Best Tent Camping near Accident, MD

Tent campsites in the forested regions surrounding Accident, Maryland offer a mix of established and primitive options for backcountry enthusiasts. Big Run State Park Campground provides wooded tent sites adjacent to streams, while Lost Land Run in Potomac-Garrett State Forest offers more secluded primitive tent camping experiences. Both locations are within a 30-minute drive of Accident and feature traditional tent-focused amenities rather than RV-oriented facilities.

Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal improvements with basic fire rings and picnic tables, but limited access to potable water. Sites are typically set on dirt or grass with some having raised tent pads. Drive-in access is available at Big Run State Park, though several campgrounds like Barnum Whitewater Area also offer walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion. Vault toilets or portable facilities are standard at established campgrounds, while more remote sites lack any restroom facilities. Many locations restrict camping to designated areas only, and fire bans may be implemented during dry summer months.

Tent campers seeking deeper wilderness experiences gravitate toward the less developed sites along creeks and streams. The sound of flowing water creates natural white noise at several locations, particularly at Big Run State Park where tent sites can be positioned near the water's edge. During spring and early summer, wildflowers and abundant wildlife enhance the camping experience throughout the region's forests. Sites with stream access provide opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying the natural cooling effect on hot summer days. Fall brings spectacular foliage viewing opportunities from tent sites within the deciduous forests. According to one visitor review, "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream where you can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

Best Tent Sites Near Accident, Maryland (20)

    1. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."

    2. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    14 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    3. Barnum Whitewater Area

    2 Reviews
    Jennings Randolph Lake, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 788-5732

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."

    "Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything!"

    4. Lost Land Run

    1 Review
    Kitzmiller, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 334-2038

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SRRVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."

    5. Apple Blossom Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Mchenry, MD
    6 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    6. Maple Festival Park (near GAP Trail)

    2 Reviews
    Meyersdale, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 442-4284

    $20 / night

    "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather. It’s all up for grabs for the night."

    8. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Kitzmiller, MD
    22 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay."

    "Surrounded by a white water stream, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This really is a such a peaceful environment, and the ideal property to re-connect with nature."

    9. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Normalville, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 455-3744

    "Laurel Ridge State Park is the greenway that protects the legendary Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the busy world around it."

    "It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on. The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty."

    10. Rhododendron Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available."

    "There was a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Accident, MD

819 Reviews of 20 Accident Campgrounds


  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Allegheny Plateau and Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Small, primitive campground with 12-sites.  There were a surprising number of trailers and small RVs when I visited, especially when you consider visitors have to drive about 10-miles on a graded dirt road to get there.

    There are some walk-in tent sites for more privacy and you have the option of pure wilderness camping in the surrounding 17,400 acres of Dolly Sods as long as you use existing campfire rings, or use a backpack stove when you can't find one.

    No cell phone service or Internet… No electricity, pit toilets, and a busted water pump, but there is a fresh-water spring. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. 

    The camp hosts are super mellow and also lead the volunteer bird-banding that takes place just across the road from the Red Creek Campground.  

    The plant life and weather at Dolly Sods are similar to Northern Canada, so bring some extra layers. It was at least 15-degrees cooler than the valley when I reached the peak of the Allegheny Plateau. Add the wind and I had to put my sweatshirt after sweating in a T-shirt at Seneca Rocks that same day. 

    Bring a backpack and good hiking boots so you're prepared to experience some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife you’ve ever seen! 

    First-come, first-serve only and often full on weekends.

    *Word of caution: Dolly Sods was used for military training during WWII, so there are artillery and mortar shells still being found in this wilderness. Don’t touch any shells you might find, note the location and report to authorities.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Far from the hectic pace!

    Red Creek Campground is positioned a decent drive down gravel National Forest roads, so it does not see the amount of traffic that easier, closer campgrounds get.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=7003&actid=63

    With a season of Mid-April through the beginning of December, be assured that weather is always a factor. Family has been thwarted at Thanksgiving by unpassable snow without a 4x4. Rain is almost certain, as the varied elevation nearly creates its own weather patterns.  So my first recommendation is to always add rain gear and cold weather garments for insurance.

    We ordinarily visit during the month of August and being a "fly by the seat of my pants" type of roaming tent camper...I have arrived to see Red Creek Campground full...as these sites are non-reservable. 

    Keep in mind, Red Creek Campground is "primitive"...no modern facilities, no showers, no electric...and the only running water accessible, is a small spring pipe (that I highly recommend filtering before use even though it does not post that).

    Sites on the outer portion of the loop are fairly concealed from one another by trees and undergrowth...the inner loop sites are a little more exposed.  Gravel parking at sites and each site offers a picnic table a fire ring and lantern post. All sites are a short distance to the two individual unisex pit lantrines in the center of the campground.

