RV camping near Gibson Island, Maryland offers varied options with seasonal considerations. The region's sandy shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay creates ideal conditions for water activities from late spring through early fall, when temperatures range from 70-90°F. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though services may be reduced during winter months.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina provides easy water access. "We had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge," notes Janet P. The park features a dedicated area to put in small boats or kayaks.
Hiking trails: Tuckahoe State Park features 20 miles of multi-use trails. "There are a few trails here. Nearby is the Chesapeake bay with all its amenities, an Arbouretum that is a bit over priced. And access to the Tuckahoe River for fishing and kayaking," reports Bill G.
Fishing from your site: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers waterfront camping with fishing access. "Peace & Tranquility, waterfront. Fish from your camp site," writes Lisa T. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront."
Bird watching: Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary sits just minutes from Bay Shore Campground. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away," shares Helen O. The sanctuary provides habitat for various waterfowl species.
What campers like
Sunrise/sunset views: Bay Shore Campground offers stunning bay views. "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go," writes Lisa V.
Military camping options: Military Park United States Naval Academy/Annapolis Naval Station Annapolis FamCamp offers affordable options for service members. "Military campground. Very spartan but great location. Not much to do in the campground and some long timers there. Dirt cheap," notes Ginny L.
Swimming pools: Cherry Hill Park features multiple pool options. "This campground has so much to offer. 50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride, Gated, On-site camp store," reports Beth R.
Spacious wooded sites: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides tree cover and privacy. "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors," reports Kasey M. Another camper adds, "Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground."
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Campground density differs throughout the area. At Duck Neck Campground, "Campers are packed in so closely most can't open their awnings," reports Stacy D. In contrast, Tuckahoe State Park features "nice pads, even with rain none were flooded. The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors."
Bathhouse quality: Facilities range widely across campgrounds. Hollofield Area Campground has "only 4 restroom stalls and 2 showers on the ladies side, so I can imagine the lines would be pretty crazy during the summer time," notes Jen V. Meanwhile, at Tuckahoe State Park, "the bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds experience peak crowds between Memorial Day and Labor Day. "The campground and park fill up on the weekends but are nearly empty during the week," reports Rebecca C. about Hollofield Area Campground.
Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds require navigation through residential areas. At Bar Harbor RV Park, "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises Craig Z.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Cherry Hill Park offers multiple play areas. "Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride," notes Beth R.
Natural play spaces: Hollofield Area features unique play options. "There is a 'natural' playground in the loop, and then if you drive down further to the park entrance, there is a large playground for the kids. I've attached photos from the 'natural playground' aka, large rocks and overturned trees. The kids loved it," shares Jennifer S.
Dish washing station: Tuckahoe State Park provides practical amenities for family meals. "I LOVE the commercial-sized washing sink for your dishes, since you don't have full hookups its a BIG deal," writes Kasey M.
Off-season camping: For quieter family experiences, consider spring or fall visits. "We have stayed at Tuckahoe as a way station while camping our way up and down the Bay," notes Bill G., adding that "acorns falling from the trees on your camper in the fall" are one seasonal factor to consider.
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Several campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "The sites are close but there were all sizes of RVs there, even large class A," reports Laure D. about Bar Harbor RV Park.
Road navigation: Access routes vary between facilities. "APPROACH THIS PARK ONLY FROM THE WEST IF YOUR VEHICLE IS OVER 11 FEET HIGH. (There is a 11' bridge coming east bound into this park.)," warns Travyl Couple about Hollofield Area Campground.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional equipment. "Our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks," advises Thomas about Fort Belvoir Travel and RV Camp.
Amenities for extended stays: For RVers seeking convenience, Cherry Hill Park offers comprehensive services. "50 amp hook-up, Water, Sewer, Playground, Mini Golf, Swimming Pool, Hot tub, Basketball court, Snack bar on site, Nightly hayride, Gated, On-site camp store," lists Beth R.
