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Clear Spring, Maryland is situated near several established campgrounds including Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA, and McCoys Ferry Campground in the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. The area provides a mix of accommodation types ranging from tent and RV sites to cabin rentals and glamping options. Most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, drinking water, and sanitary facilities, while some primitive sites along the C&O Canal offer more basic amenities. The region's proximity to historical sites like Antietam Battlefield and Harpers Ferry makes it a popular base for travelers exploring both natural and cultural attractions.
Campground facilities vary widely throughout the region, with the more developed sites typically offering full hookups, showers, and picnic tables. "This is a nice and large campground by Maryland State Park standards. Sites are nice and not stacked right on top of one another. Some sites have electric, but the bathhouses are clean and decently well kept," noted one visitor to Rocky Gap State Park. Seasonal considerations affect camping availability, with many state parks operating from April through October or November. Weather in western Maryland can be variable, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F and potential for thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak summer months and fall foliage season.
Campers frequently mention the scenic locations and outdoor recreation opportunities near Clear Spring campgrounds. The C&O Canal towpath provides miles of hiking and biking trails accessible from several campgrounds. A reviewer highlighted that Brunswick Family Campground is "situated next to the river so half of the sites have river views. Nice boat loading ramp and dock for fishing. Also situated on the C&O canal, so you could walk or bike for miles in either direction." Swimming areas at nearby lakes, such as those at Greenbrier State Park and Rocky Gap State Park, receive positive mentions in reviews. For those seeking more seclusion, primitive camping in Green Ridge State Forest offers greater privacy with dispersed sites. Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours beginning at 10 PM, and several Maryland state parks prohibit alcohol consumption.
"We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us, so we knew we needed to find a camping ground more geared kids."
"There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it. They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."
from $99 - $471 / night
Check Availability"Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."
"Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."
"There is no privacy from adjacent campsites, but you are on the Potomac in sites 1 - 7.
Price 2023: $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light during the week. 40% full on weekends.""We stayed at campsite 1 which had nice views of the river and a pretty good distance from neighbors. Closest site to the drop toilet and day use area portapots (very clean!)."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Added some more photos to show proximity to other sites. Great spot for some small hikes and history at the fort. There’s also tons of markers on the trails with history."
"My spot had a cool path down to the river. There aren’t really facilities other then a porta potty near the sites and there is a code to get into the gate."
from $15 - $17 / night
Check Availability"Clean, great location to I81, friendly! I would stay here again."
from $35 - $43 / night
"The bathroom is close by,has showers & is very clean. You can walk or ride a bike to the beach. The water is clean with sand on the bottom. Lakeside trail is short and easy."
"Nice small lake within walking distance along with a beach. There is also a few hiking trails near the campground."
from $20 - $48 / night
Check Availability"We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "
"It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."
from $40 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful place, tucked in the woods, right next to the river. The RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and with full hook-ups."
"Beautiful surroundings nestled off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out."
from $45 - $115 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 / night
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GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
LegendWe spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
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.
GuideThis pet friendly campground in Caledonia State Park is .8 miles from the larger Chinquapin campground (no pets), ranger station and swimming pool. Our site #171 was level, paved, full hook ups and next to modern clean bathrooms with flush toilets, warm showers and outside dish washing sinks. Many available sites with and without services on a Sunday in October. There were a good number of friendly, tidy, long term campers with large wall tents. (They allow 21 day stays after Labor Day)
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!
The Catoctin Mountains region near Clear Spring, Maryland sits at elevations between 800-1,800 feet, creating a cooler microclimate than surrounding lowlands. Summer temperatures typically range 5-10°F cooler than nearby valleys, with daytime highs averaging 70-85°F from June through August. The area's camping options include both full-service facilities and more primitive sites along waterways.
River access activities: At McCoys Ferry Campground, visitors can enjoy water recreation along the Potomac River. "Nice little primitive campground, good patrol is state park police. Good distance to a bunch of activities for family's. Bike rentals, good ice cream shop etc," notes Dan M. The campground features a boat ramp for easy water access.
Historic exploration: Fort Frederick State Park Campground offers opportunities to explore colonial history. "The fort is very cool, and exhibits are great," explains Sean M. The park includes both camping facilities and educational exhibits about the 18th-century stone fort, with marked trails featuring historical information.
Mountain biking: Trails throughout the region provide options for cyclists of various skill levels. "The trail we used is marked multi-use, and by plentiful hoofprints, appeared to be used mostly by equestrians," shares one visitor about Owens Creek trails. Many trails connect to larger networks, allowing for rides ranging from 1-20+ miles.
