The Calvert Cliffs State Park has around 14 miles of hiking trails throughout, but for today, let’s focus on the Red Trail. Hikers will enjoy the beach and get treated to wild flowers. The Red Trail is only around two miles, but feel free to add additional mileage from the rest of the park trails.
Cedarville Blue Trail near Cedarville, Maryland, provides the perfect opportunity to get to know Cedarville State Forest a little better. The loop covers almost four miles through beautiful woodland. It’s a nice nature trip with stunning views.
If you’re near Port Republic, Maryland, you’ll definitely want to stop by the American Chestnut Land Trust. The entire land trust has tons of trails, but for a moderate hike, we recommend the Parkers Creep Trail. This trail features moderate inclines and stretches almost half a mile.
Perimeter Trail is a fantastic loop near Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The loop is long, coming in at just under nine miles, with almost 800 feet of elevation gain. Hikers will enjoy the challenge as much as they enjoy the river views along the way.
Rocks State Park has over 800 acres of rocky forest land ideal for hiking. This was one of the first state parks in Maryland created for the purpose of preserving its natural wonders. The King and Queen Seat is a 190-foot high rock outcrop overlooking Deer Creek. This is a wonderful sight to hike to. The park has about four miles of trails ideal for an energizing hike.
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Take the Cascade Falls Trail from the Orange Grove area, and before long you’ll catch sight of the first waterfalls along the trail. Both kids and adults will be able to manage the slightly sloping trail. It continues along for a little over two miles, with small wading areas coupled with scenic waterfalls.
Though it can be strenuous, you’ll want to check out Section A of this well-known trail in Montgomery County. People often spend four to five hours hiking around the trail, which includes one incredible panorama of the Potomac River. After that, the trail slopes downward gently, making the views at the top worth it all.
The Appalachian Mountains rise up around this state park, which is also home to the Youghiogheny River and Muddy Creek. These two whitewater rivers make for incredible views as you traverse the Canyon Trail, a 1.25-mile hike that will take you past four sets of waterfalls.
Located at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, this park is home to several historic Civil War sites. In addition, the Appalachian Trail passes through the park, meaning you might find both backpackers midway through a months-long trip or city-dwellers out for a day hike. For the best views, follow the signs for Loudoun Heights!
Take the Wolf Rock or Chimney Rock trails up from the visitor center for panoramic views at the top. There, you can also explore Maryland’s tallest waterfall—Cunningham Falls—which measure in at 78 feet. But the reason this park is best known? It’s the home of Camp David, the president’s retreat.
]]>Ocean City doesn’t bury the lead: It’s named for its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll find the busy boardwalk bustling with beachgoers and sun bathers as you bring your jet ski out on the water. Don’t have your own? Don’t worry. Ocean City has any number of friendly jet ski renters including the reasonable Paradise Watersports. When you’re done, ride the carousel, get a cup of fries, or go out for another jet ski ride.
Deep Creek Lake boasts 3,900 acres of “cool, clean water,” all available for your next jet ski outing. You can bring your own jet ski or rent from Aquatic Center Inc. in McHenry. Although be warned: Deep Creek Lake is a popular destination for boaters, canoers, kayakers, and picnickers. If you don’t mind contending with a few other visitors, however, it is one of the most serene locations you’ll find in the area.
Assateague Island is known for its wild ponies, kayak tours, crabbing, bird watching, fishing, hunting, sightseeing cruises, and, of course, jet skiing opportunities. Rent from Top Gun Water Sports, which has multiple locations in the area. The beach stretches out for 37 miles—all of which has open space for you to get out on the water. Amenities including lodging and restaurants, are never too far away, either.
The Choptank River is home to a replica of the historic Choptank River Lighthouse. Get up close and personal with it on your very own jet ski. The river runs for 71 miles through Delaware and Maryland and is largely within site of the coast. Check out Dockside Boat Rentals in Oxford, Maryland, to rent a reasonably-priced WaveRunner.
