Bay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
87 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Maryland's Eastern Shore surrounding Federalsburg offers diverse camping experiences within a short drive. Martinak State Park Campground, located in nearby Denton, provides waterfront camping along the Choptank River with options for tent, RV, and cabin stays from March through November. Tuckahoe State Park, about 15 miles north of Federalsburg, features both electric and non-electric sites with access to hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking opportunities on its lake. Within an hour's drive, campers can reach coastal destinations like Assateague Island with its famous wild horses or inland forest settings at Pocomoke River State Park. The region bridges rural farmland with tidal waterways, creating varied camping environments from wooded sites to waterfront locations.
Reservations are essential during the peak season from May through September, particularly for waterfront or electric sites. As one camper noted, "Tuckahoe is a hidden gem on Maryland's mid-Eastern Shore region with many standard amenities and a quiet atmosphere." Most state parks in the area operate seasonally, typically closing from late November through March, though some loops remain open year-round. Summer brings high humidity and mosquito activity, especially near water bodies. According to visitor reports, fall offers ideal camping conditions with moderate temperatures and fewer insects. The Eastern Shore's flat terrain makes most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles, though some waterfront sites may have limited availability for larger RVs due to narrow access roads.
Water activities dominate the camping experience in this region, with fishing, kayaking, and canoeing available at most parks. "This is a great place to catch some good action fish. I've always had some success whenever I've been here," reported one visitor to Martinak State Park. Birdwatching opportunities abound, particularly during spring and fall migrations. Campground amenities typically include clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campers noting proximity issues at certain campgrounds. Many state parks offer nature programs, particularly during summer months. For those willing to venture farther, beach camping options at Delaware Seashore and Cape Henlopen state parks provide different coastal experiences within 60-90 minutes of Federalsburg.
"Though I live in Texas now, Maryland will always be home for me. Whenever I get the chance to head back, I almost make sure to check out some of the local fishing spots."
"Park is that the Electric loop (B) has all of the sites on the outside of the drive loop so you are not looking across the road at other campers."
from $18 - $77 / night
Check Availability"The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24."
"It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend."
from $29 - $71 / night
Check Availability"Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."
"Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."
from $21 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The trail around the lake was awesome with some slight inclines but mostly flat. There were short spurs to scenic spots of the pond. Total walked was 4 miles."
"I’d prefer to be further away from each other campsite, which was only like ten or fifteen feet. But otherwise, the primitive campsites were very wooded and nice!"
from $29 - $112 / night
Check Availability"My group was there, on two adjacent sites, from Sunday to Tuesday, in early June. The weather could not have been more ideal! We were on sites G12 and G13, which were both really large."
"There is also a section of walk-in tent sites, each with 1 parking spot semi close by. (Bring a wagon if you stay at one of these)."
from $42 - $136 / night
Check Availability"Wood was cheaper then usual (5 dollars per bundle) and is located under a self serve honor system payment across from site 3."
"Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"Was close to casino only like 7 min drive and shopping everywhere was a weekend full of busy even while it rained."
"We found this place by accident as us and several friends planned on attending the 45th Annual June Jam in Houston and wanted somewhere close to stay. "
from $40 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The location (in between Dewey/Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach/Ocean City, Maryland) is PERFECT. You have close access to miles and miles of touristy beaches and uninhabited beaches."
"We stayed in a full hook up site, and we found the campground to be clean, well maintained and so close to the beach."
from $42 - $425 / night
Check Availability"There is a smell due to being next to a chicken or animal farm; however, after a few minutes outside, the smell goes away."












One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
Enjoyed the stay here June 19-21, 2026, in the tents-only section at a campground just 10 minutes from home. I've lived near this campground for 45 of my 66 years but never camped there.
The cramped campsites always turned me off but my wife and I decided to try it as a test run when we bought all new camping gear after not camping for 15 years(well, except for the 40-year-old Coleman stove that still works).
