The best camping near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail guide

Overview

About

Capt. John Smith didn't just land at Jamestown and settle down (nor did he sing much). He and his crew mapped nearly 3,000 miles of waterways along the Chesapeake Bay. Follow in Smith's path as you tour the Chesapeake Bay. This unique trail is not for landlubbers. It's completely on the water.

Smart buoys help you plan your route. There are 10 buoys near the entrances to rivers in the area. Buoys relay real-time information, such as weather conditions and their location.

Start with the James River in Virginia where the Jamestown settlement started. As you move upstream, you pass Richmond, a few Civil War battlefield sites, and plenty of quaint towns. Take your boat out of the water at your campsite or dock it for the evening to grab some local fare.

Navigate into the Chesapeake Bay itself and explore this vibrant coastal area. Thousands of inlets offer plenty of hidden treasures to find. There's Point Lookout State Park where the bay splits from the Potomac River. The Little Choptank River at Gooses Reef heads to Maryland's Eastern Shore and Delaware.

Other locations on this historic trail include Virginia Beach, Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. There's plenty to do in each place, depending on how detailed you want your itinerary to be. Lighthouses along your route offer a fascinating look at seaside culture here.

Spend a weekend going up one river, or make an entire summer vacation out of this experience. Make sure to monitor river and weather conditions. Always be aware of boat traffic as you sail, paddle, or motor up these historic waterways.