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 sites 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.
$40 - $80 / night
"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."
$23 - $29 / night
"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."
$28 - $39 / night
"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."
$19 - $71 / night
"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"
$40 / night
"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."
"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."
$4200 / night
"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."
$19 - $25 / night
"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."
"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!"
$65 - $350 / night
"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!"
TravelerWasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
TravelerRight off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
TravelerNice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
LegendIf you want to be close to the water, this is a great place to camp. There are lots of amenities and various ways to “camp” at this resort. In addition to full hook-up RV sites, there are cottages and glamping tents. Some cottages have a cool rooftop deck with furniture which would be a great place to watch the sunset.
This campground is in a nice location for exploring the area, but a bit pricey. It might be worth it if you use the amenities, but we did as we spent more time offsite. Since this campground is new, some sites look pretty rustic and it would be nice if there was more grass. Overall, we found the sites to be pretty close together. If you want to pay more, you can get a waterfront site or one with a paved patio and table and chairs, otherwise, you get a picnic table on a gravel pad. All utilities worked well and we were glad we had 50 amp since there was an unseasonable hot spell. The park is big-rig friendly and getting in and out was easy and not low hanging branches to avoid.
Some of the amenities include a food truck(not open when we were there), playground, pickleball courts, camp store, and more. There is a nice pool with a large deck but since we were early in the season it was not open. Along the water is a nice boardwalk and there is a long pier for fishing or to tie up your boat. (We took advantage of the free fishing. Saltwater anglers in VA can fish for free if you register for the Fisherman Identification Program, no license required.) If you have a large group gathering there is a large pavilion with charcoal grills and picnic tables open to campers for free.
The reason we came to the area was to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see the wild ponies. The refuge is fifteen minutes away and definitely worth it. Stop in at the visitor center to browse the exhibits before setting out to see the ponies. There is a nice viewing deck off the Woodland Trail that is a great place to see the ponies. Also stop at the Assateague Lighthouse to see the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. One more stop to make is at the Island Creamery (voted one of the 50 best places to eat in Virginia).
RangerThis is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼♀️
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
TravelerWe had a nice visit. Sun is in the process of fixing the place up. The swim up bar was being restored. My only negative was the site two places up played there stereo live music loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM. They did get called out for it by management.
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
TravelerTrap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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!"
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?
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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