Beach Camping Maryland

Maryland's waterfront hotels command top dollar, but a beach getaway doesn't need to cost you a fortune. Campgrounds near Maryland beaches let you enjoy coastal views and the great outdoors on a budget. So pack your camping gear and round up your loved ones for a Maryland beach camping vacation you'll never forget.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Image via Flickr by AssateagueNPS

Assateague Island National Seashore offers incredible beach camping just off the Delmarva Peninsula. Choose from beachside and bayside campsites, most of which have their own picnic tables and fire rings. All sites provide access to refreshing cold showers, chemical toilets, and clean drinking water. Take a stroll on one of the beach trails, and enjoy swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, which lifeguards patrol during peak season. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild ponies that call this barrier island home.

Breezy Point Beach and Campground

Families come first at Breezy Point Beach and Campground, so it's a great place to vacation with kids. There's no smoking, and you can only drink alcohol close to your camp. These rules help families feel safe when taking their kids to the beach or the playground. There's also opportunities here for fishing and picnicking. This waterfront campground in Maryland has limited capacity, so you'll enjoy a peaceful campout, even during the busy summer season. Just make sure you book well in advance to avoid missing out.

Janes Island State Park

If you really want to ditch the crowds, head to Janes Island State Park. Scenic and secluded, it's hard to believe this state park is just an hour southwest of the touristy hot spot, Ocean City. It feels a world away, with an unspoiled beach and space to unwind. Rent a kayak or a canoe and explore some of the park's 30 miles of gentle water trails. 

Try your luck fishing or crabbing, and you might even catch your dinner. Nature is the real draw here, so those looking for modern facilities may feel disappointed. However, if you can appreciate getting back to basics, you'll love it here.

Roaring Point Waterfront Campground

Roaring Point Waterfront Campground is another excellent option for Maryland campers wanting to get away from it all and recharge their batteries on a quiet, seaside trip. It's a small park operated by a family dedicated to preserving the classic camping experience. It doesn't completely abandon modern conveniences though; sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups are all available. There's also plenty to do here, with horseshoe pits, croquet, basketball and volleyball courts, and, of course, the beautiful beach. Live bands regularly play on-site, and the family will love the hayrides and arts and crafts classes offered at this campground.

Bay Shore Campground

Bay Shore Campground is perfect for nature lovers. With Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge just a few miles down the road, the campground is the ideal spot for birdwatching. The sunsets across the Chesapeake Bay are also legendary. The campground has both tent and RV sites, some with power and water hookups. It's the perfect spot for any kind of camping vacation, whether you prefer swimming and looking for beach glass on the shore or exploring the nearby towns of Rock Hall and Chesterton. Bay Shore also has a playground and basketball and volleyball courts for active kids.

Point Lookout State Park

Rumors persist that ghosts haunt Point Lookout State Park, but if you can remain calm, you'll enjoy ithis park's beautiful campground by the beach. The ocean is just a short walk from the campsites, and the picnic areas are perfect for an outdoor meal with loved ones. Point Lookout State Park also has a handful of cabins for people who want to connect with nature without giving up life's luxuries. Just don't feel surprised if you hear strange noises at night and see mysterious boot prints on the ground when you wake in the morning.

Camp Merryelande

Visit Camp Merryelande to experience family-friendly waterfront camping in Maryland. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring for family bonding time. The beach has calm waters, perfect for nervous swimmers. If you'd prefer spending time on dry land, check out the campground's playground and miniature golf course. Camp Merryelande is glass-free for the safety of all guests, so leave the bottles behind. If you want to upgrade your accommodations, book one of Camp Merrylande's waterfront cabins. With cable television, Wi-Fi, and full kitchens these cozy cottages make the perfect home away from home.

Castaways RV Resort and Campground

To really upgrade your camping experience, consider Castaways RV Resort and Campground. This beachside campground offers guests the best of both worlds. It boasts a variety of accommodation options, from tent camping to upscale cottages with private balconies to admire the ocean views. No matter what you choose, you can make use of the resort's high-end amenities. While there's a fire pit for preparing old-fashioned camping meals, you can also let someone else do the cooking at the Bay Breeze Café. The live music and cocktails at Jackspot Waterfront Tiki Bar make an appealing change from nights around the campfire.

Castaways has two private beaches: one for human guests and another for campers who brought along their dogs. You can also swim laps in the resort's pool, work up a sweat in the fitness center or on the basketball court, or challenge your family to video games in the arcade. Ice cream from The Sweet Spot and a fun outdoor playground make Castaways a firm favorite with younger guests.

Vacationing at Maryland beach campgrounds doesn't need to mean getting back to basics. Many local campgrounds have cabins and cottages, but even camping with a tent can be luxurious in this part of the world. With a plush air mattress, quality tent, and a cooler speaker taking care of your tunes and keeping your drinks cold, camping on the beach in Maryland can be the relaxing vacation that you and your loved ones deserve.