Camping opportunities surrounding New Windsor, Maryland span from developed campgrounds to primitive tent sites across multiple state and federal lands. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Cunningham Falls State Park offering tent, RV, and cabin options, as well as Greenbrier State Park with its popular lake access. The area features both tent-friendly sites with basic amenities and full-hookup RV campgrounds like Ramblin' Pines in nearby Woodbine, which remains open year-round. Several campgrounds in the Catoctin Mountain region provide camping experiences ranging from primitive hiker-biker sites to family-friendly campgrounds with electric hookups.
Access to most campgrounds in the New Windsor area requires advance planning, especially during peak summer months when sites fill quickly. Many Maryland state parks, including Cunningham Falls and Greenbrier, operate seasonally from April through October, with limited winter camping options. The surrounding terrain features wooded, shaded sites that provide relief during hot summer months. A visitor noted that "Catoctin is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to, and a lot less crowded than Cunningham Falls State Park which is right across from Catoctin. Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy." Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to towns and more limited connectivity in mountainous areas.
Campers consistently highlight the abundant hiking opportunities and water features as key attractions in the region. Multiple trail networks connect campgrounds to scenic destinations, including Maryland's tallest waterfall at Cunningham Falls State Park. The Catoctin Mountain area provides approximately 25 miles of hiking trails accessible directly from campground locations. Several visitor reviews mention the excellent shade coverage in local campgrounds, which proves valuable during hot summer days. One camper described Greenbrier State Park as having "big, immaculately groomed tent pads" and "mostly shaded" sites. The proximity to historic areas like Harpers Ferry (approximately 30 miles away) and Gettysburg (about 25 miles away) makes the New Windsor region particularly appealing for campers interested in combining outdoor recreation with cultural and historical attractions.
$20 - $195 / night
"This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice. "
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
$30 - $70 / night
"We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."
"We love this home away from home ❤️"
$23 - $29 / night
"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.
Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.
The site is between two cabins."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
$21 - $65 / night
"Camp next to the president."
"There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."
$30 / night
"Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."
"My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."
"Located about 4 miles from town it is far enough for that country feel but close enough to be convenient. The camp store was well stocked with basic needs as was the gift shop. "
$23 - $29 / night
"This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."
"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."
$66 - $129 / night
"This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."
"It also has a lake and cabins available."
GuidePool, campgrounds area is so great. Don’t forget the bbq place up the street, it is so good! Getting the the bathrooms from my site will be more of a challenge once the campground fills up.
Finished some of the App trail from there
ScoutWell kept, clean facilities, easy to work with camp staff, we stayed at site 51 a full hook up site mostly level with a gravel pad short walk to the restrooms
GuideProbably my favorite due to the Store, the store employee and the App Trails. Will be back. My site was next to the amp trail which I didn’t particularly like, but my site was beautiful. WiFi available at Camp Store
GuideGreat Park, showers were cold and after the App Trail, A hot shower would have been awesome. Beautiful park though. My site was a little bit uneven but it looks like the park has been through an upgrade recently.
GuideThe sites are close together. The park was not full Mother’s Day weekend. It is a very nice park. The bathhouses were clean. The amenities were good although we didn’t utilize them. The national historic site was very close and we walked over day 1 rode our bikes day 2. The C&O canal is accessible but you must walk your bike across the lower town bridge and carry it down the stairs. This section of the trail was very good and we completed 38 miles.
ScoutThought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.
ScoutNice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
TravelerIf youre looking for fun and people, go to the south campground. But if youre looking for true quiet and have a tent, check out the dispersed campsites. Good shower and bathroom setup that i bet would fare well in a tornado, its got that solid storm shelter feel. Next to a quiet airport, plenty of free firewood to gather
ScoutLess amenities than advertised. We usually camp in more rustic locations and planned this trip simply for the fun of the amenities. Their website claims that the pool is seasonal but doesn't list anything else as seasonal. There was supposed to be mini golf, a giant bounce pillow, indoor basketball, an arcade with air hockey and a pool table. Mini golf was fine. The bounce pillow was deflated and full of water. The arcade/pool table/air hockey building was locked and the maintenance guy(who locks it up) was outside smoking before leaving early for the day. The employee at the camp store said it was supposed to be open until the store closed but that he probably just closed it early.
The rules state that dogs need to be on a leash at all times and, in the two hours we actually stayed, we saw four that weren't. One was staying near us and started chasing us when we rode our bikes by. One was wandering about 4 campsites down from it's owner. We mentioned it to the person at the camp store before we were chased and she just shrugged it off.
