Pocomoke River State Park in Snow Hill, Maryland: Shad's Landing Camping

Camping is by far one of my favorite past times. Camping near the beach certainly tops my list of great things to do outdoors. If you enjoy Maryland beaches, such as Ocean City, and Assateague Island, there are only a few campgrounds within a 45 minute drive to the beach. I have camped at all of them, and have found that Pocomoke River State Park at Shad's Landing is the best.

Being that it is a Maryland State Park, the sites are inexpensive, and well maintained. For a campsite without electricity, the fee is just $25.00 per night, and only $5.00 more with electricity. You also have the option to rent a camper cabin for just $50.00 a night which is a great bargain considering most of the other ocean campgrounds start at $50 for a non-electricity site. Shad Landing is open year round for camping and group reservations are always popular if you like to go camping with other friends and family.

While Pocomoke River State Park at Shad's Landing (Pocomoke River Website) is a further drive compared to the other campgrounds, it is worth the travel. It is more inland, allowing yourself to be less exposed to the harsh sandy conditions that direct coastal campgrounds offer, as well as less insects. While there are still plenty of mosquitos and ticks to concern you, in comparison with some of the other campgrounds, they are minimal. Just remember to pack citronella candles, insect repellent, and always check yourself daily for ticks.

Besides excellent, well shaded and graded campsites, Pocomoke River also offers some activities to for the whole family to enjoy on-site. The park offers a pool, boating, canoeing, hiking, biking and a well stocked camp store. Some fees are required for some of these activities.

Bathroom facilities are plentiful-they offer hot showers, sinks, and handsoap as well as flushing toilets in each camping loop. Bathrooms are well maintained and all within convenient walking distance from campsites.

Camping quiet hours run from 11pm to 7am, so make sure you get there before these times to set up your tent and campsite. The campground almost always has openings, but you can book in advance on their website which makes it extra convenient.

Starting in November, all Maryland State Parks will become alcohol-free making more family friendly to all. But until November, those who enjoy a good brew by the campfire, can certainly do so. The campstore even offers dry wood for you to purchase for a great evening bonfire. The park asks that you do not bring outside wood due ot possibility of foreign insects and diseases entering their greatly maintained wildlife.

I encourage you to check out Pocomoke River State Park at Shad's Landing for your next coastal camping adventure. I think you will find the atmosphere pleasant, reasonably priced, and only just a few extra miles outside of your ocean destination.