Best Campgrounds near Cumberland, MD
Cumberland, Maryland sits at the crossroads of several camping regions, with options ranging from developed state parks to primitive sites along waterways. Rocky Gap State Park Campground, located 10 miles east of Cumberland, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around Lake Habeeb. Green Ridge State Forest offers more primitive camping with dispersed sites spread across its forested landscape. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park features hiker-biker campsites along the historic towpath, including Spring Gap Campground. Private campgrounds like Hillcrest River Kampground provide full hookup options for RVs with access to the Potomac River.
Access to camping areas varies by location and season. Rocky Gap State Park requires reservations, especially during summer weekends when the lake beach attracts visitors. Green Ridge State Forest sites require permits obtained at the forest headquarters, with most sites accessible by car though some need higher clearance vehicles. The C&O Canal campsites are primarily designed for hikers and cyclists traveling the towpath. Winter camping is available at several locations, though water systems may be winterized. Cell service can be spotty in the more remote forest areas. One camper noted, "Green Ridge is where one comes to camp for the isolation. Very few sites are within walking distance of each other."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the Cumberland region. Rocky Gap's lakeside sites allow campers to launch kayaks directly from their campsite into sheltered coves. Several visitors mentioned the separation between the campground beach and day-use beach as a positive feature that reduces crowding. Train noise affects some camping areas, particularly along the C&O Canal where tracks parallel the Potomac River. The Spring Gap Campground receives mixed reviews due to its proximity to both Route 51 and train tracks. Forest sites in Green Ridge offer the most seclusion but require self-sufficiency as they lack facilities. Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings including deer, raccoons, and various birds throughout the region's campgrounds.
