Camping options near Church Creek, Maryland include a mix of waterfront and wooded campgrounds throughout Maryland's Eastern Shore. Elevations across this region remain consistently low, typically ranging from 0-100 feet above sea level, creating ideal terrain for both tent and RV camping. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with average daytime temperatures between 60-75°F.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: At Martinak State Park Campground, campers can enjoy paddling on the Choptank River. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," notes one visitor. The park offers canoe rentals for those without their own equipment.
Mini golf and recreation: Many campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond water sports. "You can enjoy free mini golf, free pool and waterside, free canoeing, and free billiards. It is about 20 min to ocean city but they have a free bus to take you to ocean," reports a camper about Fort Whaley.
Fossil hunting: Some nearby parks offer unique geological experiences. Several campground areas near Church Creek provide access to fossil beaches where visitors can search for prehistoric shark teeth and other fossils. Westmoreland Park, located close to Harbor View, features fossil beaches that are particularly popular with families.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Roaring Point Waterfront Campground in Nanticoke receives praise for its location. "Nothing fancy here but who needs fancy when you have a beach, fishing, live entertainment and the beast sunsets going?" writes one reviewer. The campground operates seasonally from April through mid-November.
Beach proximity: Many campers appreciate the ability to reach Ocean City beaches while staying at more affordable campgrounds. "This campground is about 20 minutes to Ocean City boardwalk and about 25 minutes to Assateague Island, where the wild horses roam," explains a visitor to Fort Whaley.
Secluded sites: Tuckahoe State Park Campground earns high marks for its spacious sites. "It's super close to home and I love the small feel to it. People keep to themselves and you feel kinda like your by yourself even though the park is usually full. Which I love," shares one camper. The park provides electric hookups for RVs across well-maintained sites.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall. "We had a great time at this Campground. The facilities are clean and well maintained and all of the staff was very accommodating," mentions a visitor to Tall Pines Harbor, which follows the typical regional pattern of seasonal operation.
Site size considerations: Several campgrounds have limitations on RV length and site dimensions. "We had 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 with were an issue," warns a Tuckahoe State Park visitor. Always verify site dimensions when booking.
Weather impacts: The low-lying Eastern Shore area can experience significant rainfall and potential flooding. "It rained while we where there and the ground was very saturate so the puddles where quite large," notes a visitor to Goose Creek Recreation Area. Waterfront locations particularly may have drainage issues during heavy rains.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Fort Whaley RV Resort Campground offers numerous family activities. "This is our favorite campground! It is close enough to ocean city we can enjoy the beach daily but far enough to relax in the woods! This campground is the small sister campground to frontier town," shares one visitor. The resort provides scheduled activities throughout the week, particularly during summer months.
Playground access: Many families select campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "There is an arcade, camp store, heated pool, playground, dog park, and mini golfing! The main pavilion has rentals for recreational equipment at no extra cost," notes a Fort Whaley camper, highlighting amenities that keep children entertained.
Nature exploration: Several parks offer junior ranger programs and educational opportunities. "For kids, there's a simple swingset in the loop and a larger, newer playground. Firewood available," mentions a Martinak visitor. Exploring the Eastern Shore's diverse ecosystems provides learning opportunities for children of all ages.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites near Church Creek, Maryland vary significantly in available services. At Thousand Trails Harbor View in Colonial Beach, "Would give it 4 stars for the hookups and friendly staff but we were welcomed to our site with pile of dog poop that had been left there. Gravel site pad could definitely use some maintenance and fresh material added," reports one RVer.
Leveling challenges: The Eastern Shore's low-lying terrain can create leveling issues. "Had to put down boards to park our travel trailer because about a third of the pad had just turned into mud," notes a Harbor View camper. Many RVers recommend bringing additional leveling blocks and stabilization equipment.
Space constraints: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. "The sites are CLOSE, but the bathrooms are very clean! Very close to Colonial Beach," mentions a Harbor View visitor. RV campers with larger rigs should carefully research site dimensions and access roads before booking.
