H
Henry 
Scout
ScoutCape Henlopen State Park Campground
Cape Henlopen DE
Great place. Close to beach. No septic hookup
Camping near Girdletree, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Girdletree, Maryland range from developed tent sites and full-hookup RV spots to cabins and yurts, with the primary options spread across the eastern shore region. The area features two distinct camping areas - Shad Landing and Milburn Landing - providing tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurt accommodations within a forested setting. Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park, approximately 20 miles east of Girdletree, offer additional campgrounds with both oceanside and bayside sites. The campgrounds near Girdletree accommodate a wide range of camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with electric, water and sewer connections.
Camping in the Girdletree region varies seasonally, with most campgrounds operating from April through October, though the Shad Landing area maintains year-round availability. The coastal location brings moderate temperatures throughout camping season, but summer humidity and insects can be significant, especially in forested areas. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays and during the peak summer months when proximity to Ocean City and Assateague beaches increases demand. Most sites feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. A camper noted, "We've camped here twice and have had great experiences! The sites are spacious, the bathhouses are clean, and we really enjoy the river view."
Waterfront campsites near Girdletree consistently receive positive feedback from visitors, particularly along the Pocomoke River. The cypress-lined waterways provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The region's mixed hardwood and pine forests create shaded campsites that offer relief from summer heat while providing habitat for diverse bird species. Campers frequently mention the spaciousness and privacy between sites as a significant advantage compared to more crowded coastal campgrounds. A recent review highlighted, "Loops with electric or no electric, Pet-friendly loops and non-pet friendly loops. I have been camping there off and on for 40 years first as a kid and now with my family." Several campgrounds provide boat launches and canoe/kayak rentals, allowing visitors to explore the blackwater river systems that characterize Maryland's eastern shore.
Best Campgrounds near Girdletree (61)
1. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore
"We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."
"If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Shad Landing Campground
"The best campground I've ever found in Maryland. Close proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island."
"It’s just 45 minutes away from the beach at Assateague Island and an hour or so to Ocean City or Chincoteague."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability3. Assateague State Park Campground
"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"There is an outdoor shower and sink as well as several paths to the beach. The beach is beautiful and clean."
from $28 - $39 / night
Check Availability4. Pocomoke River State Park Campground
"I thought our site was tucked more in the forest based on the maps, but it was pretty close to the other sites. Good birdwatching from the site! Definitely some insect pressure at the site."
"Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel"
from $19 - $71 / night
Check Availability5. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
"Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."
"Assateague National Seashore on the Maryland side offers an incredible experience. Along with soft sand, balmy breezes and coastal views, wild horses wander the park at will."
from $40 / night
Check Availability6. Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island
"Campground has easy walking access to the National Park, shops, restaurants, and mini golf. Just outside the gate is the water park and food truck court."
"BUT we do pick them based on the outdoor activities we can do from the campground itself via bike riding or walking. Since we don’t bring a car location is very important to us."
7. Tom's Cove Park
"People driving around in golf carts cheering, people playing board games at the campsite next door...sleep was difficult."
"Close to the Marina, Downtown, The Blvd and the Beach. Staff are helpful but also gives you space to live."
from $4200 / night
Check Availability8. Milburn Landing Campground
"The two areas are right across the river from each other, but it’s about a 20-minute drive, since you have to drive up and around the river.** **The site was very large, level, and heavily shaded by loblolly"
"The bath house was centrally located. Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great."
from $19 - $25 / night
Check Availability9. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town
"Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
"Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"
10. Sun Outdoors Ocean City
"The location is amazing. You are a stones throw away from the boardwalk at Ocean City Maryland. The resort is very nice."
