Few places on Earth can inspire as much as the diverse landscape found throughout the Appalachian Mountains. Greenbrier State Park is no exception, nestled right on the 42 Acre man-made Greenbrier Lake. Campers that visit will be greeted with white sandy beaches and family-friendly recreation. Camping here is an experience to remember, thanks to the multitude of options available to entertain yourself. 

 The lake provides a great location for practically any water activities you can think of. While you’re not allowed to put a motorized boat in, you can use a a small electric motor boat, or even paddle boards. There’s areas to rent Canoes, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and more nearby. In addition, fishing is another extremely popular activity here. If you bring a rod out, you can find Trout, Bass, and Blue Gill. For anyone over 16, a Maryland Angler's License is required, and all Maryland fishing laws apply. There is also a 500 acre hunting area, where general hunting is permitted. 

 Perhaps most notable is the various hiking trails found throughout the park. More than 11 miles of trails wind through and twist around the local geography, revealing the various quirks and features of the land. On the eastern edge of the park, Bartman Hill can be found, which is also where part of the Appalachian trail passes through. Aside from hiking, there is also an ADA accessible visitor center. What’s more, there’s even a beach wheelchair! 

 Throughout the park, there are 165 campsites available for reservation. 40 of these campsites even have electric hookups. Furthermore, there are bathhouses located throughout with hot-water showers. There’s also a dump station for those planning on staying here in a van or RV. Fires are allowed on all campsites but must be kept within the fire rings. According to the state park website, pets are allowed in the Cedar and Dogwood camp loops with a few conditions. For one, Pets are only allowed on trails outside day-use area. Additionally, pets are allowed in day-use area and lake from the day after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. 

 Nightly rates for campsites start at $21.49. If you choose to reserve a campsite with electric, expect to pay $27.49. Lake Front Gazebos (capable of sheltering 32) are available for day-use rent at $100. Other fees and fares may still apply, so check out the Maryland State Park website for more information before booking.

There are 165 campsites offering conveniently located bathhouses with hot showers. Forty sites have electric hookups.

Greenbrier State Park Campground

**Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park**

  

**Campground Review: **

We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

  

There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

  

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**Product Review:** 

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the **[Firebiner](https://www.outdoorelement.com/product/firebiner-carabiner/)** and **[Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements](https://www.outdoorelement.com/product/fiber-light/)**. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

  

Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

  

We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

  

We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

Nice hiking opportunities!

About an hour northwest of Washington, DC, Greenbrier State Park is a great choice for car camping.  The campground features four camp loops (1 with electric hookups for RVs, and one that accepts dogs).  Each loop winds its way up a hillside, in a woodsy setting, so even though the sites are close to one another, you get a feeling of separation. In the center of each loop is a bathroom & shower building. Each site is a well groomed crushed gravel pad with a picnic table and fire ring, and ample room to set up a tent or two. 

In addition to camping, Greenbrier offers a swimming beach, kayak/canoe rentals, and some tough, rocky east-coast mountain biking, all without leaving the park.



Great easy car camp close to DC

Site was partially shaded, more private than many others in the loop, but still not very secluded. Nice and level. Hardly any space between sites. Definitely the tightest MD state park we’ve camped at by far. Luckily, we were there during the week, so it was not crowded at all, and reasonably quiet. Had we been there on a weekend, I can only imagine that the crowds and noise would have driven me crazy. Bath house was fine; very average as far as bugs and cleanliness. Only 2 or 3 shower stalls, IIRC; never a wait while we were there, but I imagine the lines are long on weekends. There was a relatively easy hiking trail from the campground down around the lake, with some nice, quiet little spots for fishing. To get to the sandy beach area of the lake, we drove, since we had 3 kids and a ton of crap to transport. The lake area is very nice, with tons of picnic spots in the shade. However, every single picnic table was in use, and the beach was pretty crowded, and we were there on a Wednesday! I can only imagine how packed it would be on a weekend. Despite the moderate crowds, we really enjoyed ourselves, and I think I liked it even better than the lake area at Cunningham Falls. Overall, I liked the park just fine, but it didn’t wow me. Again, the campsites were way too close together for my taste. The lake area was really nice, and I could see myself taking a day trip up for that, but not on a weekend. This is definitely one of the more popular state parks, and I would hate to drive over an hour to risk being turned away at the gate (beach frequently fills to capacity during the summer).

