1 campground with availability next weekend
The Barton, Maryland area provides several primitive tent camping options in western Maryland and nearby West Virginia. Big Run State Park Campground offers secluded tent sites along a stream with wide spacing between campsites. Lost Land Run in Potomac-Garrett State Forest provides more remote tent camping opportunities with fewer amenities, while Barnum Whitewater Area across the state line in West Virginia features tent camping near the Potomac River.
Most tent camping sites in the region feature basic amenities with pit toilets or vault latrines being common. Big Run sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though drinking water is limited to certain locations. Campers should note that many locations lack potable water, requiring visitors to bring their own supply or travel to facilities at nearby state parks. Sites along streams tend to have flat, grassy areas suitable for tent setups, while forest sites may have more uneven terrain. Several campgrounds in the area allow alcohol, though Big Run State Park prohibits it, and nearly all permit pets.
Tent campsites in the region are typically situated near water features like creeks or rivers, providing both scenic views and ambient sound for sleeping. The tent-only areas often provide better seclusion than mixed-use campgrounds, especially at locations like Lost Land Run which receives less traffic than more developed facilities. Areas near the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal offer historical interest alongside camping opportunities. According to one visitor, "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites." Another camper noted that Lost Land Run offers "beautiful views if you're ready for an adventure" but warned about spotty cell service and challenging hiking terrain, making it best suited for experienced backcountry tent campers.
"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."
from $10 - $55 / 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!"
from $10 - $30 / 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."
Available next weekend
from $28 / 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."
from $10 - $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."
from $20 / night
"Basic tent camping sites. Portable bathroom facilities only. Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel."
"Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
Available next weekend
from $20 / 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."
Available next weekend
from $55 / night
"It’s first come first serve but if Hq is closed you can sign up on a clipboard outside. This is about 30 minutes from the forest itself depending on which site you get."
"Went for a walk in the morning, lots of birdsong. A bit of road noise from the nearby highways but didn’t hear anything at night."
from $10 / night
from $40 - $60 / night
TravelerThis place was perfect for a DC city escape. The drive to get there was easy, though it does turn into gravel for a bit at the end. The campground is clean and has showers. Perfect loop for tubing walking distance from the campsites and a nice loop trail around the campsite as well.
TravelerLovely little campground in a beautiful forest, with a great waterfall hike walkable to the campground. I stayed in Garrett in October and it was still packed full of people, which for me was nice because I like feeling like I'm in a community of campers. But the sites were super close together, basically right now the main drag, not very private, especially without leaf cover, and a little smaller than I expected. But well kept, in more forest than I was expecting, and I enjoyed myself. The canyon trail was mobbed, but it was a stunning weekend so that's not surprising. Bathrooms in the offseason could have used a bit more attention, but they weren't too bad.
TravelerGenerous sized sites, quiet, beautiful area.
GuideThere are numerous Md. State DNR Campsites along Savage River Road.. No hookups but water may be available at Big Run State Park. These campsites are remote and very private for the most part. Some may be able to accomodate trailers and RV's for dry camping. Check MD DNR WEBSITE for more info
TravelerRoad in was without any major wash outs so I drove in pulling my overlanding trailer in 2WD. Plenty of campsites which allowed everyone here to space out easily. Lots of cut up fallen trees around which made collecting firewood simple.
ScoutWas looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
Scout15 free relatively level sites for smaller rigs and tent camping. Fire rings , picnic tables and some have lantern posts. There are 2 somewhat clean pit toilets.
ScoutBeautiful area. Very primitive, which is great. Roads were fairly decent to the campsite. Didn't stay near the water and no mountain view but still nice. Had a nice trail into the woods.
ScoutThe owners are friendly and te store is stocked and makes great camping/diner food. Well priced, and easy to get around. Bathrooms are solid and clean, with fast hot water!
Tent camping near Barton, Maryland offers options across an elevation range of 1,500 to 2,500 feet, creating varied microclimates throughout the camping season. The region sits within the Appalachian Mountain range with seasonal temperature swings from below freezing in winter to humid 80°F days in summer. Many primitive sites require 4-wheel drive access during spring months when forest roads become muddy from snowmelt.
Trout fishing in streams: Big Run State Park Campground provides direct access to streams stocked with trout. According to one camper: "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish" while another noted the "camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks."
Tunnel exploration: Paw Paw Tunnel Campground puts campers within walking distance of the historic Paw Paw Tunnel. "Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark! Amazing to see the work that the canal builders accomplished," advises one visitor.
Hiking varied terrain: Sites along Canaan Loop Road connect to multiple trail systems. "There are some that are about 4 mile hike to blackwater falls state park. and it's an easy drive to seneca rocks," reports a recent visitor, making it ideal for day hikes.
Natural water features: The sound of flowing water enhances many camping experiences in the area. At Big Run State Park Campground, one camper appreciated "beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" Another visitor enjoyed how "you can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Site privacy: The spacing between sites at many locations provides a sense of seclusion. One camper at Barnum Whitewater Area enjoyed their honeymoon there because they "wanted something more secluded" and found it "peaceful in September."
Budget-friendly options: Many primitive sites in the region are affordable or free. Canaan Loop Road offers free dispersed camping with "big fire rings" marking established sites, while Barnum Whitewater Area has "primitive campsites are $10 a night."
Weather considerations: The mountain location means weather can change rapidly. At Canaan Loop Road Dispersed, campers report "It was muddy and snowy but our Subaru made it fine about half way into Canaan loop road. All of the sites were mud pits." Another noted it was "very, very damp."
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty or nonexistent. At Lost Land Run, a local warns "due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SERVICE past the first couple campsites."
Wildlife awareness: The region has diverse wildlife requiring caution. A local camper at Lost Land Run advises 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."
Look for water play areas: Streams provide natural entertainment for children. At Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center, "We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views" along the creek, reports one visitor.
Consider cabin options: For families wanting a hybrid experience, cabins provide comfort with outdoor access. At Barnum Whitewater Area, "Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."
Check restroom facilities: Bathroom access varies widely between campgrounds. One camper at Big Run notes "Pit toilets were pretty clean" while another mentions "The pit toilets were a nice long walk or a short drive away."
Site selection for small RVs: Some tent-focused areas can accommodate smaller RVs or trailers. At Maple Festival Park, sites are flexible enough that you can "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."
Access road conditions: Forest roads can present challenges for trailers. A Big Run camper reported "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper."
Water and dump facilities: Most primitive sites lack facilities, but some have nearby options. Big Run campers note "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Barton, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Barton, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Barton, MD?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Barton, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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