Primitive camping areas around Frostburg, Maryland sit within the Appalachian highlands at elevations of 1,500-2,700 feet, creating distinct seasonal experiences with mild summers averaging 75°F and cold winters. The surrounding terrain features mixed hardwood forests with scattered pine stands and small streams. Water access points at campsites require careful planning as many are primitive with limited facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Trout Pond Recreation Area, visitors find clear water stocked with fish. "Big catfish in clear water. Water was so clean that it was throbbing with freshwater jellyfish," notes Fred F., who found excellent fishing conditions.
Hiking trails: The wooded terrain provides trail networks for all skill levels. Near Trout Pond Recreation Area, "the Rockcliff lake trail was rocky at spots but pretty level," according to Laure D., while the "Lina Constable Overlook" trail offers "1 mile steep incline at times but worth every step."
ATV riding: The Cove Campground maintains designated off-road trails for motorized recreation. "With great trails, a lake, and outdoor shooting range we can easily spend the whole weekend or longer," reports Victoriana P., highlighting the diverse activities available to visitors.
Swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer water access for summer cooling. The Cove Campground features "a small beach" and as Shanna B. describes, you can "relax while you endure in festivities at your own leisure."
What campers like
Spacious sites: At Big Run State Park Campground, campers appreciate the room to spread out. Nathan S. notes, "Nice wide open site... Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Stream access: Waterside camping ranks high with visitors to Big Run. "It is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek," says Mark K., who appreciated the primitive streamside sites.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as a positive feature. Andy C. found Big Run "flat, large, clean and right by the creek," making it ideal for families with children who "loved playing in the water."
Peaceful surroundings: The relative seclusion creates quiet camping environments. Katie H. called Big Run "one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways," noting "the best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most horse-friendly campgrounds near Frostburg provide basic facilities. At Vagabond Isle, there are no hookups, no toilets, and no shower facilities - purely primitive camping.
Seasonal considerations: Winter closures affect accessibility. John B. notes that at Trout Pond Recreation Area, "The area closes completely (entrance gate is locked) from Dec 21 - May 1."
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds can be challenging. For Trout Pond, Laure D. advises, "Better to go to Wardensville, WV and down 16 rather than try to cross the mountain near East of Trout Pond."
Cell service limitations: Communication options are restricted in these rural areas. Chris J. mentions at Trout Pond, "there is no cell service. In case of an emergency, you are a 20 minute drive to call for help."
Tips for camping with families
Water play areas: Shawnee State Park Campground provides excellent water recreation. Casey S. reports, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play structures. Lee D. noted at Shawnee State Park, "A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground."
Site selection for kids: When booking horse-friendly camping spots, consider proximity to water features. At Big Run State Park, Andy C. found site 73 "flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Pack for weather variability: Mountain elevations create temperature fluctuations. Laure D. experienced "80 daytime and ~60 at night" at Trout Pond in mid-August, showing the potential for cool evenings even in summer.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Horse trailers combined with camping units require careful site selection. At The Cove Campground, Christopher K. notes "Campsites were spacious and mostly level" but recommends "4x4 drive" for the gravel roads.
Levelness challenges: Finding flat spots for larger rigs requires advance planning. Brittany V. advises Shawnee State Park visitors to "Double check site booked. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked."
Limited hookups: Electric service varies significantly between campgrounds. Laure D. points out that Trout Pond "states online that it's only 15amp electric at 14 of their sites," with sites 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 offering full hookups.
Dump station access: Water management requires planning at primitive horse campgrounds. Nathan S. notes that at Big Run State Park, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
