Calvert Cliffs Campground

For Maryland residents seeking a truly primitive and immersive outdoor experience, Calvert Cliffs Campground offers a unique escape into the coastal woodlands of Calvert County. Located in Lusby, this campground is a distinct extension of the famous Calvert Cliffs State Park, known worldwide for its massive Miocene-era cliffs and abundant shark teeth fossils. Unlike the high-traffic day-use areas of the main park, the campground provides a more secluded atmosphere, allowing visitors to experience the Chesapeake Bay shoreline as it has existed for centuries. The environment is dominated by towering loblolly pines, winding marshlands, and the quiet sounds of the bay, providing a perfect backdrop for those looking to "unplug" and master their outdoor skills.

It is important for Maryland travelers to understand the specific nature of this facility. Calvert Cliffs Campground is primarily dedicated to youth group camping, serving as a vital resource for Scout troops, school organizations, and authorized youth clubs from across the Mid-Atlantic. Because the area is managed with a focus on conservation and group education, it maintains a gated, private-access policy. This ensures that the natural integrity of the site is preserved and that registered groups can enjoy a safe, controlled environment. While the day-use park is open to the general public for hiking and fossil hunting, the campground serves as a private sanctuary for those with a valid reservation and a passion for environmental stewardship.

The campground is located in Lusby, MD 20657, tucked away from the main park entrance. To reach the site, travelers typically head south on Route 2/4 into Calvert County. A key detail for local users is the specific access route: instead of entering the main State Park gate, campers must turn onto Route 765 (H.G. Trueman Road) and then proceed to Camp Conoy Road. The road transitions from pavement to a rustic dirt path, leading eventually to a locked gate that requires a combination or key provided upon reservation. This "hidden" location is intentional, shielding the campsites from the heavy weekend crowds that often flock to the public beach areas.

Accessibility at the site is rustic but thoughtful. While the terrain is naturally wooded and uneven in places, there is a designated wheelchair-accessible parking lot to ensure that the beauty of the Maryland coast can be shared by everyone. However, visitors should be prepared for a "back-to-basics" experience. The roads within the campground can be rugged, and high-clearance vehicles are often recommended during the wetter spring months. The reward for this journey is exclusive access to a private strip of beach, allowing campers to hunt for shark teeth and prehistoric fossils without the competition found at the park's public access points.

• Dedicated primitive tent sites featuring cleared ground and natural windbreaks provided by the forest.
• RV-specific spots equipped with electric hookups for groups utilizing support vehicles or camper trailers.
• Access to shared public restrooms and pit toilets located conveniently near the main camping loops.
• Large, 12-foot picnic tables at each site, ideal for group meals, craft projects, or gear organization.
• Established fire rings at every campsite, designed to facilitate safe and traditional campfires for cooking and evening gatherings.
• On-site parking areas that allow for one primary vehicle per site, with overflow parking available nearby.
• Access to a private beach area specifically for campers, located closer to the sites than the public beach is to the main park lot.
• Water spigots providing potable water for drinking and cleaning (available seasonally between April and October).

The highlights of Calvert Cliffs Campground revolve around its proximity to the geological wonders of the Chesapeake Bay. For children, the campground is a magical landscape; the forest floors are often littered with interesting stones and native Maryland flora, and the private beach access provides a shorter hike to the fossil-rich sands. This makes it an excellent choice for younger campers who might find the four-mile round trip at the public park a bit too taxing. Furthermore, the campground is pet-friendly, allowing leashed dogs to join in on the family adventure and explore the miles of surrounding trails.

• Exclusive private beach access, offering some of the best fossil and shark tooth hunting in the state.
• Gated entry system that prevents trespassing and ensures a quiet, private experience for registered guests.
• Educational opportunities for youth groups to learn about the 600+ species of fossils found within the cliffs.
• Dog-friendly policies, allowing your four-legged companions to enjoy the Maryland outdoors.
• Proximity to Lake Lariat and local fishing ponds for those who enjoy freshwater angling.
• Strategic location near the Calvert Marine Museum and Solomons Island for educational day trips.
• Dense tree canopy providing excellent natural cooling during the humid Maryland summers.

To coordinate a trip or secure a reservation, groups should contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the park office directly. While the physical address for navigation is typically cited as Lusby, MD 20657 (via Camp Conoy Road), the administrative support is often handled through the nearby Smallwood State Park or the regional DNR office at (443) 975-4360. Because this is a gated facility with strictly enforced no-trespassing rules, it is essential to have your reservation details and gate codes finalized well before you leave home. The campground is generally open for the season from late March through October.

Choosing Calvert Cliffs Campground is worth it for groups that prioritize privacy and the "pure" camping experience. It is a place where the focus is on the environment, not on commercial amenities. It is worth choosing for the private beach access alone—being able to hunt for ancient Miocene fossils in a quiet, uncrowded setting is a rare privilege on the Western Shore. For Scout leaders and educators, it provides a safe and magnificent outdoor classroom where Maryland’s prehistoric past is visible in every layer of the cliffs. When you choose this site, you are choosing a weekend of discovery, tradition, and the peaceful rustle of the pines along the bay.

As you plan your next outing, remember to pack sturdy, waterproof boots and a small sifter for the beach. Whether you are a local Marylander looking to share the tradition of "fossiling" with a new generation or a group seeking a quiet spot to practice wilderness survival, Calvert Cliffs Campground stands as one of the most unique and rewarding destinations in the state. Just remember to respect the gated boundaries and enjoy the "gold" at the end of the rainbow—the unmatched beauty of the cliffs themselves.