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Campgrounds near Salisbury, Maryland range from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks with hookups and waterfront views, with most options within an hour's drive on the Eastern Shore. Pocomoke River State Park, with its Shad Landing and Milburn Landing campgrounds, provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins along the scenic Pocomoke River. Assateague State Park and Assateague Island National Seashore, approximately 30 miles east of Salisbury, offer beachfront camping with opportunities to see wild horses. Several private resorts like Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway and Sun Outdoors Frontier Town provide more amenity-rich options for those seeking developed camping experiences.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in the Salisbury region, with most campgrounds operating at full capacity from April through October. "In 40 years of camping, this is the best campground," noted one visitor about Shad Landing, highlighting its proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island. Summer months bring higher temperatures, humidity, and increased insect activity, particularly in wooded and marshy areas like Pocomoke River State Park. Many campgrounds require reservations well in advance during peak season, especially for electric sites and waterfront locations. Winter camping options are limited, though some campgrounds like Trap Pond State Park in nearby Delaware and certain loops at Pocomoke River State Park remain open year-round.
Campers consistently praise the region's water-based recreation opportunities, with kayaking, fishing, and beach access frequently mentioned in reviews. The proximity to both sheltered waterways and ocean beaches creates diverse experiences within short driving distances. Several visitors highlighted the value of staying at inland campgrounds as affordable alternatives to oceanfront accommodations while still maintaining easy access to beaches. When searching for campgrounds near Salisbury, visitors can find options ranging from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV parks with waterfront views and modern amenities. Insect pressure represents a common challenge, particularly during warmer months in wooded areas. As one camper noted about Pocomoke River State Park, "Definitely some insect pressure at the site. We had a screen which kept us protected, but when outside of the screen to do dishes or anything else, the mosquitoes were around." Most campgrounds offer a mix of wooded and open sites, with varying levels of privacy depending on the specific loop and campground design.
"The distance between sites across the loop isn’t huge or blocked by any foliage but didn’t seem to be an issue for our friends who stayed in D24."
"It was also right near the showers, which were clean & warm, just what was needed. Tent sites are more secluded and are walk-in; our buddies tent camped the same weekend."
from $24 - $66 / night
Check Availability"The best campground I've ever found in Maryland. Close proximity to both Ocean City and Assateague Island."
"It’s just 45 minutes away from the beach at Assateague Island and an hour or so to Ocean City or Chincoteague."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"There is an outdoor shower and sink as well as several paths to the beach. The beach is beautiful and clean."
from $28 - $39 / night
Check Availability"It’s a close distance to Salisbury (20 mins), ocean city (20 mins) and assateague (20 mins). Also close to Delaware for someone looking to explore there."
"It is close to Ocean City, Maryland, as well as Berlin and Assateague national park where you can watch the ponies roam."
"I thought our site was tucked more in the forest based on the maps, but it was pretty close to the other sites. Good birdwatching from the site! Definitely some insect pressure at the site."
"Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel"
from $19 - $71 / night
Check Availability"Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."
"Assateague National Seashore on the Maryland side offers an incredible experience. Along with soft sand, balmy breezes and coastal views, wild horses wander the park at will."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."
"If you don’t mind wild horses joining you for dinner and trekking around your campsite at night, then this is your place!! The beach is absolutely gorgeous and so is the scenery."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
"Shuttle to Ocean City, MD was convenient and general store was close by and stocked well!"
"The two areas are right across the river from each other, but it’s about a 20-minute drive, since you have to drive up and around the river.** **The site was very large, level, and heavily shaded by loblolly"
"The bath house was centrally located. Ranger said the flies can be really bad in the summer but early and late season are great."
from $19 - $25 / night
Check Availability
ScoutSpacious sites among tall mature trees. No undergrowth to provide privacy between sites. I reserved a site online this morning, but site said "available" when I arrived, so don't count on reservation being updated same-day. Sign at Park entrance says no alcohol allowed without permit. Pets allowed.
