Maryland might not be the first place that comes to mind for beach camping, but this small state packs in an impressive variety of waterfront campsites.
You can fall asleep to the sound of Atlantic waves, camp beside quiet Chesapeake Bay shorelines, or wake up with mountain views overlooking a sparkling lake.
Some spots put you steps from sandy beaches, while others take you to remote islands, wetlands, and hidden corners of the coast that many travelers never see.
If you’re looking for a campsite where you can spend your days on the water, these seven destinations deserve a spot on your Maryland camping bucket list.
1. Sun Outdoors Ocean City
Sun Outdoors Ocean City is a large waterfront camping resort in Berlin, just a 10-minute drive from the famous Ocean City Boardwalk.
You can spend your day splashing in the resort’s swimming pools, casting a line from shore, or launching a kayak onto the bay to explore the shoreline up close.
At the campground, you’ll find full-hookup RV sites, waterfront cottages, mini golf, an arcade, a splash pad, and the Frozen Sun tiki bar with cocktails and frozen drinks.
Bonus: Sun Outdoors is near Assateague Island National Seashore, and you can ride the resort’s complimentary shuttle service to explore the area and see its wild horses.
2. Assateague Island
For a completely different beach camping experience, stay at Assateague Island National Seashore, a 37-mile barrier island that spans both Maryland and Virginia.
You can reserve a site and camp just steps from the Atlantic Ocean, drift off to the sound of crashing waves, and wake up to wild horses roaming the dunes and marshes.
Once you’re ready to explore, you can spend the day kayaking through coastal bays, fishing or crabbing, and hiking the 0.5-mile Life of the Marsh Trail.
And when the sun begins to set, the campsite’s picnic tables, grill, and fire ring make the perfect spot for a cookout and a relaxing evening under the stars.
3. Janes Island State Park
If waking up beside wild horses sounds exciting, wait until you see Janes Island State Park, because it’s all about exploring Maryland’s coastal wilderness.
Located in Crisfield, the park spans about 3,160 acres and offers more than 30 miles of marked water trails through narrow channels and open bays.
To settle in for the night, you can choose from 105 campsites, including 50 with electrical hookups, along with rustic and camper cabins, all with picnic tables and fire rings.
For a more rugged and off-the-grid escape, grab a permit and paddle to remote backcountry campsites that can only be reached by kayak.
4. Roaring Point Campground
Next up is Roaring Point Campground in Nanticoke, a quieter coastal retreat where sweeping bay views take center stage.
Whether you’re pitching a tent or parking an RV, this traditional, family-friendly campground offers a variety of sites with water, electric, and sewer hookups.
During your stay, you can spend your day fishing or crabbing, swimming or relaxing on the sandy beach, watching birds soar overhead, and taking in a stunning sunset.
If you’re visiting on a weekend, you can enjoy activities like crafts, bingo, tournaments, live music, and hayrides, making it more than just a place to camp.
5. Breezy Point Beach & Campground
Then there’s Breezy Point Beach & Campground in Chesapeake Bay, a favorite for anyone looking to soak up a classic beach-day vibe.
Open seasonally from May 1 to October 31, the campground offers RV sites with water and electric hookups, plus tent sites within walking distance of the water.
You’ll also find a sandy beach that’s ideal for hunting sharks’ teeth, swimming, and sunbathing, as well as a 200-foot fishing pier for fishing and crabbing.
Best of all, it’s just over an hour’s drive from Baltimore, making it one of the easiest beach camping getaways for a quick weekend escape.
6. Hart-Miller Island State Park
For an adventure you can’t reach by car, head to Hart-Miller Island State Park, a unique beach camping destination accessible only by private boat.
The 1,100-acre park sits at the mouth of Middle River in Chesapeake Bay and is open for camping from May 1 to September 30.
You can choose from 22 campsites spread across Hart-Miller Island, Hawk Cove, and Pleasure Island, all equipped with a picnic table, lantern post, and campfire grill.
During your stay, you can spend your time swimming, fishing, hiking easy trails across the island, and spotting wildlife such as great blue herons.
7. Rocky Gap State Park
Last but not least is Rocky Gap State Park, where mountain views, cliffs, and a sparkling blue lake create a completely different camping experience.
At the heart of the park is 243-acre Lake Habeeb, known for some of the bluest water in Maryland and a sandy swimming beach.
Here, you can paddle across the water, cast a line for trout, explore portions of the 5.3-mile Lakeside Loop Trail, or hike the Canyon Overlook Trail for scenic gorge views.
After a day of adventure, you can unwind at one of the campground’s 278 campsites, including 30 equipped with electric hookups, or book a stay in a mini cabin or yurt.
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