Near Laurel, Delaware, RV travelers have access to several high-quality campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. The flat, coastal terrain of southern Delaware and eastern Maryland provides easy navigation for larger rigs with minimal elevation changes throughout the region. Water activities dominate the camping experience, with most campgrounds offering access to bays, lakes, or the Atlantic Ocean within a short drive.
What to do
Water activities at Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway: The campground features a lake with paddle boats and canoes available at no extra charge. "You can take out the lake, which you can also fish in. My son had the most fun with just a solo cup scooping up minnows, tadpoles and these crazy jumping shrimp," notes Shannon D.
Beach shuttles from Berlin campgrounds: Several campgrounds near Berlin provide convenient transportation to nearby beaches. At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, "they have a free shuttle bus to provide transportation to Assateague Island, Frontier Town, and Ocean City," according to Randi J.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer on-site fishing. At Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground, one visitor enjoyed "fishing in the stocked lake, caught some bass and large brim." Crabbing is also popular at waterfront sites.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Visitors consistently praise the maintenance standards at Rehoboth area RV parks. At Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, campers appreciate that "the grounds are great beautiful private beach and pool" and that "bathhouses are cleaned many times a day and the showers are spacious enough."
Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds offer extensive programming for children. At Cape Henlopen State Park Campground, visitors enjoy "miles upon miles of walking and biking trails" and the "fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff."
Evening entertainment: Many RV parks feature organized activities after dark. Treasure Beach RV Park offers "a band or DJ at the beach at night," while Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway provides "a very nice mini golf course that we played almost every night because it was a fun thing to do after dark and before bed."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Laurel operate on a limited schedule. Cape Henlopen State Park is open March through November, while private RV parks typically close from late October until mid-April. Specific amenities like pools and water features often have even shorter seasons.
Site privacy considerations: Campsite spacing varies widely between facilities. At Strawberry Crossroads, "RV sites are very large and located along a treeline," while at Cape Henlopen, some visitors note sites can be "packed in so closely that if you don't have the privacy of a camper, everyone will see your business."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience considerable activity, especially during peak season. At Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites, visitors note that "golf carts were the absolute worst, people don't obey the speed limit on these things (and there are a lot of them whizzing around...)."
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Many campgrounds offer complimentary recreation options. At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, "you can enjoy free mini golf, free pool and waterslide, free canoeing, and free billiards," according to one reviewer, while Cape Henlopen provides "free bike rentals...some with baby seats and trailers."
Playground access: When selecting a site, consider proximity to play areas. At Sun Outdoors Ocean City, one visitor recommends their site location: "Highly recommend our site to anyone with littles as you can literally relax at your site while your child plays at the playground!"
Educational options: Several campgrounds incorporate learning opportunities. Cape Henlopen features a nature center with touch tanks, while Sun Outdoors Frontier Town offers Western-themed shows that children enjoy. "This is a very family-oriented camp. There is so much to do," notes one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Electric service limitations: While 50-amp service is available at many RV campgrounds near Laurel, there are variations in hookup configurations. At Strawberry Crossroads, "odd numbered sites have the outlet on the wrong side of the trailer. Power is for two sites. Economical but limits how you can park to how long your cord is."
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds with full-time residents may have different atmospheres in different sections. Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites has "lots of seasonals with over the top decorations," while at Sun Outdoors Rehoboth Bay, campers can choose from "different types of sites, some gravel, some paved and some with concrete patios and nice furniture included."
Reservation timing: The popularity of Delaware beaches means advance planning is essential. For RV sites, especially waterfront locations, reservations often open 6-12 months in advance and fill quickly for summer weekends. Holiday weekends should be booked immediately when reservation windows open.
