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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