    With no ambient light, the night skies are amazing...though cloud cover always seem to plague my visits at night. Though one evening we drove down toward Bear Rocks and laid in an open field to stargaze one evening to enjoy a wonderful light show from shooting stars. We were so quiet, several deer passed between us within arms reach...a little disconcerting but we survived.

    Trails are abundant and some leave directly from the campground deeper into the Wilderness Area. Choose footwear wisely, as the trails are strewn with sharp rocks (on certain trails), various stream and river crossings, shoe-swallowing mud bogs along with the regular ol' dirt trail.  Bring a trail map, water...and/or a water filter...and raingear.

    Nearby Bear Rocks is a fun scamper for "kids" of all ages and the views eastward share WV and Virginia mountain ranges.

    We were thrilled to visit when "Bird Banding" is taking place and enjoyed searching for migrating birds caught in the netting on the east side of the road opposite the campground.

    For a peaceful, relaxing camping experience that offers great hiking, and some of the most amazing flora and fauna...its a family favorite!

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Beautiful Mountains

    We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.

  • Ethan A.
    Apr. 25, 2020

    Red Creek Campground

    Forest Service campground near numerous trails throughout Dolly Sods

    This campsite is a great jumping off point for a number of hikes throughout Dolly Sods. The campgrounds is open April-December and then the roads close from December to April. The road on the way up is gravel, but has its share of potholes and bumps. 

    The cost to camp is $11 and there are no reservations. I stayed two nights at site 2 which is tucked away from most of the other sites, save for one close by. This particular site is tucked back from the parking spot by about 15 yds, but is located near the water pipe which is essentially just a small stream. My site had a picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad and there were vault toilets nearby. The only potential downside about this site, that I didn't experience, was that it's pretty close to Blackbird Knob Trail's starting point from FR 75 which means hikers will be passing near your site. 

    If you do choose to stay the night here, it's worth a drive down the road to check out the sunrise from Bear Rocks.


Guide to Accident

Tent camping opportunities near Accident, Maryland are concentrated in the surrounding mountain forests and along stream corridors at elevations between 1,500-3,000 feet. The region receives approximately 40-50 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions during the May to October primary camping season. Nights can be significantly cooler than daytime temperatures, with 15-20°F temperature drops common in summer months.

What to do

Fishing for native trout: At Big Run State Park Campground, campers can access stream fishing directly from several campsites. According to Nathan S., "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic."

Wildlife viewing in remote settings: The secluded camping areas offer opportunities to observe native wildlife. One camper at Lost Land Run notes to "Keep an eye out for lots of the more dangerous varieties of wildlife native to the area big cats, snakes galore, bear, coyotes etc but beautiful views if you're ready for an adventure."

Sunrise watching at overlooks: Some campgrounds provide access to viewpoints. Emily M. recommends: "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!" at Rhododendron Camping Area, where campsites are "walking distance to the beautiful overlook."

What campers like

Stream-side tent locations: Tent sites positioned along waterways are highly valued by campers. One visitor at Barnum Whitewater Area notes: "The main draw here is the river. Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night."

Site privacy and natural spacing: Campers appreciate the natural spacing between sites in this region. At Big Run State Park, a reviewer noted, "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful," while another mentioned, "Tons of space between sites."

Disconnected experience: The remote nature of some sites creates a technology-free environment. Natasha S. explains that at Lost Land Run, "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SERVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."

What you should know

Facility limitations: Most tent sites have minimal facilities. A reviewer at Abrams Creek Campground noted: "The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder. The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials."

Water access locations: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. Nathan S. mentions about Big Run State Park: "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," indicating campers should plan to transport their own water.

Insect considerations: Bug activity can be significant in warmer months. One camper at Big Run State Park mentioned "the mosquitos sucked," suggesting repellent is necessary during summer camping trips.

Tips for camping with families

Stream play access: Families particularly enjoy campsites with safe water access. Andy C. at Big Run State Park reported: "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."

Trail difficulty assessments: Certain areas may not be suitable for younger children. At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, trails connect eight different camping areas along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, offering various difficulty levels for families.

Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, bathroom access becomes important. At Rhododendron Camping Area, Emily M. advises: "The bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms plus the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations for larger vehicles: Most sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Mark K. notes at Big Run State Park: "You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream."

Alternative accommodations: When tent camping isn't practical, some locations offer cabin options. Ashley A. at Barnum Whitewater Area describes: "Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything! Peaceful in September love the area."

Access roads and parking: Many sites have limited parking and narrow access roads. Kevin C. observed at Abrams Creek Campground: "The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek," indicating larger vehicles may have difficulty navigating the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Accident, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Accident, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Accident, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Accident, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.