The campsites are tight and strictly BYOS(Bring Your Own Shade). The weather cooperated with temps in the low 80s and cool westerly winds. Because this campground sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet and Indian River Bay, it fills up on weekends for camping, beach-going, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. I'd suggest going weekdays if you can.
Even with all the people, though, it was mostly quiet. The traffic from the Indian River Inlet bridge didn't bother me much but it did keep my wife up the first night. The bridge lights up at night and looks most spectacular at sunrise.
We ate dinner at camp the first night and then went to the inlet walkway to watch the sun set. The sunsets over the Indian River Bay, serenaded by the U.S. Coast Guard station's bugle calls with the lowering of the colors at its station at the north side campground, are a must. We also got to see a green heron foraging on the rockpiles and a dolphin swimming through the inlet. Fishermen lined the walkway to add to the atmosphere.
The next morning we drove over to the north side of the inlet to the Burton's Island trail-- another first for me. The trail was probably a mile or so and took about an hour, though it looked like we could have gone further into the brush had we not been wearing shorts and t-shirts. We came across a horseshoe crab traveling along a dirt path and a turtle trying to hide itself under downed tree branches. Blue water surrounded us in the marshes.
An excellent dinner at Matt's Fish House capped off our anniversary and we returned to the campground to watch the sunset again.
The bathrooms were well-placed. They were mostly clean but the five-second" Navy shower" intervals in the showers were annoying. There's no water or electric at the tent sites but a high-powered community water tap works for cleaning dishes.
The ban on open fires at the campground did disappoint. There is a community fire pit but no one used it our two nights there.
Oh, I can't forget the Diamondback turtles. Be careful driving so you don't hit them as they wander through the campground. We saw several lay eggs on the sand volleyball court and one scurried through our campsite and under our picnic table on its way to points unknown. The picnic table at each site is heavy but movable.
The people were friendly even in such crowded conditions. Lots of kids on bikes, skateboards and scooters and at the playground. Basically, you don't come here as much for the camping as you do for the water sports and activities.
As a tent camper, I'd opt for the tent-only loops versus the Standard sites that accommodate tents and small RVs and popups. Our tent-only loops looked less congested than the Standard sites.
I'd give this campground 4.5 stars. It would be an easy 5 if not for the crowded conditions.
We have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend. It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum). The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.
Campground is clean with wild horses walking through it. The beach is clean and quiet. The amenities are clean and the outdoor showers are 10/10! Hot with beautiful views! A little noisy with the generators at the non-electric sites, but they don’t detract from the experience.
Parked with my class B van! Amazing you can hear the ocean at night. No electricity so be prepared. Horses will walk through your campsite. Clean and quiet. No cell service. Lots to do with hiking and beaching! Be prepared for cold outdoor showers!
Wasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
Right off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
Nice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
The Eastern Shore camping landscape near Federalsburg offers a blend of inland forest and wetland environments with typical elevations under 50 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures often reach 85-95°F with high humidity, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions in the 60-75°F range. Most campgrounds near Federalsburg remain active from March through November, with off-season options available at select Delaware parks.
Disc golf courses: Tuckahoe State Park's course provides an alternative activity between water adventures. "Small by some State Park standards, Tuckahoe offers two loops: a tent/cabin site, and an electric site for RVs. The sites are well maintained," notes one camper, who also mentioned the available disc golf facilities at the park.
Free bike rentals: Trap Pond State Park offers complimentary bicycle use for exploring the grounds. "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)," according to a visitor. The park's trail system includes routes around the signature pond featuring bald cypress trees.
Military history exploration: Cape Henlopen State Park preserves WWII-era fortifications within a short drive of Federalsburg. "As a former military installation, there are lots of military historical items and sites. Underground bunkers and batteries and such. There's a wonderful observation tower built on top of one of these that affords beautiful 360 degree views," reports one camper. These structures include concrete observation towers along the coast.
Pontoon boat tours: Guided water excursions run weekends at Trap Pond from Memorial Day through Labor Day. "45-minute Pontoon boat tours are available on weekends Memorial Day–Labor Day," explains one visitor. These tours cost approximately $6 per person and provide education about the unique ecosystem.
