Cabins and luxury accommodations at Maryland state parks offer distinctive glamping experiences on the Eastern Shore, with several options located near Crisfield. The area's low-lying geography, generally less than 10 feet above sea level, creates unique wetland ecosystems where glamping sites offer direct access to water features. Several campgrounds maintain heated cabins year-round, though the main glamping season typically runs April through November.
What to do
Kayak water trails: Pocomoke River State Park features diverse paddling options with multiple creeks to explore. "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite. We have also kayaked out of Byrd Park, in Snow Hill. All these kayak trails are wonderful!" says a camper at Pocomoke River State Park Campground.
Bird watching: The natural wetlands provide excellent wildlife viewing. "Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with numerous bird species including herons, egrets, and waterfowl visible from private decks and observation platforms," notes a visitor to the area. At Janes Island State Park Campground, a reviewer shares, "The hike trails are so beautiful and being by the water was a complete experience!"
Crabbing and fishing: Many waterfront glamping sites offer direct access for these activities. "The river is great for fishing, kayaking, and boating," mentions a camper at Pocomoke River State Park Shad Landing. Another visitor notes, "You can go crabbing for blue crabs" at Janes Island.
Beach excursions: Most glamping accommodations provide easy access to secluded beaches. "You can also kayak out to a sand beach," explains a Janes Island visitor. Another camper reports, "There's a beach that's an easy 1-mile paddle away with lots of room to spread out and have a private space to yourself."
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Roaring Point Waterfront Campground gets high marks for its maintenance. "Had a wonderful time and management was very professional. Campground was clean and has beautiful views," notes a visitor. At Milburn Landing, a camper observed, "Truly the best bathhouse we've ever seen at a campground! Not only clean - but modern and new."
Privacy between sites: Trap Pond State Park Campground offers well-spaced glamping options. "All sites appeared level and some have a view of the pond. Bathhouses were very clean, including the showers," shares one reviewer. Another adds, "Sites are nicely sized and spaced out. Bathhouse is in very nice condition."
Educational opportunities: The wetland environment provides learning experiences. "When not blocked by pandemic proposals, the nature center is a hub of educational activity and some great ranger programs. The park has programs and we painted a picture of Chuck the Owl (he was our model) which was fun," reports a camper at Pocomoke River.
Diverse accommodation options: From primitive to luxury, the region offers choices. "The park has well-marked kayaking trails. Normally you can rent kayaks from the park," says a Janes Island visitor. At Trap Pond, a camper noted, "There are plenty of trails for biking. Nice size campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal bug considerations: Many reviewers mention insects as a consideration. At Milburn Landing Campground, a ranger advised that "the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great." Another camper at Pocomoke notes, "The one big problem with both Shad and Milburn are the bugs. It gets insanely humid here, and the mosquitoes, flies, and ticks take full advantage."
Site selection matters: Research your specific site before booking. At Shad Landing, a visitor warned, "We weren't a huge fan of our site, site 50, because it was difficult to get into and it backed up to the marina. We basically had to do a u-turn in reverse with our 30ft travel trailer which wasn't the easiest to get in the site."
Limited store hours: At most state parks, camp stores operate on reduced schedules. "The camp store and boat rentals were closed and the check in was kind of confusing due to arriving the first day the park opened due to Covid-19," explained one Janes Island camper. Another noted, "They sale firewood at the cabin store but the store is only opened Thursday-Sunday."
Weather impacts: Low-lying areas can experience flooding issues. "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay," reported a camper at Pocomoke River. At Trap Pond, one visitor advised, "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay."
Tips for camping with families
Free bike programs: Trap Pond State Park Campground offers complimentary bicycles. "They also had a bike shed where you can sign out bikes for free for the day which was super neat. They also have wheelbarrows to borrow so if you have a drive up site you can use them," shares a visitor.
Kid-friendly watercraft: Multiple locations rent boats suitable for families. "We rented a kayak; awesome activity to do around the lake," notes a Trap Pond camper. "You can rent canoes/kayaks and there is a pool that I think has a lifeguard," mentioned another visitor.
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas. A Pocomoke River visitor recommends, "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)."
Seasonal swimming: Many glamping locations offer swimming facilities during warmer months. "Nice pool, new bath houses, descent animal resource center," reports a camper at Pocomoke River Shad Landing.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Pine Grove Campground and other locations require preparation. "The sites 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," explains one RVer at Trap Pond.
Hookup limitations: Research utility options before arrival. "Had electric but no water or sewage. With that said I knew this going in," shares a camper at Pocomoke River Shad Landing. Another notes, "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."
Access restrictions: Larger rigs face challenges at some locations. "The roads around campground are narrow with large trees lining the road. A big rig would have difficulty parking if not on a specific site. Would strongly suggest only tents, pop ups and travel trailers under 30'," advises a visitor to Milburn Landing.
Loop selection: Different camping areas offer varying amenities. "Two loops allow dogs, one with electric and one without," explains a Pocomoke River camper. At Janes Island, a visitor noted, "There are three loops for camping. 'A' loop has very public sites with roads, parking, day use areas all nearby. 'B' loop is fully electrified so popular with trailers and RVs."