The map is incorrect. It lists site numbers that don't exist and doesn't list some sites that supposedly do. We spent a fifteen minutes trying to find a non-existent site before going back to the camp office and getting assigned a new site. They acted like it was a new thing caused by maintenance but we just looked and saw a review from ten months ago saying the map was messed up then.
The description of the site we paid for was non electric tent with a sand tent pad. The site we got was on a hill(no actual flat spot) overgrown with weeds, no tent pad, a slanted picnic table, and no actual parking spot. You had to drive over a drainage ditch and park on the hill. If our car didn't have high clearance we wouldn't have made it. There was also a hole in the middle of the site. And the map showed that number site on the corner where another unmarked site was. Our originally assigned site was supposedly in the same group of sites, so it would've been similar. Also don't believe the claim that they're"large sites." Most of them are crammed together. There are a few that look decent sized and flat, but they want you to pay an extra$30 to pick your own site.
We didn't even look in the bathrooms.
We left after two hours. Definitely a waste of$60+ dollars.
Next time we'll go over to the Brunswick Family campground. Their owners are lovely people who care about their customers.
Camping near New Windsor, Maryland ranges from primitive tent sites to fully developed campgrounds across the Catoctin Mountain region. The area sits at elevations between 500-1,500 feet, creating moderate temperature variations between valley campgrounds and those at higher elevations. Summer nights typically cool to the mid-60s even when daytime temperatures reach the 90s, making for comfortable sleeping conditions without air conditioning at most tent sites.
Fishing opportunities: At Codorus State Park Campground, the 43-acre lake provides excellent fishing options. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina," notes Catherine H. The lake supports various fish species and remains accessible even during busy camping seasons.
Historical exploration: Camp within minutes of Gettysburg National Battlefield at Artillery Ridge Campground. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," explains MJ B. The campground offers trail access to historical sites directly from certain campsites.
Mountain biking: Greenbrier State Park offers challenging rocky terrain for mountain biking enthusiasts. The park features "tough, rocky east-coast mountain biking, all without leaving the park," according to Jonathan B. Riders can access various difficulty levels of trails within the park boundaries.
Tent-friendly facilities: Greenbrier State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its tent-focused amenities. "Big, immaculately groomed tent pads" and sites that are "mostly shaded" make this park particularly appealing to tent campers, according to Sarah K. The park maintains dedicated loops with crushed gravel tent pads that drain well during rain.
Clean bathroom facilities: At Owens Creek Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities. "Great campground, clean bathrooms, friendly hosts," notes Brittany M. The campground features two restroom facilities strategically placed throughout the camping area, with most sites within a reasonable walking distance.
Creek access: Multiple campgrounds offer water features directly accessible from campsites. At Gettysburg Campground, "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning," according to Dave G. These creekside sites provide natural white noise and recreational opportunities during hot weather.
Campground capacity limitations: Several parks implement visitor caps during peak season. At Greenbrier State Park, "When we pulled the rangers were blocking traffic to the park. They said that the park was full," reports Jim L. Arriving early or making advance reservations is essential during summer months and holiday weekends.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the region. At Owens Creek Campground, there's "no service at all with T-Mobile," according to Jarmonay N. Campers should download maps and information before arrival, especially at more remote campgrounds.
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the New Windsor area operate on limited schedules. Codorus State Park camping is available "2nd Friday April to November 1," while others like Cunningham Falls State Park are open "April 1 to October 31." Winter camping options are primarily limited to Ramblin' Pines, which operates "All year."
Swimming options: Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park offers excellent swimming facilities for families. "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," shares Casey L. The swimming beach includes sandy areas for play and grassy sections for picnicking.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas for children. At Gettysburg Battlefield Resort, visitors find "a large playground with a play set, Gaga ball court, basketball court, volleyball, shuffleboard, arcade, and a pavilion for activities," according to Gregory L. Many family-oriented campgrounds also schedule weekend activities specifically for children.
Educational opportunities: Families can combine camping with learning experiences. At Catoctin Mountain Park, ranger programs are often available during summer months. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," mentions a visitor, providing children with structured outdoor learning activities.
Site selection considerations: At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, RVers should plan their site choice carefully. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier," advises Bill B. Larger rigs should request specific sites with adequate turning radius and approach angles.
Year-round accessibility: Ramblin' Pines in nearby Woodbine remains "open all year" according to Jeff B., making it one of the few options for winter RV camping in the region. The campground maintains full hookup sites with all amenities operational throughout the colder months.
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring leveling equipment. Gregory L. recommends, "Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4 inches." Most campgrounds in the mountainous areas around New Windsor feature natural terrain variations that affect RV parking and setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Windsor, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Windsor, MD is Codorus State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
What parks are near New Windsor, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near New Windsor, MD that allow camping, notably Greenbelt Park and Rock Creek Park.
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