Best Campgrounds near Barton, MD

Western Maryland's mountain region surrounding Barton contains several established campgrounds with varied accommodation types. Rocky Gap State Park Campground, located near Cumberland, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around a large lake with swimming areas. New Germany State Park provides year-round camping with both primitive tent sites and electric hookups in a forested mountain setting. Savage River State Forest features more secluded camping options with sites positioned along streams and rivers. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities with bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences throughout the region, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules during winter months. Deep Creek Lake State Park operates from April to December, while others like Savage River remain open year-round. "Western Maryland is bear country, but also deer, eagle, hawk, and plenty of fish," notes one camper about the wildlife visitors might encounter. Road conditions vary, with some forest service roads requiring careful navigation, especially after rainfall. Cell service is generally available near larger campgrounds but may be limited in more remote areas. Most sites require advance reservations during summer weekends and holidays, with some campgrounds filling months ahead for peak periods.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews across multiple locations. Rocky Gap's lake access stands out as particularly family-friendly, with a designated swimming beach and boat rentals available. A visitor mentioned that "the best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds." Many campers appreciate the relative seclusion of sites at Savage River State Forest, where camping spots are "huge, rustic, and spaced very far apart from other sites." Noise from nearby highways occasionally affects some campgrounds, particularly at Rocky Gap where interstate sounds can be heard from certain loops. Bathhouse facilities are generally well-maintained, with several reviewers specifically noting clean showers and restrooms at Rocky Gap and New Germany State Park.

Best Camping Sites Near Barton, Maryland (147)

    1. Savage River State Forest

    18 Reviews
    Grantsville, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5759

    "This was a beautiful state forest, with two state parks sort of bordering it (Big Run & New Germany). The roads were all paved which was nice."

    "Very remote western Maryland Appalachia. Sites are right off park road, are huge, rustic, and spaced very far apart from other sites. River runs along the sites."

    2. New Germany State Park Campground

    13 Reviews
    Grantsville, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $117 / night

    "New Germany State Park is a pleasant location with a small lake for swimming and kayaking, as well as numerous trails in the wooded mountains of western Maryland."

    "New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."

    3. Middle Ridge Campground

    21 Reviews
    Romney, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 822-8020

    "It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "

    "Super friendly and accommodating, beautiful walking paths, great campsites. We really enjoyed our stay."

    4. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 722-1480

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Rocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly."

    "The beach at the lake is not far away for any loop."

    5. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Mchenry, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 387-5563

    $21 - $65 / night

    "Camp site(Tent camping) Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."

    "Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."

    6. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    7 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."

    "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. "

    7. CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2

    19 Reviews
    Cumberland, MD
    17 miles
    +1 (301) 777-3472

    $35 / night

    "Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on."

    "Great stay at a well located spot. Beautiful and quiet. Don was very helpful with any request that we had. Would return again. Thanks Don."

    8. Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    7 Reviews
    Kitzmiller, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 355-2346

    $22 - $60 / night

    "General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there)."

    "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."

    9. Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Oakland, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 387-6938

    $22 - $33 / night

    "Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."

    "Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids. Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other."

    10. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    82 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    "Options to get there include the steep walking trail where bikes are allowed to be walked but not ridden, riding the 3.5 miles along the road, also very steep, or taking a shuttle from downtown Ohiopyle"

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Recent Reviews near Barton, MD

957 Reviews of 147 Barton Campgrounds


  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.

  • E
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Camp Cacapon

    Great camping in a perfect spot

    We stayed at this campground Sep 26-28 and had a fantastic time. The campsite is in a perfect spot on the Cacapon river, and the facilities are excellent. Nice campsites, clean bathrooms and a charming little pavilion that you can rent and hang out with your group.

    Highly recommend

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    Ok for a quick overnight

    Due to a water main break, only one bathroom and showers were available. Bathrooms were quite old and run down. There are over 100 sites. Pets are only allowed on specific loops and cannot be walked on “non pet” loops. We had an electric site which was pretty level for our van. Bike trails were more like hiking trails ( not single track Mtn biking trails). I found this park to be “just ok”.

  • G
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private

    If you’re looking for quiet and privacy, this is the place.  they laid out the sites so that you’re not side by side. They are all on an angle which moves you further away from anyone on both sides.  The angled site also was great for driving just past you’re site and practically backing straight back into you’re site.  Decent bath house and friendly, low key staff.  Great rates per night.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    Great dispersed sites!