"An awesome campground located on the east coast near Ocean City, MD and the Atlantic Ocean. This was our first visit to Castaways. Lots to do and loads of fun. We love it!"
from $65 - $350 / night
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Drive Time
- 31 min from Salisbury, MD
- 1 hr 25 min from Dover, DE
- 3 hrs 7 min from Lexington Park, MD
Recent Camping Photos near Girdletree, MD
254 Photos of 61 Girdletree Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Shad Landing Campground
Milburn Landing Campground
Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National SeashoreA
Pine Grove CampgroundS
Pine Tree Backcountry Site — Assateague Island National SeashoreJ
Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague IslandS
Little Levels Backcountry Site — Assateague Island National Seashore
Tom's Cove Park
Island Resort Campground
Lake Somerset Campground
Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
Recent Reviews near Girdletree, MD
670 Reviews of 61 Girdletree Campgrounds
Patel D.
TravelerBig Oaks Campground
⚠️ Think Twice Before Booking— Our Family Felt Targeted and Intimidated
I am writing this review because I genuinely want to warn other families before they book this campground. What should have been a relaxing camping trip turned into an extremely upsetting experience for our family. From the beginning, we felt singled out and unwelcome. We arrived at our campsite and then went to the office. We did not know that the campground required every guest to go to the office before going to their site. This was an honest misunderstanding. Instead of simply explaining the rule and moving on, the situation became unnecessarily confrontational, and we felt like the staff was looking for reasons to have an issue with us. What was especially upsetting was how our children were treated. Our children were riding scooters and were stopped and told that scooters were not allowed. We were extremely confused because we could clearly see much younger children riding/driving around the campground. Our 14-year-old was not allowed to do so, while we observed significantly younger white children being allowed to ride. What made this even worse was the way our children were spoken to. They came running back to us scared and intimidated by the interaction. As parents, that was extremely upsetting to see. There is a huge difference between calmly explaining a campground rule to a child and speaking to a child in a way that makes them feel frightened. If there is a rule that scooters are not allowed, then the rule should be applied consistently to every child, regardless of age or background. What we witnessed did not feel consistent. As the experience continued, we felt increasingly targeted. We were left with the strong impression that they did not want our family there. At one point, it honestly felt like they were trying to find reasons to get rid of us, which made us question whether the campground had overbooked and was looking for a way to push us out. We also had a very concerning experience regarding payment. We were forced to pay in cash and were not provided with a receipt. As paying guests, we found this extremely troubling and unprofessional. The entire experience left our family feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, and unwelcome. Camping with children should be about relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and making good memories—not having your children come running back to you because they are scared of how an adult spoke to them. I cannot speak to anyone else's intentions, but**based on what we personally experienced and witnessed, we felt that our family was being treated differently because of our background. Seeing younger white children being allowed to do something that our children were stopped from doing made the situation even more concerning.I strongly recommend that families think twice before booking this campground. If you do decide to stay, make sure you understand every rule before arriving, document your interactions, and keep proof of every payment. We are sharing this review because other families deserve to know what our experience was like before spending their money and vacation time here. No family should leave a campground feeling intimidated, targeted, or unwelcome.
- Patel D.Traveler
Big Oaks Campground
⚠️ Think Twice Before Booking - Our Family Felt Targeted and Intimidated.
