Camping opportunities near Kennedyville offer easy access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed with several locations situated along the Chester River and its tributaries. This region maintains a humid subtropical climate with warm summers averaging 86°F and mild winters rarely dropping below 25°F. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several year-round options exist for off-season camping.
What to do
Water activities: 7-mile water trail connects to Duck Neck Campground via the Chester River. "There is a nice pier and boat ramp," notes a visitor, highlighting the easy water access for kayaking and fishing enthusiasts.
Fishing opportunities: Freshwater and brackish options available at Tuckahoe State Park Campground. "There's very finely crushed rock on the non-electric loop. This includes the parking pad and tent pad," reports one camper who appreciated the well-maintained fishing spots along Tuckahoe Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Morning bird watching rewards early risers with diverse species. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary, which is only 7 minutes away," shares a camper from Bay Shore Campground who spotted bald eagles during their stay.
What campers like
Waterfront camping: Direct water views provide relaxing environments. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. We are here visiting family for the holidays and it's serving us well," writes a visitor to Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, noting the convenient fishing access from waterfront sites.
Spacious sites: Room to spread out at several campgrounds. "Sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use," comments a camper about Tuckahoe State Park, appreciating the privacy between sites despite the basic facilities.
Natural setting: Wooded environments create peaceful atmosphere. "The wooded area makes you feel a little more secluded from any neighbors," writes a visitor about Elk Neck State Park Campground, where many sites feature views of the Elk River.
What you should know
Seasonal changes: Water system shutdowns occur during freezing temperatures. "Weekend was cold but the park was pretty full. This is close to us so it was an easy trip. Full hookup but we're told to turn off and unhook water the night it dropped below freezing," notes a Bar Harbor visitor during late fall.
Site variations: Check descriptions carefully before booking. "We booked site 21, blind. The web site does not say site 21 is extremely small. We have a 25' camper, and it barely fit, length and width were an issue," warns a Tuckahoe State Park camper about size limitations.
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds have minimal facilities for entertainment. "Admittedly there isn't a lot to do in the campground itself, even the bathrooms were closed down for Covid and only self contained RVs could camp," explains a Bay Shore Campground visitor, though they still enjoyed the peaceful setting.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kid-friendly areas vary significantly between parks. "Tuckahoe offers two loops: a tent/cabin site, and an electric site for RVs. The sites are well maintained. The bathroom/showers are the cleanest I've ever seen, especially since we stayed in the hottest time of the year," shares a visitor who enjoyed the family facilities.
Swimming options: Limited swimming areas in the immediate region. "No swimming in the Bush River but you can fish from the pier or right from your site," explains a Bar Harbor camper, highlighting the need to look for designated swimming areas when traveling with children.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife sanctuaries provide learning experiences. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," mentions a visitor to Elk Neck State Park, where families can combine camping with nature education along the marked trails.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Residential approaches require careful navigation for larger rigs. "The road on the FHU loop is narrow and hilly. Our site was uphill and at a difficult angle. Plenty of bigger TTs and 5th wheels were camping," explains an Lums Pond State Park Campground visitor who successfully maneuvered their RV despite challenging terrain.
Hookup availability: Water and electric common but sewer less available at rv sites near Kennedyville, Maryland. "Sewer is not there yet, but they have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper," notes a Bay Shore Campground guest about the evolving amenities.
Cell service: Coverage varies by carrier throughout the region. "Before purchasing Wifi, check your coverage. We have AT&T and had plenty of service," advises a Bay Shore visitor, while others report spotty Verizon coverage in more remote camping areas near Kennedyville.
