The best camping near Merkle Natural Resources Management Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Merkle Natural Resources Management Area adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Merkle Natural Resources Management Area.

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Community favorites near Merkle Natural Resources Management Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Merkle Natural Resources Management Area

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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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1850's Greenock Farm, plus 4WD site

4 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). Please read full description of the property. 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. DC 45 minutes, Baltimore 1 hour. Jug Bay wetlands, wineries, fun little waterfront towns and Bay front restaurants all within easy reach. Check out individual sites for description, each has its own personality. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. First listing actually has several options. For large campers/coach/fifth wheelers the area by the tractor shed will be the best. Around the corner there's two other choices both with firepits which will accommodate units up to 40 feet depending on your backing/maneuvering skills. Field of Dreams and Sycamore Ridge will accommodate campers under 25 feet with some backing/maneuvering skills. For those with 4WD and an off-road camper/trailer/tent choose Off the Grid, two entrances for easy access, travel along a logging road to an open site with fire pit. 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. All sites as mentioned have no toilet/outhouse...for #2 please pack out or dig a hole, no presents needed for me or fellow campers.

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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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HUNTER'S PARK BY DC

13 sites · RVs, Tents27 acres · Damascus, MD

The campground is situated in the wooded area on the back of 27 acre horse farm which is known as "The Stables at Mezza Luna." There is Wi-Fi to all the sites. Every year in the spring there are 4-6 Thoroughbred foals born that eventually will become racehorses. They live on the farm until they are 2 years old and then they go off to begin their racing career. In the daytime, when you are not sitting around your campfire, you can walk the fence lines and visit with the Mares and Foals or just watch them frolic in the fields. Hint! "They love peppermints, carrots and apples." Who knows, you might get to meet a future Kentucky Derby winner. Nearby attractions include: BLACK HILLS REGIONAL PARK (15 minutes) for boating, hiking or biking Vineyard 61 (5 minutes) Stone Silo Brewery (5 Minutes) Leechwood Haunted Forest (5 Minutes) October weekends only There are also chickens and peacocks that are very anxious to receive your love and affection with any type of treat such as raisins. Kids can even go in the chicken coop and pick out their very own egg they can cook for their breakfast. For the energetic campers and kids there are also lots of trails that you can walk or hike on and there is a small stream the kids can play in. There also is a playground with swings, monkey bars, seesaw and trampoline. There is a dumpster in front of the barn for you to place your trash. Please drop off during your stay or on your way out of the property. Don't miss out out on this hidden gem just minutes from our nation's capital.

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Levin's Waterfront @ Blackwater

1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Church Creek, MD

Learn more about this land: Levin's paradise is a private and quite campsite with gorgeous sunsets over Blackwater Wildlife Refuge! Wildlife abounds around the woodlands and marshlands that surrounds you in this secluded haven! The perfect place to rest and relax by the fire! You will find yourself a world away from it all, yet close to all of the wonderful attractions and dining that Cambridge has to offer! Bring your tent or camper and get off the grid! (No electric hook up, but great cell service!) Levin's is a 16 acre Waterfront parcel located adjacent to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Travel down a marsh grass lined driveway to a private open wooded space for your personal enjoyment! This is the perfect place to escape the business of life, relax, and recharge! Here at Levin's time passes a bit slower and you can savor each moment in time! You will be surrounded by Mother Nature! Perfect for Birdwatchers and nature lovers! Amazing refuge views by by day and gorgeous starry views by night! This safe space had many unique offerings including a relaxing waterside fire pit, nature walk, hammock, picnic table. Cambridge is centrally located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland! The perfect spot to stay if you want to explore the shore! This is the perfect home base for Eastern Shore day trips to Kent Island, Easton, Tilghman Island, St Michaels, Ocean City, and Assateague! Dorchester County is also the perfect place to go Eastern Shore "Island Hopping" and visit Hooper's, Taylors, Elliott's, Tilghman, and Kent Island for the weekend!

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Maryland Health Society

42 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents98 acres · Davidsonville, MD

Maryland Health Society (MAHESO) is closing for the season 9/30/24. 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% Not-for-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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LEONI ISLAND WATERFRONT SITE +MORE

