The Eastern Shore of Maryland offers secluded camping sites near Church Creek, positioned between the Chesapeake Bay and numerous tidal tributaries. The area features relatively flat terrain with elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level, creating numerous marshlands and shallow bays. Most camping locations in this region remain open from March through November, with limited winter availability requiring advance planning.
What to do
Fossil hunting excursions: At Calvert Cliffs State Park, approximately 60 miles from Church Creek, visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth along the shoreline. "Such an amazing experience and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth. Not only is searching for shark teeth a blast, but, the views are beautiful," reports Sarah F.
Kayaking the cypress swamps: Trap Pond State Park, located about 50 miles east in Delaware, offers a unique paddling experience among bald cypress trees. "We set up our hammocks on the edge of the water. We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," shares Lucia B. from Trap Pond State Park Campground.
Shoreline fishing and crabbing: Sandy Hill Family Camp provides easy access to the Nanticoke River for fishing enthusiasts. "Great sunsets, quiet, easy Nanticoke river access. Great no frills campground, little beachy area, fishing and crabbing," notes Elgin S. from Sandy Hill Family Camp.
What campers like
Waterfront site selection: At Roaring Point Waterfront Campground, located about 25 miles southeast of Church Creek, campers appreciate the proximity to the water. "Nothing fancy here but who needs fancy when you have a beach, fishing, live entertainment and the best sunsets going?" observes Leah H. from Roaring Point Waterfront Campground.
Private beach access: Several campgrounds near Church Creek offer private beaches away from day-use crowds. "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful peaceful camping trip! Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves," reports Courtney K. from Matoaka Beach Cottages.
Secluded wooded sites: Tuckahoe State Park provides sites with natural separation. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like you're by yourself even though the park is usually full," explains Dean G. The camping sites near Church Creek often feature a mix of open waterfront and wooded areas, providing options for different camping preferences.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be unreliable throughout the region. "Small by some State Park standards, Tuckahoe offers two loops: a tent/cabin site, and an electric site for RVs... Small and the sites are quite close together. There is a good trail around the campground, not long because it's a small park, but the views of and access to the river are lovely," notes Andrew M.
Site size variations: Many campgrounds in the area have significant differences between sites. "We booked site 21, blind. The website does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door," warns Buck P. from Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Weather impact: The Eastern Shore's low elevation makes camping vulnerable to flooding and storms. "We rescheduled to this weekend after our original reservation weekend was flooded out 2 weeks ago. They never notified us but our camping buddies got there earlier than us and called us," shares Laure D.
Tips for camping with families
Free bike rentals: Several parks offer no-cost bicycle access. "The camp ground has a small store however they close early, so make sure to stock up on wood and ice before they close. They also had a bike shed where you can sign out bikes for free for the day which was super neat," explains Lucia B.
Playground options: Martinak State Park provides multiple play areas across the property. "We had a great time with our 3 little ones. They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," says Bill F. from Martinak State Park Campground.
Junior ranger programs: Educational activities are available at certain parks. "Martinak and Tuckahoe are sister parks, about 20 minutes apart. Tuckahoe offers a number of additional activities, including disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating (canoe/kayak rentals available). If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," shares Jean C.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Sandy terrain can make stabilizing RVs difficult. "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers," advises Jim G.
Limited hookup options: Full hookups are scarce in this region. "Very clean. Great amenities! On the water. You can rent canoes. Sites do not have sewer but does have dump. Great park that offers a lot!" notes Chris O.
Dump station availability: Plan accordingly for waste management needs. "A rather typical state park. Fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. The campground was fully booked for the weekend but the other areas weren't crowded as I've seen at other MD state parks. The pump out station was very nice," reports Sean R.
