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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1850's Greenock Farm & New 4WD site

3 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). 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. Have a couple of tent/RV sites depending on interest. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent have a site down a small hill, travel along a logging road and camp by a small stream or a giant poplar. 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.

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Maryland Health Society

21 sites · Lodging98 acres · Davidsonville, MD

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU IN THE SPRING! We are currently closed for the season. 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% Non-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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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 2021.There are three campsites on the farm, one by the pond and two by the river. Very secluded and all sites include a bundle of firewood, firepit, log bench, and a picnic table that seats 3-4 people.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 AreaHiking: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park, Cedarville State Forest, Rosaryville State Park, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Maxwell Hall ParkPlaces to Eat: Hardesty Haven Cafe, Moreland's Produce & Market, (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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Duck Neck Campground

9 sites · RVs90 acres · Chestertown, MD

🦆 Experience the Ultimate Overnight RV Camping Adventure at Duck Neck Campground! 🌳 Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Duck Neck Campground, nestled in the heart of Chestertown. Our stunning RV camping experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, and adventurers seeking a tranquil and unforgettable getaway. 🌟 Unbeatable Location: Located just minutes away from Chestertown, our campground is strategically positioned to offer you the best of both worlds: the serenity of nature and the convenience of urban amenities. With easy access to the charming town, you can explore local attractions, shops, and restaurants at your leisure. 🏞️ Nature's Paradise: Picture yourself surrounded by majestic trees, vibrant wildflowers, and the peaceful sounds of chirping birds. At Duck Neck Campground, we take pride in our pristine natural environment. Relax under a starry sky, hike through our scenic paths, or enjoy a peaceful fishing or crabbing trip in the Chester River. Embrace the beauty of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. 🚍 RV Camping Perfection: Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or embarking on your first adventure, Duck Neck Campground has everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Our spacious RV sites offer full hookups, allowing you to relax and unwind in your home on wheels. We provide amenities such as clean showers, laundry facilities, and a well-stocked camp store for your convenience. 🎉 Fun for the Whole Family: At Duck Neck Campground, we believe in creating an unforgettable experience for every member of your family. Let your kids run wild in our playground and our brand new sports court while you gather around the fire pit for a cozy evening of storytelling. We also have a swimming pool to beat the summer heat. There's never a dull moment at Duck Neck Campground! 🌌 Overnight Adventure: Why limit your experience to a single day when you can extend the magic? Our overnight RV camping options allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of Duck Neck Campground fully. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises, enjoy breakfast in nature, and take leisurely walks along our property. Unplug from the stress of everyday life and reconnect with what truly matters. 🌟 Book Your Stay Today: Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience overnight RV camping at Duck Neck Campground. Visit our website or give us a call to make your reservation and secure your slice of paradise. Our friendly staff is ready to assist you and ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary. 🦆 Duck Neck Campground in Chestertown awaits you. Discover nature's beauty, create lasting memories, and embark on the ultimate overnight RV camping adventure! 🌳

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Healing Land by the Bay

1 site · Tent1 acre · Shady Side, MD

This is land our family land purchased to build a healing retreat center. We have had multiple family members pass from cancer and many currently suffer from hypertension, high blood pressure, & high cholesterol. We believe nature, water, fishing and peace of mind are the keys to unlock the healing we have already been given, but may be too busy to receive. This is a place to slow down. One day we will raise our goal to build the healing retreat center but while we are raising funds we want to share this land blessing with other families. We camped here and fish all day and fellowship and hope you create memories here. This land has been prayed over and we hope it brings your family peace and healing during your stay.

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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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The Agape

4 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! On days where there is great weather, inquire about use of our inflatable tandem Kayak!

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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. We have a large fenced in area for dogs to run around and play if they cannot be off leash. - 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. -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. 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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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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Lighthouse lot

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

This property sits on a 1/2 acre semi-wooded lot with a water view of the Chesapeake Bay. It comes with access to private community beach and boat harbor with launch. 1/4 mile to the Turkey Point Lighthouse, bike trails and hiking accessed at state park. Bring your kayaks, hiking boots and bathing suit!

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Charity’s Hope Family Farm Resort

16 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Port Tobacco Village, MD

Enjoy the perfect retreat for families, couples or anyone looking for rest and relaxation among a quiet, breath-taking location. This revived historic farmland is an icon in the area. Located just 30 miles outside of Washington DC, features a grand Victorian home on 20-acres w/ modern amenities. This small “farm resort” features pasture areas with alpacas, mini-cows, horses, goats, pigs, ducks, chicks, bunnies, barns, a private pond for fishing, and more. Come experience it yourself. We have an amazing list of free and paid amenities and attractions including go kart, golf cart, kayak, inflatable pontoon, golf simulator, fishing, hiking, farm tours, 20-foot inflatable outdoor movie screen and projector, Bluetooth speakers, pool toys, basketball hoop, kick ball, cabanas, giant checkers, small moonbounce, board games, and much much more. Ask our hosts for our onsite Amenities and Attraction List.

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.