Campsite options near Easton, Maryland extend beyond the primary state parks mentioned in the region's promotional materials. Camping opportunities across this area of the Eastern Shore sit at elevations rarely exceeding 50 feet above sea level. Most sites feature packed gravel or sandy surfaces due to the region's soil composition, with limited tree cover at some locations affecting summer shade availability.
What to do
Kayaking on Chesapeake tributaries: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for paddling. At Trap Pond State Park, "We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," reports one visitor who stayed at the park's island site.
Fishing opportunities: Fish for bass, perch, and other freshwater species. "Martinak and Tuckahoe are sister parks, about 20 minutes apart. Tuckahoe offers a number of additional activities, including disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and boating," notes a camper who stayed at Martinak State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching goes beyond casual observation at several campgrounds. "We saw bald eagles and great blue heron," shares a camper who visited Elk Neck State Park. The park's varied ecosystems attract diverse bird species year-round.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal Eastern Shore campgrounds, several stay open year-round. "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," explains a visitor to Bay Shore Campground, noting the off-season advantages and proximity to Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Many campgrounds feature larger sites than expected. At Tuckahoe State Park, one camper appreciated that "The sites are well spaced. The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use... Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground."
Water views: Waterfront visibility ranks high in camper preferences. A visitor to Bay Shore Campground noted, "If you enjoy beautiful sunsets, seeing bald eagles every day, having a nice breeze, not too buggy, well kept campground this is the place to go."
Off-grid opportunities: Cell service varies substantially between campgrounds. One visitor appreciates that Elk Neck State Park has "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect. I absolutely love it!"
Location convenience: Many campers value proximity to towns and attractions. "This campground is perfect for a quiet visit to the Eastern shore town of Rock Hall as it sits conveniently between the village of Rock Hall and Eastern Neck sanctuary," shares a camper who stayed at Bay Shore Campground.
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Some campgrounds have significantly varied site quality. A camper at Killens Pond State Park warns, "Some sites are very close together or are basically surrounded by other sites (Loop C and Loop E)."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Tuckahoe State Park can be particularly difficult to book: "Going to book future trips!" remarked a visitor who discovered "the camp sites are spaced out nicely. The bathhouse is very clean."
Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Bay Shore Campground, "Sewer is not there yet, but they have portables just in case you need to remove some instead of moving the entire camper."
Water quality variations: Swimming options vary between locations. While many campgrounds offer fishing opportunities, swimming access is often limited to designated areas at specific parks.
Tips for camping with families
Free bike rentals: Some parks offer unexpected amenities for children. At Trap Pond State Park, "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. One camper notes that at Killens Pond State Park, "This site is also the closest to the playground. You can't hear the kids on the playground, but it's close enough to be able to send them in a group and call for them."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer environmental programs. A visitor to Martinak State Park mentions, "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule family events on weekends. Holiday Park Campground offers a "Family oriented, quiet, lots of activities on the weekend" environment according to a regular visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site angle challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach angles. A Tuckahoe State Park camper cautions, "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 with were an issue."
Limited full hookup options: For those requiring complete services, selection is restricted. Elk Neck State Park offers a notable exception: "There's a ton of camping at Elk Neck, including a loop with full hook ups. In the full hook up loop pay close attention to the lengths specified. The actual pads are fairly level but some of the driveways to them are very sloped."
Dump station quality: Dump facilities vary between campgrounds. Tuckahoe State Park receives positive reviews with one camper noting "Good dump station and potable water fill" availability.
Electric options: Several campgrounds offer different electric hookups. At Elk Neck State Park, sites include "full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November."
