Camping spots near Crisfield, Maryland dot the Chesapeake Bay region with sites nestled among loblolly pines and coastal marshlands. The area sits at just 3 feet above sea level, making these low-lying campgrounds susceptible to tidal influences and occasional flooding after heavy rains. Most camping areas remain open from March through November, with water temperatures reaching 80°F during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking on marked water trails: At Janes Island State Park Campground, visitors can navigate well-marked water trails with varying difficulty levels. "The park has well-marked kayaking trails. Normally you can rent kayaks from the park, but since they were closed, we used Kayak Crisfield," notes one reviewer who found alternative rental options when needed.
Crabbing from designated piers: Tom's Cove Park offers dedicated crabbing piers separate from fishing areas. "They have a water park down the road and fishing off the pier," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the range of water activities.
Exploring wildlife refuges: The proximity to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge makes these camping locations ideal for wildlife spotting. "We came here specifically to experience the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island VA National Seashore and the parks did not disappoint," reports a visitor who enjoyed biking and hiking through the protected areas.
Photography at historic lighthouses: Several campgrounds provide access to historic lighthouses. Point Lookout Lighthouse, built in 1830, is accessible from nearby camping areas, though one visitor noted it was "currently closed for renovations" during their visit.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Shad Landing Campground receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "The bathrooms in the fox den loop need updated as well- I noticed the doors are rusted and the stalls are very small," one camper commented, showing that even with some wear, the facilities remain functional.
Waterfront camping options: Roaring Point Waterfront Campground offers direct water access that campers appreciate. "Get up close to the water if you can. Clear beautiful nights you will see awesome star shows!" advises one regular visitor who enjoys the celestial views.
Privacy between sites: Site separation varies significantly between campgrounds. At Tall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday, "The pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced," according to a recent visitor, contrasting with more densely packed campgrounds in the region.
Seasonal entertainment: Some campgrounds host regular events, especially during summer. "Live music/bands every weekend. Right on the water," mentions a visitor to Roaring Point, highlighting the social atmosphere that develops at certain locations during peak season.
What you should know
Bug intensity varies by location and season: While all Chesapeake campgrounds have insects, intensity differs dramatically. At Lake Somerset Campground, "There were still an excessive amount of Geese just like last time," a returning visitor mentioned, suggesting wildlife rather than insects may be the primary concern at some sites.
Site drainage after storms: Low elevation means some sites retain water after rain. At Point Lookout, one camper noted: "It rained the day we arrived. There wasn't a lot of rocks down, so we had mud all weekend, it never dried up."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for waterfront sites and holiday weekends. A visitor to Tall Pines noted, "It wasn't noted which were which in their map" regarding seasonal versus transient sites, so calling ahead is advised.
Water quality concerns: The Chesapeake watershed experiences periodic algae blooms and water quality issues. Swimming beaches at established campgrounds typically monitor conditions, but those camping with boats should check water advisories.
Tips for camping with families
Pool alternatives for young children: Several campgrounds offer pools as alternatives to bay swimming. "The new one is larger and also has a large splash pad," a visitor to Tall Pines observed about their recently expanded water facilities that provide safer options for smaller children.
Wildlife education opportunities: Pocomoke River State Park Campground offers educational programs. "The park has programs and we painted a picture of Chuck the Owl (he was our model) which was fun," shares a visitor who appreciated the structured activities for children.
Beach access considerations: Not all campgrounds offer direct beach access. "There is a beach area to swim but also 2 pools," notes a visitor to Tall Pines, highlighting the importance of researching swimming options when planning with children.
Playground and recreation facilities: Many campgrounds feature playgrounds and game rooms. One visitor to Pocomoke River State Park mentioned the site has "Nice trails all around the area. Some horses and bike trails available," providing activity options beyond water recreation.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Limited pull-through sites exist at most campgrounds. At Tom's Cove Park, "We have a 39'ft RV and had no problem with their pull through sites," confirming the accommodation of larger rigs at some locations.
Electric hookup limitations: Some campgrounds offer limited electrical service. A visitor to Pocomoke River State Park Shad Landing noted, "30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run. No water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot."
Size restrictions on certain loops: Different camping loops have varying size capacities. "Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," cautions an RVer about Shad Landing's tighter camping areas.
Proximity to facilities: Consider location when booking. "Our site was wooded and relatively private, with fire ring and picnic table. Area is flat for easy biking and walking," a Point Lookout visitor shared about the terrain's accessibility for those with mobility concerns.
