Coastal camping options near Lewes, Delaware span both Delaware and neighboring Maryland and New Jersey shores. Most campgrounds in this region sit at near sea level elevation, with sandy soil conditions that can present challenges during rainy weather. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Beach activities: 15-20 minutes from camp. Many visitors at Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground appreciate the proximity to nearby beaches. "We were able to fit our 32 ft. Camper, a truck, a car and a tent on our site with ease. We backed onto red beard lake so we felt more isolated than some of the other sites," notes one visitor who enjoyed fishing in the stocked lake, catching bass and brim.
Coastal exploration: 20-minute drive. Sun Outdoors Ocean City provides access to multiple coastal environments. "Beautiful well equipped and appointed campground on the water facing the beautiful Assateague National Seashore, home of the wild assateague ponies," reports one camper. The campground features a shuttle service to Berlin and Ocean City, enabling visits to multiple beach areas without moving your vehicle.
Paddling: Free on-site. Several campgrounds offer pond or lake access for paddling. "There are pedal boats and canoes that you can take out on the lake, which you can also fish in," noted one visitor about Fort Whaley. Fishing opportunities abound both on campground properties and nearby coastal waters, with licenses required for saltwater fishing.
What campers like
Pool complexes: Variety of options. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town gets high marks for its water amenities. "The waterpark just had a major facelift this year. As did mini golf," states one camper. The water park access is included with your stay, a significant value considering standalone water park admission costs in the area exceed $40 per person.
Entertainment: Western theme. Frontier Town stands out with its unique themed activities. "Has waterpark, putt putt golf, pools, allows pets. Also has Wild West Show and Ice Cream Parlor. Very enjoyable campground for the whole family," notes a reviewer. The western-themed entertainment provides evening options after beach days.
Spaciousness: Site selection matters. Many campgrounds offer varying site sizes. At Thousand Trails Sea Pines, one visitor reports, "Nice and quiet at night. Spots can be tight and lots of trees, sometimes making it difficult to get in and out of." Site assignments often happen upon arrival, so early check-in improves selection options.
What you should know
Seasonal populations: Mostly permanent. Many RV parks near Lewes operate with high percentages of seasonal residents. "This is more like a long term stay place that has a couple of short term sites," reports a visitor to Mays Landing Resort. Another camper at Sun Retreats Seashore Campsites & RV Resort observed, "Pros love the pool, lake, waterslides, and proximity to cape may. Cons broken equipment, kids racing golf carts all hours of the nights, lots of seasonals with over the top decorations."
Weekend noise levels: Variable by park. Activity levels increase significantly on weekends. "On Saturday night, there is a DJ and a dance party from 7-10 pm. It is extraordinarily loud and somewhat impossible to navigate a car through that many people," notes one camper about Mays Landing Resort. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours after 10pm, though enforcement varies.
Reservation requirements: Book early. During peak summer months, sites book months in advance. Holiday weekends typically require 6+ month advance planning, with many campgrounds requiring minimum 3-night stays during holidays.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Check event schedules. Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway offers extensive children's programming. "The daytime activities for kids were fun as well and my son even 'set the alarm' so he wouldn't miss out on tie dyeing a t-shirt," shares one parent. Programs often require pre-registration and may have additional fees.
Budget considerations: Free amenities. Several campgrounds include free activities with your stay. "You can enjoy free mini golf, free pool and waterslide, free canoeing, and free billiards," reports a visitor to Fort Whaley. The free shuttle service to Ocean City reduces parking costs, which can exceed $25 daily during summer.
Wildlife viewing: Structured options. Assateague Island National Seashore offers ranger-led programs for children. The nearby wildlife refuges provide bird watching opportunities, with over 400 species recorded. Binoculars and field guides enhance these experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific areas. The terrain at many RV parks Lewes, Delaware and surrounding areas presents leveling challenges. "Very unleveled so the staff switched us to a pull thru space that was a tad bit more level but still very unleveled," reports one RVer at Mays Landing Resort. Requesting sites on higher ground reduces flooding risk during summer storms.
Access considerations: Tree management. Mature trees enhance shade but can impede large RVs. "The roadways are narrow and there isn't a lot of maneuvering room. The bad thing is that there are trees all the way up to the street which limits your turn radius," notes one camper with a 42-foot fifth wheel at Big Timber Lake. Most parks accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but specific site restrictions apply.
Electrical service: Varied reliability. Summer demand can strain electrical systems at older parks. Most modern RV campgrounds offer 50-amp service, though during heat waves, voltage drops may occur during peak afternoon hours when air conditioners run continuously.
