Located along Delaware's Atlantic coast, RV camping near Bethany Beach offers access to both oceanfront and inland campgrounds with full-hookup sites. The area experiences hot summers with average July temperatures around 85°F and mild winters. Most campgrounds near Bethany Beach operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping options available.
What to do
Visit Assateague Island: Located approximately 25 minutes from most campgrounds, Assateague Island features wild horses and natural beaches. "We stayed in Ocean City Gateway to be close to ocean city boardwalk and about 25 minutes to Assateague Island, where the wild horses roam," notes Sue V., who appreciated the location's dual access.
Enjoy on-site water activities: Many campgrounds offer water-based recreation on their premises. At Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, "It was fun paddle boarding on the calm water," reports Erika S., who enjoyed the facilities. The resort features both bay access and swimming pools.
Explore fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access directly from your site. At Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground, campers enjoyed "fishing in the stocked lake, caught some bass and large brim," according to Penny C., who found the location convenient to both Fenwick Island beach and waterfront restaurants.
Try crabbing from your campsite: Waterfront sites often permit direct crabbing access. Andrew V. noted that at his campground, "The area had a private dock for fishing and crabbing and the sunrise is a must see from the deck."
What campers like
Heated pools during shoulder season: When ocean temperatures cool, heated pools extend swimming season. April L. appreciated that Sun Outdoors Ocean City has a "beautiful heated pool, waterfront tiki bar, on site store and restaurant," making it suitable for early or late season camping.
Dog-friendly beaches: Pet owners value dedicated spaces for their animals. At one waterfront campground, Julie F. noted they have a "great beach and tiki bar. Pools for the family and very pet friendly. Our dog, Daisy, loved the beach and the dog park and socialization w her pooch friends."
Shuttle services to nearby attractions: Free transportation saves on parking fees and navigation. According to Christy W., her campground offers "a free bus to take you to ocean city," which adds convenience for campers without tow vehicles.
Family-oriented activities: Parents appreciate structured events for children. Jason G. found that Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground offered "an abundance of activities and conveniences to keep everyone entertained and happy, and with restaurants and activities nearby."
What you should know
Campground crowding during summer months: Peak season brings capacity crowds to most facilities. Penny C. observed that "Very large RV resort. Seemed like they were mostly seasonal campers/RVs/tiny houses," indicating the popularity of long-term stays during prime months.
Variable Wi-Fi reliability: Internet access can be inconsistent throughout coastal campgrounds. One camper reported that "the WIFI is absolutely terrible! I have complained before and it never improves," suggesting travelers should plan alternative connectivity.
Seasonal variations in amenities: Off-season visitors may find limited facilities. Stephanie H. noted when staying at Sun Retreats Avalon in early May, "So we stayed May 1-2 so many amenities are closed. The campground is huge but seems clean."
Site privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. According to Cynthia D., "We had a large pull through lot with our 36 foot fifth wheel. Friends had a tiny lot with their shorter camper. They had no privacy."
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark access: Some campgrounds include water attractions in their rates. At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, Dan G. found that "the moderately sized water park, which is included in the price," provided excellent value for families with children.
Free recreation equipment: Inquire about complimentary game equipment. Shannon D. discovered that her campground offered "a variety of sporting goods to borrow at the store, horseshoes, basketballs, and whiffle ball sets to name a few."
Campground noise levels: Family-focused campgrounds can be lively during the day. One reviewer mentioned that at their campground "the camp is full of kids tearing around on bikes from sunup to sundown" but noted that "after dark, the camp was pretty quiet."
Educational programs: Some campgrounds coordinate with nearby attractions. "We were able to go for a week so you can try to do it all," notes Wilson G. about Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, which features organized family activities including Western-themed shows.
Tips from RVers
Site width constraints: Many coastal campgrounds have narrow roads and challenging access. Jim N. found that the campground was "Large campground, hard to navigate at night when first pulling in," suggesting daytime arrivals for larger rigs.
Concrete pad availability: Not all sites offer level, solid surfaces. At Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway, Laurie H. noted that "After the in-season fee and lock site fee...our nightly overall cost was $145," indicating premium pricing for preferred sites with concrete pads.
Pull-through site access: Larger RVs benefit from easier-access sites. One camper mentioned "We had a large pull through lot with our 36 foot fifth wheel," but also noted that site sizes vary considerably within the same campground.
Vegetation considerations: Trees can create access challenges for larger rigs. Stephanie H. encountered difficulty when "there are trees all the way up to the street which limits your turn radius as well as cement marker poles. It took us a crew of fellow campers to get us in and out of site."