Nature center experiences: Several parks in the region feature educational centers with live exhibits. At Cape Henlopen, visitors appreciate the "fantastic nature center (FREE) complete with touch tanks and knowledgeable park staff." These facilities typically operate daily during peak season and weekends in shoulder seasons.
Commercial-sized dish washing stations: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers practical amenities that experienced campers value. "I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal," mentions one reviewer. These stations reduce the need to wash dishes at your campsite.
Secluded forest camping: For those seeking quieter alternatives to popular state parks, Redden State Forest Campground offers a more isolated experience. "Loved my overnight camping trip! I camped alone and felt very safe. The campsites are small and close together. A total of 7 campsites," notes a camper who described the area as "beautiful, secluded, clean, and peaceful."
Clean bathhouses: Consistent maintenance of facilities stands out to visitors at Martinak State Park Campground. "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 one camper. Most state parks in the region update their bathhouse facilities every 5-10 years.
Seasonal closures and restrictions: Many Eastern Shore campgrounds limit operations during winter. "Tuckahoe State Park, about 15 minutes north of Federalsburg, features both electric and non-electric sites with access to hiking trails, fishing, and kayaking opportunities on its lake." These parks typically operate from March through November.
Holiday booking requirements: Popular weekends fill quickly at parks near Federalsburg. "We arrived at 4pm to find the office closed. They tapped a note for us on the door," reports a visitor to G & R Campground, highlighting the importance of confirming arrival procedures. Holiday weekends often require bookings 3-6 months in advance.
Hunting seasons: Certain parks permit hunting during designated seasons. At Redden State Forest, one visitor advises: "Hunting is allowed at this site so be mindful of that. Hunting is prohibited on Sunday's." Check park websites for current hunting schedules before planning hiking activities.
Site dimensions and limitations: RV campers should verify site specifications. At Tuckahoe, one camper warned: "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." Most campground websites list site dimensions but may not account for all limitations.
Animal encounters: Adventures Await Retreat offers unique opportunities for children to interact with farm animals. "Lots of animals with personality fresh eggs for purchase and good catch and release ponds caught 4 bass in like 20 min big guys," notes one visitor. The retreat provides feeding opportunities for various farm animals.
Multiple playground options: Several state parks feature multiple play areas throughout their grounds. At Martinak State Park, one camper appreciated how "they have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us." These facilities typically include standard equipment suitable for children ages 5-12.
Swimming alternatives: While natural swimming isn't permitted at many inland sites, water parks provide options. One visitor to Killens Pond notes, "A water park that is in the boundaries, which is a nice and rare touch." The water park features slides and shallow areas for younger children, typically operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Educational opportunities: Junior ranger programs engage children in learning about local ecosystems. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," explains a visitor to Martinak State Park. These programs typically offer activity booklets that can be completed for small prizes or badges.
Site selection for privacy: Experienced RVers recommend specific loops or areas within popular campgrounds. At Delaware Seashore, a camper suggests: "If you want quiet stay to the ends of the rows. E and F are quieter too." Corner sites or those on outer loops typically offer more separation from neighboring campers.
Pull-through configurations: Some campgrounds feature unique site layouts that simplify parking. At Trap Pond, sites "have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. They 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."
Wind exposure considerations: Coastal campgrounds experience significant wind that affects larger rigs. One camper at Delaware Seashore reported: "The winds were nuts and over 50mph. We switched sites to spare our slide side, so caution to look at windy before going." East-facing sites often receive the strongest winds during typical weather patterns.
Dump station quality: The functionality of sanitation facilities varies between parks. A visitor to Tuckahoe noted: "The pump out station was very nice." Modern facilities feature rinse hoses and easy access, while older stations may lack these amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Federalsburg, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Federalsburg, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Federalsburg, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Federalsburg, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Federalsburg, MD is Martinak State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Federalsburg, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Federalsburg, MD.
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