Green Ridge State Forest

The people are nice and friendly . If you love to camp and view nature this is the place to be there are plenty of beautiful scenery and you can hear the beautiful sounds of nature . There also not a whole lot of traffic and most of the campsites are spread out . There's also a couple places you can go cool off on a hot day. They have tons of camps to choose from I haven't seen alot of them but my favorites that I have seen are 1,3 and 26 they all range from medium to large.

First come first server. I got in late Friday night and only the overflow camps were available, but don't let that dissuade you from coming. I got site 93 and it was a awesome camping spot. It's located in Bonds Landing, has room to park your car and walk to camp or drive your vehicle to the camp. Behind site 93 and a couple of others have a river that's not far from the camp site. It is 43 minute drive from the Ranger station.

Got there Friday evening and there were still many sites to choose from. Went with 46 on a recommendation by a fellow visitor at the headquarters and it was a good choice. It was about a 20+ minute drive from the headquarters to the campsite. The roads were winding gravel roads but not issue for my Crosstrek. I probably saw two or three other vehicles the entire weekend and my site was well off the road.

The view from campsite 65 is outstanding. Although, not much shade during the summer months.

Steep hill to campsite, but made it up in my Tesla without issue.

We stayed at 66, the road was tough but we made it. Close to the C&O trail, saw bikers pass through often.

Will definitely return, hopefully in the fall.

Sites were nice and spread out. Great trails in the area. This site was right at the road but it’s not like cars are coming by all the time.

This was the second time I stayed in Green Ridge, but first time at this site. We had checked out site 64-78, but nothing was calling to us. So we decided to go check out 65 and 66 and boy were we happy we did! Site 65 has a steep drive (my car had a little trouble but it made it!) but the views are breathtaking. You get the mountains surrounding the Potomac River. We watched the moon rise and sunrise from our site. Not a lot of trees to set up tarps if it rains. Also ground is a little rocky.

There’s a nice trail leading up the mountain behind this site. We hiked until we hit the dirt road, then walked back along the road to the left. Note that the road is also very rugged to get to this spot.

If you keep on down the road past this spot you get site 66 (nothing too special) , but you can cut along a couple trails to get to the shore of the Potomac.

I will definitely be interested in coming back to this specific site!

Green Ridge State Forest’s dispersed campsites offer great privacy. All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods. You can occupy a site as long as you register at the parks main office. $10/night.

Site 15 is right by the road, but only a few cars passed while we were there. It’s very spacious and surrounded by wooded hillsides. Picnic table, and fire pit were present. There’s bathrooms by the office but it’s about a 20 minute drive from this spot, so digging a cat hole is a good option. Important to do that over 100 ft from campsite and take any trash with you when you leave.

Great dispersed sites. 14 is the better of the 1-20ish some sites there (in my opinion) and the swimming hole is a short drive down the hill. 14 is invisible from the road, 13 is just barely visible from the road, and 13 or 14 isn’t available I would try to get site 6 if you like privacy.

Green Ridge is a great place to get into deep boonies and get away from other people. Be aware, many of the roads(trails?)are very rough and not very suited to large pull behinds or full RVs. Most of the sites are better to haul your tent and gear in with something 4WD. Camp sites are generally very widely spaced and have a massive amount of room. Most come with a fire ring/picnic table but otherwise you're just in a clearing in the mountains, just the way we like it! Our closest camp neighbor was nearly 1/2 mile up the road, which is more or less typical for the southern half of the system. We just finished up a stay at lot #70 and it was incredible, and was even more secluded by a winding 100 yard access lane from the main "road". Lastly, don't be fooled by the provided map of the forest with site layout, there is a matter of scale that isn't apparent. Sites look like they're very close together but they certainly are not!

We arrived from the south entrance and the roads were awful! I understand it can be part of getting to those prime boondocking spots, but I was nervous in our 30 ft motor home. I definitely recommend for tent camping. All the sites had plenty of space with a fire ring and picnic tables. Lots of trees to provide shade since it’s summer. We only stayed one night and would come again in a different vehicle. Our site was about .2 miles from an overlook of the mountains and streams. There’s a nearby campground and a place that rents kayaks and canoes.