    We only drove down to the second site, but it was awesome! Big site, good fire ring, paths the walk right from the site. The moss was like walking on carpet

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Large wooded sites

    The owners are so friendly and personable. The sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.


Guide to Barton

Situated in Maryland's Allegheny Mountain region at elevations between 1,400-2,900 feet, the Barton area offers a cooler escape from summer heat with temperatures typically 10-15 degrees below nearby lowland areas. Western Maryland's camping options range from primitive forest sites to lakeside campgrounds with modern amenities. The region experiences distinct seasons with colorful fall foliage in October and occasional snow closures from December through March.

What to do

Hiking through old-growth forests: At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, trails lead to Maryland's highest waterfall and through magnificent wooded areas. "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early!" A camper notes the park has "a variety of smaller falls, 'local' swimming holes, great rock formations and places to fish on the river."

Cross-country skiing in winter months: New Germany State Park Campground transforms into a winter recreation destination when snow arrives. "Apparently, the park is very popular amongst cross-country skiers in the winter, especially since they have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake," a visitor reports. The trails are "open to cross country skiing in the winter months" with equipment rentals sometimes available at the park lodge.

Kayaking and fishing: Savage River State Forest provides excellent water access points. One camper explained, "There's multiple boat ramps, and from one end of the reservoir to the other on a kayak is about 2 hours." For less experienced paddlers, a different camper mentions "the small lake was perfect for swimming, and the hikes around the campground were beautiful."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Savage River State Forest receives consistent praise for site seclusion. "The sites are very spread out, and not very consistent in size/quality. We were able to nab site 112 and it was fantastic: lots of space, and privacy too," notes one camper. Another adds that sites are "huge, rustic, and spaced very far apart from other sites."

Clean, well-maintained facilities: The bathhouses at Rocky Gap State Park Campground receive positive reviews. "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping," writes a repeat visitor. Another camper mentions, "Bath house in our loop was old and small, but kept very clean."

Wooded, natural settings: Campers appreciate the forest environment that dominates campgrounds in the region. "The campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground," writes one visitor. Another notes that "each site has a fire ring with grill grate, and a nice, large, composite picnic table" with sites "surrounded by beautiful forest."

What you should know

Limited cell service: Many campsites have spotty or no connectivity. "Note that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience," explains one visitor about New Germany State Park.

Bear safety is important: Middle Ridge Campground and surrounding areas require food storage awareness. "The campground had bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear, keeping our zero bear sightings record intact," reports a camper. Most established campgrounds provide bear-resistant containers or lockers.

Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating steep mountain roads. "Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides," a visitor cautions. In winter months, some forest roads may require 4WD or become impassable.

Tips for camping with families

Enjoy kid-friendly water activities: Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake offers designated swimming areas and fishing. "Make sure to bring bicycles for your kids to ride around the loop. There is also a pond that you can hike to for fishing. It is far enough that your children would not wonder there on their own," suggests one parent. Another mentions that "for kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center."

Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Several area campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle," notes a visitor to Rocky Gap. Another family mentions "near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."

Choose sites near bathhouses: When camping with small children, proximity to facilities matters. A camper recommends sites that have "its own little direct pathway to the bath house. In fact, almost every site on the inside of the loop had its own little direct pathway to the bath house."

Tips from RVers

Limited full hookup options: Most campgrounds offer only electric sites or primitive camping. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops," explains a camper about Swallow Falls. For those needing full hookups, a visitor to Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park reports, "We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse."

Size restrictions apply: Large rigs may have difficulty at several campgrounds. A camper warns about one site: "Made it in and out no issue taking it slow, but not sure I would try anything longer than about 36' fifth wheel or 34' travel trailer." Most loops have restrictions and roads with tight turns that limit access for bigger RVs.

Water pressure considerations: Water systems at some campgrounds may require supplementation. "Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi," notes an RVer, suggesting bringing a water pressure gauge and considering tank use instead of direct hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Barton, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Barton, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 147 campgrounds and RV parks near Barton, MD and 14 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Barton, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Barton, MD is Savage River State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Barton, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Barton, MD.

What parks are near Barton, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Barton, MD that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.