Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers cabins and glamping options on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Located in a wooded setting 8 miles southeast of Chester, the park spans 3,800 acres with most sites positioned in dense pine and hardwood forest. The campground remains open from March through November, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-90°F.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Tuckahoe Creek and Lake Tuckahoe offer varied fishing environments for anglers looking to catch bass, crappie and panfish. At Martinak State Park Campground, a nearby alternative for glamping in Chester, Maryland, visitors appreciate the water access. As one visitor noted, "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground."
Archery practice: Tuckahoe's dedicated range provides target practice opportunities for beginners and experienced archers. Bring your own equipment as rentals aren't available. "The park features specialized recreation areas including an archery range," which makes it popular among target sports enthusiasts.
Hiking with wildlife viewing: While exploring the trail system, watch for local wildlife including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. At Susquehanna State Park Campground, one camper shared their experience: "We went for a lovely 3 mile evening hike on the trail just down the hill behind the campsite. Scared a bunch of deer (ok they scared me!!) and checked out the giant old growth trees."
What campers like
Spacious sites with good separation: Many campsites offer adequate distance between neighbors, providing privacy without isolation. A visitor to Washington DC / Capitol KOA mentioned, "If you get an area to back into it'll be more secluded, but the pull through spots offer no privacy."
Clean bathroom facilities: The bathhouse facilities receive regular maintenance, though usage patterns affect cleanliness. According to a Tuckahoe visitor, "Bathhouse is very clean. If you stay on the tent side there is a kayak launch. The sites are laid out in a circle with the bathhouse in the center."
Wooded environment: Sites nestled among trees provide natural shade during summer months. One camper at Martinak State Park described their experience: "We stayed one night in a small cabin. It was cosy and warm on a cold night for fall. The cabins are clean and tidy and the campground is well run."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Some sites have limitations worth considering before booking. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park Campground observed, "Some engineering genius put the bath houses furthest from the people that need them most. Tent campers...keep your shoes handy, it's a hike."
Limited site availability: Reserve well in advance, particularly for weekends and holidays. One visitor noted, "Going to book future trips!" after finding limited options for their RV size.
Size restrictions for some sites: Check site dimensions when booking, especially for larger RVs. A camper cautioned, "We booked site 21, blind. The web site 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Family-friendly campsites are available near playground areas, though not all have direct sightlines. A visitor to Ramblin' Pines shared: "The place was nice, lots for kids to do, plenty of shaded spots! Nice pool... they even allowed us to store the camper while we took a cruise out of Baltimore!"
Dish washing station: Families appreciate the convenient washing station for cleanup after meals. One visitor mentioned, "I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups it's a BIG deal."
Multiple play areas: Beyond the main playground, families can enjoy additional recreation spaces. A Ramblin' Pines visitor described, "It has a pool, jump pillow, mini golf, fishing pond, barnyard with goats, and multiple playgrounds. I really like all the trees."
Tips from RVers
Electric-only hookups: Plan water usage accordingly as some loops offer only electric connections. A camper explained, "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced. Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
Dump station access: A centrally located dump station provides convenient service for departure day. One RVer appreciated the "very nice pump out station."
Site leveling challenges: Some sites require additional effort to level RVs. An experienced camper at Cherry Hill Park noted: "Camp site wasn't level at all. I was actually kind of worried that it would slide into the woods." Bring leveling blocks even for sites marked as level.
