The Chesapeake Bay stretches across roughly 200 miles between Maryland and Virginia, and its shoreline is dotted with waterfront campgrounds that put you right at the water’s edge without sacrificing hookups or amenities. Whether you’re looking for a quiet state park loop or a full-service resort with a marina, the Bay offers enough variety that planning the right stop matters as much as picking the right region.
Featured Snippet Answer: The best RV campgrounds near the Chesapeake Bay include Elk Neck State Park in Maryland, Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina, Grey’s Point Camp in Virginia, the Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort, and Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay in Gloucester, Virginia, all offering waterfront or near-waterfront RV sites with full or partial hookups.
Elk Neck State Park, Maryland
Sitting on a peninsula where the Elk River meets the Chesapeake Bay, Elk Neck offers more than 250 campsites spread across eight loops, with the Northeast Camping Loop providing 28 full-hookup sites and the Chester Camping Loop offering 19 electric sites. Pine-shaded sites and three separate bathhouses make this one of the more comfortable state park options for RVers, and its location near the top of the Bay makes it an easy weekend trip for anyone based in central Maryland.
The park’s peninsula setting means water views are never far away, whether you’re camping directly along the shoreline loops or just a short walk from one of the park’s beach access points.
Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina, Maryland
Located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where the Elk River meets the head of the Chesapeake Bay, Bar Harbor spans 60 acres and offers 160 sites accommodating RVs up to 45 feet. Its marina setting makes it a strong choice for owners who want to combine RV camping with boating access, and sweeping bay views are a defining feature of the property.
Grey’s Point Camp, Virginia
One of the larger destination campgrounds on this list, Grey’s Point offers 774 sites plus 13 rental cabins along the Rappahannock River near the Chesapeake Bay, open from late March through mid-November. Its scale means significantly more amenities than a typical state park, including recreational facilities built around a genuine resort-style stay rather than a simple overnight stop.
The sheer number of sites also means better odds of finding availability during peak summer weekends compared to smaller waterfront parks in the region.
Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA Resort, Virginia
Positioned just north of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, this KOA Resort sits directly on the Bay with its own private beach, making it one of the most scenic waterfront stays in the region. The KOA brand consistency means reliable amenities and site quality, which matters for RVers who want a dependable experience without researching an unfamiliar independent campground.
Its location near the Bridge-Tunnel also makes it a convenient stopover for travelers heading further south along the Virginia coast.
Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay, Virginia
Located in Gloucester, Virginia, this resort combines full-hookup RV sites with tent sites and cabin rentals, backed by 24-hour front desk staff and a full slate of on-site activities. Thousand Trails membership holders get particular value here, though the resort welcomes non-member bookings as well, making it accessible regardless of your camping membership status.
First Landing State Park, Virginia
Sitting right where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Atlantic near Virginia Beach, First Landing offers cabins, yurts, and both water-and-electric and tent campsites within a genuinely unique coastal setting. Its dual location, bay on one side and easy beach access nearby, makes it a strong pick for RVers who want to experience two distinct coastal environments without moving campgrounds.
Bay Shore Campground, Maryland
Situated in Rock Hall on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Bay Shore sits a story above sea level, giving campers genuine elevated waterfront views that are somewhat unusual for the region. Its smaller, more intimate footprint compared to resort-scale campgrounds appeals to RVers seeking a quieter bayside stay.
Comparing Chesapeake Bay Campground Options
| Campground | Location | Site Count | Hookup Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk Neck State Park | Maryland (Northeast) | 250+ across 8 loops | Full and electric hookups |
| Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina | Maryland (Eastern Shore) | 160 sites | Full hookups, RVs up to 45 ft |
| Grey’s Point Camp | Virginia | 774 sites | Varies by section |
| Cape Charles/Chesapeake Bay KOA | Virginia (Eastern Shore) | Resort-scale | Full hookups, private beach |
| Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay | Gloucester, VA | Resort-scale | Full hookups, tent, cabins |
| First Landing State Park | Virginia Beach, VA | Multiple loops | Water and electric, tent sites |
| Bay Shore Campground | Rock Hall, MD | Smaller, intimate | Waterfront sites |
Best Time of Year to Visit
Most Chesapeake Bay campgrounds run their full season from spring through fall, with several state parks and resort-style campgrounds like Grey’s Point opening in late March and closing by mid-November. Peak summer weekends fill up quickly at the larger resort-style locations, so booking well ahead matters more here than at smaller, less-traveled state park loops.
Shoulder season visits in spring and early fall often bring more comfortable temperatures and lighter crowds, particularly appealing for RVers who prefer a quieter, less bustling waterfront stay.
What to Check Before Booking Any Bay-Area Campground
Confirm your RV’s length against each campground’s site restrictions before booking, since several parks list specific maximum lengths, such as Bar Harbor’s 45-foot limit, that can rule out larger coaches. Check whether the specific loop or section you’re booking offers full hookups or only electric and water, since this varies significantly even within a single campground’s different camping areas.
Real-World Example
A family with a mid-size travel trailer looking for a quiet weekend near central Maryland would find Elk Neck State Park an easy, budget-friendly option with genuine peninsula water views. A couple planning a longer, resort-style stay with marina access and boating might prefer Bar Harbor RV Park and Marina or Grey’s Point Camp, trading the rustic state park feel for more amenities and a longer seasonal stay.
The Chesapeake Bay’s mix of quiet state parks and full-service resort campgrounds means there’s a fitting stop whether you’re taking your first trip in a new travel trailer or settling in for an extended stay along the water.
