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If you’re seeking an adventure that brings you closer to nature, Maryland’s campgrounds offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. From the tranquil shores of Assateague Island to the rugged mountains of Western Maryland, this state is home to a wide variety of camping experiences.
This guide explores the top 10 camping posts in Maryland. Whether you’re looking for a forested hiking trail or a place to wake up to the sound of crashing waves, there’s a campground for you.
Top 10 Camping Destinations in Maryland
Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone
Find this forest in the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains, which borders the Potomac River. As Maryland’s largest continuous public land block, it spans 49,000 acres of rugged wilderness. This forest is a top destination for primitive, solo camping and an authentic back-to-nature experience, offering 100 dispersed sites or just $10 per night.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. Explore over 80 miles of hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding trails. Don’t miss overlooks like Point Lookout, Banner’s Overlook, Log Roll Overlook, and Zumbrum Overlook, all showcasing breathtaking views.
- Camping: Campfires are permitted unless restricted because of a drought. Each site has a fire ring for use.
- Activities: Camping, hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, tubing, and hunting
- Amenities: No bathrooms, trash cans, showers, or supply store– ideal for self-reliant adventures.
Jane’s Island State Park, Crisfield
Jane’s Island is the location if you’re looking for a unique camping trip. At Jane’s Island, you can explore the park on water instead of on foot. Thirty miles of water trails are weaving through the Island’s salt marsh. Seven different trails range from 1.25 to 12.5 miles, all accessible by paddle boat. This State Park offers canoe, kayak, and paddle board rentals if you don’t have your own.
To stay here, choose from around 100 campsites, with a few offering electrical hookups for an RV or tent. For primitive camping, there are three designated spots. Or, rent one of seven cabins to enjoy your stay in.
- Activities: Canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, explore 30 miles of water trials.
- Facilities: over 100 campsites, with some offering electrical hookups. Three primitive campsites.
- Rentals: canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and seven cabins.
Owen’s Creek Campground, Sabillasville
In the rolling hills of Catoctin Mountain Park, enjoy primitive tent camping at Owen’s Creek Campground. Each site offers a tent pad, picnic tables, and a fire ring. RVs are welcome, though hookups are unavailable, and tents must fit on the pad. The natural surroundings showcase vibrant wildflowers in spring and brilliant foliage in fall.
For electricity, you’ll need a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Solar Generator (PV45W). This solar generator converts natural sunlight into usable power, with 245Wh battery capacity. It’ll be handy for charging cellphones, cameras, and even a coffee maker.
- Fishing: Fish for wild and hatchery trout in Owen’s Creek. In the spring, catch rainbow and brown trout.
- Amenities: Sites accommodate up to five people and offer centralized showers, drinking water, and flush toilets.
- Activities: Hiking, wildlife watching, and seasonal ranger-led educational programs. Access to Catoctin Mountain Park’s scenic trails and vistas.
Jellystone Park, Hagerstown
This campground in Western Maryland is a premier family-friendly camping spot offering a blend of outdoor fun, comfort, and entertainment. Part of the Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park franchise, it caters to families with its vast array of activities and amenities. Guests can choose from tent camping, RV sites, or fully equipped cabins.
The water park contains splash pads, water slides, and pools, alongside activities like miniature golf, laser tag, and arcade games. Additionally, the park is located near the Appalachian Trail or Antietam National Park.
- Convenient Facilities: Camp store, snack bars, laundry facilities, bathrooms, showers, and electricity. It’s a convenient place to stay with younger kids.
- Accommodations: Tent camping, fully furnished cabins, or the comforts of your RV.
- Year-Round Activities: open year-round with themed holiday events and seasonal attractions.
Cherry Hill Park Campground, College Park
Cherry Hill Park Campground is the closest campground to Washington, D.C., making it ideal for exploring the nation’s capital. Offering a wide range of accommodations—tent sites, RV spots with hookups, premium cabins, glamping pods, yurts, and cottages—it caters to all camping preferences.
Guests can take a convenient Cherry Hill Park tour bus to the National Mall, making sightseeing stress-free. Visiting between late February and mid-March offers the opportunity to enjoy the iconic cherry blossoms.
- Amenities: Capital Cafe, golf cart rentals, Cherry Hill Park tours, fishing ponds, splash park, hot tub and sauna, miniature golf, and pickleball
- Location: Convenient access to D.C. with an express bus to avoid city traffic
- Landscape: Features open grassy areas, paved pathways, and a tranquil atmosphere, though not as secluded as remote campgrounds.
Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont
Cunningham Falls State Park features the state’s tallest cascading waterfall and scenic mountain landscapes. The park offers hiking trails with varying terrains to access the falls and explore nearby Catoctin Mountain Park easily. Black bears are native to the area, so be mindful when camping.
