Aqualand Marina and Campground

For Maryland locals seeking outdoor recreation with convenient access to the Potomac River, Aqualand Marina and Campground in Newburg, MD, presents itself as an option for boating, fishing, and camping. Situated adjacent to the Harry Nice Bridge, this facility is positioned in a central location for anglers, offering access to some of the state's best rock fishing and excellent large-mouth bass fishing upstream. It aims to combine marina services with campground facilities to provide a comprehensive outdoor experience.

However, it is crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of significant feedback from recent customers. While the location itself might be appealing for its proximity to the water, numerous reviews highlight serious concerns regarding the condition of the facilities, consistency of services, and the quality of customer interactions. For instance, some reports mention issues such as frequent water outages, a general state of disrepair, and cleanliness problems in bathrooms. Customer service has also been a point of contention, with allegations of rudeness from staff and management, and even serious issues related to billing and discriminatory practices. It's also noted that what was once a campground has, in the eyes of some, transitioned more into a "trailer park" environment, with concerns about noise levels at night and security, including reports of break-ins.

Therefore, while the core offering of river access and camping might initially appeal to local Marylanders, it is strongly advised that anyone considering a stay at Aqualand Marina and Campground thoroughly research current conditions and evaluate these reported experiences against their expectations for a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable outdoor getaway.

Aqualand Marina and Campground is situated at 9700 Orland Park Rd, Newburg, MD 20664, USA. This location in Charles County places it on the scenic Potomac River, adjacent to the Harry Nice Bridge, which carries U.S. Route 301 over the river.

For Maryland locals, this positioning offers both advantages and considerations. Its proximity to U.S. Route 301 provides relatively easy road access from various parts of Southern Maryland, as well as from areas across the Potomac in Virginia. This makes it a potential stop for those traveling along this corridor or seeking a quick getaway to the river.

The central location on the Potomac is particularly beneficial for those interested in fishing. It is described as being in an excellent area for rock fishing (striped bass) and large-mouth bass fishing a short distance upstream. This direct water access is a primary draw for boaters and anglers.

However, it is important to note that while the location offers direct river access, reviews indicate a perception that the facility has transitioned from a traditional "campground" to more of a "trailer park." This might impact the atmosphere and overall experience for those seeking a tranquil, nature-focused camping environment typically found at other campgrounds. Additionally, concerns about noise levels at night, as mentioned in customer feedback, suggest that the peacefulness one might expect from a natural setting may be compromised. Therefore, while physically accessible, the suitability of the environment for a relaxing local escape may vary depending on individual preferences and expectations.

Based on available public information and customer feedback, Aqualand Marina and Campground appears to offer the following services, though the quality and consistency of these services have been subjects of significant negative reviews:

• Marina Facilities: The establishment functions as a marina, offering a single concrete boat ramp (with a reported $10.00 ramp fee) and a protected marina with slips. It caters to boaters with services like gas and diesel pumps for fueling vessels.

• Ship's Store: There is a ships store on-site. This store is an official checking station for stripers and is noted to have fishing tackle and accessories for anglers, along with drinks, snacks, ice, and bait.

• Camping Sites: The facility advertises campsites, including both RV sites and tent sites. Public data indicates up to 100 RV sites and 50 tent sites, with a mix of full hookups (98 reported) and electric and water only (52 reported), and varying amp services (150 x 30 Amps, 10 x 50 Amps). However, customer reviews widely report issues with the availability and consistency of water at the sites, often stating "no water."

• Fishing Access: Given its riverfront location, a primary service is providing access to the Potomac River for fishing, particularly for rock fishing and large-mouth bass. The ship's store also sells Potomac River Fisheries Commission fishing licenses.

• Restrooms/Bathhouses: The campground is listed as having bathhouses/restrooms and hot showers. However, customer reviews describe these facilities as "very disgusting" and "filled with bugs."

• Laundry Facilities: Some directories list laundry facilities as an amenity.

• Dump Station: A dump station is typically available for RVs.

• Propane: Propane services are also sometimes listed as an offering.

It is critical to reiterate that while these services are advertised or typically expected of such a facility, numerous customer reviews strongly advise caution due to reported inconsistencies in service quality, poor maintenance, and significant issues with basic amenities like water supply and bathroom cleanliness. Potential visitors should verify the current state of these services directly and consider alternative options.

Based on available public information, Aqualand Marina and Campground highlights features that primarily leverage its geographical location and general marina/campground offerings. However, it is imperative to cross-reference these with recent customer experiences, which paint a very different picture of the actual guest experience.

Advertised Features / Intended Highlights:

• Prime Potomac River Access: A significant advertised feature is its direct access to the Potomac River. This includes a single concrete boat ramp, a protected marina with slips, and fuel docks (gas & diesel). This is designed to be a major draw for boaters and those interested in water activities.

• Excellent Fishing Location: The marina is situated in a central spot for rock fishing (striped bass) and offers good access to large-mouth bass fishing upstream. The ship's store acts as an official checking station for stripers and sells fishing tackle and licenses.

