Cabins near Pocomoke City, Maryland provide access to unique Chesapeake Bay ecosystems with bald cypress swamps that create distinctive camping experiences. The region sits at only 15 feet above sea level, with the Pocomoke River creating a blackwater system characterized by water stained dark from tannic acid released by decaying vegetation. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer more comfortable camping conditions.
What to do
Kayaking through cypress swamps: Trap Pond State Park offers kayak and canoe rentals to explore the northern-most natural stand of bald cypress trees in the United States. "You can rent kayaks and bikes from this resort. There are 3 day passes and after 3pm packages," explains a camper at Jellystone Park™ Chincoteague Island.
Wildlife viewing at Assateague Island: Drive 45 minutes to see wild ponies and coastal wildlife. "This park is within an hour's drive (or less) to Ocean City, Historic Berlin, Chincoteague, Assateague, Wallops Island, and many other popular destinations," notes a visitor to Pocomoke River State Park Campground.
Boat to remote beaches: Janes Island offers water trails to secluded beaches. "There's a beach that's an easy 1-mile paddle away with lots of room to spread out and have a private space to yourself. Allow yourself some time to explore since it is easy to accidentally head down dead-end channels," reports a kayaker at Janes Island State Park.
Biking through forested trails: The 12-mile Algonquin Cross County Trail connects through Pocomoke State Forest. "There is a nice dock and boat launch area. We enjoyed walked by the water, hiking the 3.5 mile loop, and the proximity to Assateague Island," says a visitor to Milburn Landing Campground.
What campers like
Modern bathhouse facilities: Many campers mention the recently renovated facilities. "Truly the best bathhouse we've ever seen at a campground! Not only clean - but modern and new. The bathhouse area also has a great dishwashing station with garbage disposal!" remarks a visitor to Milburn Landing Campground.
Riverside cabin locations: Waterfront cabins provide scenic views and easy water access. "We stayed in cabin 33 - which faces the river. It was clean, comfortable, and quiet. Cabins have eclectic, heat, beds, and some have AC," notes another Milburn Landing camper.
Free bike rentals: "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals (in season)," explains a visitor to Trap Pond State Park Campground.
Quiet camping atmosphere: The smaller campgrounds offer peaceful environments. "This is part of Pocomoke River State Park in MD. It is small with about 30 sites and 3 cabins. The cabins have AC and face the river as do 3 RV electric hookup sites. It was very quiet and clean," reports a Milburn Landing visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Biting insects can be intense during summer months. "I read a lot about bugs here and we didn't find them very bad. At sunset near the water, the biting flies could be annoying but they didn't seem to affect the sites which are wooded. I suspect as summer progresses, they get worse," notes a camper at Janes Island State Park Campground.
Limited access to supplies: Stores and facilities have seasonal hours. "They sale firewood at the cabin store but the store is only opened Thursday-Sunday," mentions a Janes Island visitor.
Site drainage challenges: Some campgrounds have drainage issues during rain. "It had rained just before getting there. A few sites were flooded but most were okay. We stayed on Acorn loop. The bath house was nice and staff were awesome," shares a camper at Shad Landing Campground.
Water quality considerations: The region's cypress swamps have distinctive water. "I'm assuming they had well water, as i could feel the slight 'sliminess' of a water softener," notes a Janes Island camper.
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: "This campground is super fun for the kids. They have old time plays, skits, and activities. The ability to rent golf carts is a super cool bonus especially to get the surroundings. There is a camp store, a saloon, an ice cream shoppe, an AWESOME waterpark, and the theme park," explains a visitor to Sun Outdoors Frontier Town.
Educational activities: Nature centers offer programming for children. "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area (plus a game I'd never heard of– Gaga ball)," shares a Trap Pond State Park visitor.
Cabin camping options: Rental cabins provide comfort for families. "I stayed in a group of 5 people to camp and hike in Pocomoke River State Park. The twin bunk beds were extremely comfortable and felt rather large with two of us sleeping in them. The cabin stayed warm and exceeded expectations," notes a Pocomoke River State Park visitor.
Playground access: Multiple areas have play facilities. "There is a nice dock and boat launch. There's a boat ramp for access along the river, and also canoe rentals. Nearby pavilion and tire playground were very clean and well-maintained, with a beautiful view of the Pocomoke River," mentions a Milburn Landing visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: "The roads around campground are narrow with large trees lining the road. A big rig would have difficulty parking if not on a specific site. Most sites are gravel pad with electric. Would strongly suggest only tents, pop ups and travel trailers under 30'," advises an RVer at Milburn Landing.
Hookup availability: "Sites over here are more private than the Milburn area (across the river, about a 25 min drive), but I understand they are renovating several bathhouses this summer, so read the website alerts and choose your loop carefully!" shares a visitor at Shad Landing Campground.
RV site spacing: "30 amp service available on Acorn Trail and Deer Run. No water or sewer hookups but there is a dump station at park entrance with a water fillup spot. RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites," explains a Shad Landing visitor.
Back-in site challenges: "Sites are fairly spacious and have an interesting semi-circle pull through layout so backing in not required. 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 Trap Pond State Park visitor.