Nice lake area, decent campground

I really think that how much you enjoy this campground will come down to what you want out of a camping experience. The sites on all of the loops are pretty open, and sort of right on top of one another. So, if you are looking for a quiet, private camp experience, don't even bother.

If you are looking to camp with several families, being able to go back and forth between campsites easily (kids running about, etc) then this is a great site for you! The camp hosts came around a good bit to check in, the bathrooms were acceptably clean, and the sites were well-kept. I would say that this is a great "first campsite" for young families looking to dip their toes into camping.

The downsides were that the paths to the bathhouses were usually on a hill, and are not "clear". Read- lots of roots and things to trip you up at night. Most places we have stayed have crushed gravel or at least cleared dirt paths. My son fell 3 times- during the day.

The other major downside, is that even though it was only in the mid-70's, the fans were on in the bathroom. It was loud, and if you have a sensory-sensitive child, this campground will not work for you. Also, if you have small kids, there is no playground on any of the loops, so you have to go to the beach area to use a playground.

The lake was nice and clean, the water clear and looked to be a great way to spend the day. It was a little cool for the beach, but what really took away from the experience, was the number of yellow-jackets flying about. We camped here towards the end of August and the camp hosts said that the yellow-jackets showed up about two weeks prior. I was stung, as was the little girl in the site next to us.

Overall, I would go again- but earlier in the year, as to avoid being stung again. This is totally a campground meant for families who would like to use the beach. Basically, this is the campsite we will go to when we don't want to drive to Rocky Gap.

I guess it depends on what you want...

Campground has nice sized clean sites for tent camping. The park offers a large clean man made lake for swimming and fishing. For the remainder of 2018 the dam the holds back the lake is under repairs so no swimming for this summer.

clean & quiet

We had two tents and a canopy on our site and it was the perfect size. Easy to get to and not far from Hagerstown if you need to go to the grocery store. The beach area is nice, but gets very packed each weekend. The area also has nice hiking that ranges in difficulty levels. We did the hardest hike, which was about 5 miles. Trails are marked really well and maps are conveniently placed throughout the trails. Will definitely camp here again.

Great family park

Loved this campground. The sites and facilities are well maintained. It's a bit mountainous giving you a cooler less buggy environment. Some sites site on top of each other, while other sites have trees and vegetation that offer some privacy. It's a great getaway for the summer especially because the park offers a lake, which you can swim, fish and boat in. The water spickets are a bit sparse so plan to bring plenty of your own. Additionally, it is a very popular campground so it can be packed during peak seasons. An added and awesome benefit it is right next to several other state parks including George Washington Monument Park and it's 1/4 of a mile off the Appalachian Trail. Overall, an awesome and we'll rounded experience. We will definitely visit again.

Appalachian Neighbor

Greenbrier is working on a long term dam project so the water level at the lake is down 4 ft. For boating, kayaking, etc, it is no mater. For swimming though, it means no swimming, just wading. But it is just so relaxing and peaceful, it didn't matter at all.

Quite park. Some spots are fairly private but these sites are not far from each other. We found a great spot and had some privacy. Showers &amp; bathroom facilities were as clean as you would expect for camping.

These sites are big enough for a bigger tent, a pavilion and maybe a pup tent. Not real big. But adequate.

We hiked around the lake, spent time at the beach, and simply enjoyed ourself!!

Family & dog friendly - great time

Good campground but there don't seem to be a ton of private spots. We lucked out and go a spot on Dogwood loop, site 20, with nobody on one side and some space between our site and the other site on the other side. There was water and bathrooms right across the road. Campground had showers but we didn't use them so I'm not sure how clean they are. We also didn't make it down to the lake. Easy check in and out and they sold us wood at check in. Close to the AT and only about an hour from Harper's Ferry where we spent the day.

Make sure you get a private site

This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do. There are trails in the park you can hike, run and bike; the lake is small but you can paddle and fish; and, nearby you'll find some great sections of the Appalachian Trail.