The South River is part of the greater Chesapeake Bay, and runs for 10 miles. Start out from Annapolis or Edgewater—those are your only two options, as no other town currently exists on the river. Cruise along and you’ll be treated to the “lost town” of London Town and the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Rentals are available through South River Jet Ski Rentals.
]]>Not owning an ATV shouldn’t prevent you from getting out there, and by visiting Western Trails, it won’t! Located near Deep Creek Lake, Western Trails can take you out on an hour-long side by side ATV ride with all of your closest friends. While guided, this is not a slow-going tour. It’s fast, fun, muddy, and a total adventure. Their ATVs can seat two or four so it is possible to take the entire family out for a good time. This is also a really good way to expose the family to ATVs if you aren’t sure that everyone is ready to make the big purchase. Just be warned that your kids will probably want you to visit a dealership right after!
Talk about stunning views. When you off-road here, you have the privilege of seeing Maryland at its finest. Water, trees, mountains, waterfalls, and more will greet you here and it makes for some incredible photo ops when you’re not too busy enjoying the ride. Savage River has been working on trail restorations, so you want to check ahead of time to see which ones you can use. There are even excellent campsites available. Camping for the week or weekend will allow you to explore the trails more than once. You can also hunt here with the proper license. With so many outdoor activities to choose from, this can easily be a longer vacation.
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This Southern Maryland gem is a park designed for off-roading vehicles. This hugely popular spot regularly hosts events, and is perfect for all levels of skill. You can even rent out the track so you and your buddies can have the space all to yourselves! This is an excellent spot to get in some practice if you are a competitive rider.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>With 300 acres, this family-owned motorsports park has track and trail riding for dirt bikes and quads. They also have a beginner trail for children to ride on. This means that parents can share their love of dirt bikes with their kids in a safe environment. With an advanced track as well, riders can also come here for a challenge. They have specials on a regular basis so you can save money that way too.
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Budds Creek is a popular motocross spot for those who like to watch the sport and those who want some incredible track to ride. They have even hosted international events where motocross stars from across the world have come to compete. This is where it’s at in Maryland for serious riders. If you want to check it out, come and watch an event before deciding to ride yourself. This family business started in 1979 and has grown to national and international recognition as a go-to spot for motocross enthusiasts.
Visit their website to see a video of people riding at full speed on their fast-paced track. Come here to kick up some dirt with your friends, race, or spend the weekend outdoors. This is a popular destination on the Eastern Shore and you can view track conditions daily by checking out their Facebook page. With so many pictures, you can see the height possibilities from the jumps you can take. They’ll make you want to get out there and get out there fast!
Located in the Garrett State Forest, the Snaggy Mountain ORV Trail is an awesome spot to dirt bike on rugged terrain while racing through the forest. The views are killer when you’re not too busy kicking up dirt to look up. The trail is open to dirt bikes after March 15 (before that, this is a snowmobile trail). The forest is 7,000 acres total so it’s incredibly private and easy to really unwind here. This is where you go to get away from it all.
Also located in Garrett State Forest, the Wallman Road ORV Trail is known for dirt bikes and motocross so you are likely to find a lot of skilled riders racing along these trails. The trail is near the Potomac River and you will see plenty of wildlife while racing around. Wild turkey, deer, and even bear are near here so keep an eye out as you ride!
]]>You can take your pup here to explore sixteen miles of fantastic trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and more. Whether you’re looking for a game of fetch or a scenic trek for an active day out, you and your furry friend will find it here.
Discover the incredible Catoctin Mountains with your pup at Gambrill State Park. This park offers sixteen miles of trails that offer breathtaking views. Make sure to explore the lush meadows and wooded areas for some unforgettable nature-filled moments.
Bring your canine companion for a good old-fashioned outdoor adventure to Double Rock Park. This 102-acre park offers a playground, trails for walking and biking, and several athletic fields. Enjoy an afternoon of exploration and joy with your pup in this beloved park.