3 sites · RVs, Tents130 acres · Rock Point, MD

FARM ZEN is a family owned land that welcomes all with love and good energy. We hold space for you at our Leoni Island Private Water Front site and our secluded Forest Tree Star Site There are over 100 acres you can explore at your leisure. It will truly feel like you are walking through the forest. Our Tree Star Site is very easy to access with string lights on the trees to enhance your camping experience. The main road leads directly to the Leoni Island waterfront site Learn more about this land: OUR TreeStar & LEONI ISLAND WATER FRONT sites are located only an hour away from DC! Tucked away just off the main trail, TreeStar is an amazing peaceful oasis in the woods. Surrounded by trees, Treestar provides multiple areas were a group of friends or the lone explorer can set up for the night. TreeStar is a great location for Tent Campers and Vehicle Campers. Set up your tent on an open plot or pull your truck or camper directly to the site. Once night settles in don’t forget to look up and gaze at the stars that appear just through the rising treetops. If it’s a cloudy night or you're looking for additional ambiance, you have the option to turn on the battery powered string lights that have been set up throughout the campsite. As an added touch, this time of year you’ll also find seasonal decorations hung through out the trees. This set up gives you the option to glow up the area as a finishing touch with the stars and campfires. campers have the opportunity to roam the campgrounds to the right of the main trail. While exploring you could hike down and visit the original barns to the property, catch a glimpse of the deer living on the property, and hit the main trail that leads down to... Leoni Island!!! our waterfront campsite which has become a Maryland favorite with its amazing view, moving waters. perfect sunsets, some things you just cant put into words. We recommend booking these sites together to experience the best of both worlds. Enjoy and take lots of photos to share, you'll love it. Check out our Instagram for additional photos and videos of @farmzen_

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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 2022. There are three campsites on the farm, one by the pond and two by the river. Very secluded and all sites include , firepit, log bench, and a picnic table that seats 3-4 people. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN FIREWOOD. AT THIS TIME WE ARE OUT FOR THE SEASON. 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 Area Hiking: Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Patuxent River Park, Cedarville State Forest, Rosaryville State Park, Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary, Maxwell Hall Park Places to Eat: Hardesty Haven Cafe, Moreland's Produce & Market, Cedarville Grocery. (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

Booked 2 times

Elijah's General Store

1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Toddville, MD

Toddville Maryland "The Land That Time Forgot" is a beautiful undeveloped land scape. in its glory days there was a town with everything that you needed that was based on the fishing and crabbing industry today there is still many operations but the majority of the town and homes have been abandoned which has given way to untouched landscape with wild life everywhere. you will have great views of the water ways and wild life with peace and quit and privacy. This camp site is behind our small general store which opens at the end of October 2024 Also the area is prone to regular tides/tidal rise, if there is any major storm off the coast of a full moon roads will get water on them

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Regenerative Working Farm Stay

1 site · RV160 acres · Clarksville, MD

Mary's Land Farm is a an organic, sustainable, regenerative 160-acre working farm between Ellicott City MD and Clarksville MD. We educate about and raise healthy animals, fruits, and vegetables in a regenerative ecosystem while maintaining the highest ethical standards for our products and their caregivers so that our family and yours can eat nourishing food raised responsibly. We have a farm store in the middle of the property that has farm meats and produce, as well as Secolari Oils and Vinegar and other farm treats. Guests are welcome to bring their own RV campers. We do not currently offer stays for tent campers. We hope you will join us for a farmstay experience! Please contact us at info@mary.farm for details and pricing or visit https://innatmaryslandfarm.com/farm-stay-experiences/

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The Muvaland

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Lexington Park, MD

I just needed a place to go to get away from it all. And I look forward to sharing that special place with you.Welcome to The Muvaland - A black-owned beachfront campsiteMuvaland is a small piece of peace on a living beach. Come vibe out under the stars, around the bonfire while the waves crash in the background. Play some Kaytranada and chill.The Muvaland currently has: A port-a-potty, a swing on the beach that can seat up to 3 people, a fire pit with 2 benches that can seat up to 6 people, a picnic tableNo parties, loud music or big events - The Muvaland is in a residential area and is not an event space

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Dry RV Pad - 55min from DC - 30amp

1 site · RV3 acres · Huntingtown, MD

Parking area clearly marked. Back RV in to the square box pad.***Natural features you'll find near the Dry RV Pad ***55min from DC in Maryland50min from Annapolis Less than an hour to the National Harbor, fine dining, entertainment and the MGM Casino.15min to Breezy Point Beach (may have fee)20min to North Beach Boardwalk & Rod'n Reel Casino and Water Park

The best camping near Merkle Natural Resources Management Area guide

Overview

About

Dive into the natural wonders of Merkle Natural Resources Management Area. With its tranquil forests, scenic trails, and peaceful campsites, this area provides a perfect setting for camping adventures. From bird-watching to hiking, immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors and create lasting memories in this hidden gem.

When to go

The best time to visit Merkle Natural Resources Management Area is during the cooler months, from late fall to early spring, when the Canada geese are in residence. Summer brings lush greenery, but also higher temperatures and humidity. The visitor center is currently closed, so plan your trip accordingly.

Know before you go

Grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, offering full days of exploration.
Check for any park closures or alerts before your visit to ensure a smooth experience.
Accessibility information is available for those needing assistance.
Remember to bring your binoculars for an enhanced birding adventure.
While the visitor center is closed until further notice, ample outdoor activities await.