The park is divided into two sections: the Manor Area, south of Thurmont, home to the Catoctin Iron Furnace, Scale and Tales Aviary, and camping sites; and the William Houck Area, west of Thurmont, which includes the falls, a lake, and additional camping. The William Houck Area is great for quieter, more peaceful camping compared to the Manor Area.
- Facilities: tent pads for camping in the rain, picnic tables, fire rings, lantern posts, and seasonal bathhouses. Some spots have electrical hookups.
- Activities: Hunting Creek Lake offers swimming, a sandy beach, boating, and fishing.
- Events: Attend the Maple Syrup Festival in March to learn how to boil sap from the park’s sugar maples into syrup.
Assateague Island State Park, Berlin
Assateague State Park is the state’s only oceanfront park, situated on the barrier island of Assateague. Managed by Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources, the park features two miles of sandy shoreline, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and surf fishing.
The campground operates from April through October, offering a refreshing summer breeze and accommodating tents and RVs, with many sites offering direct beach access. Some campsites provide electrical hookups, and bathhouses with restrooms are available. While walking the beach, look for the wild horses that roam freely throughout the Island.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing along the sandy shores. Nearby Assateague Island National Seashore offers additional hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities.
- Facilities: Campsites with electric hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables.
- Access: Proximity to Ocean City, Maryland, and more developed for recreational use than nearby national parks.
Assateague Island National Seashore, near Ocean City
If you want to experience Maryland’s seashore but lean into primitive camping, then Assateague Island National Seashore is the place for you. Located on the same Island as Assateague State Park, it’s managed by the National Park Service. The park covers 37 miles of coastline, marshes, and dunes from Maryland to Virginia.
Visitors can enjoy backcountry camping in addition to tent and RV camping. Some campsites require a hike or kayak to access. This park focuses on preservation, wildlife, and nature-based recreation, making it less developed than its state counterpart.
- Activities: Hiking, fishing, educational programs, wild horses, and bird watching
- Wildlife: Try surf and bay fishing for bass, bluefish, flounder, and sea trout. Look for the wild horses roaming the coastline.
- Cooking: Campfires are allowed in fire rings, and local wood must be used. Open beach fires are not allowed.
Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City
Patapsco Valley State Park, located along the Patapsco River, features eight developed recreational areas. It’s well-loved for the expansive 200 miles of trails, with 70 miles well-maintained. For added comfort, bring an EcoFlow WAVE 2 Portable Air Conditioner to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter. There are multi-use trails for horseback riding and hiking and hiker-only trails.
In designated areas, archery and rifle hunting are permitted during specific seasons. Visitors can explore historic sites, like the remnants of old mill towns and the Ellicott City B&O Railroad Station. This diverse park is a top spot for outdoor enthusiasts and historical buffs.
- Facilities: Campsites with electrical hookups, picnic tables, bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, and potable water stations near campsites.
- Cooking: Use designated fire rings or provided grills for cooking
- Pets: Pets are allowed in designated spots, so bring your furry friend.
Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne
Centered around Tuckahoe Creek, this campground has wetlands, hardwood forests, and meadows. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and well-equipped facilities: Kayak, paddle boat, fish, and canoe in the creek or pond. Go disc golfing in the wooded 18-hole course, or go horseback riding on the Equestrian trails.
Camping sites include restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables. This campground has many wooded trails and forested areas, but it’s less intense than some mountain parks. Making it a perfect setting for more minor children as the terrain is easy to navigate.
- Activities: 20 miles of trails, including Adkins Arboretum, with native plants and wildlife.
- Cooking: Use the fire rings provided at campsites.
- Facilities: Campsites with restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables.
What To Pack for a Maryland Camping Trip
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Camping stove or portable grill
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen
- Fire-starting supplies
- Camera and binoculars
- Portable power station: like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus, offers 286Wh capacity and weighs only 10.4 lbs
- GPS device
- Swimsuit and beach gear
- Cooler
- Hiking shoes
- Extra blankets
- Bear-proof containers
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many areas to camp in Maryland, but it depends on whether the land is designated for camping. Look for state parks and forests, national parks and seashores, and backcountry camping. Camping on private land without permission is illegal, so always check whether a permit is needed.
There are over 150+ campgrounds across Maryland, including state parks and forests, national parks and forests, and private campgrounds. These sites provide a variety of settings, from remote wilderness to family-friendly amenities and even beachside spots. There’s a spot to meet any preferences you have.
Final Thoughts
Maryland offers diverse camping experiences, from serene beachside spots like Assateague Island, historical remnants in Patapsco Valley State Park, family-orientated fun at Jellystone Park, or rugged mountain scenes in Catoctin Mountain Park. Whether you prefer tent camping RV stays or cabin rentals, there’s something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.
Make your camping adventure even more enjoyable by ensuring you have reliable power. Any EcoFlow RIVER 3 Series power station is the perfect companion, providing portable power to charge devices, run lights, and even power small appliances. Upgrade your next trip today.