This trail system is perfect for experienced hikers and agile pups ready for an action packed time. With 3.4 miles of naturally surfaced paths, you and your pup can have a pawfect time exploring the lush terrain of the trails.
Make a stop at Rosaryville State Park to explore the 982-acres of natural beauty. Enjoy a variety of trails perfect for hiking. Your pup won’t be able to resist all the sights and smells on offer in this dog friendly park paradise.
Famous among locals, North Park Loop Trail (also known as Joe K's Trail) offers you the perfect chance to take your pup for a stroll. This 3.4-mile loop trail runs along the Susquehanna River and is a great way to get some exercise and take in some fresh air.
Break away from the busy sounds of Annapolis for this scenic space that offers a great trail for you and your pup. This pet friendly park is a rolling and flowy singletrack trail system perfect for exploring the gorgeous terrain. Come see why pet owners visit repeatedly with their furry family members!
If you and your dog are looking for an adventure off the beaten path, then look no further than Terrapin Nature Park. This trail system provides lots of waterfowl, wildlife, and plant species and is perfect for a peaceful stroll. Choose your favorite trail and explore the day away.
Covering 9 miles of natural surface trail, Muddy Branch Greenway Trail is a great opportunity for you and your pooch to enjoy the rocky upland forest and the streambanks and meadows. Not to mention, you can capture the memories of your pup’s exciting day with Chesapeake Bay Bridge at the perfect backdrop!!
The WB&A Trail is a 9-mile paved pup preferred recreational trail from Odenton to the Patuxent River. With varied terrain and ecosystems, this historic trail is ideal for a leisurely stroll and taking in the beautiful nate while spending the day with your furry friend.
]]>Don’t let the name “Appalachian Trail” intimidate you. Yes, it is one of the largest trails in the world and can be incredibly rugged. However, there are sections of it that are easy enough for a family to enjoy. The area near the Washington Monument is one of them. This monument was built by locals and the hike to it is only around 20 minutes from the parking lot. The views are stunning and there are always families, with kids, around. If your children are slightly older, you can easily venture out and walk on the Appalachian Trail for as long as you, and they, like. As a bonus, there are restrooms at the parking lot, a visitor’s center, and a huge field with a playground. In other words—the entire family will enjoy themselves and be able to relax after your hike. Just bring food with you because there are no restaurants close by.
Warning: This walk can feel slightly long and slightly steep for young children. There is a good chance that you will be carrying your three-year-old for at least part of the way. However, if you don’t mind that, you will love the Calvert Cliffs and so will they. In the parking lot is a playground and picnic benches but once you start your hike, you are gently hiking down the cliffside. You will pass marshlands with incredible wildlife such as wild turtles and birds. The landscape here is stunning and certainly picture-worthy. The real treat, however, awaits you at the bottom. Here, you will find the beach. This is a rugged beach you can only access by hiking so there is zero commercialism. What you will find is fossils and plenty of them. This is the fossil destination in Maryland so bring a bucket and shovel and then plan to spend the day looking for shark and dinosaur teeth.
View this post on Instagramsuch a treat spending time with my niece. she’s becoming a lovely young lady!
This is an amazing place to hike because you can get the best of both worlds—a trail and a rustic adventure. The trail itself is seven miles-long and perfect for families. Additionally, there are over 2,000 acres of undeveloped land to explore. When wearing rugged shoes and jeans, you and your kids can get off the beaten path and look for wildlife, native plants, and maybe even a few trees to climb. Kids love the sense of freedom they get while exploring and listening to the sound of the birds fly from tree to tree will not disappoint.
There is so much to do here that you can enjoy a family hike and then go horseback riding or fishing. You can even spend time at the beach. It makes for a perfect day. Hiking can be the start of your adventure, while cooling off in the water can end it. When you find a family destination like this, all you can do is come here to hike more often.
