Best Campgrounds in Maryland

Where to Camp in the Old Line State

Maryland is known for its beautiful coastline, rich history and proximity to the nation's capitol. Many tourists come to Maryland to learn about the history of the state and our nation.

But there's more to Maryland than museums. There is plenty of beautiful scenery in this state that make it a prime location for a camping trip.

Here are our favorite spots to camp in Maryland.

1. Camp Misty Mount – Thurmont

Camp Misty Mount offers rustic wood and stone cabins for camping, equipped with single cots with mattresses. Each has a light in the ceiling and on the porch. Electric outlets are NOT available. A grill, fire ring, and picnic table are located outside each cabin. Facilities for dishwashing, drinking water, hot showers, and flush toilets are provided centrally in each of the three loop areas. Campers must supply their own bedding and toiletries. Learn more.

2. Greenbelt Park – Greenbelt

Just twelve miles from Washington, D.C., Greenbelt Park is located in suburban Greenbelt, Maryland. The park features a 174 site campground with specific site reservations, nine miles of trails, and three picnic areas. The campground is open all year round. The campground is known for its affordability, safety, peaceful surroundings, and National Park Service hospitality. Learn more.

3. Rocky Gap State Park – Flintstone

Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park, featuring 243-acre Lake Habeeb. The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitt’s Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County. Learn more.

4. Green Ridge State Forest – Flintstone

At 47,560 acres, Green Ridge is the largest contiguous block of public land in Maryland. Green Ridge is located within the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains. It is rich in both natural and cultural heritage and remains a “working forest” today as it is managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Forest Service to conserve the natural ecological processes while supporting the economy of the region through an active forest management program. Learn more.

5. Swallow Falls State Park – Oakland

This mountain park is located nine miles north of Oakland, Maryland and contains some of Maryland's most breathtaking scenery. The Youghiogheny River flows along the park's borders, passing through shaded rocky gorges and creating rippling rapids. Muddy Creek Falls is a crashing 53-foot waterfall – a spectacular sight. Tall hemlocks dominate the silent woods. The 1 1/4 mile trail through Swallow Falls guides hikers to some of the most breath-taking scenery in Western Maryland. Learn more.

Do you have a favorite camping spot in Maryland that wasn’t included on this list? Let us know in the comments!

And be sure to check out the rest of our Best Campgrounds in the US series.