ScoutGreat place. Close to beach. No septic hookup
ScoutLove it every year . We g for mother's Day. And the schedule for the events they do during even just the weekend make for fun filled hassle free weekend
TravelerI am writing this review because I genuinely want to warn other families before they book this campground. What should have been a relaxing camping trip turned into an extremely upsetting experience for our family. From the beginning, we felt singled out and unwelcome. We arrived at our campsite and then went to the office. We did not know that the campground required every guest to go to the office before going to their site. This was an honest misunderstanding. Instead of simply explaining the rule and moving on, the situation became unnecessarily confrontational, and we felt like the staff was looking for reasons to have an issue with us. What was especially upsetting was how our children were treated. Our children were riding scooters and were stopped and told that scooters were not allowed. We were extremely confused because we could clearly see much younger children riding/driving around the campground. Our 14-year-old was not allowed to do so, while we observed significantly younger white children being allowed to ride. What made this even worse was the way our children were spoken to. They came running back to us scared and intimidated by the interaction. As parents, that was extremely upsetting to see. There is a huge difference between calmly explaining a campground rule to a child and speaking to a child in a way that makes them feel frightened. If there is a rule that scooters are not allowed, then the rule should be applied consistently to every child, regardless of age or background. What we witnessed did not feel consistent. As the experience continued, we felt increasingly targeted. We were left with the strong impression that they did not want our family there. At one point, it honestly felt like they were trying to find reasons to get rid of us, which made us question whether the campground had overbooked and was looking for a way to push us out. We also had a very concerning experience regarding payment. We were forced to pay in cash and were not provided with a receipt. As paying guests, we found this extremely troubling and unprofessional. The entire experience left our family feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, and unwelcome. Camping with children should be about relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and making good memories—not having your children come running back to you because they are scared of how an adult spoke to them. I cannot speak to anyone else's intentions, but**based on what we personally experienced and witnessed, we felt that our family was being treated differently because of our background. Seeing younger white children being allowed to do something that our children were stopped from doing made the situation even more concerning.I strongly recommend that families think twice before booking this campground. If you do decide to stay, make sure you understand every rule before arriving, document your interactions, and keep proof of every payment. We are sharing this review because other families deserve to know what our experience was like before spending their money and vacation time here. No family should leave a campground feeling intimidated, targeted, or unwelcome.
TravelerI am writing this review because I genuinely want to warn other families before they book this campground. What should have been a relaxing camping trip turned into an extremely upsetting experience for our family. From the beginning, we felt singled out and unwelcome. We arrived at our campsite and then went to the office. We did not know that the campground required every guest to go to the office before going to their site. This was an honest misunderstanding. Instead of simply explaining the rule and moving on, the situation became unnecessarily confrontational, and we felt like the staff was looking for reasons to have an issue with us. What was especially upsetting was how our children were treated. Our children were riding scooters and were stopped and told that scooters were not allowed. We were extremely confused because we could clearly see much younger children riding/driving around the campground. Our 14-year-old was not allowed to do so, while we observed significantly younger white children being allowed to ride. What made this even worse was**the way our children were spoken to. They came running back to us scared and intimidated by the interaction. As parents, that was extremely upsetting to see. There is a huge difference between calmly explaining a campground rule to a child and speaking to a child in a way that makes them feel frightened. If there is a rule that scooters are not allowed, then the rule should be applied**consistently to every child**, regardless of age or background. What we witnessed did not feel consistent. As the experience continued, we felt increasingly targeted. We were left with the strong impression that they did not want our family there. At one point, it honestly felt like they were trying to find reasons to get rid of us, which made us question whether the campground had overbooked and was looking for a way to push us out. We also had a very concerning experience regarding payment. We were forced to pay in cash and were not provided with a receipt. As paying guests, we found this extremely troubling and unprofessional. The entire experience left our family feeling uncomfortable, intimidated, and unwelcome. Camping with children should be about relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and making good memories—not having your children come running back to you because they are scared of how an adult spoke to them. I cannot speak to anyone else's intentions, but**based on what we personally experienced and witnessed, we felt that our family was being treated differently because of our background.** Seeing younger white children being allowed to do something that our children were stopped from doing made the situation even more concerning.**I strongly recommend that families think twice before booking this campground.** If you do decide to stay, make sure you understand every rule before arriving, document your interactions, and keep proof of every payment. We are sharing this review because other families deserve to know what our experience was like before spending their money and vacation time here. No family should leave a campground feeling intimidated, targeted, or unwelcome.
TravelerThey have a meadery and fishing pond and everything my kids love. Been here several times great place for kids and everyone else
ScoutManager is very friendly and helpful. Lovely, peaceful place to spend a few nights. Plus it's reasonably priced and convenient to dining and shopping.
GuideEnjoyed the stay here June 19-21, 2026, in the tents-only section at a campground just 10 minutes from home. I've lived near this campground for 45 of my 66 years but never camped there.