You cannot miss Cunningham Falls in the spring. It is vibrant and beautiful. The power of the falls is something to behold, especially after it has been raining. The good news is that the hike is a relatively short and easy one, even for the kids. In the summer, you have to bring the kids back for another hike. While the falls won’t be as spectacular, the lake at the bottom of the trail will be. You can go for a hike when you get here and then spend the rest of the day swimming with the kids in a gorgeous natural lake that is surrounded by trees. They also have a concession stand here, making this one of the few places you can hike and then relax afterwards without needing to pack a ton of stuff—ideal for families that want to get out of the house and have a last-minute summer adventure. One last tip: you can’t get into the falls but with a lake here, there is no need to.
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It doesn’t get more classic than this La Plata diner. Start off your day with a filling breakfast that will keep you fueled for hours. Excellent, hearty options include the New York strip and eggs, country fried steak and eggs, pork chop and eggs, or the “Farm Hand,” made with two pancakes, one waffle, two eggs, two strips of bacon, and two sausages links—all for an affordable price.
This 300-acre motorsports park is the ultimate escape. The trails are safe and family-oriented, with beginner-level tracks geared toward children, an intermediate track, and an advanced track designed by professional riders. There are several miles of wooded trails to explore, as well. This great spot is open year-round, even on all federal holidays (except Christmas), so you can go riding any time you want.
Now that you’ve spent the day riding, it’s time to refuel. Gilligan’s Pier in Newburg is a great place to relax. Serving up delicious Maryland blue crab and freshly-caught seafood for 25 years, Gilligan’s Pier has been putting in great effort to buy from local farms and fishermen since its early days. Try any of their seafood baskets, sandwiches, soups, salads, and awesome entrees. Don’t forget to grab a beer, too.
For the night, we’re traveling just over the boarder to beautiful Colonial Beach, Virginia. The Dennison Street Inn is a stunning, historic spot to stay overnight. This luxury bed and breakfast is just a half a block away from the Potomac River. The inn is situated within a Queen Anne Victorian home that was built in 1893 for the first mayor of Colonial Beach. Now, guests are welcome to stay the night in one of several comfortable suites. In the morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast in the parlor room, or if it’s nice, on the front porch.
Before you wrap up your journey, it’s important you make one final spot before leaving Colonial Beach—George Washington’s birthplace. At this site, you’ll see an incredible colonial garden filled with plants and herbs that our Founding Father would’ve used in the 18th century. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of the beautiful eagles in the area.
]]>You can choose between taking your kayak out on the lake or the creek at Tuckahoe State Park. Since the idea of moving water can seem scary at first, you may want to go out on the lake, break for lunch and then try the creek. It is a family-friendly destination so even kids who are learning can do well here. Plus, you will see a wide variety of wildlife when on the lake, perhaps even spotting a bald eagle or two. If some people in your family doesn’t want to try the water, or you are taking turns with the kayaks, there are hiking trails as well. They even have family activities on weekends during the summer which are typically free to participate in.
If you are a true beginner with zero gear, you should head to Lake Centennial because you can rent your kayak. This is a good way to test out the water and see if you enjoy the sport. At only $10 an hour, the rental rates are easy on any budget. Just remember that the rentals are seasonal so you shouldn’t start kayaking in February. However, in the warmer months, they will have everything you need here including snacks for purchase. The lake itself is 54 acres, surrounded by trees and wildlife. You can also picnic and hike here, making it a nice and relaxing day once you have tried your hand at kayaking. An easy and fun adventure, visiting Lake Centennial to kayak could not be easier. By the way, if fishing is your thing, you can also catch a bass or two.
Deep Creek Lake is an outdoor destination in Western Maryland that attracts visitors from throughout the state and the Mid-Atlantic. Rural, rustic and gorgeous, here you can find hiking, boating, hunting and more. Year-round, this is a place to visit but in the warmer months it becomes an excellent place to learn to kayak. This is such a peaceful setting and kayaking is the perfect way to enjoy nature and the lake. There are several companies that rent kayaks on the lake and some will even deliver if you want to try one of the nearby rivers. However, for a beginner, sticking with the calm lake water is probably the best way to go. Just remember that Deep Creek offers far more than a place to kayak. Once you’re done, stay at the lodge, go fishing, hike or enjoy one of the many fantastic restaurants in the area.
