Near the tip of Delmarva Peninsula (shared, as the name implies, by Delaware, Maryland and Virginia), and just half an hour from the Atlantic Ocean, Pocomoke River State Park occupies 15,000 acres of forested uplands and swamp. Tent camping is permitted year round in the Water's Edge loop of the Shad Landing area. Thirty sites sit atop crushed-stone pads. Although the camp store closes in early December and remains closed until early March, a bathhouse beneath the store is open throughout the year. Pets are not permitted in the campground.
Surrounded by forested, low mountains that explode into autumn colors, Big Run, in western Maryland, is an ideal place to bring a group of up to 25 people. The Monroe Pavilion there is electrified, has a large fireplace and three large tenting sites. Another 30 primitive sites, with picnic tables and fire rings, are also available in the park. Campers are encouraged to bring their own water, but you can take water from the Savage River Reservoir or from any of several local streams. Water from the reservoir or streams should always be treated before use. Nearby New Germany State Park has a dumping station with running water available for a fee of $5. Pets are permitted at Big Run.
Nearly 2,200 acres at the headwaters of Chesapeake Bay invite campers to Elk Neck's sand beaches, marshes and forests. An especially popular attraction is the Turkey Point Lighthouse, which has stood 100 feet above the waters since 1833. Fishing and crabbing are allowed, but check with the park office for seasonal rules and license requirements. The North East and Chester loops, with a total of 53 electrified sites, permit tent camping year round on large crushed-stone pads. Both loops have heated bathhouses with showers. Pets are prohibited at the Chester loop.
Thirty-seven miles long, its northern two-thirds in Maryland, Assateague Island is an extraordinary amalgam of sand beaches, marshes and coves. Oystercatchers, herons and egrets patrol the skies and the shallow waters, but the attraction that has drawn visitors for generations is the island's feral horses -- two distinct groups kept from interbreeding by fencing at the state line. Camping is permitted only on the Maryland side. You may pitch a tent at any of three campgrounds, all of which have picnic tables and fire rings. The Oceanside Walk-In campground is restricted to tents only.
