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.

I would walk FIVE HUNDRED MILES and I would walk FIVE HUNDRED MORE (we went hiking today, incase you couldn’t tell)

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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. 

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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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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.

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. 

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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!

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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!

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.

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. 

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such a treat spending time with my niece. she’s becoming a lovely young lady!

A post shared by Lizzie Wilson (@lizvwilson) on Sep 13, 2018 at 3:09pm PDT

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.

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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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Likewise, bass fishing is starting to pick up again as the weather begins to cool. Huge schools of threadfin shad are starting to filter away from open-water ledges into bays and tributaries where feeding conditions and water temperatures are more optimum.

Bass follow the food, first setting up on ledges at the mouths of inlets and creeks to waylay shad, then migrating back toward shallower water to keep up with their quarry.

Fall Script for Southern Bass

Bass rule in Dixie and cooler weather brings out an army of anglers who go after them. Whether largemouth, smallmouth or spotted bass, they’re available in most waters and sometimes all three varieties are present in a fishery, ready to aggravate or gratify those who seek them.

Hot Spots To Fish: When it comes to the South’s best lakes for fall fishing, the big TVA impoundments fit the bill. Because this is bass tournament country, dozens of YouTube videos and Facebook sites of pro anglers offer useful advice on where and how to catch autumn largemouths. Likewise, guide services are plentiful; just Google “fishing guides” for the lake you’re visiting or type in the town nearest the lake you wish to fish on the interactive map on this page.

Tackle You’ll Need: A 7-foot medium/heavy rod such as the St. Croix Premier Cranking, a baitcasting reel like the Abu Garcia Revo Winch and 10- to 14-pound-test monofilament makes a good combination to fish downsized lures.

Best Lures/Baits: Shad-colored, shallow- and medium-diving square-billed or coffin-billed crankbaits are autumn standouts. Popular lures include the Strike King 6XD, Bandit 100 or 200, Duo Realis M65, Livetarget Magnum Shad BaitBall Squarebill, Megabass S-Crank, Lucky Craft Squarebill 2.5, Storm Arashi and Rapala Shad Rap.

Fish them around shoreline cover and on the flats between creek drop-offs and the bank. Other fallback baits include spinnerbaits like the Booyah Super Shad, Stanley Vibrashaft and Nichols Pulsator. Good buzzbait options can be found from Lunker Lure, Damiki, Santone and Dirty Jigs.

Rendezvous With Redfish

Along the northern Gulf Coast from Carrabelle, FL, to Grand Isle, LA, the redfish season begins in late September and continues in stages through December. Some anglers fish in the surf with cut bait, while others station themselves on area piers or in boats on relatively shallow flats near channel cuts.

Hot Spots To Fish: For boating anglers, a couple of spots stick out. Pensacola Bay Pass is a must-fish for boaters. Anchor up on the broad flat between old Fort Pickens and the channel, set out lines as the tide changes to incoming, and hang on. Need more help? Redfish University Pensacola Fishing Charters (850-748-4368, redfishuniversity.com) specializes in the big drum.

At Grand Isle, LA, book a trip with Gotta Go Fishing Charters (225-921-3642, gottagofishingcharters.com). The marshes and inshore waters around Venice, LA, are primo redfish haunts as well. Captain Mike Frenette (504-782-0924, laredfish.com or (mike@venicefishing.net) is a top guide here.

Tackle You’ll Need: “Rat” reds of 3 pounds and up, or real bruisers weighing in excess of 20 pounds require a range of tackle options. Bass fishing tackle – whether spinning or baitcasting – is perfect for handling smaller fish and for casting jigs or swimbaits that weigh less than an ounce. A Shimano Stradic spinning reel and 7-foot medium-action Shimano Compre rod with 14-pound-test monofilament.

For bigger fish, consider a Penn Battle II BTLII5000 with 20-pound-test monofilament or 40-pound-test braid, and a 30-pound-test fluorocarbon leader. A 7-foot medium-heavy spinning rod (such as the Penn Battalion BATIN1220S70) should handle any bait rigs or lures and wear down a bull redfish in short order.

Best Lures/Baits: Redfish aren’t particular about their dietary requirements and will eat anything from blue crabs to halved mullet. Swimming spoons such as the Johnson Sprite (johnsonfishing.com), swimbaits and jigs or even topwater poppers, such as the Heddon Saltwater Spook, will elicit strikes.