Not all areas of the Potomac are good for beginners, so it may help to read the blog above. Given how iconic the Potomac is, taking a kayak out on it is something of an experience. The trick is to plan your route before you go because you need to know where to stop before hitting any rapids. Again, the Potomac can be safe for beginners since it is a fairly wide river, but you need to know where you are going before you head out. Once that is done, the trip can be incredible. After all, you are kayaking where American settlers and our Civil War troops once took their boats out! You are a part of history when on the Potomac.
Located just north of Baltimore, this state park offers a variety of activities. Kayaking is an excellent way to spend your day on the water and here, you will find multiple areas to do so. The park also boasts nice beaches, hiking trails and fishing, making it the perfect day out. There are several entrances to the park because of how large it is. For kayaking, you probably want to start with the Hereford Area. This is the best spot to see or kayak by the Big Gunpowder Falls. Downriver from York Road is the easiest for beginners. Be warned that the water here is cold so you don’t want to fall in. It can be around 50 degrees year-round. Just be safe and enjoy the views and how peaceful it is to be out on the water.
]]>The Cranesville Swamp is a gorgeous forest and wetland with a nice, easy boardwalk that’s perfect for birdwatching. While you won’t get too much of a hike out of this one, the swamp provides an incredible opportunity to look through a “window into ice ages past” and see over 50 rare plants and animals. You may even catch sight of the rare northern saw-whet owl or the Nashville warbler.
When you think of birdwatching hikes, Civil War battlefields might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Antietam, however, is home to more than 77 unique bird species, and their self-guided hikes are perfect excursions. At the battlefield, you may see a common grackle, black-capped chickadee, red-tailed hawk, and much more!
Take the Laurel Trail in the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge to see songbirds and different migratory birds throughout. The trail is only about half a mile, but the gorgeous Mountain Laurels along the way combined with the different birding views are worth the trip.
The Audrey Carroll Audubon Sanctuary near Mt. Airy, Maryland, carries on the legacy of the famous ornithologist John J. Audubon. As such, it is one of the best places on the East Coast to birdwatch. They host a variety of guided nature walks, as well.
Visitors to the Meadowside Nature Center in Rockville can enjoy eight miles of nature trails and up-close views of hawks, bald eagles, and owls. For the best views, make sure to take the Raptor Walkway.
The Pemberton Park in Salisbury, Maryland, covers 262 acres and 4.5 miles of nature trails. According to their website, “it is rare to find any other place on the Eastern Shore where tidal and fresh water wetlands, fresh water ponds, upland pines, hardwood forests, and meadows can all be studied within the same site.”
The Adkins Arboretum covers over 400 acres, including five miles of meadow and paths. Birdwatchers should consider the South Meadow Loop. The arboretum is an Important Bird Area as designated by the Audubon Society, and is home to at least 12 unique species.
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Anglers is locally owned and operated by passionate fishermen and women, and has been since 1961. They sell just about everything you could want for a good fishing trip (including beer, wine, and spirits), but their bait is the standout: they have the largest selection on the Chesapeake Bay. If you’re going out after they close or before they open, don’t fret: their frozen bait box vending machine has you covered.
Fishbone’s Bair and Tackle in Pasadena, Maryland, sells durable lures with the goal of helping you catch fish and crabs. They’ve got too many products to list here, but suffice it to say, they’re well worth a visit if you haven’t been already. You’ll find absolutely everything you need at Fishbone’s.
Blue Fins in Baltimore, Maryland, is one of the area’s best full-service shops, with a wide range of eclectic services and products. They provide gun repair, custom lures and rigs, rod and reel repair, notary services, and, of course, plenty of bait and tackle.
