Tuckahoe State Park Campground Non-Electric Loop

For Maryland residents and visitors looking for a genuinely peaceful and rustic camping experience, the **Tuckahoe State Park Campground Non-Electric Loop** offers an ideal retreat deep within the Eastern Shore's natural beauty. This specific loop is designed for those who prefer traditional, no-frills camping, where the focus is on nature, quiet evenings, and the simple pleasures of the outdoors. It provides a heavily wooded, serene environment that allows you to fully unplug from the noise of city life, yet remains close enough to the major metropolitan areas of Maryland.

Tuckahoe State Park itself spans over 4,000 acres, following the tranquil path of Tuckahoe Creek, a quiet country stream bordered by wooded marshlands. The campground is a beloved destination, known for its spacious, well-separated sites nestled among the trees, ensuring privacy and a sense of seclusion. While the park does offer an electric loop, the non-electric section caters specifically to tent campers and RVers seeking a more basic, campfire-focused stay.

The atmosphere here is one of quiet relaxation and abundant recreation. Visitors consistently praise the park for its well-maintained facilities and the sheer quantity of outdoor activities available right outside the campsite. From fishing on the 60-acre lake to exploring miles of multi-use trails, the Non-Electric Loop serves as a perfect, quiet home base for an adventure-filled weekend or a week-long immersion in nature. It is a fantastic spot for families, with numerous kid-friendly activities offered, especially during the summer season.

**Location and Accessibility**

Tuckahoe State Park is strategically located on the border of Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties in the heart of the Maryland Eastern Shore. Its convenient positioning makes it highly accessible for Marylanders traveling from the Annapolis, Baltimore, and D.C. regions, offering a relatively short and straightforward drive for a weekend escape.

• **Location:** Caroline County, MD 21657, USA. The park’s main office is typically located near Queen Anne or Ridgely, MD.
• **Regional Access:** The park is approximately 37 miles from Annapolis and about 65 miles from Baltimore, easily reachable via US-50 or US-301 to local routes like MD-309 or MD-404.
• **Park Setting:** The campground is situated in a heavily forested area along Tuckahoe Creek, providing a secluded, woodland feel.
• **Campground Access:** The Non-Electric Loop is a drive-in area, making it suitable for both tent camping and smaller RVs/trailers that do not require electrical service. The parking pads often consist of finely crushed rock or gravel, distinguishing it from the asphalt pads found in the electric loop.

**Services Offered**

The Non-Electric Loop provides essential services that ensure a comfortable, yet distinctly rustic, camping experience within the state park system. While individual sites do not have utility hookups, communal facilities are conveniently located.

• **Campsite Essentials:** Each of the non-electric sites is equipped with a designated camping or parking pad, a **picnic table**, and a **fire ring** with a cooking grate, allowing for classic campfire meals.
• **Water Access:** While there are no water hookups at individual sites, **potable water spigots** are conveniently located throughout the Non-Electric Loop for easy access to drinking water and cooking supplies.
• **Restroom Facilities:** A centralized **bathhouse** with flush toilets and warm showers is located in the middle of the loop, providing clean and essential comforts.
• **Sanitary Disposal:** A **dump station** is available within the park for the use of campers with trailers or RVs, ensuring proper waste disposal.
• **Waste Management:** As a "Trash Free Park" in Maryland, day-use visitors must pack out their trash, but **dumpsters are provided for overnight guests** in the campground.
• **Pets:** **Dogs are allowed** in the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times, ensuring a safe and pleasant experience for all guests.

**Features / Highlights**

The true highlight of camping at Tuckahoe State Park is the vast array of natural features and recreational opportunities available just steps from your site, making it a destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

• **Vast Trail System:** Over **20 miles of scenic multi-use trails** are available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with gentle grades perfect for family outings.
• **Tuckahoe Lake:** The park features a beautiful **60-acre lake** and the serene Tuckahoe Creek, offering excellent opportunities for **fishing and flat water canoeing/kayaking**. Gasoline motors are prohibited, preserving the quiet environment. Canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally at the park office or the lakefront boathouse.
• **Adkins Arboretum:** Located adjacent to the park, the Adkins Arboretum encompasses 500 acres of parkland and offers nearly three miles of surfaced walkways showcasing native species, perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk.
• **Recreational Sports:** An **18-hole disc golf course** is located in the Cherry Lane area, providing a popular and challenging activity for all skill levels.
• **Family Activities:** The park features a **recycled tire playground** for children, and staff offer numerous **free family activities** every weekend from Memorial Day through Labor Day, including day camps and nature programs. The popular “Scales & Tales” program allows visitors to see raptors and other wildlife up close.
• **Equestrian Center:** The Tuckahoe Equestrian Center offers access to over 17 miles of horseback riding trails.

**Contact Information**

For the most up-to-date information on seasonal closures, fee schedules, and to secure a site in the popular Non-Electric Loop, it is best to contact the Maryland Park Service or the park office directly.

• **Park Office Phone:** (410) 820-1668 (Local)
• **Reservations (Statewide System):** 1-888-432-2267
• **Mailing Address:** 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657

**What is Worth Choosing Tuckahoe State Park Campground Non-Electric Loop**

The Non-Electric Loop at Tuckahoe State Park is the ideal choice for Maryland campers who prioritize an **uninterrupted, rustic outdoor experience**. It is worth choosing for two main reasons. First, it offers **premium seclusion and natural ambiance**; unlike many crowded campgrounds, the non-electric sites are heavily wooded and spaced out, allowing tent campers and boondockers to enjoy true peace and quiet, often described as a “gem on the Delmarva.” Second, it provides **unparalleled access to diverse recreational activities** right within the park's boundaries. Campers can step out of their site and immediately access miles of trails for hiking and biking, a 60-acre lake for non-motorized boating, and unique features like the disc golf course and the nearby Adkins Arboretum. The ability to embrace a traditional camping experience while being centrally located to all of the park’s best offerings—all within a reasonable driving distance of major Maryland cities—makes this loop an excellent choice for a genuine Chesapeake region adventure.

Tuckahoe State Park Campground Non-Electric Loop

Caroline County, MD 21657, USA