Hot Spots To Fish: Deservedly, Montauk, NY at the eastern end of Long Island is considered a storied mecca for striped bass fishermen. If you’re not going surf fishing on the beach or fishing from a jetty, Gone Fishing Marina (631-668-3232, gonefishingmarina78.com) can set up a charter trip for you. If it’s booked up, try Star Island Yacht Club (631-668-5052, starislandyc.com) or Montauk Marine Basin (631-668-5900, marinebasin.com).

Find the best fishing spots near you:

• Connecticut
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.

Down south, talk to the folks at Captain Hogg’s Charter Service (757-876-1590, captainhoggscharters.com) about fishing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Overdrawn Charters  (252-202-4623, overdrawncharters.com) in Manteo, N.C. can help as well.

Tackle You’ll Need: Stick with 30- to 50-pound braid or monofilament and a 60-pound-test shock leader of fluorocarbon, with saltwater-ready spinning tackle heavy enough to handle 10- to 14-foot rods. Penn, Quantum and Okuma specialize in fairly inexpensive surf-fishing rods, and reels to match. If you have a reel, but no rod yet, the new Black Inshore Rods from Lamiglas are up to the task. The five spinning and five casting models range from a 6-foot, 10-inch light finesse spinning rod to a 7 ½-foot casting rod rated for lures from 3 to 12 ounces in weight.

Best Lures/Baits: The 4 1/2-inch Acme Kastmater XL spoon, the 1 ½-ounce Odin Popper, and the 5-inch pencil popper from Tsunami are popular artificials up and down the Atlantic seaboard. Other popular options include the 6- or 7-inch Savage Gear Sandeel Swimbait, 9-inch Sassy Shad swimbait and the 6-inch Rapala X-Rap SubWalk.

Find the best bait and tackle shops near you:

• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• North Carolina
• New York
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington, D.C.
• West Virginia

For anglers who’d rather soak baits from a boat or in the surf, live or cut bait, such as Atlantic menhaden (peanut bunker), herring, porgies, eels, bloodworms, anchovies and mullet, can flip the switch on chaotic striper blitzes.

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! 

I was looking through summer photos and found this video of a Grasshopper Sparrow at Antietam National Battlefield. I saw about twenty of these throughout the park.

A post shared by Maxwell Nootbaar (@blueridgebirder) on Oct 7, 2017 at 2:30pm PDT

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.

Mallards

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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. 

Hermit Thrush, Lake Bernard Frank, MD. A more northerly bird that often winters on the East Coast. One of the few that was active near the lake this past weekend. #Birds #birdsofinstagram #allmightybirds #naturelovers #maryland #wildlifephotography #wildlife #outdoors #Olympus #lumix

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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.” 

osprey, MD, 2017. . . . #osprey #birdstagram #bird #birdspotting #birdsofinstagram #birdsofprey #hunter #aviation #nature #naturelover #naturelovers #naturephotography #wildlife #wildlifephotography #photography #canon #canon📷 #canonart #canonphoto #canonphotos #canon_photos #canonphotography #teamcanon #flight #instagood #birdphotography #naturesbeauty #flying

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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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Easy Layback is the name of a route near Carderock, Maryland, in which climbers ascend the right-facing flake of a larger structure. Small in comparison to the gigantic mountains in other states, the Easy Layback route still offers plenty of fun foot jamming. Keep in mind, the trees and large boulders for top-rope anchors provide a bit of protection.

A Flake Called Lee is one of the most prominent trails in all of Maryland, and serves as many climbers’ first. Situated in the Sugarloaf Mountain Park near Frederick, Maryland, A Flake Called Lee offers 30 feet of straight-forward climbing with a five-mile walk-up. 

Earth Treks is one of the leading indoor rock climbing gyms in the Maryland area. Stop by any of their three locations, including one on Columbia, Timonium, and Rockville. They offer a rock wall, classes, and training.

Climb Zone is one of the more popular amusement centers in Europe, and has just opened its first U.S. location, in Laurel, Maryland. They specialize in family entertainment, with an emphasis on introducing kids to the world of climbing. New climbers will enjoy the auto-belay system, which utilizes hydraulics to ensure climbers control their descent.

Terrapin Adventures is more than just a rock climbing camp, although its 43-foot-high climbing tower is not to be scoffed at: It’s a full-on outdoor adventure park. Enjoy climbing their tower and zip lining down. Sign up for a camp, host a party, or come by with the family for an afternoon of outdoor fun. 

