!) Levin's is a 16 acre Waterfront parcel located adjacent to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Travel down a marsh grass lined driveway to a private open wooded space for your personal enjoyment! This is the perfect place to escape the business of life, relax, and recharge! Here at Levin's time passes a bit slower and you can savor each moment in time! You will be surrounded by Mother Nature! Perfect for Birdwatchers and nature lovers! Amazing refuge views by by day and gorgeous starry views by night! This safe space had many unique offerings including a relaxing waterside fire pit, nature walk, hammock, picnic table. Cambridge is centrally located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland! The perfect spot to stay if you want to explore the shore! This is the perfect home base for Eastern Shore day trips to Kent Island, Easton, Tilghman Island, St Michaels, Ocean City, and Assateague! Dorchester County is also the perfect place to go Eastern Shore "Island Hopping" and visit Hooper's, Taylors, Elliott's, Tilghman, and Kent Island for the weekend!

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Maryland Health Society

42 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents98 acres · Davidsonville, MD

Maryland Health Society (MAHESO) is closing for the season 9/30/24. One of the oldest Clothing Optional Health Resort in the USA. We were established in 1934 and have been on the same property since 1936. We are 100% Not-for-Profit and 100% Volunteer. We are 45 min from Downtown Washington DC. Come out and leave all of your stress and worries behind. Like Us on Facebook Learn more about this land: We are the Maryland Health Society, one of the oldest clothing optional resorts and campgrounds in the USA. Established in 1934, we are 100% not-for-profit and 100% volunteer run. We have 98 secluded acres of wooded beauty, including cabins, RV sites with 50amp service, tent sites, swimming pool, clubhouse with kitchen and full restrooms, BBQ pit, 5 outdoor showers, 7 miles of hiking trails. Bordering the Patuxent River, we are 10 minutes from Washington, DC. We host many large fundraising events every year. We are in a rustic setting and our offer total acceptance. We are a 100% AANR Club.

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Paradise Lake Campground - Secluded

1 site · Tent3 acres · Waldorf, MD

They say a rainy day on the lake is better than a sunny day in the city and with the cool waterfront breezes, fishing and canoeing, early evening tequila on the dock, and a generally life-affirming vibe beckoning, who are we to argue with that logic? Just bring your sleeping bag and sleep in our tent at our designated camping spot that offers a picnic table, fire pit and beautiful river and scenic lake views. Wake to see deer drinking at the lake or geese swimming and fishing in the lake and creek. At night clearly see all the stars that twinkle while enjoying total peace and quiet. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish and fishing is allowed. We have two wooded acres behind our house that offer a safe, quiet, secluded spot to spend some time relaxing, away from the horns blaring, sirens screaming and cars honking. Located just 20 minutes outside the beltway we offer a close getaway that makes it feel like the city is hours away. The site is located in an area of expensive homes with each property being 3 or more acres and inhabited with some of the friendliest people you'll meet. They wave at you when you pass and if close enough, will speak and exchange a few friendly words. Nearby are great sites to visit. The Dr. Samuel Mudd house, Regency furniture Stadium, a site for amateur baseball games, the Schaegel Farms where the kids can play. eat lunch, pet all the animals and pick fresh strawberries, and the Scary Strokes indoor miniature golf course set to a Halloween theme. See the "DC at Dusk" guided tour in Wash, DC and see DC lit up at night on a guided mini-bus tour. Drive by and stop at some of the city’s top memorials and attractions, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Marine Corps War Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial, which are usually less crowded after dark. With transportation and navigation taken care of, all you have to do is sit back, relax, and sightsee. Want to have a little fun at the slot machines or poker tables? The MGM Grand is only about twenty minutes away in National Harbor which offers an outlet mall with many shopping and eating venues. They also have concerts with big celebrities, free jazz concerts outdoors every Thursday, a variety of restaurants plus a huge Ferris Wheel that lets you see DC. Maryland and VA all from a great vantage point. Parking is in our driveway and the site is about 30 yards away, a two minute walk along a lighted pathway. Camper vans or trailers will not be able to drive to or park at the camping area and are therefore not recommended. Come stay at Oscars' Oasis and enjoy what nature and the surrounding areas have to offer!

The best camping near Chesapeake Bay guide

Overview

About

The Chesapeake Bay area has more than 100 sites rich in culture, history, fishing, and farming. You can spend months here and not see everything. Pick your camping spot wisely, because there are tons of things to do in this area. There is plenty of baseball, trains, horses, fishing, hiking, and boating.

The Chesapeake Bay estuary, or where rivers meet the ocean, touches six states and Washington DC. Learn how to catch crabs and shuck oysters in coastal towns that rely on the sea creatures for their livelihoods. See wild horses galloping around huge sand dunes on the coastal islands in between Maryland and Virginia.

Explore the history of the area at St. Mary's City, Maryland, where the state was founded in 1635. Check out Baltimore, one of the most important ports during the War of 1812 and a noted industrial city that help America expand westward. Washington DC harbors the rich history and seat of power in the nation's capital.

Hands-on history sites are all over the area. Grist mills still grind wheat or corn into flour, and some of them go all-out for holidays and festival times. Drum Point Lighthouse and museum, on Solomons Island, gives you an idea of what it was like to run a lighthouse along the bay. In every town you tour, there are historic buildings and people who can tell you stories about what happened there.

Recreational activities abound. Rent a boat or bring your own and get out on the water to catch some prize fish. Hike or bike on many of the trails near the bay. Campsites are full of natural wonders, including coastal sites near the water and secluded areas surrounded by tall trees. Much like the Chesapeake Bay area's activities, your choices of campsites are plentiful.