Camping around the Newark, Maryland area offers a mix of state park and private RV parks with varying access to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Most campgrounds in this region operate at elevations below 500 feet, with mild winters making some locations suitable for year-round camping. The area features a combination of wooded sites and waterfront camping opportunities across Delaware, Maryland and eastern Pennsylvania.
What to do
Kayaking on Lums Pond: At Lums Pond State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities on the 200-acre pond. "There's a ton of boating (electric motors only) and kayaking on the pond and a decent amount of hiking," notes Ellen B.
Lighthouse exploration: Elk Neck State Park provides access to Turkey Point Lighthouse via a hiking trail. "The Turkey Point Lighthouse is nearby... definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," recommends David G.
Mini golf and recreation: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers various activities beyond just camping. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," shares Jen R.
Fishing opportunities: Bar Harbor RV Park provides direct water access for anglers. "Fishing piers, catch them and steam them in my camper (a MD thing :-) Only bait at the camp store or within 25 miles is night crawlers. Bring your own if you're a fishing person," advises Lisa T.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites at several parks. "Sites are big and all were redone in the last few years with concrete pads, 30 amp service and full sewer," mentions a reviewer about Lums Pond State Park.
Water views: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina offers premium waterfront locations. "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. Some of the trailer sites are a tough back in but worth the trouble," explains George L.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses. "The bath house had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," notes Phinon W. about Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
Entertainment options: Thousand Trails Circle M provides various recreational amenities. "We had an amazingly large site with a nice fire pit and picnic table. The site was very level so that was great! Nice indoor and outdoor pools!" shares Joe B.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Not all campgrounds operate year-round. "We stayed here at the end of summer, really loved it. Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn't but a few steps away," explains Janet P. about Bar Harbor RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain. "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," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about Elk Neck State Park.
Reservation timing: Sun Valley Campground and other popular parks fill quickly. "By far, the friendliest campground we have visited! Most of the sites are seasonal and we were placed amongst the seasonals," explains Becca U.
Tent camping considerations: Some sites present challenges for tent setup. "Most of the campsite options are fairly level, but are very rocky, so this is something to keep in mind if you are tent camping. We have heavy duty solid steel pegs and still had trouble pegging everything down," warns a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for children. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," shares Davie Q. about Circle M.
Water recreation options: Spring Gulch Resort Campground provides multiple swimming areas. "Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes. Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened... several holes needed maintenance," notes Beth B.
Pet accommodations: Most parks allow pets with varying restrictions. "Very well kept camp ground. The Prime Sites are very spacious. Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice," states Steve R. about Spring Gulch.
Weather preparedness: Summer camping requires bug protection in this region. "The sites available are primitive or have water and electric and bathhouses/restrooms are located in a few spots around the park. Fire rings are at each site, but appear to get moved a lot," advises Phinon W.
Tips from RVers
Location convenience: Village Scene Park provides access to Philadelphia. "Located 30 miles or so northwest from 'The City of Brotherly Love,' VSP is a hodge-podge of different living accommodations," explains Stuart K.
Off-season advantages: Some rv parks near Newark, Maryland remain open during winter months. "Finished the season at this state park in MD with full hook up (20, 30, and 50 amp, water and sewer) and the water was still on in November. Bathhouses were open with hot water," reports Laure D. about Elk Neck State Park.
Site selection strategy: When booking at popular parks, request specific site types. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig," advises Kasey M.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. "Showed up on Wednesday, and was assigned a spot in loop 700 up on a hill in the center of a ring of trailers, past a lot of full-timers. Cable does not work. No internet. 2 bars LTE on T-Mobile," notes Lori about Sun Valley Campground.
