Maryland's eastern shore features relatively flat terrain with elevations generally under 100 feet above sea level, creating accessible camping conditions year-round. The Trappe area sits within the Chesapeake Bay watershed, characterized by numerous tidal rivers and creeks that flow into the bay. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from March through November, with temperatures averaging 75-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: Martinak State Park Campground offers excellent water recreation opportunities on the Choptank River. "Beautiful waterfront great for kayaking and water sports. No real hiking trails. Overall small quiet campground," notes Laura M. The park provides boat access for exploring the waterways.
Trail exploration: Tuckahoe State Park Campground features extensive trail networks ideal for hiking and mountain biking. "20 miles of hiking trails are also open for biking and horseback riding," according to Mary S. Another camper mentioned, "Lots of trails to hike. Beautiful, peaceful."
Disc golf and archery: Tuckahoe State Park offers diverse recreational options beyond standard camping activities. "Archery range, disc golf, hunting," reports Mary S. These activities provide alternatives to water sports during your stay near Trappe.
Cypress tree viewing: Trap Pond State Park Campground features unique natural attractions. "We missed being able to rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboat by a week," writes Lee D., who recommends planning a visit during rental season to "see the Cypress trees up close."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of bathhouses near Trappe. At Martinak State Park, "Bathhouses were like brand new," according to Rhonda S. Another camper noted, "The bathhouse is dated and was clean enough to use."
Spacious sites: Cedarville State Forest receives positive feedback for site layout. "Very well maintained, nice sites that aren't right on top of one another," writes Donald G. The campground offers multiple loops suitable for groups or individuals.
Wildlife viewing: The area's natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife observation. Ben J. at Cedarville reported, "Saw a snake, alligator snapping turtle, and rabbits, before we even reached the gates." The diverse ecosystem supports various animal species throughout the seasons.
Free recreation options: "Bike rentals are free (donations accepted)," reports Lee D. about Trap Pond State Park, adding value for families looking to explore without additional equipment costs.
What you should know
Limited horse facilities: Despite the relatively flat terrain ideal for riding, dedicated equestrian camping infrastructure remains scarce near Trappe. While Tuckahoe State Park allows horseback riding on trails, none of the public campgrounds offer horse corrals or specialized equestrian accommodations.
Seasonal closures: Martinak State Park Campground operates from March to November, as one camper noted: "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 for fishing or boating."
Insect preparation: Tick and mosquito protection is essential in this region. "LOTS and LOTS of ticks. I got one, but my wife and dog got about a dozen each. Just bring tweezers," advises Ben J. Several campgrounds received similar mentions about insects, particularly during warmer months.
Site selection considerations: "Some sites not level," notes Shawn at Tuckahoe. Another camper warned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Camp Meade RV Park provides secure camping for families. One visitor mentions, "Was great not to have to really worry about anything because you are securely on post." Martinak State Park also offers family-friendly amenities as Bill F. reports: "They have quite a few playgrounds throughout the park, which was a major plus for us."
Educational opportunities: The Trap Pond area includes educational facilities for children. "If you have kiddos, try and get a site in Loop A – there is a nice and educational play area," suggests Lee D. Natural settings provide learning experiences about local ecosystems.
Bike-friendly terrain: Flat landscapes throughout the eastern shore make cycling accessible for all ages. Trap Pond offers "Free bike rentals (donations accepted)," allowing families to explore without bringing their own equipment.
Water safety: When planning equestrian camping near Trappe, Maryland with children, consider water proximity. "We set up our hammocks on the edge of the water. We walked around the pond and rented boats and kayaks for the day," reports Lucia B., highlighting the importance of water safety awareness.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: When selecting spots for horse trailers or large RVs near Trappe, consider size limitations. "We watched people with 25+ footers struggle to back into the sites," notes Buck P. at Tuckahoe State Park. Site research before arrival is essential for equestrian camping equipment.
Utility access: Andrews AFB Military FamCamp offers full hookups but requires military ID and reservations. At public campgrounds, Jim G. notes, "Sites have 30A electric and water with a nearby convenient dump station."
Leveling challenges: "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," warns Jim G. about Trap Pond. Bringing leveling blocks is advisable for camping in this region.
Dump station quality: "They have a new dump station, but the hose has an anti-freeze up in the air with a pull cord valve. This means every time you pull to turn the water on, you get a shower," reports Ben J., suggesting caution when using facilities.
