Cabins near Hollywood, Maryland provide access to several coastal waterways including Chesapeake Bay, Sinepuxent Bay, and Pocomoke River. The region's mixed hardwood and pine forests create natural shade at many campsites, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and high humidity from June through August. Most state parks in the area experience peak visitation on holiday weekends when advance reservations become essential.
What to do
Kayaking water trails: At Janes Island State Park Campground, paddlers can explore well-marked water trails through marshlands. "The water trails have a big variety from large channels to narrow marsh routes and bird watching is excellent. There's a beach that's an easy 1-mile paddle away with lots of room to spread out and have a private space to yourself," notes Sean F.
Fishing spots: Milburn Landing Campground offers multiple fishing access points along the Pocomoke River. "There is a soft launch spot for canoes and kayaks near the cabins, but no swimming due to water hazards. An official boat ramp is down a road across from the campground entrance," explains Jean C.
Wildlife viewing: Trap Pond State Park Campground features cypress trees and abundant wildlife. "We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. We loved watching all the different birds and seeing so many stars," reports Lucia B.
What campers like
Large, level sites: Pocomoke River State Park Campground offers spacious camping areas. "Several things give this place 5 stars. Loop G - Acorn trail is for campers with pets. The camp sites are in the outer loop of the circular road with lots of space between each site. Lots of shade," says Jan K.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "Bath house was centrally located. Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great. There's access to the 12 mile long Algonquin Cross County Trail that goes through Pocomoke State Forest," notes Laure D.
Free activities: Many cabin rental locations include complimentary amenities. "The free bike rentals were still available (donations accepted) so we were able to take a ride around the pond (about 4.5 miles). Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals," observes Lee D.
What you should know
Seasonal insects: Biting insects can be problematic during summer months. "Unfortunately the bugs were so bad, it was nearly impossible to enjoy. No-see-ums bite all day long, bug spray helps with these. Deer flies bite from the morning sun until it's dark and they are the worst at dusk," warns Sarah M.
Site flooding concerns: Some campgrounds experience drainage issues after rain. "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay. We stayed on Acorn loop. The bath house was nice and staff were awesome," reports Matt B.
Reservation timing: Delaware Seashore State Park Campground fills quickly during peak season. "Overall, it was a great location (only about 15 minutes from the Rehobeth Beach boardwalk) with excellent amenities. We were there on a Monday the week after Memorial Day and while the sites with the hookups were completely full, there were plenty of empty non-hookup sites," notes Lee D.
Tips for camping with families
Beach proximity: Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway offers cabin rentals with beach access. "This campground is about 20 minutes to Ocean City boardwalk and about 25 minutes to Assateague Island, where the wild horses roam. They offer shuttles to the beach or their sister Campground Frontiertown," explains Sue V.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for parks with scheduled programming. "The daytime activities for kids were fun as well and my son even 'set the alarm' so he wouldn't miss out on tie dyeing a t-shirt. They also have a variety of sporting goods to borrow at the store, horseshoes, basketballs, and whiffle ball sets to name a few," shares Shannon D.
Playground access: When booking cabin rentals, check proximity to play areas. "Our site was caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing. If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)," advises Lee D.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Sun Outdoors Ocean City provides detailed site information. "A majority of the park is a mix of sandy sites sparsely covered by crabgrass and sand spurs. But there's a gem... the club Castaway area is an extra gated spot on the water with grassy sites and level paved pads," advises Andrew V.
Power options: Electric service varies between parks and specific loops. "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," notes Jason B.
Seasonal considerations: Many cabin rental options near Hollywood remain open year-round. "We got a site to stay on our way through to OBX. We booked and arrived after hours, which wasn't an issue as they were like 3% occupied. Sites were pretty level (within 2 inches) and had centrally located bathhouse," explains Joe R.