Sarge’s Bait and Tackle is open every day, and some days opens up as early as 6 a.m. for those early-rising anglers! They sell all manner of fishing equipment, including hand-made bait. The Sarge himself makes a bait called the “Thumper Jig,” which “is a great search bait when looking for Stripers,” according to his latest website blog entry.
Whether you’re looking for St. Croix rods, Penn reels, Mustad hooks (http://mustad-fishing.com/), or many other fantastic brands, Atlantic Tackle in Ocean City, Maryland, is sure to have something for you. They also sell tournament cable offshore tackle as well as tournament winning ballyhoo, mullet, and mackerel bait.
Tyler’s Tackle Shop is open early every day of the week, opening at 4:30 a.m. on weekends and 5 a.m. on weekdays. Buy online or in store. They’ve got a great selection of terminal tackle and bait.
Clyde’s Sports Shop in Halethorpe, Maryland, primarily sells fishing and hunting gear. Since 1957, they’ve kept up to date with the best fishing reels, rods, tackle boxes, and bait.
Shore Tackle and Custom Rods has a location in Grasonville and one in Berlin, Maryland. They create custom fishing rods, provide repair services, and sell tackle, among other products. Check out their website for an updated inventory or shop in person.
The owner of Bay Country Crabbing Supply and tackle has been an avid Maryland crabber for over 20 years and brings his experience to bear on all of the products his shop stocks. From their website: “We make, according to our customers, the best product on the market for a reasonable price.” Can’t ask for much more than that.
]]>The Green Ridge State Forest covers almost 48,000 acres, and is the largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland. With over 100 primitive campsites throughout the forest, visitors with a permit are welcome throughout the year.
The Savage River State Forest in Grantsville, Maryland, covers over 54,000 acres, with more than 11,000 acres of forest. Backpack camping is permitted throughout the forest, but be sure to register for the sites before you go. There are 70 primitive campsites throughout the forest—no more than six people and two camping units per site.
Described as “the birthplace of forestry conservation in Maryland,” Garrett State Forest’s 7,000 acres is comprised of breathtaking mountain forests, streams, and valleys. Marvel at the variation of trees that surround you as you trek: red oak, white oak, scarlet oak, black cherry, hickory, red maple, white pine, and hemlock. Backpack camping is permitted throughout the forest, just be sure to register at one of the self-registration areas before you start your adventure.
If you’re going camping with a group, Big Run is a wonderful option. This state park is located right at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, hiking, or even hunting in the area. The 29 primitive campsites are available year-round. Some sites are wooded, while others feature stone dust camping pads, and others are in open, grassy fields. Sites available on a first-come, first served basis.
Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its wild horses and wondrous ocean views. There are several backcountry campsites scattered throughout the area, some of which are ocean-side while others are in a more forested section. The Little Levels campsite is an excellent option with waterfront views. The area is designated by boundary posts and situated in the open inner dunes. The general camping area can accommodate up to 25 people, has a picnic table, and chemical toilet.
]]>The Trail House in Frederick, Maryland, describes their offerings as “a wide selection of products from clothing, backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, climbing gear, to an extensive array of both technical and casual footwear. Brands include Patagonia, Balega, Chaco, and much more.
H&H Outdoors specializes in clothing, camping gear, and GI military surplus materials. Camping equipment includes shovels, sleeping bags, blankets, survival kits, compasses, tarps, flashlights, and more.
The Beacon Surplus in Waldorf, Maryland, has been in business since 1992. They sell military gear and clothing, boots and shoes, scouting supplies, and camping equipment. Camping equipment offerings include tents, air beds, camp furniture, and more.
Bass Pro Shops is one of the bigger outdoor supply outlets in the country. The Hanover, Maryland, location includes an archery range, climbing wall, ATV equipment, gaming, and camping equipment. Get your camping essentials, stoves, gifts, furniture, and more at the local Bass Pro.
Beckley’s Camping Center in Thurmont, Maryland, is a different kind of camping store—you won’t find many backpacks and tents, but if you’re in the market for RVs and other camping vehicles, you won’t do much better. They have new and used RVs, rentals, and snow plows.
