Best Campgrounds near Ocean Pines, MD

Camping sites near Ocean Pines, Maryland provide a mix of island, coastal, and inland experiences with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak season. Most campgrounds in the area lie at or near sea level, creating flat, easy-to-access campsites. Mosquitoes tend to be most intense from June through August, especially in bayside camping areas where marsh vegetation provides breeding grounds.

What to do

Kayak explorations: At Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground, visitors can explore coastal waters. "We camped in the Oceanside loop B. Right on the beach, but big dunes between sites and the ocean. Wild horses meandering through daily. Some sites are more private than others... Amazing stars, beach and bay," shares camper Danielle.

Fishing opportunities: Fishing is popular throughout the region in both salt and freshwater. "This is a popular fishing spot on the inlet," notes a visitor about Delaware Seashore State Park Campground, located about 30 minutes from Ocean Pines. Bass and bream fishing is available at some inland locations, with one visitor noting they "enjoyed fishing in the stocked lake, caught some bass and large brim" at Treasure Beach RV Park.

Biking trails: Multiple campgrounds offer biking opportunities. "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals," mentions one camper about Trap Pond State Park Campground. The Bob Trail was specifically recommended as a good biking option with ample shade.

What campers like

Wild horse encounters: The wild horses at Assateague are a major attraction. "The horses were magestic!!" exclaims Catherine S. about her stay at Assateague State Park Campground. However, campers must exercise caution around these animals. One camper warns, "Be prepared and you will have a great time, the horses are not shy and will be all up in your space if they like what they smell."

Waterfront camping: Direct waterfront access is highly valued. "Assateague State Park is a very well run campground with a prime location by a lovely wild beach," reports camper Melanie. Many sites allow for immediate beach or water access, with some campers noting they set up "hammocks on the edge of the water."

Proximity to attractions: The central location allows day trips to various destinations. "This campground is about 20 minutes to Ocean City boardwalk and about 25 minutes to Assateague Island, where the wild horses roam," explains a camper at Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway. Many campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby attractions.

What you should know

Insect intensity varies: Bug presence can be extreme, particularly in marshy areas. "It's beautiful here, horses are cool, beach is great, but the bugs stink! Bring some deet it's the only thing that works!" advises Kirsten J. about camping at Assateague. Several campers recommend fall camping to minimize bug encounters.

No privacy at some sites: Many oceanfront and bay campsites lack privacy. "There is zero privacy/separation between sites, but this is the price you pay for easy and close beach access," explains a visitor to Delaware Seashore State Park. Inland campgrounds typically offer more separation between sites.

Seasonal operating schedules: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. Some facilities at Bayside Assateague Campground run "mid april - mid oct," while others may extend into November. Weather conditions deteriorate quickly in late fall with increasing winds and falling temperatures.

Tips for camping with families

Entertainment options: Family-oriented campgrounds provide numerous activities. "This truly is a resort. Beach, Pool, Music, Bars, and many other ameneties all in one spot! Lots of activities for the kids as well," shares Lauren M. about Sun Outdoors Ocean City, formerly Castaways RV Resort.

Safety considerations: When camping with children near horses, extra vigilance is required. "We witnessed a neighbor's campsite being pulled apart by horses who had been attracted by food on a picnic table," reports a camper at Assateague State Park Campground. Most campgrounds recommend using provided food storage boxes.

Shade availability: Limited shade exists at beachfront sites. "Definitely bring a canopy as obviously there is no shade Oceanside," advises Tony P. Inland campgrounds like Trap Pond State Park offer more natural shade, with one camper noting "Loved the hiking trail (Bob Trail). It can also be used for biking. Our dogs loved the hike. Since it's just about all in the shade it wasn't bad for them."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra effort to level. "They are not level and have a sandy base so it took a bit of work to finally get the rig level, even with auto-levelers," notes a visitor to Trap Pond State Park about their site conditions.

Hookup availability: Electric sites are limited at some locations. "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required," says Jim G. about Trap Pond State Park. At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, "the sites were awesome. Clean shower houses all day long," according to Jason J.

Off-season advantages: RV camping during shoulder seasons provides a better experience. "Very nice and very quiet in the off season," notes Christina E. about Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway. Lower occupancy rates, cooler temperatures, and fewer insects make spring and fall optimal for RV camping near Ocean Pines.