Looking for a weekend escape to get in touch with nature? Grab your tent and tube and head to one of these campsites that are on the water.
From the Chesapeake Bay to lakes and rivers, you can find a variety of options in Virginia and Maryland whether you want to glamp on the sand or rough it in the weeds.
VIRGINIA
Christopher Run Campground
With cabins, campsites, and complete hookups, this campground on Lake Anna is the place to dock and go play a little mini golf. There are six boat ramps, a 50-slip marina, boat rentals, and fishing piers. For boaters, you will find complimentary shore tie-ups and live bait. The campground is open through October 31. 6478 Zachary Taylor Hwy., Mineral
Rappahannock River Campground
The name says it all: a clean and family-friendly campground on the Rappahannock River where you can canoe or tube. The Rappahannock River Campground offers tent camp for a primitive camping adventure. There are pit privies nearby. You can rent or bring your canoes or kayaks. Look out for bald eagles throughout the mostly untouched landscape. 33017 River Mill Rd, Richardsville
James River State Park
At James River State Park in Buckingham County, you have multiple camping options because the park has five campgrounds. At three of them — Branch Pond, Walnut Grove, and Canoe Landing — you can pitch and tent and use primitive restrooms. Canoe Landing is the only one on the water. The park also has cabins, lodges, and bunkhouses for those less inclined to sleep on the ground. 104 Green Hill Dr., Gladstone
Monroe Bay Campground
Looking for a campground that cooks for you? The Colonial Beach campground has the much-loved Paradise Cove Camp Store and Grill where you can get a steak sandwich or a bacon, egg, and cheese. The campground has 302 campsites to fit your needs, each with picnic tables, a sandy beach, and rave reviews. 1412 Monroe Bay Cir., Colonial Beach
MARYLAND
Bayshore Campground
Sitting one story above sea level, this breezy, waterfront campground on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers views galore, places to walk your dog, a playground, and boat ramps. There are lakes that are stocked with fish for catch and release, well-maintained grounds, and large sites for bigger RVs. The campground is open year-round. 4228 Eastern Neck Rd., Rock Hall, Maryland
Deep Creek Lake State Park
Located on Maryland’s largest manmade lake, Deep Creek offers fresh air and fishing in Western Maryland. Meadow Mountain has 82 basic campsites and 23 with electricity. You can rent a mini cabin that sleeps six or a yurt. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. It also has overnight dock slip use. Open until December 15. 898 State Park Rd., Swanton, Maryland
Feature image courtesy Garrett County Chamber of Commerce
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