Tent camping near Salisbury, Maryland concentrates in both coastal and forested areas within a 40-mile radius of the city. The region sits at elevations below 100 feet above sea level, with predominantly sandy soil that affects tent staking capabilities. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with temperatures ranging from 55-75°F.
What to do
Fossil hunting at beaches: Calvert Cliffs State Park, located about an hour from Salisbury, offers unique fossil collecting opportunities. A visitor noted, "Such an amazing experience and brings right into the eyes of child with both adult and children searching for shark teeth. Not only is searching for shark teeth a blast, but, the views are beautiful and walking thru the woods is very calming!"
Backcountry hiking: Pine Tree Backcountry Site on Assateague Island requires significant hiking commitment. One camper explained, "This is a ~6 mile hike-in campsite that is first-come first served by showing up at the ranger station when it opens day of."
Trail exploration: Several state forests offer marked trails, though navigation can be challenging for first-time visitors. At Redden State Forest, one camper mentioned, "There are trails to hike, but they weren't marked well enough for this first timer so I didn't explore much."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Redden State Forest Campground receives consistent praise for its isolation. A recent visitor commented, "Arrived after dark to find that I had the campground to myself. As noted in other reviews, turn right as you drive past the office/house and let yourself in through the closed (but unlocked) gate."
Waterfront views: Matoaka Beach Cottages provides tent camping with water views. One camper shared, "We tent camped at Matoka Cabins and it was a beautiful peaceful camping trip! Our spot was very private and you could see the bay and hear the waves."
Well-maintained sites: Tent sites throughout the region vary in ground surface. At Redden, a camper noted, "Since the last review, it appears they've added 11 sites on a branch if you bear left after the gate. These sites (8-18) are level, packed gravel pads with benches, fire pit, grill, and picnic table."
What you should know
Site surface challenges: The ground composition affects tent setup at several campgrounds. At Calvert Cliffs State Park, campers find soil suitable for staking, while at Redden State Forest, one visitor warned, "Another note about the gravel - can't get stakes in. Plus, it's a pine forest and I didn't want to get sap on my tent so I didn't tent adjacent to the pad amidst the pine needles."
Reservation systems vary: Many sites near Salisbury now require advance booking. Redden State Forest has changed its policies according to one camper: "This is no longer a first come, first served campground. Reservations must be made in advance at bookyoursite.com, only 3 days consecutive allowed."
Noise considerations: Despite remote settings, sound can be an issue. One camper at Redden State Forest reported, "Great campsite. Clean, feels safe, good open space, nice seating, pretty level, and wood on site. Only complaint is the train that's right next door and you can hear the traffic on the busy road not too far away."
Tips for camping with families
Safety in isolation: Solo and family campers report feeling secure at Woodlawn Campground and other sites. A visitor to Redden State Forest commented, "Loved my overnight camping trip! I camped alone and felt very safe. The campsites are small and close together."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At Calvert Cliffs, a regular visitor reported, "The park has a great play ground right off the main parking lot for kids to play on as well as a few bathrooms."
Hiking distances with children: Trail length varies significantly between campgrounds. For Calvert Cliffs, a camper advised, "It is a very nice walk about 2 miles to the beach where you can hunt for fossils. The beach has gotten smaller over the years however the trail has gotten much better."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Vienna Maryland Wooded Campsite and other locations limit vehicle size. At Redden State Forest, a camper warned, "Travel trailers, pull behinds, motorhomes are not allowed. Tents, cars, overlander SUVs, minivans and small Class B camper vans are allowed. Nothing over 25 ft allowed."
Turning radius challenges: Several forest campgrounds have limited space for maneuvering. A Redden State Forest visitor cautioned, "Be mindful if you have a big rig there is nowhere to turn around or hookups so plan accordingly when getting to your site."
Hookup limitations: Tent camping near Salisbury often means primitive conditions. At Redden State Forest, a camper explained, "There is no water, no electric, no bathroom. This is primitive camping/boondocking. This is a 'leave no trace, carry in/carry out' facility."