The cramped campsites always turned me off but my wife and I decided to try it as a test run when we bought all new camping gear after not camping for 15 years(well, except for the 40-year-old Coleman stove that still works).
The campsites are tight and strictly BYOS(Bring Your Own Shade). The weather cooperated with temps in the low 80s and cool westerly winds. Because this campground sits adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean, Indian River Inlet and Indian River Bay, it fills up on weekends for camping, beach-going, fishing, kayaking and other water activities. I'd suggest going weekdays if you can.
Even with all the people, though, it was mostly quiet. The traffic from the Indian River Inlet bridge didn't bother me much but it did keep my wife up the first night. The bridge lights up at night and looks most spectacular at sunrise.
We ate dinner at camp the first night and then went to the inlet walkway to watch the sun set. The sunsets over the Indian River Bay, serenaded by the U.S. Coast Guard station's bugle calls with the lowering of the colors at its station at the north side campground, are a must. We also got to see a green heron foraging on the rockpiles and a dolphin swimming through the inlet. Fishermen lined the walkway to add to the atmosphere.
The next morning we drove over to the north side of the inlet to the Burton's Island trail-- another first for me. The trail was probably a mile or so and took about an hour, though it looked like we could have gone further into the brush had we not been wearing shorts and t-shirts. We came across a horseshoe crab traveling along a dirt path and a turtle trying to hide itself under downed tree branches. Blue water surrounded us in the marshes.
An excellent dinner at Matt's Fish House capped off our anniversary and we returned to the campground to watch the sunset again.
The bathrooms were well-placed. They were mostly clean but the five-second" Navy shower" intervals in the showers were annoying. There's no water or electric at the tent sites but a high-powered community water tap works for cleaning dishes.
The ban on open fires at the campground did disappoint. There is a community fire pit but no one used it our two nights there.
Oh, I can't forget the Diamondback turtles. Be careful driving so you don't hit them as they wander through the campground. We saw several lay eggs on the sand volleyball court and one scurried through our campsite and under our picnic table on its way to points unknown. The picnic table at each site is heavy but movable.
The people were friendly even in such crowded conditions. Lots of kids on bikes, skateboards and scooters and at the playground. Basically, you don't come here as much for the camping as you do for the water sports and activities.
As a tent camper, I'd opt for the tent-only loops versus the Standard sites that accommodate tents and small RVs and popups. Our tent-only loops looked less congested than the Standard sites.
I'd give this campground 4.5 stars. It would be an easy 5 if not for the crowded conditions.
ScoutWe have stayed here twice and have our 3rd trip booked and we absolutely love it! The lazy river and kiddy water slide park is amazing and our kids love it!
Within an hour's drive of Salisbury, Maryland sits the unique Pocomoke Forest ecosystem, where bald cypress trees create distinctive swamp habitats alongside sandy coastal environments. Seasonal water levels fluctuate throughout the year, with lower water in fall making certain water trails more challenging to navigate. Camping options range from primitive sites to fully-equipped cabins with convenient access to both forest and beach environments.
Kayaking on multiple waterways: The Pocomoke River offers paddling routes for all experience levels. At Trap Pond State Park, "We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day and rowed back to our site which the kids loved. They got to spend the day learning to paddle on the pond," notes Lucia B. The park provides rentals for those without equipment.
Free bike rentals: Several parks offer complimentary bicycle use for exploring trails. At Trap Pond, "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted), there are several hiking/biking/horse trails, disc golf, and canoe/kayak/peddle boat rentals," explains Lee D. These bikes allow visitors to explore the full 4.5-mile loop around the pond.
Wild horse viewing: Observe wild horses in their natural habitat at Assateague Island National Seashore. "We visited in the fall, and the weather happened to be perfect, with no bugs. Based on other campers' experiences, as well as having grown up on the Eastern Shore, I would honestly avoid the summertime due to the extreme heat and bugs," advises Jen V. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best viewing opportunities.
Walk-in campsites: Some camping areas provide secluded walk-in options. At Assateague, Anthony S. shares: "I decided to camp on the Oceanside walk-in which means that we had to walk from the parking lot about 200 ft to our camping area." These sites often offer more privacy than drive-up locations.
Heated pools and water amenities: Family-friendly campgrounds feature water recreation options even in shoulder seasons. At Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway, Shannon D. explains: "There are pedal boats and canoes that you can take out on the lake, which you can also fish in. There is a nice pool and a very nice mini golf course that we played almost every night because it was a fun thing to do after dark and before bed."