Me and the wife had a great trip there in late October nice and quiet outdoor gun range was fun we stayed at site 17 it was very nice

We stayed at campsite #1 off of 15 mile creek Road. Only a mile or so from I68. Great cell and internet reception with AT&T. We have a 25’ travel trailer and most places we scouted we probably couldn’t take it. Site 2 looks not too bad but a little less level. Site 6 also seemed like a nice spot for a Rv. Don’t recommend taking a large travel trailer on 15 mile creek Rd south of I68. Lots of S turns and pretty steep for my skills. Loved it!

The forest is beautiful & every site is very nicely set up & well distanced from each other. I say this just from what we saw driving by. We drove around for at least 2 hours looking for a spot, finally gave up & made our own. The system definitely needs major improvements. Just incredibly & unnecessarily frustrating.

My boyfriend and I planned a roadtrip on a whim & we happened upon Green Ridge State Forest. We were not sure what to expect and if we would even find a solid spot, but clearly our last minute planning served us well. The best spots are found at the end of the long road (I recommend traveling 4x4) and offer complete seclusion in nature. This site not only boasts a large space, but a picnic table and fire pit!

Went back for a second weekend in a row because we just love this place so much! A little bit crazy trying to find a spot with the first come first serve way they're set up and the ranger station is closed because of Covid, but it all worked out!

Totally primitive camping only, first come first serve for getting a site, but it's absolutely gorgeous and a true camping experience!

I’ve camped at many different spots throughout Green Ridge. Most of them are wonderful spots, with beautiful views, history, or nature nearby. All of them are pretty secluded and have fire pit, and picnic tables.

One time I did have a campsite that was very close to two of the forest roads, and between 10-1 am on a Saturday had a lot of cars driving around. But more times than not it’s very secluded and peaceful.

I do think the system of renting and paying for campsites could be improved via the use of technology. I would love to be able to rent and pay for campsites online, and see which ones were already occupied etc. instead of having to drive out to the headquarters, then to the campsite. Just a minor thing that would be a nice feature.

On Verizon, you can find phone service in a few of the campsites, also there are a lot of sites that are good for hammocks

I’ve attached photos of campsite #6.

This is a neat little spot to get away for the weekend. Very desolate camping spots, remote and large enough for groups. Highly recommend!

This place is the definition of secluded. Almost all 100 campsites in the forest are 1/2 mile apart and they are pretty massive. Bare bones explains the park, because the sites only include a picnic table and fire pit. It’s just you and nature out there. No camp stores, bathrooms, or visitor areas. You can register during or after hours at the camp headquarters and pay $10 per night for the site of your choice. It’s a pretty excellent area as far as terrain too. Lots of deep valleys and lookout points. The area also features areas on rivers and canals. This campground has something for every nature lover.

I stayed in a primitive campsite and loved it. Campsites are far apart and have the standard fire pit and picnic table. No bathrooms.

I’ve always liked camping, then I tried primitive camping here and realized how much more I like it. This is a great campground for the weekend stays.

If you like tent camping with no amenities, this is the place. Most of the sites are far away from every other site. There is a picnic bench and a fire ring at each site. That is it. There is no power, water, and the only public toilet is at the ranger station.

It's beautiful, there are 100 sites to choose from and you can be loud if you want because more than likely you won't be near the other sites.

You can't bring you own wood, but you might be able to find some, or you are allowed to use the already downed/dead trees.

This state park has everything from loop camping where you're only several feet from future friends, to secluded wooded camping, to waterfront camping, to RV posts- take your pick! Green Ridge does not accept reservations, so take a look at the map ahead of time and be sure to check in at the office before heading to a site to be sure it's available.

We've snagged several secluded spots where your nearest neighbor is about 3/4 mile away, but our all- time favorite is site #66 (pictured). All sites are near excellent hiking, and there's a small town nearby that offers rental canoes and boasts a biker bar with ridiculously good breakfast sandwiches!