Bay Shore Campground
Fred’s bay shore
One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
110 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Northeastern Maryland's camping landscape around Perryville features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds situated along the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Campgrounds near Perryville range from tent sites and cabins to RV hookups, with options for waterfront camping along the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. Elk Neck State Park Campground, located 15 miles east of Perryville in North East, Maryland, offers year-round camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins in a wooded setting. Susquehanna State Park Campground, just 8 miles northwest in Havre de Grace, provides more secluded sites with wider spacing between campers. The Perryville area offers exceptional camping opportunities with direct access to the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay, creating ideal conditions for waterfront camping, hiking, and paddling activities, with most campgrounds offering electric hookups and basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and centralized water sources.
Reservation requirements vary significantly across the area's campgrounds, with most state parks requiring advance booking, especially during summer weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. As one camper at Elk Neck State Park noted, "The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints." Weather considerations include humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F and occasional strong thunderstorms. Spring camping often encounters muddy conditions, particularly at lower elevation sites near water. Cell service is generally reliable at most established campgrounds, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas. Vehicle height restrictions exist at some parks, with Patapsco Valley State Park specifically warning, "Approach this park only from the west if your vehicle is over 11 feet high."
Campers consistently praise the region's water access and wooded settings. Many sites feature partial shade from mature hardwood forests, though some loops designated for larger RVs offer less tree cover. Bathhouse quality varies considerably between campgrounds, with state parks generally providing clean but basic facilities. A visitor to Lums Pond State Park, 25 miles northeast of Perryville in Delaware, reported, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites. Very level and spaced apart from neighbors if you pick the right spots." Wildlife sightings commonly include white-tailed deer, various bird species, and occasional foxes. Noise levels remain relatively low at most campgrounds despite proximity to I-95, though weekend crowds can significantly impact the camping experience during peak summer months.
"I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. ""Surrounding area
There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."
from $21 - $55 / night
Check Availability"The campsites are separated more widely than many other parks in Maryland (Cunningham Falls, Ft. Frederick, Pt. Lookout), and are quite secluded in comparison."
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
from $21 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Near an Ape Adventure park, hike around lake, and any shopping or restaurants you might want are close by. It rained heavy so we didn’t get out much but walk around camp loop is nice and flat."
"The camp loop is a nice walk but there are also trails. They were pretty muddy when we were there. Site 35 was quite spacious as were many of them."
from $29 - $51 / night
Check Availability"Had our kayaks with us and the water wasn’t but a few steps away. Some sites you are right on the waters edge."
"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."
from $75 - $115 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground."
"Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance."
"Tried to check this one out as I live nearby but it’s for group rentals only. It does provide amenities such as a pool and is close to hiking."
from $76 / night
"Has outhouse, fire pit, running water on side of house near outhouse. An is a wonderful person. Good reception with T-Mobile!"
from $10 - $16 / night
Check Availability"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."











One of our favorite places. Very well kept. No bathhouse so bring your own. A lot of shady sites. Great views of Chesapeake bay. Flat roads in the area for cycling.
A beautiful, well maintained park with lots to do, great bathroom facilities and extremely nice people. The electric sites aren't all together, so you don't have RV's lined up but maybe annoying for folks who are tent camping. Avoid the locations in the mid-30's by the dumpster, both staff and campers start shaking the lid around 6:30. Between 5 AM and noon staff were driving big trucks and ATV's around with loud reverse horns, and slamming the fire pit grills, which they store sideways. Overall I had a really wonderful time, but that's largely down to good sound reduction inside the van. Almost zero cell service. I was able to get a couple of text messages in and out, but seemed to be a fluke.
This campsite was amazing for our first tent camping experience. The park was a godsend for keeping our toddler occupied and we felt very safe overall. While the beach is pretty, be careful about the water condition. We were warned before entering and informed of the risks. They were very clear on the condition of the water that day which was a yellow, slight risk. But normally it should be okay. We would definitely camp here again.
BASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
We stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
Nice campground, maintained very well and clean. Laundry room and Propane fill on site so that was nice. RV Site was fairly level and easy to get into. Some sites are a bit close together and not long enough to keep your tow vehicle hooked up. A bit inconvenient if you’re only there for 1 night.
Great campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
We spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
I love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
Camping spots near Perryville, Maryland cluster along the northwestern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, featuring thick deciduous forest cover and rolling terrain between 50-350 feet in elevation. The area's campgrounds experience heavy weekend bookings during peak season, with limited walk-up availability from late spring through early fall. Weather patterns include frequent morning fog near water sites, requiring campers to pack moisture-resistant gear even during dry forecast periods.