Waterfront camping sites: Many campers value direct water access. At Shad Landing Campground, Cindy S. describes: "We have kayaked north to Snow Hill, Md, south to Milburn Landing, west up Nassawango Creek, and Corkers Creek at the campsite. We have also kayaked out of Byrd Park, in Snow Hill. All these kayak trails are wonderful!"
Insect conditions vary dramatically: Mosquitoes and biting flies are most problematic during summer months, especially in wooded areas. At Delaware Seashore State Park, Gayle B. advises: "It's right next to a bridge—which is beautiful at night—but we didn't hear the traffic as much as I expected. Tent sites were closer to the bridge, though, so I'm not sure how noisy they were."
Site privacy varies by loop: Campground layouts differ significantly between loops. At Pocomoke River State Park, Jan K. notes: "Loop G - Acorn trail is for campers with pets. The camp sites are in the outer loop of the circular road with lots of space between each site. Lots of shade. There are several paths (like spokes on a wheel) that lead to the bathrooms which are in the middle of the loop."
Reservation timing matters: During peak summer months, many campgrounds fill completely. "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," explains Jim G. about Trap Pond State Park.
Free activities availability: Look for campgrounds offering complimentary recreation options. At Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, one camper shares: "You can enjoy free mini golf, free pool and waterside, free canoeing, and free billiards. It is about 20 min to ocean city but they have a free bus to take you to ocean."
Kid-friendly programming: Many parks offer structured activities. Shannon D. describes: "The daytime activities for kids were fun as well and my son even 'set the alarm' so he wouldn't miss out on tie dyeing a t-shirt. They also have a variety of sporting goods to borrow at the store, horseshoes, basketballs, and whiffle ball sets to name a few."
Bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, consider bathroom location. At Shad Landing, Jennifer O. mentions: "I definitely had the best site on the block! Caddy corner from the bath house, but not so close to be disturbing, & it was very clean w/ nice hot water showers & spacious adjacent changing area with bench & lots of hooks to hang towel, clothes, etc."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require leveling equipment. About Trap Pond, Jim G. notes: "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."
Power options vary: Check amperage availability when booking. Jason B. advises about Shad Landing: "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." Most sites throughout the region offer 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Size restrictions: Many wooded campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. Jason B. cautions: "RV sites are very tight. Anything over 35' in my opinion will be hard to get into sites." Always check specific loop recommendations for your RV length before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Salisbury campgrounds for tent campers?
Tent campers near Salisbury will find excellent amenities at several nearby campgrounds. Tuckahoe State Park Campground offers dedicated tent sites with creek access, hiking trails, and kayaking opportunities on the lake. The park features clean bathhouses, fire rings, and picnic tables. Shad Landing Campground provides tent campers with both electric and non-electric loops, modern bathhouses, a camp store for supplies, and recreational amenities including a swimming pool. Most campgrounds in the area offer standard amenities like potable water, restrooms with hot showers, and picnic tables. Many also feature hiking trails, water activities, and nature programs. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months when these facilities fill quickly.
What are the best campgrounds near Salisbury, MD?
Salisbury offers excellent access to several top-rated campgrounds within a short drive. Pocomoke River State Park Campground is a local favorite with two distinct areas - Shad Landing and Milburn Landing - offering electric and non-electric sites, a marina, swimming pool, and beautiful river views. Just 35 minutes away, Janes Island State Park Campground provides well-maintained facilities and excellent kayaking opportunities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Tuckahoe State Park offers diverse camping options for tents, RVs, and youth groups with lakeside recreation. The area also provides easy access to popular beach destinations like Ocean City and Assateague Island, making Salisbury an ideal base for exploring Maryland's Eastern Shore.
How far is Assateague Island from Salisbury, MD for camping trips?
Assateague Island is approximately 30 miles (48 km) from Salisbury, MD, making it an easy day trip or weekend camping destination. The drive typically takes about 45 minutes via US-50 E. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground offers a stunning beach camping experience with wild horses, clean stretches of sand, and proximity to amenities. Assateague State Park Campground provides another option on the island with more developed facilities. Both campgrounds are extremely popular, especially during summer months, so advance reservations are strongly recommended. The relatively short distance from Salisbury makes it possible to set up camp and still have plenty of time to enjoy the beach, wildlife viewing, and other island activities on the same day.
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