Renting an RV in Maryland

Maryland sits right next to the nation’s capital in D.C., but it’s not known for politics. Instead, Maryland is known for the coastal beauty of the Chesapeake Bay and a wide array of seafood. Some consider Maryland a pass-through state for travelers heading to Washington, but it offers plenty of attractions of its own to enjoy.

Renting an RV in Maryland is a great way to take in the sights, from the abundant nature in the west to the coasts of the east. You might even want to dip down into Washington for a few trips to museums and other sights, but an RV rental will get you all around and then some.

With tons of waterways, forested mountains, and falls, there’s a ton to see in Maryland, and all the more reason to rent an RV and hit the road.

Why Renting an RV in Maryland Is the Way to Go

Maryland isn’t big—at least not compared to some of the western states. So seeing it by road isn’t a daunting task. In fact, taking in Maryland from an RV where you can stay in and amongst nature, would make for a mind-blowing vacation. And renting an RV in Maryland couldn’t be easier.
Rent an RV

If you’re new to RVing, there are a lot of good reasons to rent an RV in Maryland. First of all, you’re not required to deal with the maintenance and long-term care associated with owning an RV. Second, it allows you time to get used to driving one—they take a little getting used to. Third, it’s much easier to rent an RV and get out on the road quickly than it is to buy one. (If you’d rather buy one, we can help with that, of course.)

So rent an RV, hit the road in Maryland, and get ready for some of the best crab cakes you’ve ever eaten.

10 Natural Places to See in Maryland in Your Rental RV

Maryland’s a place of natural beauty. It’s also got a wide variety of biodiversity between the bay, tidal wetlands, tidal and freshwater rivers, and heavily wooded forests. With so much to see, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So we found 10 places that should be at the top of your list when you rent an RV in Maryland.

Assateague Island National Seashore

On the far eastern coast of Maryland sits Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile barrier island with a ton of recreational opportunities. Swim around in the ocean, or outside of the designated swimming areas, give surfing a try. You can also try out surf fishing or go crabbing or clamming, then go back to your RV for a real seafood feast.

Kayaking and canoeing are both great ways to see the inlets and salt marshes. Over Sand Vehicles can be rented for a fun drive across designated OSV areas. And while you’re there, be sure to get a glimpse of the Chincoteague Ponies—a band of feral horses that still roam free in the salt marshes.

Learn more about Assateague Island National Seashore

2. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Chesapeake Bay has long been a key part of Maryland’s culture and economy. From the military to fishing to recreation, Marylanders have relied on it and its waterways to both survive and earn a living. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a testament to that history, and it’s no ordinary museum.

This museum sits on 18 acres of land (and water) and is interactive. Inside the main building, you’ll find old artifacts and drawings depicting ships and other Bay-related objects. But outside, you can visit a lighthouse or a drawbridge, and the working boatyard filled with historical water vessels. While you’re there, you can try your hand at hauling up crab or eel traps, or learn about how oystering has shaped the community in the Bay.

Learn more about Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park

The Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal was originally built to ferry coal from the Allegheny Mountains to Washington, D.C., but eventually became obsolete thanks to the railroad. Today the canal’s full 184.5 miles (and the surrounding acreage) is a national historic park along the Potomac River.

There’s a lot to learn in the historic park, but also a lot of fun to be had doing it. Boat rides take you along the canal (pulled by a mule, at that) and allow you to experience what it’s like to rise in a lock. You can also hike the Billy Goat Trail, which presents some technical and challenging hiking but all for great views and experiences.

Learn more about C&O Canal National Historic Park

Deep Creek Lake

The largest inland body of water in Maryland (and most descriptive name) has a ton to offer you in terms of recreation, and it’s the perfect spot to visit in your rental RV. The man-made lake has 69 miles of shoreline and is a popular place to visit year-round.

Boating, fishing, and hiking are all popular in most seasons, as are kayaking and rafting. Coming in the fall or winter? Aside from the gorgeous views, there’s also great skiing near the lake, as well as tubing and sledding. There are multiple RV spots with full hookups, making Deep Creek a very easy place to try out RVing and a place to enjoy with your entire family.

Learn more about Deep Creek Lake

Brookside Gardens

Brookside Gardens are 50 acres within Wheaton Regional Park. The gardens were originally a landscaping project, but now have over 15 unique garden areas specializing in different plants and flowers. Two year-round conservatories also give you a look at some tropical plants.

There are over 20,000 plants spread throughout the gardens. These include an aquatic garden with a gazebo and two ponds, a perennial garden, a rose garden, and a Japanese tea house overlooking a pond stocked with koi. Stop by when you need a nice day of relaxation and a day to recharge.

