Berlin, Maryland serves as a gateway to several notable campgrounds along Maryland's eastern shore, with mixed-use facilities concentrated around Assateague Island and the coastal region. The area encompasses developed campgrounds like Assateague State Park Campground and Sun Outdoors Frontier Town, offering a full spectrum of camping options from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Camping facilities extend from the Atlantic shoreline to inland areas near the Pocomoke River, providing diverse ecosystems and recreational environments. Many sites feature beach access or waterfront locations, making them popular destinations during summer months.
Seasonal patterns heavily influence camping conditions, with most campgrounds operating at full capacity between April and October. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground typically operates from May through early October, while some facilities like Pocomoke River State Park's Shad Landing remain open year-round. Reservations become essential during peak season, particularly for waterfront or electric sites. The coastal location brings humid conditions in summer months with potential for strong winds and occasional coastal storms. During off-season periods, campers experience more moderate temperatures and significantly fewer crowds. A camper noted, "Fall camping is great. If you can make it during their Halloween season, it's awesome. It usually lasts every weekend through October with lots of activities for the kids."
The campgrounds surrounding Berlin cater to various camping styles, with particularly strong amenities for families and RV travelers. Sun Outdoors Frontier Town receives consistently high ratings for its family-friendly atmosphere and extensive amenities including water parks, mini-golf, and organized activities. Berlin's popular campgrounds offer convenient access to both Ocean City attractions and the famous wild ponies of Assateague Island. These Berlin area campsites are strategically located to provide the perfect balance between natural coastal environments and nearby town conveniences. Several visitors mentioned the convenient proximity to both Ocean City attractions and Assateague Island's wild ponies as key highlights. Most developed campgrounds in the region provide full hookup sites, shower facilities, and camp stores. According to one visitor, "It's a great family campground, and good for the value. We've been coming here since 1983, brought my kids here and now they bring theirs. It's easy to get to and close to the OC Boardwalk." The combination of natural beach settings and recreational amenities makes the Berlin area particularly appealing for mixed-use camping experiences.
$28 - $39 / night
"and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."
"perfection in my opinion... and that is without even having to use the facilities… We passed through this campground for the first time on an open visit day in September and fell in love with the surroundings"
$40 / night
"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."
"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!"
$65 - $350 / night
"We spent a week through Labor Day at Sun Outdoors Ocean City (formerly Castaways) in Berlin, MD, as our final trip of the 2023 season. This was our second visit— and we had a great time! "
"Not too many planned activities but free shuttle to nearby Berlin & Ocean City.Short drive to all Ocean City has to offer. Clean bath houses and golf cart rental was an added bonus!"
$40 - $80 / night
"Oceanside walk in requires a good amount of work. You’re carrying your gear in to your site, setting up in howling wind (potentially), no water at site. Cold showers. Pit toilets. But man oh man."
"We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."
$22 - $56 / night
"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."
"It is close to Ocean City, Maryland, as well as Berlin and Assateague national park where you can watch the ponies roam."
"We stayed at this campground to be close to Ocean City for Ocean Calling music festival in September 2024...It is a great family rv Park...Lots of amenities...clean...close to OC or Historic Berlin...After"
$42 - $425 / night
"The location (in between Dewey/Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach/Ocean City, Maryland) is PERFECT. You have close access to miles and miles of touristy beaches and uninhabited beaches."
"We stayed in a full hook up site, and we found the campground to be clean, well maintained and so close to the beach."
$23 - $29 / night
"It’s just 45 minutes away from the beach at Assateague Island and an hour or so to Ocean City or Chincoteague."
"Open from April to September (except Waters Edge and Robins Nest loops which are open year round) the tent sites here can be a little close together. Particularly the sites at Waters Edge."
$50 - $80 / night
"Very close to Ocean City beaches. Lots of restaurants and supermarkets near by. Had an excellent stay."
"Close to Ocean City if that is your thing. Great kayaking trail,deep freshwater lake. Great fishing. Nice pool and pavilion areas. Nice camp store. Miss Judy is the best. Perfect to relax"
TravelerWasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!
TravelerRight off the beach wild horses, deer, turkeys, and birds. Woke up and walked right out on the beach for some early morning beach combing, was a bit windy
TravelerNice campground. Way bike trails to the nearby fort and museum, site E11 was right on top of site E9 so you get to know your neighbors other sites were less crowded
LegendIf you want to be close to the water, this is a great place to camp. There are lots of amenities and various ways to “camp” at this resort. In addition to full hook-up RV sites, there are cottages and glamping tents. Some cottages have a cool rooftop deck with furniture which would be a great place to watch the sunset.Â
This campground is in a nice location for exploring the area, but a bit pricey. It might be worth it if you use the amenities, but we did as we spent more time offsite. Since this campground is new, some sites look pretty rustic and it would be nice if there was more grass. Overall, we found the sites to be pretty close together. If you want to pay more, you can get a waterfront site or one with a paved patio and table and chairs, otherwise, you get a picnic table on a gravel pad. All utilities worked well and we were glad we had 50 amp since there was an unseasonable hot spell. The park is big-rig friendly and getting in and out was easy and not low hanging branches to avoid.Â
Some of the amenities include a food truck(not open when we were there), playground, pickleball courts, camp store, and more. There is a nice pool with a large deck but since we were early in the season it was not open. Along the water is a nice boardwalk and there is a long pier for fishing or to tie up your boat. (We took advantage of the free fishing. Saltwater anglers in VA can fish for free if you register for the Fisherman Identification Program, no license required.) If you have a large group gathering there is a large pavilion with charcoal grills and picnic tables open to campers for free.Â
The reason we came to the area was to visit Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and see the wild ponies. The refuge is fifteen minutes away and definitely worth it. Stop in at the visitor center to browse the exhibits before setting out to see the ponies. There is a nice viewing deck off the Woodland Trail that is a great place to see the ponies. Also stop at the Assateague Lighthouse to see the iconic red and white striped lighthouse. One more stop to make is at the Island Creamery (voted one of the 50 best places to eat in Virginia).