Waterfront camping: Sites along the Potomac River provide direct water access. "All sites are basically waterfront, nice quiet campground with water access and a boat ramp," explains Adeline M. about McCoys Ferry Campground. The Western Maryland Rail Trail runs right along this campground, making it convenient for cyclists.
Wooded seclusion: Many campers appreciate the forested settings. "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," says Cassia M. about Greenbrier State Park. The shade provides natural cooling during summer months.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive positive mentions. At Cowans Gap State Park Campground, visitors note the care taken with amenities: "Bathrooms and showers very clean. Firewood always available. Easy access to dump station," reports Tom R. The park's shower facilities include hot water and heating during cooler months.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Owens Creek Campground, "Lots are on the small side and some are less private than others. Not much enforcement of camp etiquette or rules, which could be a positive or negative depending on you," notes Shari F.
Seasonal closures affect availability: Many area campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "Sites 1-30 allow pets. This loop was full. I would recommend booking in advance if you plan on bringing your dogs," advises Sarah N. about Cowans Gap State Park, which operates from April through deer season in December.
Water access varies by location: While many campgrounds advertise water access, conditions differ. "All sites are basically waterfront, nice quiet campground with water access and a boat ramp, saying that be cautious of the water level because the week before we came the entire campground was under water making the sites smell of swamp and very muddy," warns Adeline M. about McCoys Ferry.
Water parks for kids: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive water features popular with families. "Multiple pools and a great little water park. Store was well stocked, they also had a ice-cream / quick food store attached to the pool area and staff super friendly," shares David S. Activities include organized games and character events.
Beach swimming areas: Several parks feature designated swimming beaches. "There's a beach and swimming area. There's a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there. They have a little concession stand that sold drinks, French fries and some other snacks," describes Sarah N. about Cowans Gap State Park.
Budget considerations: Family campgrounds can range widely in price. "It was a nice place to stay for kids, lots to do for them. But very expensive for tent camping. I still paid nearly 100 a night," notes Mark G. about Jellystone Park. County and state parks typically offer lower rates but fewer amenities.
RV site accessibility: Access roads vary in quality and width. At Falling Waters Campsite, "Abbey was very friendly and helpful. Check in was easy. Nice store on premises. Was led to my site and easy hookup. Five star if had sewer hookup," mentions Cindy C. This campground provides a convenient stop with good access from I-81.
Limited big rig options: Many historical campgrounds have size restrictions. "Good history river access check for site size if you have large RV," advises Brenda R. about Fort Frederick State Park. Sites in older campgrounds often accommodate rigs under 30 feet more comfortably than larger vehicles.
Hook-up availability: Full hookups aren't universal in the area. At Camp Cacapon, "The RV spot is perfect, so leveled all you have to do is shock your wheels. We brought our kayaks and got them on the river for some time," reports Saskia H. Campgrounds with limited RV sites often require advance booking, especially during summer weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make reservations at Clear Springs Campground?
For Clear Springs Campground, reservations can typically be made through Maryland's state reservation system. Many Maryland campgrounds like Rocky Gap State Park Campground offer online reservations up to six months in advance. You can also call the reservation line directly. Most sites at state parks are reservable, though some may be held for first-come, first-served visitors. During peak season (May-September), booking well ahead is recommended as popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays.
What amenities are available at Clear Springs Campground?
Clear Springs Campground typically offers standard amenities similar to other Maryland state park facilities. Based on nearby campgrounds, you can expect clean bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, potable water access, and fire rings with grills at each site. Owens Creek Campground provides similar amenities with peaceful creek-side sites and plenty of privacy between campsites. Many campgrounds in the region also feature picnic tables, nearby hiking trails, and some have camp stores for basic supplies. Most sites accommodate tents and smaller RVs, with some offering electric hookups.
When is the best time to visit Clear Springs Campground?
The best time to visit Clear Springs Campground is typically late spring through early fall (May to October). Summer offers warm days perfect for outdoor activities, though Cunningham Falls State Park and similar Maryland parks can get crowded on summer weekends. For a more peaceful experience with comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, consider visiting in September or early October. Spring visits (April-May) bring wildflowers and fewer crowds, though evenings can be chilly. Most Maryland state park facilities reduce services or close entirely during winter months, so verify operating dates if planning a late fall or early spring visit.
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