I am writing this review because I genuinely want to warn other families before they book this campground. What should have been a relaxing camping trip turned into an extremely upsetting experience for our family. From the beginning, we felt singled out and unwelcome. We arrived at our campsite and then went to the office. We did not know that the campground required every guest to go to the office before going to their site. This was an honest misunderstanding. Instead of simply explaining the rule and moving on, the situation became unnecessarily confrontational, and we felt like the staff was looking for reasons to have an issue with us. What was especially upsetting was how our children were treated. Our children were riding scooters and were stopped and told that scooters were not allowed. We were extremely confused because we could clearly see much younger children riding/driving around the campground. Our 14-year-old was not allowed to do so, while we observed significantly younger white children being allowed to ride. What made this even worse was**the way our children were spoken to. They came running back to us scared and intimidated by the interaction. As parents, that was extremely upsetting to see. There is a huge difference between calmly explaining a campground rule to a child and speaking to a child in a way that makes them feel frightened. If there is a rule that scooters are not allowed, then the rule should be applied**consistently to every child**, regardless of age or background. What we witnessed did not feel consistent. As the experience continued, we felt increasingly targeted. We were left with the strong impression that they did not want our family there. At one point, it honestly felt like they were trying to find reasons to get rid of us, which made us question whether the campground had overbooked and was looking for a way to push us out. We also had a very concerning experience regarding payment. We were forced to pay in cash and were not provided with a receipt. As paying guests, we found this extremely troubling and unprofessional. The entire experience left our family feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, and unwelcome. Camping with children should be about relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and making good memories—not having your children come running back to you because they are scared of how an adult spoke to them. I cannot speak to anyone else's intentions, but**based on what we personally experienced and witnessed, we felt that our family was being treated differently because of our background.** Seeing younger white children being allowed to do something that our children were stopped from doing made the situation even more concerning.**I strongly recommend that families think twice before booking this campground.** If you do decide to stay, make sure you understand every rule before arriving, document your interactions, and keep proof of every payment. We are sharing this review because other families deserve to know what our experience was like before spending their money and vacation time here. No family should leave a campground feeling intimidated, targeted, or unwelcome.
Paul W.ScoutWoodlawn Campground
Woodlawn Campground is a gem!
Manager is very friendly and helpful. Lovely, peaceful place to spend a few nights. Plus it's reasonably priced and convenient to dining and shopping.
- EEric M.
GuideDelaware Seashore State Park Campground
DE Seashore State Park: Crowded, but water activities everywhere!
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.
Katlin B.ScoutSun Outdoors Frontier Town
Amazing family place!
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!
Nancy W.
LegendTall Pines / Chesapeake Bay KOA Holiday
Lots of amenities, could have stayed longer!
We stopped for one night in order to see some friends and wished we would have had more time because the surrounding area looks like there is lots to do and see. This is a really beautiful area of the Delmarva Peninsula and just minutes away from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuges and Assateague Island NS.
This campground is huge with a great selection of standard and premium RV sites that provide full hookups and spacious gravel or paved pads. Some have water views and some are back-in sites with the water directly behind them. Our site was a buddy site which worked great for our stay with our friends. It was long enough so we didn’t have to unhitch our tow car but still had enough room to maneuver into and out of the site and could reach our hook-ups. The site was perfectly level (in fact, all sites in the park are level as this is a very flat area) and the area where we parked the RV was paved and the rest of the driveway was gravel. The patio had pavers and our fire pit was raised with bricks around it. The utilities were well-placed and the 50-amp was strong and the water pressure good. Our site was in the open which we loved because it was cool when we visited so we relished the sunshine. There are plenty of other sites located under tall pines (which we really don’t like because of all the sap that gets on our coach and car). Many of the sites are rented as seasonal sites but there are plenty left for transient campers. The list of amenities is a mile long and covers the typical ones you would find at a “resort.” Some of the best ones are the zero-entry pool (which was closed while we were there) and splash park and the private beach. The sandy beach would be a nice place to bring a chair and hang out admiring the view of the bay. Most of the amenities (like the pool, recreation hall, café, and bounce pillow) are centrally located so keep that in mind when you are booking your campsite as you may, or may not, want to be in that area. The restrooms were clean and newer (keep in mind we were there very early in the season when the campground was practically empty). The laundry facilities were clean and there were plenty of machines (all but one didn’t work) and were reasonably priced. We really liked the access to water that this park provides Pocomoke Sound and the tidal pond. It’s a great place to relax in a chair, swim, or put in a kayak.
Madison M.GuideAssateague State Park Campground
Beautiful views and AMAZING outdoor showers!
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.
- Madison M.Guide
Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground
COOLEST 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!
Guide to Girdletree
Camping spots near Girdletree, Maryland are situated along Maryland's eastern shore in a low-lying coastal plain region with an average elevation of 10-20 feet. The terrain is characterized by pine forests, marshlands, and proximity to both the Pocomoke River and coastal bays. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder weather between 50-75°F with lower precipitation.
