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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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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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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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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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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Maple Grove Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Fallston, MD

Maple Grove farm is a twenty acre preserved livestock and hay farm in Harford County Maryland. It is home to sheep, alpaca, an old horse, chickens , dogs, and a cat or two. The world headquarters for Remsberg Inc Photo Studios is in the older farmhouse on the property and we lead photo safaris and workshops in Africa and England through the year. Our crack team of Border Collies are here to assist you with all your outdoor activity needs from frisbee tossing to ball throwing. Gather around the fire under the stars and listen to the sounds of sheep doing whatever it is sheep do with one of our loaner dogs at your feet and horses grazing in the sunset on the hill. When the weather is nice we occasional show movies by the barn drive in style and try to have one or two outdoor concerts each season. We are only three miles from W42 (Fallston Airport) if you are flying in. Nearby there are hiking trails and a swimming hole at Gunpowder Falls State Park one mile away. Boordy Vinyards down the road has a farmers market Thursdays and wine tastings other days or get homemade ice cream at Prigel Creamery just past it. Take your canoe up to Eden Mill or Bike on the Ma & Pa and NCR trails nearby.

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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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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, ducks and peacocks that are very anxious to receive your love and affection with any type of treat 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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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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The Agape

6 sites · Lodging, Tents14 acres · Queenstown, MD

The Agape is located on 14 acres and over 2000' of shoreline in Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with breath taking sunsets every evening. Pull up your RV [or rent ours], pitch a tent, kick up your feet and relax by the water. Soak in the sounds of nature and the sight of wild birds, from the Osprey, Bald Eagle and even the Great Blue Heron. We are a pack it in, pack it out leave-no-trace camping site. There are no hookups, but during your stay, feel free to patronize the entire property. The views of the Wye River from the dock are absolutely beautiful and peaceful! There is also plenty of water for fishing, crabbing and even a small, man-made beach! OUTDOOR POOL AND RAFT USE - We have a shared outdoor pool and 4-person raft available for use. Both require PRIOR APPROVAL and a signed WAIVER to utilize.

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Kitchen Girl Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Parkton, MD

We are an 8.5 acre sustainable vegetable farm growing a wide variety of produce and herbs. We also have a flock of laying hens living on pasture, two alpaca guardian animals, one dog, one barn cat, and honeybees. The land consists of rolling hills, and borders Gunpowder Falls State Park. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound: * Bike along the 19.7 mile Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail * Hike along the Big Gunpowder River to the Prettyboy Reservoir Dam * Take a refreshing (read: cold) dip and jump off the rock at Hillbilly Beach * Go fly fishing for trout in a 7-mile stretch of gorgeous top-tier tailwater * Rent tubes and enjoy a cold beverage as you float down the river * Bring your own kayak or canoe to spend a lazy afternoon at Prettyboy Reservoir * Grab a brew or a glass of wine at one of our local breweries or vineyards. Please note: our farm has potable water available. Our well is solar-powered, so running water and toilet flushing is only available during the daylight hours. We provide water jugs for after dark.

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Button Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Germantown, MD

The Button Farm Living History Center is a hands-on education facility dedicated to preserving the history of the Underground Railroad. It is operated by the Menare Foundation through a long term lease agreement with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Several of us who work for the non-profit live in the Button Farm house and share the land with our pigs, geese, chickens and lots of wildlife. We're a close drive to Germantown and all the basic amenities of modern life, but when you come down our drive, you enter a world of natural beauty and rural quiet. When booking, keep in mind that all persons--regardless of age or whether or not they intend to spend the night--must be paid for. Our restroom includes hand sanitizer.

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Regenerative Working Farm Stay

1 site · RV160 acres · Clarksville, MD

Mary's Land Farm is a an organic, sustainable, regenerative 160-acre working farm between Ellicott City MD and Clarksville MD. We educate about and raise healthy animals, fruits, and vegetables in a regenerative ecosystem while maintaining the highest ethical standards for our products and their caregivers so that our family and yours can eat nourishing food raised responsibly. We have a farm store in the middle of the property that has farm meats and produce, as well as Secolari Oils and Vinegar and other farm treats. Guests are welcome to bring their own RV campers. We do not currently offer stays for tent campers. We hope you will join us for a farmstay experience! Please contact us at info@mary.farm for details and pricing or visit https://innatmaryslandfarm.com/farm-stay-experiences/

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.