Learn more about Brookside Gardens

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

It’s no secret that waterfowl love the east coast and its waterways, especially during migratory seasons. It’s a mix of ecologies, with brackish tidal wetlands, freshwater impoundments, and more. Its name, Blackwater, comes from the stained color of water the river picks up from peat moss.

There are several trails that run through the refuge, including three paddling trails, four land trails, and a four-mile paved road for driving. Taking any of those will make it likely you’ll see a multitude of wildlife. Look for bald eagles, over 20 species of duck, tundra swans, and more than 200 varieties of bird in total. It’s also home to the Delmarva fox squirrel which was considered endangered until recently.

Learn more about Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Ocean City

Maryland has a wealth of natural beauty, but it’s got plenty of resort splendor as well. Ocean City is one of those places. Fun for family and for couples, Ocean City is exactly what you make of it. Between the long beach and the bright lights of the boardwalk, it’s an easy place to spend a lot of time just having fun.

On the beach, you can expect the normal types of water recreations: jet skiing, paddleboarding, parasailing, charter fishing, and more. You can also go shark-seeing, as there have been occasional sharks seen in the area (but with no attacks). On the dry land, the boardwalk is full of dining, carnival-style fun, and shops.

Learn more about Ocean City

Catoctin Mountain Park

Catoctin Mountain sits amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Appalachian Mountains. Originally a charcoal mine, it was saved for reforesting to become a second-growth forest. There’s camping available in the park, making it a perfect spot for your rental RV.

Inside the park you’ll find plenty of recreation and attractions. Starting with 25 miles of maintained hiking trails, these vary from easy to strenuous. There are several scenic mountain overlooks, Cunningham Falls, and full hardwood forests. The area is also home to the presidential retreat Camp David, but unless you’re a very special guest, it’s off-limits to guests.

Learn more about Catoctin Mountain Park

9. Downs Park

Downs Park has 236 acres right on the Chesapeake Bay and has several attractions that keep visitors coming year-round. It also has 2,000 feet of shoreline.

Once you’re inside the park, there’s plenty of fun to be had. A dog beach allows pups to play around in the sand and in the water, and it sits at the northeastern end of the park. Mother’s Garden is a Victorian-style garden built-in 1915. And when you’re ready for a hike, you’ll find five miles of paved and natural trails throughout the area.

Learn more about Downs Park

Rocky Gap State Park

On the western side of Maryland lies Rocky Gap State Park. The park includes over 3,000 acres of forest, lake, and mountainous terrain. Nestled in the middle of a hardwood forest, it’s a gorgeous spot to take in year-round, but especially during late summer and fall.

Lake Habeeb’s 243 acres is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which runs a mile through sheer cliffs and breathtaking overlooks. Above the lake is Evitts Mountain, perfect for photo ops. The park has loads of camping space, including several full hookups for rental RVs.

Learn more about Rocky Gap State Park

Campgrounds and RV Parks in Maryland

Thanks to its many state parks, there are many places for you to camp in your rental RV in Maryland. Of course, depending on the season, these spots may fill up quickly. Spots with full hookups are a hot commodity and are often booked well in advance of arrival within parks, but if you’re willing to check out nearby RV parks, you should have no trouble finding a great place to park your RV for a night or two. Good Sam as a list of some top RV parks in Maryland.

When RVing, it’s a good idea to plan your route ahead of time. If you want to keep it loose and go where the wind takes you, by all means: it’s your vacation. But many campgrounds require reservations, and you’ll forfeit your highly sought-after space if you’re not there on time.

Call ahead to parks and try to reserve your spots. Some parks also offer online reservations. Otherwise, always check around parks to see which RV parks and other locations will work as a backup. Good Sam has a list of parks in the area you can take advantage of to make sightseeing that much cozier.

Things to Note About Camping in Maryland

Camping in Maryland can be a year-round activity as long as you’re prepared. The state gets all four seasons, each offering something different in terms of beauty and sightseeing. Winters can be cold, windy, and wet, but those conditions can make for solid skiing in the most mountainous areas. Always check the weather before you travel, but be ready to enjoy some beautiful sights in Maryland.

Dry Camping or Boondocking in Maryland

Dry camping or boondocking means camping in an RV without any electrical, water, or sewage hookups. You rely on the water in your tank, the size of your grey and black water tanks, and a generator for power. And you can do this anywhere from land overseen by the Bureau of Land Management where you go off the grid to a parking lot of a big box store.

If you’re new to RVing, boondocking is a different kind of experience than staying at a park with full hookups. It’s good to do your research before you boondock so you understand the differences in the way your RV may react to its surroundings.