What to do
Kayaking the Pocomoke River: Launch directly from Milburn Landing Campground with rentals available during peak season. The blackwater river system offers paddling routes ranging from 1-10 miles with minimal current. A camper noted, "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite. All these kayak trails are wonderful! Plenty to see, no bugs, no mosquitoes."
Wildlife viewing at Chincoteague: Visit Chincoteague Island KOA for access to wildlife areas. The campground is "walking distance to stores, water slide park, kayaking, fishing/crabbing from bridges and biking distance to Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge & Assateague Island National Seashore." Bring binoculars for bird watching, particularly in spring and fall migration seasons.
Beach fishing access: Bayside Assateague Campground offers proximity to prime fishing spots. The campground provides "fresh water pump nearby" and is just "a short walk away from the beach." One camper mentioned, "We took a ride over to the ocean camp sites and found some horses!" Consider early morning fishing for best results, particularly during mid-week when beaches are less crowded.
What campers like
Waterside camping views: Tom's Cove Park offers sites with excellent water views. "The view from the docks is wonderful" and "if you have canoe/kayak/SUPB it is a great point to launch off to explore the nature reserve next to camp Cove." The park allows direct water access for fishing and wildlife observation.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds have recently upgraded facilities. At Milburn Landing, campers appreciate the "nice, large dishwashing sink on the outside" and note it's "truly the best bathhouse we've ever seen at a campground! Not only clean - but modern and new. The bathhouse area also has a great dishwashing station (with garbage disposal!)"
Spacious and level sites: Shad Landing Campground receives consistent praise for site quality. A camper observed, "So I loved the campground. I got a electric site with a place for a large tent. The grounds are very well kept, respectful attendants and clean grounds." Another mentioned, "The sites are spacious, the bathhouses are clean, and we really enjoy the river view."
What you should know
Bug intensity varies by season: Insects are a significant consideration in this coastal region. At Assateague State Park Campground, a camper advised, "We visited in May - it was very windy and a bit cold, but no bugs!" Another noted, "You can't beat Assateague... Be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter." Consider camping between late September and early May for minimal insects.
Campground overcrowding: Most campgrounds experience high density during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). A visitor to Milburn Landing observed, "Even though the campground is small - it felt crowded even only 1/3-1/2 full. The cabin mitigated some of the noise and crowd, but I would be reluctant to tent camp here on a weekend or in any site on a holiday weekend."
Wildlife interactions: Particularly at Assateague, wildlife management requires specific precautions. One camper warned, "The Ponies are giant trash pandas. They're smart and can open latches so do bring bungee cords, kayak straps, or ratchet straps to lock all of your food in cases or coolers." Follow campground regulations regarding food storage and disposal.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities access: Sun Outdoors Ocean City offers family-friendly water options. "Beautiful well equipped and appointed campground on the water facing the beautiful Assateague National Seashore. They have two separate beaches even a big one for your fur kids." For younger children, look for sites close to playgrounds: "Highly recommend our site to anyone with littles as you can literally relax at your site while your child plays at the playground!"
Off-peak timing advantages: For families with scheduling flexibility, consider visiting outside summer peak. A visitor to Milburn Landing suggested, "Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great." Mid-week visits during the school year offer significantly less crowded facilities and beaches.
Strategic site selection: For family camping, prioritize proximity to bathhouses and playgrounds. A parent recommended, "Site #271 [at Sun Outdoors Ocean City] - Full hookups: 20/30/50 amp water & sewer... Fairly easy to back in but they do have pull throughs available as well. Site was fairly spacious and campground is SUPER pet friendly!"
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and accessibility: RV campers should carefully research site specifications. At Milburn Landing, a reviewer advised, "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'."
Hook-up variations: Utilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Shad Landing, a camper noted, "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. RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds have different access and amenities based on season. "Been here several times. When camp store is open it is very minimalistic. Walmart is about 10 minutes, maybe less away." For winter camping, note that "No electric hookup or water which is expected for winter camping, we managed without for the night."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Girdletree, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Girdletree, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Girdletree, MD is Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.
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