Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is unique among sightseeing destinations in that it's located entirely on the water. As part of the Bureau of Land Management free camping ecosystem, the "trail" consists of nearly 3,000 miles of marked waterways that trace Captain John Smith's mapping explorations along the Chesapeake Bay and various tributaries. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the protection and use of public lands and waterways across the country.

The route stretches along the shoreline from Virginia to Maryland, touching parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. Visiting this historic area allows you to view this part of the U.S. coastline as our ancestors did in all of its wild and untamed glory. You'll also have access to a range of Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, historically significant points of interest, and tourist attractions. The nearest national park, Shenandoah National Park is just a few hours drive away in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Cal Posey/Blue Banks Beach Trail

The Cal Posey/Blue Banks Beach Trail offers a forest setting with plenty of opportunities to view hardwood trees and local wildlife.

Length: 3.3 miles round-trip

Intensity: Easy

Boykins Landing

Located in the Crow's Nest Nature Preserve in Stafford, VA, this lightly traveled sand and dirt trail traces the banks of the Accokeek Creek.

Length: 3.4 miles round-trip

Intensity: Moderate

Mallows Bay Hiking Trail

View the "Ghost fleet of Mallows Bay" as you traverse along the Mallows Bay Hiking Trail. This collection of nearly 200 wrecks dating back to the Revolutionary War era is just one of many attractions on this trek. Look for signs of nesting eagles or Native American artifacts along the trail.

Length: 1.6 miles

Intensity: Easy

Fishing and Boating

To help campers and kayakers safely traverse the intricate river system, there's a buoy located at the entrance to each of the 10 rivers that make up the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. These interactive buoys offer real-time information on tides, weather, and other pertinent details via an app. If you're interested in fishing, Mallows Bay is considered one of the top bass fishing spots in the country. Anglers can also find plenty of catfish, perch, and blue crabs in its waters. The Captain John Smith Boater's Guide allows you to trace his exact path across the Chesapeake Bay.

Wildlife Viewing

This entire area is a boon for nature lovers, with a large population of bald eagles, birds and waterfowl, river animals, and forest critters seemingly around every bend. Of note is the Douglas Point Special Recreation Management Area, which has educational and interpretive programs, wildlife viewing stations, horseback riding, and water sports available.

Picnicking

The sheer size of this trail and companion land stops offers plenty of picnicking spots both organized and natural. Enjoy an impromptu snack on a sandy beach or barbecue at a sheltered picnic area. A great spot is the Blue Bay water stop, which offers open-air and sheltered picnic areas.

Geocaching

Want to go on a treasure hunt? Try your luck on the Captain John Smith Geotrail. This geocaching adventure offers family-friendly fun as you work your way through the objects on your CJS passport and earn limited-edition geocoins.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

When you get your fill of boating or kayaking, there are several places nearby that are ideal for RV camping. One great site is the Prince William Forest RV Campground in Triangle, VA. Formerly known as Travel Trailer Village, this space offers paved pull-through sites up to 35 feet long, single car parking, and hot showers, laundry facilities, and playgrounds. Limited parking for extra vehicles is also available.

Maryland's Port Tobacco RV Resort is a privately owned RV park that features 85 waterfront and water view RV sites with amenities galore. The perks include Wi-Fi, a clubhouse, bathhouses, hookups, playgrounds, dump stations, and an automated security gate. There are also scheduled events and free-range recreation.

Enjoy RV campsites or cozy cabins in the pleasant, wooded Adventure Bound Camping Resorts DC location. This RV park features a swimming pool, dog park, basketball courts, and nature trails. There's even a store on the premises for buying essentials.

Free Camping

Those who are looking to really stay off the grid will find plenty of places for dispersed or primitive camping near the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail. One great location is the Deal Island Wildlife Management Area, which offers primitive camping on much of its 13,000 acres of tidal marshlands. Make sure to bring plenty of mosquito repellent. Because the trail is so huge, you will never be far from a spot to spend the night; just search "BLM camping near me" to find a place.

RV Rentals Near Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail BLM trip

The areas included along this trail mainly experience mild to hot, humid summers, but fall through early spring is often cold and damp. Because the bulk of the trail is on the water, nights can be chilly even in summer months, so pack accordingly. The presence of wetlands also means that mosquitoes are plentiful.

Cooking options range from the kitchen in your RV to numerous designated grilling facilities at various campgrounds and RV parks. Primitive campers can cook over an open fire as long as they follow common fire safety practices and avoid areas where posted signs prohibit such activity.

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake Historic Trail offers a glimpse into our nation's founding and a place for nature lovers to enjoy indigenous plant and animal species in their natural habitats. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

Because Bureau of Land Management campgrounds often encompass wetlands, national monuments, and other fragile or protected areas, leaving no footprint is essential to preserving the natural landscape. There is no waste dumping, human or otherwise, on any waterway. If you're BLM RV camping near the waterways, make sure to bury any human or pet waste and remove all trash and other debris before you leave for your next destination. Do not feed or interfere with any wildlife you encounter, and hunt or fish only in designated areas.

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail Location

Tributaries along this trail are accessible from four states and the District of Columbia. As such, there is no main point of entry. Each waterway that's included in this trail is marked as such on maps and by an NOAA interpretive buoy at its entrance.

Ready to visit Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.