Billy Goat Trail is one of the most traveled hikes in the D.C.-Maryland region. The hike is around eight miles-long with three sections—A, B, and C. While only moderately difficult, prepare to jump across rocks. Bring your camera for the incredible views of the Potomac River and the changing colors all around.

Gunpowder Falls State Park is comprised of over 18,000 acres and boasts more than 120 miles of multi-use trails. The park has protected wildlands, historic sites, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, a swimming beach, and a marina. What does that all add up to? Jaw-dropping, beautiful foliage everywhere you look.  

Green Ridge State Forest is the “largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland,” according to Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources website, with almost 50,000 acres of protected land. The forest is diverse but consists of mainly 110-year-old oak. With 50 miles of hiking trails, everyone from the most inexperienced to veteran hikers can enjoy the splendid changing colors of the forest all around. 

Swallow Falls State Park near Oakland, Maryland, offers a nice, easy hike along the Youghiogheny River, perfect for any member of the family (including pets). While only 1.25 miles-long, the scenery is “some of the most breathtaking in Western Maryland,” according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website. The hike may not be difficult, but other natural hazards, including waterfalls, swift currents, and slippery rocks, can make it more treacherous, so make sure to keep a keen eye on where you’re walking.

The Appalachian Trail snakes through over 40 miles of Maryland with easy to moderate sections depending on your preference. The trail, in addition to magnificent foliage, is home to the original Washington Monument. Serious hikers will enjoy multi-day trips along the trail. 

Owens Creek Campground near Thurmont, Maryland, provides individual, family, and small group tent camping surrounded by a lush mountain landscape and beautiful foliage. Pick any of the 49 available campsites and enjoy a weekend full of s’mores, relaxing, and hiking.

Tuckahoe State Park near Queen Anne, Maryland, offers “20 miles of scenic hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, flat water canoeing, hunting, picnicking, as well as a recycled tire playground for children.” What more could you ask for?

Located in the beautiful Catoctin Mountains, the Cunningham Falls State Park offers swimming, hiking, fishing, and canoeing, among other activities. The park is separated into two areas: The William Houck Area, with a lake, falls, and camping area, and the Manor Area, with its own unique features. Both are stunningly beautiful.

Pick out a spot in the 47,560-acre Green Ridge State Forest and enjoy an incredible primitive camping experience. The forest consists “primarily of a 110-year-old even-ages mixed oak,” along with many other classes. You won’t find many amenities here, but if you want a true fall experience, Green Ridge is the place to go. 

Patapsco Valley State Park near Ellicott City, Maryland, extends for 32 miles along the Patapsco River, and offers hiking, fishing, camping, canoeing, horseback riding, and mountain bike trails. According to their website, “the park is nationally known for its trail opportunities and scenery,” with over 200 miles of trails. 

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!

As I said a lot of times, toys are growing up with me #atv #atvriding

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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.

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. 

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.

Thanks @yuenglingbeer for helping us to get this picture perfect shot. 😩💙😂 #yuengling

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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. 

At Ramblin’ Pines, the amenities are plentiful—you’ll find access to shady trees, a heated pool, soccer fields, mini golf, exercise rooms, laundry areas, and so much more. It’s as luxurious as RV camping gets!

Want to go camping, but still feel at home? Castaways has the answer! At their waterfront site, you’ll enjoy views of the Sinepuxent Bay and Assateague National Seashore. Choose from an RV rental, motor home site, tent camping, or cottage to stay in.

With free Wi-Fi at this campground, you won’t have to completely disconnect—just in case. But you’ll still be able to remove yourself from the modern world and bring you and your family closer to nature. On site, you’ll find an air-conditioned café, nearby hiking opportunities, a playground, and more. 

Enjoy on-site mini-golf and an arcade all from the campsite! You can also take a shuttle bus to Frontier Town for a larger water park, which the family will love! They also offer a shuttle to Ocean City, which has plenty of its own attractions. No RV? Then rent one of their 23 vacation rental sites for a weekend getaway. 

In operation since 2005, Island Resort is a place where family comes first. There are 93 RV sites available—64 waterfront and some pull-through sites. All sites have full hook-ups, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is a large pool on-site, a catch-release fishing program, canoe rentals, and more.