Best Campgrounds near Salisbury, MD
The Eastern Shore of Maryland surrounding Salisbury features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds offering diverse camping experiences within an hour's drive. Pocomoke River State Park, with its Shad Landing and Milburn Landing campgrounds, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins along the scenic Pocomoke River. Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore, approximately 30 miles east of Salisbury, offer beachfront camping with opportunities to see wild horses. Several private resorts like Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway and Sun Outdoors Frontier Town provide more amenity-rich options for those seeking developed camping experiences.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Salisbury region, with most campgrounds operating at full capacity from April through October. "In 40 years of camping, this is the best campground," noted one visitor about Shad Landing, highlighting its proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island. Summer months bring higher temperatures, humidity, and increased insect activity, particularly in wooded and marshy areas like Pocomoke River State Park. Many campgrounds require reservations well in advance during peak season, especially for electric sites and waterfront locations. Winter camping options are limited, though some campgrounds like Trap Pond State Park in nearby Delaware and certain loops at Pocomoke River State Park remain open year-round.
Campers consistently praise the region's water-based recreation opportunities, with kayaking, fishing, and beach access frequently mentioned in reviews. The proximity to both sheltered waterways and ocean beaches creates diverse experiences within short driving distances. Several visitors highlighted the value of staying at inland campgrounds as affordable alternatives to oceanfront accommodations while still maintaining easy access to beaches. Insect pressure represents a common challenge, particularly during warmer months in wooded areas. As one camper noted about Pocomoke River State Park, "Definitely some insect pressure at the site. We had a screen which kept us protected, but when outside of the screen to do dishes or anything else, the mosquitoes were around." Most campgrounds offer a mix of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy depending on the specific loop and campground design.
