Horse camping opportunities near Denton, Maryland are nonexistent at established state park campgrounds. The Eastern Shore region sits at just 15-40 feet above sea level with relatively flat terrain throughout Caroline County. Summer temperatures average 85°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60-70°F range with less precipitation.
What to do
Kayaking on Tuckahoe Creek: Launch directly from Tuckahoe State Park Campground between sites 46 and 48, with a short walk to the creek that connects to Tuckahoe Lake. "The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," notes Mary S. at Tuckahoe State Park Campground.
Fishing at Martinak: The Choptank River offers excellent fishing opportunities at Martinak State Park. "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here. It's a fun place to spend a night or two and relax," shares Sam D. about Martinak State Park Campground.
Explore Cypress Trees: Trap Pond State Park offers a unique ecosystem just 40 minutes from Denton. "We missed being able to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat by a week... We only stayed for one night but would definitely consider returning at a time when we could rent a boat to be able to see the Cypress trees up close," explains a reviewer about their experience.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Tuckahoe State Park provides ample space between campsites. "Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground. Parking pads on the electric loop are asphalt," explains Mary S. The campground has two distinct loops: one for tents/cabins and another with electric hookups for RVs.
Waterfront access: Campers appreciate the water access at Martinak State Park. "Very clean. Great amenities! On the water. You can rent canoes. Sites do not have sewer but does have dump. Great park that offers alot!" reports Chris O. The riverfront setting creates opportunities for wildlife viewing and water recreation.
Free bike rentals: At Trap Pond State Park Campground, campers can borrow bicycles without charge. "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)," notes Lee D. This amenity allows visitors to explore the 4.5-mile trail around the pond without bringing their own equipment.
What you should know
Limited equestrian camping options: No dedicated horse camping facilities exist near Denton, including at Tuckahoe and Martinak State Parks. While some trails accommodate horseback riding, overnight equestrian camping with corrals or paddocks isn't available within a 30-minute drive.
Weather considerations: Delaware Seashore sites can experience extreme winds. "The winds were nuts and over 50mph. We switched sites to spare our slide side, so caution to look at windy before going," warns Joe R. from Delaware Seashore State Park Campground.
Site variations: Campsite size and quality vary significantly, even within the same park. At Tuckahoe, one camper noted: "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 with were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door." This highlights the importance of researching specific sites before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Martinak State Park offers multiple play areas for children. "They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," shares Bill F. Families can easily access these facilities from most campsites.
Educational activities: Lums Pond State Park Campground provides nature-based learning opportunities. "Our daughter really enjoyed the playground (which was excellent, by my standards)... The trails were well marked, and the day we took a hike, we ended up on the equestrian trail that runs all the way around the pond. It was a long, but easy hike," reports Mark.
Kid-friendly water options: When choosing between beach locations, consider wave conditions. "We went to the bay side for the kids no waves," mentions Rich E. about Delaware Seashore, highlighting how the protected bay waters provide safer swimming for younger children compared to ocean beaches.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Blackbird State Forest Campground, RV camping is discouraged due to limited facilities. "RV camping is not encouraged. Horseriding is encouraged," notes D.R., making this location better suited for tent campers seeking a primitive experience.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites at some parks. A camper at Tuckahoe noted: "Sites are level and sand/grass. There are many trees and reasonable separation between sites (although you can easily see your neighbors)." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for areas with more natural terrain.
Dump station quality: When traveling without sewer hookups, dump station conditions matter. Adam and Suzanne B. note about Tuckahoe: "Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground." This infrastructure allows RVers to manage tanks efficiently during longer stays.