• On-Site Ship's Store: The presence of a ship's store is a convenience, offering essential items like drinks, snacks, ice, bait, and fishing accessories, reducing the need to leave the property for basic supplies.

• Variety of Campsite Hookups: The campground is said to offer a mix of RV sites with full hookups (water, electric, sewer) and electric/water-only sites, accommodating various camping preferences and sizes of RVs (up to 45 feet). Tent sites are also listed as available.

• Waterfront Pavilion Rental: A waterfront pavilion is available for rent, suggesting a space for events, gatherings, or community use overlooking the river.

Critical Customer Feedback on Actual Features / Lack of Highlights:

It is vital to contrast the above with extensive negative feedback from real customers, which suggest that many of these intended highlights are severely undermined by operational issues:

• Frequent Water Outages: A recurring complaint is the "often no water" issue, indicating a significant failure in providing a basic and essential utility for campers.

• Run-Down and Disgusting Facilities: Restrooms are explicitly described as "very disgusting" and "filled with bugs," directly contradicting any expectation of clean and functional bathhouses. The overall property is called "very run down."

• Poor Customer Service and Hostility: Staff are called "shady" and "very disrespectful," with the owner also being described as "just as rude." Allegations include being treated as an "inconvenience" and even claims of racial discrimination.

• Security Concerns: Customers report "a lot of break-ins" and advise locking car doors and taking valuables inside, suggesting a significant lack of security and safety for personal belongings.

• Loud Environment: Despite being a campground, reviews mention "people are loud all times of the night," indicating a lack of enforcement for quiet hours and a disruptive atmosphere.

• "Trailer Park" Perception: It is explicitly stated that the location "isn't even really a campground, it's been turned into more of a trailer park," which implies a long-term residential feel rather than a recreational camping environment, and potentially different community standards.

• Billing Issues: Serious financial issues were reported, including being "charged... over $2000 twice 'by mistake'" after leaving, with refusal to refund, requiring credit card disputes.

Given these severe discrepancies between advertised features and actual customer experiences, potential visitors are strongly urged to exercise extreme caution and consider alternatives.

Based on the provided information and public data, Aqualand Marina and Campground does not explicitly advertise any specific "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense, such as seasonal discounts, package deals, or loyalty programs.

Given the significant and widespread negative customer feedback regarding service quality, billing practices, and overall guest experience, any potential "offers" would need to be weighed against these serious concerns.

In general, for any campground, direct contact is often the best way to inquire about rates and potential long-term stay options if they exist. However, in the case of Aqualand Marina and Campground, potential visitors are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution and consider the numerous highly negative reviews when evaluating any stated pricing or potential "deals." It would be prudent to prioritize personal safety, security, and a reliable camping experience over any potential, unadvertised "special offers."

To contact Aqualand Marina and Campground, the following details are publicly available:

• Address: 9700 Orland Park Rd, Newburg, MD 20664, USA

• Phone: (301) 259-2222

• Mobile Phone: +1 301-259-2222

As noted in customer reviews, there have been reports of staff unresponsiveness and difficulty in resolving issues via phone. Potential visitors should be aware of these reported challenges when attempting to make contact or seek resolutions.

When considering Aqualand Marina and Campground for a local Maryland getaway, it is imperative for residents to critically evaluate the available information. While its location on the Potomac River in Newburg, MD, offers direct water access and is geographically convenient for fishing enthusiasts, the overwhelmingly negative customer feedback presents significant reasons for caution.

Historically, a marina and campground on the Potomac could be a suitable local spot for quick access to boating and fishing, especially with amenities like a boat ramp and ship's store. For those prioritizing river access above all else and willing to tolerate a rustic, potentially unkempt environment, the direct water access might seem appealing.

However, the severe and consistent complaints from multiple customers—including frequent "no water" incidents, "disgusting" and "bug-filled" bathrooms, a "run down" appearance, and allegations of "disrespectful" and "rude" staff and ownership—make it challenging to recommend Aqualand Marina and Campground as a suitable choice for a comfortable or pleasant local camping experience. Furthermore, serious concerns about billing fraud (being charged thousands "by mistake" that required credit card disputes), a perceived transition into a "trailer park" atmosphere with loud noise at night, and explicit warnings about "a lot of break-ins" and personal safety ("lock your car doors and take anything of value inside with you") are critical considerations for any local resident. The allegation of racial discrimination is also deeply concerning and should be a significant factor in any decision.

Ultimately, while the geographic location might appear convenient, the cumulative negative experiences reported by recent visitors strongly suggest that Aqualand Marina and Campground is not a suitable recommendation for Maryland locals seeking a safe, reliable, or enjoyable camping or marina experience. Potential visitors are highly advised to consider alternatives in the area, such as Goose Bay Marina & Campground in Welcome, MD, as specifically suggested by a reviewer, which is praised for its "super nice" staff and "super peaceful and amazing environment." Prioritizing personal safety, comfort, and positive customer interactions over potentially compromised facilities is paramount for any local getaway.

Aqualand Marina and Campground

9700 Orland Park Rd, Newburg, MD 20664, USA