The Eastern Shore region surrounding Grasonville offers campers access to both wooded retreats and waterfront sites at elevations generally below 100 feet. The area's watershed geography creates abundant paddling opportunities through creek systems that feed into the Chesapeake Bay. Campgrounds near Grasonville typically open from March through November, with most facilities closing during winter months.
What to do
Kayaking on creek systems: Tuckahoe State Park Campground provides a convenient kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. "The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," notes reviewer Mary S. The park allows visitors to rent kayaks and fishing equipment.
Lighthouse viewing: Elk Neck State Park Campground, about 45 minutes north of Grasonville, features the Turkey Point Lighthouse with panoramic bay views. "Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," suggests David G. The lighthouse trail requires a five-minute drive from the campground to reach the trailhead.
Wildlife observation: Wye Island Natural Resources Management Area offers secluded nature experiences 15 minutes from Grasonville. "This is beautiful NRMA and has thick serene woods. Oftentimes people are found taking engagement, wedding, and graduation pictures in this beautiful landscape," reports Maya S. The management area primarily permits group camping with proper documentation.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Susquehanna State Park Campground provides well-separated camping areas under mature trees. "Site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped. Camping pad was nice and level, although the driveway was slightly sloped," reports Jen V., adding "Nice amount of space in between sites."
Waterfront access: Martinak State Park Campground receives praise for its river setting. "Campsites and bathrooms are clean. Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," explains Laura M. The park maintains river access points for paddling and fishing.
Landscape variety: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers diverse terrain beyond standard campsites. "Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful. Some sites not level," notes Shawn. The campground features both tent/cabin sites and an electric loop for RVs with different landscape characteristics.
What you should know
Bathhouse maintenance: Facilities vary widely across campgrounds near Grasonville. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, "Bath house was immaculate; by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground. Must have been recently renovated," reports Jen V. However, at Susquehanna, one camper noted: "Bathhouse is clean but ran out of toilet paper often; they supposedly clean 3 times a day since COVID but we didn't see that happening on a regular schedule."
Site leveling challenges: Many camping areas around Grasonville feature uneven terrain. "We took out 1st trip to Tuckahoe over the 4th of July weekend. We really liked the park, but beware, the sites can be small! I watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," warns Buck P. Similarly, at Susquehanna some campers report having to move picnic tables to make room for tents.
Off-season closures: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," notes Laure D. about Elk Neck State Park. Most other camping facilities in the region close between November and March.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Susquehanna State Park Campground features recreational areas for children. "Deer Creek day-use area was nice; had a big playground and a few pavilions," explains Jen V. When selecting a site, note that "not all sites had a path to the bathhouse, and the path that they did have was also very rocky and covered in roots."
Nature programs: Several parks offer educational activities for younger campers. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," mentions Jean C. about Martinak State Park. These programs typically run weekends during summer months.
Transportation planning: When visiting Washington DC / Capitol KOA with children, note the shuttle situation. "Close to DC but they didn't let us know ahead of time that the shuttle wasn't working. That was super disappointing," reports Angie G. Call ahead to confirm shuttle availability if planning day trips to Washington from this campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Bay Shore Campground near Rock Hall, RVers recommend specific site areas. "Stayed here 2 nights in November in the newer pull in sites. We had electric and water, there were several dump stations at the campground. They are still waiting for approval from the state for the septic," explains Helen O. Most campgrounds have limited full hookup sites, so early reservations are essential.
Utility access considerations: Campgrounds often provide workarounds for limited hookups. "They have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper," notes Lisa V. about Bay Shore Campground. This option helps campers extend stays beyond tank capacity limits.
Winter camping limitations: Few camping spots near Grasonville, Maryland remain open year-round with full services. Elk Neck State Park maintains winter camping with water still available in November, though other facilities have more limited winter access. Before planning cold-weather trips, call ahead to confirm which utilities remain operational.
