Located on Maryland's Eastern Shore, St. Michaels sits along the Miles River where boaters and camping enthusiasts find access to the Chesapeake Bay's tributaries. The region maintains a mild climate with summer temperatures averaging 87°F and winter lows around 28°F. Cell coverage varies significantly across campgrounds near St. Michaels, with stronger signals closer to towns and weaker reception in wooded areas.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing access: Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers paddlers direct water access with a canoe/kayak launch between sites 46 and 48. "The walk to Tuckahoe Creek from the parking area is very short, and the creek leads to Tuckahoe Lake (no gasoline motors) with more of the creek on the other side of the lake," notes one Tuckahoe State Park Campground visitor.
Wildlife viewing: Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary sits just 7 minutes from Bay Shore Campground, providing hiking trails with bird watching opportunities. "We spent one morning walking the various trails at the Eastern Neck Wildlife Sanctuary. Campground also close to the restaurants in Rock Hall for seafood," shares a Bay Shore Campground camper.
Outdoor recreation options: Beyond water activities, some campgrounds offer land-based recreation. "For kids, there's a simple swingset in the loop and a larger, newer playground. 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 (canoe/kayak rentals available)," explains a visitor to Martinak State Park Campground.
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate sites overlooking the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. "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," writes one visitor about Bay Shore Campground in Rock Hall.
Spacious, wooded sites: Campers value the privacy at some area parks. "Lots of shade and trees on large sites and space between sites make this a pleasant campground. Parking pads on the electric loop are asphalt," notes a reviewer at Tuckahoe State Park Campground, adding that their "sites are well maintained."
Clean facilities: Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina earns praise for its maintenance. "Bathroom was clean, pool was closed...not too many campers but it sure was a nice time. Would go back again for sure," writes one reviewer. Another mentions, "The daily waterfront sites are pricy but right on the water with great views. WiFi is good washrooms are modern and adequate."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region have limited operating seasons. "Martinak and Tuckahoe are sister parks, about 20 minutes apart...August 1, 2021, the boat ramp will close for a year; that will likely diminish the appeal of this park for those who want to get out on the river," explains one Martinak visitor.
Site selection considerations: Choose carefully when reserving. "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 width were an issue. The firepit was about 3-4 feet from our door," warns a Tuckahoe camper.
Limited services: Many campgrounds offer only basic amenities. "Sites have fire rings and picnic tables. There is a dump station available. Sites are level, in a loop around the bath house. There's a small $1 surcharge for out of state campers," explains a Martinak reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: "They have lots of easily walked trails. Bath houses are kept clean. They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us," shares a Camp Meade RV Park visitor who camped with three small children.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer structured activities for younger campers. "If you're looking to learn and explore with your kids, there is an extensive junior ranger program," notes a Martinak State Park visitor.
Swimming facilities: During summer months, some campgrounds provide swimming options. "Pool, playgrounds, game room, camp store, pavilions, everything!" mentions a Cherry Hill Park reviewer about their facilities.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds require careful maneuvering. "You need to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," advises an RV camper. Another notes, "Our site wasn't fully level, so bring plenty of leveling blocks."
Electric options: Power hookups vary by park. "The campground is wooded and only has electric hookups available. The sites are well spaced. Good dump station and potable water fill. Spigots throughout the campground," explains an RVer who stayed at Tuckahoe State Park.
Winter access: For year-round RV camping near St. Michaels, Maryland, options are limited. "We stayed 2 nights in November in the newer pull in sites. We had electric and water, there were several dump stations at the campground. They are still waiting for approval from the state for the septic," shares a Bay Shore Campground visitor.
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