Paddling at Lums Pond: The 144-acre pond at Lums Pond State Park Campground offers flat-water kayaking and canoeing with rentals available at the boat dock store. "There's a ton of activities at Lums Pond, including a lake with rentals, several playgrounds, hiking nearby, disc golf, and lots of activity," notes camper Nate & Erika L.
Hiking to Turkey Point Lighthouse: The lighthouse trail at Elk Neck State Park Campground provides panoramic Chesapeake Bay views. "Definitely drive to, and then hike to the lighthouse (open most weekends) the lighthouse and the view are definitely worth it," advises David G. The trail requires a five-minute drive from the campground to reach the trailhead.
Fishing from your campsite: Waterfront sites at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina allow fishing directly from your camp chair. "Beautiful water front sites and good location right off 95. Cute little dock, fishing from your campsite if waterfront and an area to put in small boats or kayaks," notes Casey L. Bait options at the camp store are limited to night crawlers.
Secluded tent sites: Susquehanna State Park Campground offers walk-up tent sites set back from the main camping area. "There are several, very private, 'walk-up' type sites for tents," mentions Jen V., who also noted the "immaculate" bathhouse that was "by far the cleanest I have ever seen in a campground."
Full hookup convenience: Recently renovated sites at Lums Pond State Park provide well-designed infrastructure. "The sites are large and well spaced. Many are in full sun. The bathroom facilities and laundry are clean and modern. There are separate, individual shower rooms," reports Adam and Suzanne B.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and dusk offer prime wildlife spotting at Muddy Run Rec Park. "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park," shares Jenn D. Most campers report sightings within walking distance of their sites.
Water hookup challenges: Bring extra-long hoses at several campgrounds in the region. "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away," warns Chris G. about Muddy Run Rec Park.
Cellular connectivity gaps: Some campgrounds intentionally lack cell service. "No cell signal in the campground so the family is forced to disconnect," mentions Megan S. about Elk Neck State Park, describing it as a positive feature for family bonding.
Seasonal closures and renovations: Facilities undergo maintenance during shoulder seasons. "Sadly most of the park, including the beach, was closed for major renovation while we were there and it was 99 degrees out. Very buggy," reports Adam and Suzanne B. about their summer visit to Elk Neck State Park.
Kid-friendly activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville offers scheduled entertainment for children. "We did a birthday package where they brought a cake to the camp with Booboo for my daughter. They have the pools and playgrounds and fishing," shares Mya M., though she cautions that golf cart rentals are "dam dam expensive."
Playground access: When booking at Susquehanna State Park, consider proximity to play areas. "Our site was very shaded, and probably the most secluded feel of anywhere we've camped," notes Jen V., who also mentioned that "there is a little fishing pond there, which my husband and daughter enjoyed."
Beach closures: Water access points may close without notice. "The campground is very family friendly. We saw so many children running around having a great time! We enjoyed hiking the Beaver Marsh Trail," shares Jalissa Y. about Elk Neck State Park, mentioning that from some campsites "you had to drive to a trail head but there were a few sights that had direct access."
Site selection for larger rigs: Pay close attention to site specifications when booking. "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. Long rigs will have issues in a few of the sites," advises David G. about Elk Neck State Park.
Seasonal hookup issues: Winter camping requires special preparation. "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," reports Laure D. about Elk Neck State Park, which is unusual as many area campgrounds winterize water systems earlier.
Navigation challenges: Access routes to campgrounds often pass through residential areas with tight turns. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," warns Craig Z., highlighting a concern for larger vehicles traveling to waterfront campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Perryville camping areas?
Camping areas near Perryville typically offer a variety of amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area provides clean, well-maintained bathrooms, hiking trails, and is surrounded by forest. For those seeking more developed facilities, Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers diverse camping options including RV sites, tent camping, and youth group areas, plus kayaking opportunities on the lake. Many local campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water sources. RV campers will find several parks with electric hookups, dump stations, and in some cases, full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Where are the best campgrounds near Perryville, MD?
Perryville's surrounding area offers excellent camping options. Elk Neck State Park Campground is a premier destination just minutes from Perryville, featuring waterfront sites along the Chesapeake Bay with hiking trails and beach access. For those seeking riverside camping, Susquehanna State Park Campground provides scenic spots along the Susquehanna River with excellent fishing opportunities. Other notable options include Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina for those with boats, and Woodlands Camping Resort near Elkton, which offers family-friendly amenities and spacious sites.
What camping is available near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Perryville, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 110 campgrounds and RV parks near Perryville, MD and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Perryville, MD is Elk Neck State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 62 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Perryville, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Perryville, MD.
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