RangerThis is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼‍♀️
ScoutWe allways have a blast everybody is so nice and lots to do
TravelerWe had a nice visit. Sun is in the process of fixing the place up. The swim up bar was being restored. My only negative was the site two places up played there stereo live music loud. BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM. They did get called out for it by management.
GuideFrom well spaced sites to helpful staff, Trap Pond is Delaware state parks crown jewel. The pond itself is beautiful, camp sites are well maintained and spaced apart nicely.
TravelerTrap Pond SP is a lovely park that has everything you need. Electric/water hookups, docks on the pond at each loop, clean bathhouses, and the "day" side of the park on the other side of the pond! A few miles of walking trails, and an incredible, prehistoric feeling paddle trail through gorgeous bald cypress trees. Reasonable camp store. Sites are a wee bit close, but comfortable and level.
Berlin, Maryland provides excellent coastal camping options with several noteworthy mixed-use campgrounds including Assateague State Park Campground and Sun Outdoors Frontier Town. The area features a diverse range of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and glamping cabins. Most campgrounds in the region sit within 15 miles of the Atlantic coast, offering strategic access to both Ocean City's amenities and the natural beauty of Assateague Island National Seashore where wild ponies roam freely. Campgrounds generally accommodate both tent and RV campers, though some developed sites specifically cater to larger rigs with 50-amp electrical service.
Camping seasons vary across properties, with peak availability from April through October when weather conditions are most favorable. Many campgrounds, including Assateague Island National Seashore's Oceanside Campground, operate seasonally from May through October, while a few locations like Shad Landing Campground remain open year-round. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when occupancy rates approach capacity, particularly at waterfront sites. Most developed campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations. A recent review noted, "Due to the location near Ocean City, this campground is primarily a resort for people staying 1 or more weeks."
The camping experience near Berlin offers striking contrasts between the developed resort-style properties and the more natural settings. Family-friendly amenities stand out as a consistent theme in visitor reviews, with several campgrounds featuring water parks, playgrounds, and organized activities. A visitor commented, "This campground is very family friendly. There is so much to do. If you do go make sure you go for a week so you can try to do it all." Proximity to both Assateague Island's wild beaches and Ocean City's attractions makes the area uniquely versatile for campers. Weather considerations should include coastal conditions like strong winds and occasional storms, particularly during hurricane season. Some primitive tent areas may experience flooding during heavy rainfall, while the oceanside locations benefit from cooling sea breezes during summer heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does camping cost in Berlin, MD?
Camping costs near Berlin vary by campground and amenities. Shad Landing Campground offers affordable state park rates, with sites open from April to September, though some loops remain available year-round. For a premium experience, Sun Outdoors Ocean City Gateway charges around $145 per night during peak season with lock site fees, providing full amenities in a convenient location. Prices typically fluctuate based on season, with summer months commanding higher rates, especially at campgrounds closer to Ocean City. State park options generally offer the best value, while private RV resorts with full hookups and resort-style amenities command premium prices. Many campgrounds offer discounted rates for longer stays or during off-season periods.
What are the best campgrounds near Berlin, MD?
Assateague State Park Campground ranks among the best camping options near Berlin, offering electric sites and the unique experience of wild horses roaming the area. The campground provides direct beach access with sites that accommodate everything from tents to smaller RVs. Another excellent choice is Pocomoke River State Park Campground, featuring clean facilities with hot showers, spacious changing areas, and well-maintained sites. Located about 45 minutes from Assateague Island and an hour from Ocean City, it offers a peaceful forest setting while still being close to attractions. Both campgrounds provide a natural experience with good amenities, though Assateague's beachfront location and wildlife viewing opportunities make it particularly special for those wanting a memorable coastal camping experience.
Are there family-friendly camping options in Berlin, Maryland?
Berlin offers excellent family-friendly camping options. Sun Outdoors Ocean City is ideal for families, featuring a beach area on the bay, swimming pools, and numerous activities just 15 minutes from Ocean City attractions. The resort offers various accommodation options including cabins and RV sites. Milburn Landing Campground provides a more natural setting for families who enjoy outdoor recreation. As part of Pocomoke River State Park, it offers a quieter alternative to its sister campground while still providing access to park amenities. For families seeking a unique experience, Bayside Assateague Campground offers the thrill of wild horse sightings, though it requires more primitive camping skills with pit toilets and cold showers. Most family-friendly campgrounds in the area are open seasonally, with peak availability from spring through early fall.
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