The camping spots accommodate large tents if needed and the showers are hot. 

Be aware: no alcohol in Maryland parks. 

Great for families and variety

Went to this state park early July for 3 nights. We had a terrible storm going on when we were to arrive so I called and the office was very friendly and helpful. He put my mind at ease about arriving too late. Our site was relatively easy to get into but many sites were angled, sloped, and looked like they'd be best for a tent. Our site was private and kind of faced away from most other sites. There was a hiking trail behind us that led to the lake. The park has a lake with a swimming area roped off and guarded and camp store and marina where you can rent kayaks and canoes. While hilly, it would be a great bike riding area if you want a work out. Bathhouse was adequate, Not particularly dirty but not super clean. Only 2 showers in the ladies room. Campground hosts were around every day and super helpful. t was close to Antietam Battlefield and Antietam Creek Winery which had live music and allowed our dog to come in. There were some live reenactors at the battlefield and a great car audio tour you can get from the visitor center. I would go again!

Close to Antietam Battlefield and a Winery!

This was our 2nd trip and it was just as wonderful this time too! They renumbered the sites but once we figured that out, we were able to get a site we remembered as being a nice one. It faced a empty field so it was private. It overlooked another site which is where our relatives were camping. The weather was beautiful! Lake/beach was open but we had our dog so that was a no. We hiked up to the Washington Monument and were disappointed to find the monument itself was closed to visitors. The view is great from the base but better from the top. Then we went to the Antietam Creek Winery for live outdoor music and delicious wine! Our second time there. It was wonderful getting away again!

Great getaway

It was a really beautiful park with plenty of hiking trails. The sites are nice and level. It’s very wooded and sites are spread out so you get plenty of privacy. Can’t wait to come back. 

Enjoyed the great outdoors at this beautiful park!

When we pulled the rangers where blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full.  OMG they were right.  No wonder Maryland is a hot spot for covid 19. After about an hour we were able to get to a camp site. Not the one I  reserved. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful. After setting up we ventured out to the camp store that is located at the concessions near the packed beach of the lake.  We didn't find anything that resembled camping items. So we decided to go mushroom 🍄 hunting.  Wow we hit the jackpot.  The showers were fairly close and clean.  There were a lot of signs that pet prohibited 🚫 in the park.  But the cedar loop did have 🐕 dogs. They are just not allowed in the rest of the park.  We had good cell service and no reception on the tv

Over crowded 

A good, comfortable place with a lot to offer. We’d go again. 

We stayed two nights in Dogwood. The site was well looked after with camp hosts that seemed very attentive and thoughtful. Good rangers who showed up to help when needed. Everyone was (mostly) well behaved in the site, and we had a terrific time.

The facilities were clean. The sites on Dogwood are quite close together, but it still felt like camping. The nearby trails are great and the lake is a good place to swim or laze on a warm day.  

Well cared for, good trails and lake

This is our local go-to campground. Anytime we want to get away easily we visit Greenbrier. It has 4 loops near a small lake with swimming and boat launch. Great for kayaking&amp; fishing with kids. There is a dog loop and an RV loop. Sits right off the Appalachian Trail. I think that they have a hiker pick up service.. as I've seen the rangers drop off backpackers into campgrounds. The lake&amp; picnic area is crazy busy during the weekends. I do not camp on weekends here. Which is what gives it a 3 star. I find that the people ruin camping with lack of campground etiquette. But the campground hosts are quick to clean sites. and the park staff are wonderful. Fall time is gorgeous&amp; quiet as well.

Beautiful Campground but Busy on weekends

Nice campground with great hosts. Fun lake, especially for kids. It can get pretty packed on the weekenders or holidays but mid week is great. Fee to get into the park if not camping.

Nice and quiet campground 

Well groomed sites split into three main sections. Several hammock friendly (we were in 121 in the dogwood loop). Flat motorcycle parking, but bring a puck for your kick stand. Firewood and ice for sale at the check-in point.
Quiet with modern bathrooms. Drinking water available.
Fire pits have built-in grills.
Critter free over night.