Potomac Paddlesports in Potomac, Maryland, is primarily a paddle sporting store, but they also have a wide variety of equipment useful for campers (even if you’re not participating in paddlesports during your next camp trip!). They sell a wide variety of helmets, gloves, insulation layers, outer layers, and more.
L.L. Bean is one of the biggest outdoors stores in the country. Bethesda, Maryland, is lucky to have the only brick and mortar location in the state. Their camping equipment selection includes headlamps, flannel, backpacks, hammocks, and even GoPros.
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The Northern Central Railroad Trail spans nearly 20 miles in Maryland. This trail is also the site of a regular marathon presented by the Baltimore Road Runners Club. But don’t worry, you don’t have to be ready for a full-on marathon to enjoy an invigorating run on this trail!
The Patuxent Branch Trail in Columbia, Maryland, is a 4.6-mile nature trail that runs along the Patuxent River. While there is a paved option, runners are encouraged to forge their own path on the natural floor-bed and crushed stone.
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St. Mary’s River State Park is broken up into two sections: Site 1 and Site 2. Runners should stay away from Site 2, as it is often used as a hunting ground. Instead, stick to the loops around St. Mary’s River in Site 1. The trail is around 7.5 miles, and is perfectly scenic.
The Rosaryville State Park in Clinton, Maryland, has a few trail options, including the Grassland Bird Trail, Agriculture Heritage Trail, and the Perimeter Trail. Any would be a fine choice for an afternoon trail run.
Seneca Creek Greenway Trail in Montgomery County, Maryland, has several sections all along it. We recommend starting at the trail head at the Potomac River and following it as far down as you like, all the way to Route 355. Take note: along the trail, bikers and horseback riders may join and jump off, so keep an eye out!
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This place is so cool. It’s basically a full-on resort, but a campground. Located on the beach, near Ocean City, you can camp at Frontier Town for a fraction of the cost while still being near the beach. Pitching your tent is only the start of your adventure. They have a water park with a lazy river and waterslides so you and the kids can laze the day away while relaxing in the sunshine. They also have a Western-themed park where you can spend the afternoon pretending to be a cowboy. Then there is the arcade and high ropes adventure park, camp store, saloon, creamery, and shops that make for a resort destination vacation for the price of pitching your tent. You can’t beat it.
Located on the water, a few minutes from the ocean, this campground is full of family activities but quieter than a resort campground. They have a lake that is fully-stocked with fish for their catch-and-release program, giving you and the kids plenty of easy fishing time. You can also rent a kayak and head out on the water. One thing that makes them stand out is that you can rent a cabin or a camper to stay in. This is incredibly convenient for families who want to try out camping but aren’t ready to invest in all the gear. They also have a camp store and Wi-Fi for parents who need to work.
If you are looking for activities, this is a great place to go. They have a swimming pool, four playgrounds, free hayrides, tennis, basketball, volleyball, horseshoes, a game room, fishing, inflatables (on occasion), hiking, field for games, and organized activities everyone can participate in. They also have hot showers, laundry, a camp store, and cable television for those camping with an RV. Some of their activities include gospel concerts, chili cookouts, bingo, and socials. Basically, you could have a family reunion with 100 people and everyone would find something to do. It’s a great deal.
Located in Southern Anne Arundel County, this campground is around 45 minutes from Washington D.C. but a world away. South County is rural and peaceful, yet you are so close to D.C. that it’s possible to take a day trip to see the monuments before coming back to your campsite to relax. They have a swimming pool and a giant inflatable waterslide that the kids will love. They also have cabins and RV rentals for anyone looking for a place to stay. They even have a dog park, which makes it family-friendly for everyone.
Situated on the Potomac River, Brunswick Family Campground is a scenic spot that the whole family will love escaping to. The campground offers tent camping in an area with access to hot showers, bathrooms, picnic pavilions, fire pits, and more. Brunswick also has 48 RV campsites.
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