Campgrounds in the Girdletree area offer diverse options across Maryland's Eastern Shore, with most operating from spring through early fall. The area sits on flat coastal plains with elevations under 50 feet above sea level and experiences humid summers with moderate winters. Waterfront camping near Girdletree provides access to both the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Crabbing and fishing opportunities: At Treasure Beach RV Park & Campground, guests enjoy fishing in stocked lakes and crabbing from dedicated areas. "Our kids had the opportunity to meet and interact with other kids, forming new friendships. Additionally, the staff members were attentive, helpful, and always ready to assist with any questions or concerns," reports Jason G.
Kayaking and canoeing: The waterways around Pocomoke River State Park's Shad Landing Campground provide excellent paddling routes. "There is a nice dock and looks like a great place to canoe/kayak," notes Richie R. The park features "a boat ramp for access along the river, and also canoe rentals."
Wildlife viewing: Assateague Island offers opportunities to see wild horses. "We took a ride over to the ocean camp sites and found some horses!" shares Deanna G. from her stay at Bayside Assateague Campground. The island provides a unique ecosystem where wildlife viewing becomes part of the camping experience.
What campers like
Entertainment options: Sun Outdoors Frontier Town receives high marks for its diverse activities. "This campground is the best campground I've seen for kids. They have a water park that is included in your stay. The activities are great and you're only minutes away from Ocean City or Assateague State Park where the ponies run wild," explains Dawn T.
Beach access: Sun Outdoors Ocean City provides direct beach access right on the property. "What a great visit we are having. Beautiful location with lots of space for everyone. Great beach and tiki bar. Pools for the family and very pet friendly," shares Julie F. who stayed in a big rig site.
Camp amenities: Tall Pines Harbor KOA Holiday provides numerous facilities. "This campground is very family friendly. There was plenty to do, friendly campers and we enjoyed our entire stay there. They have events throughout the year and the Saturday night we were there a DJ at the beach," notes Amy R.
What you should know
Bug preparedness: When visiting Bayside Assateague Campground, insect protection is essential. "Love this place but be prepared for the bugs. Even enjoyed this in the winter," mentions Michael W. Mosquitoes can be particularly intense during summer months, with some campers reporting significant challenges.
Terrain conditions: Many campsites in the region can become waterlogged after rain. "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay," reports Matt B. about Shad Landing Campground. Similarly, at Tall Pines Harbor KOA Holiday, some campers note that "middle ones were swampy with almost no space outside with sitting water on sites."
Wildlife interactions: At Assateague, wild horses create unique challenges. "A small herd of them (around 8) decided to hangout in our campsite waiting for their meal. This meant we couldn't get ours," explains Wendy W. Proper food storage in designated containers is mandatory to prevent problematic wildlife encounters.
Tips for camping with families
Age-appropriate campgrounds: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway provides excellent family programming. "The main pavilion has rentals for recreational equipment at no extra cost (hula hoops, balls, etc.) There are also themed weekends and scheduled activities throughout the week!" notes Randi J.
Swimming options: Most commercial campgrounds offer pool access. "The pool was a big hit with our kids, who spent hours each day swimming and making new friends. Additionally, the early morning kayaking allowed the kiddos to explore the safe, surrounding waters," shares Jason G. about his experience at Treasure Beach RV Park.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds include nature centers with programming for children. "When not blocked by pandemic proposals, the nature center is a hub of educational activity and some great ranger programs," explains Bill G. about Shad Landing Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Tall Pines Harbor KOA Holiday, site spacing varies considerably. "The pull-through sites are long and nicely spaced. It's unnecessary, but rent a golf cart to get around the huge campground; it's great for going from your site to the pool, arcade, beach, or fishing pier," suggests Greg S.
Utility planning: RV sites near Girdletree, Maryland often have limited utilities. "Acorn Trail and Deer Run have electric. Now water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot," explains Jason B. about Shad Landing. Sites for larger rigs may be limited, with Jason noting "Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites."
Off-season advantages: Virginia Landing RV campground offers peaceful camping outside peak periods. "We loved this campground. We were in site 317 with full hookups. We missed the shade a lot, but the evening breeze off the bay made up for it," shares Angelica K.