Great stop for an overnight.

The campsite was well maintained and spacious enough for two tents if you need them. I got a site in the electric loop (Cedar) and the outlet was right on the other side of our tent (directly across the lot from the picnic table). 

This loop does have some elevation, which I didn't know when initially booking the site, so you will have to walk up or down the loop road to get to the bathroom. The bathroom was clean and stocked, no issues there.

The loop I was in seemed to be full, but once night hit, other than a few kids, it was pretty quiet. There is a camp host, their site is right next to the bathroom, but we never spoke to them. They drove by and waved and that was the limit of our interaction. 

Other notes: You don't have to pay the park entrance fee if you reserved a campsite. When you get to the park you pull into the parking lot on the right side, and you check-in there, as well as purchase firewood. Bundles were $5.50 or 3 for $15. You get a tag for your car, which has a code to put in the gate inside the park to get to your campsite.

Well Maintained

We hiked from Harper's Ferry to Pen Mar on the AT and used this fabulous campground as a base station the entire 5 days.  The level and semi-private sites were excellent, although there were no water hook ups at each site.  We were allowed to fill the camper with water before we set up, which worked out fine.

  

There is a swim area and some trails, but our focus was on the AT so we did not use them much.  The hosts were wonderful, bathroom facilities were older but well maintained, and the overall campground atmosphere was great!

Perfectly located to complete the AT in Maryland in sections

We had to head out a day early after thunderstorms rolled in but we really enjoyed our time. Camphost was super kind and the trek to lake was nice. The lakeside was also inviting but for weather and we'd try again next time. 

It's a quick drive to Mt. Washington State Park and a portion of the AT that comes through MD. The kiddos really enjoyed the view from the monument.

Weekends the park gets really busy so we had to ask permission to come ahead of the folks waiting to for day access but staff was kind and accommodating so if you book on weekend be prepared for long lines on the side of highway. 

Saw more good doggos here too.

Nice

Sites are meticulously manicured, level, and clean.  Due to scheduling issues I stayed in 3 sites in 5 days.  Not a negative to either.  My favorite was Cedar 74  over 69 and 79 but all 3 were great.

Men's bathroom stools were discolored and not inviting.  The middle stall during a #2 had a water leak upon seating you dont notice until your shorts are soaked with what I hope was fresh water but not sure.  

Access to the Appellation trail offers a strenuous climb and I recommend the trek to Annapolis rock.

Superior sites, hiking.  Bathhouse not so much.

I stayed here with just me &amp; one of my girlfriends. Normally I try to camp in a bigger group, and I was slightly worried camping alone with two young females, but it turned out awesome! There was a lovely family who camped next to us &amp; we actually shared breakfast together. Some of the trails in the park were closed, but the ones we hiked were beautiful. There is security for camping and a camp host at every loop. The park was super clean &amp; well maintained. I was very impressed by the bathhouses as well! Loved Greenbrier, another MD State Park checked off! Also hiking Annapolis Rocks is a MUST.

So beautiful

Checked in late and left early, so didn’t explore around the park much. Nice folks, near to plenty of places, quiet and pretty setting.

Sites: wooded, semi-private, okay spacing and semi private. 

Vibe: family camping. Not crowded when we were there.

Good camp for hopping over to Antietam.

Good campsite near the interstate

Last minute camping trip and site B61 within Birch Loop was the only site available. There was nice space between us and the next sites, but this is only 30 feet from the main camp road. Surprising after dark very little traffic. The campsites are very clean and flat with fine gravel. All sites have alot of tree cover and opportunity for hammocks. The bath house was a short walk away, clean, hot shower, but a little dated. My son and I spent an entire day kayak fishing on the small lake and clear clean water. We didn't do any hiking but love to come back check out the trails. The kids loved the man made beach and park. We will definitely will be back.

Relax atmosphere and great campground 

Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station.

Excellent State park

Greenbrier is a wonderful campground that is heavily used for its day-use at the lake.  The park includes excellent amenities for the picnic and day-use person as well as the camper.  There is one dog-friendly loop.  All of the bathrooms are well maintained and water is available.  There are also easy trails from the camping loops to the lake.