Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cumberland, MD

Looking for the best Cumberland dispersed camping? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Cumberland's most popular destinations.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cumberland, MD (6)

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      1. Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

      2 Reviews
      15 Saves

      Map: https://wvdnr.gov/wmamapproj/pdf/pdf300/EdwardsRunFinal11x17_300dpi.pdf

      Primitive camping is provided as well as parking, a pit toilet and trash cans. Get your DNR permit and enjoy a day in the woods.

      The 397-acre Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is principally forested in oak and hickory though it includes approximately 17 acres of brush and scattered clearing. Deer, squirrel, and turkey are the principal species hunted in the management area. Edwards Run, a tributary of the Cacapon River, accommodates fishing for trout and is stocked from February until May. Six primitive campsites with pit toilets have been developed in the management area.

      Directions: Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area is located in eastern Hampshire County two miles north of Capon Bridge, WV. To reach the area from Capon Bridge, follow highway US-50 to WV-15 north.

      Edwards Run WMA is managed by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. It was formerly known as the Edwards Run Public Hunting & Fishing Area.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Dispersed
      • Trash
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
      Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest

      2. Buchanan State Forest

      3 Reviews
      15 Photos
      9 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Dispersed
      • Picnic Table
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Squirrel Hollow Road Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
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        5. Zepp Mountain Dispersed

        Be the first to review!
        1 Save

        Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed areas and other campers. Dispersed camping requires extra responsibilities and skills.

        Keep a pack-in pack-out camp. Amenities like water, restrooms or trash cans are not provided.
        There are no fees or permit required for dispersed camping in small groups. Group size is limited to no more than 10 people in a designated Wilderness.
        Camping stay is limited to 21 consecutive days.
        Please camp at least 200 feet from any stream or other water source.
        Contact the local District Office to see if any restrictions are in place.
        Use a good map to ensure you are not on private land.
        Be bear aware: keep a clean camp and keep food out of reach of bears.
        • Fires
        • Dispersed
        • No image available

        Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cumberland

        6 Reviews of 6 Cumberland Campgrounds


        • M
          Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
          Oct. 27, 2024

          Buchanan State Forest

          Interesting and Rustic

          This was my first experience camping with no hookups. The park is very large, with interesting trails to explore. I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It’s extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars. And while it’s not free, it’s only $10/night.

        • SThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Buchanan State Forest
          Jul. 9, 2024

          Buchanan State Forest

          Dyrt is wrong , AGAIN

          just pulled in and 1st spot looks great except it says on the sign THAT YOU NEED A PERMIT , DYRT So F'ing glad I paid for pro to show me the free campsites OH WAIT I JUST PAID $51.50 FOR 3 NIGHTS TO STAY AT THIS "FREE" SITE. Greed Is Killing America. Dyrt should give refunds.

        • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Mar. 19, 2024

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Road side site is not too bad

          As I pulled in there was a kiosk with a sign that said $10 camping fee but no info on how or where to pay. I tried to look at the WVDNR website but couldn't find it there either, However no one came by. Other than that the site was level and grassy. Nice camp site.

        • Frank G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area
          Dec. 6, 2022

          Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area

          Hike in

          I spent a night here. There's a lot by the road that looks like it's where they want you to camp but there are better sites on in. Just gotta hike to em. Fun place to teach the kids the basics of fishing, but the campground area leaves a little to be desired.

        • Kelly G.
          Camper-submitted photo from Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed
          Aug. 29, 2021

          Brushy Ridge Road Dispersed

          Great location near Dolly Sods Wilderness

          Brushy Ridge Road is Forest Service Road 75 and is in decent condition. There are several pull off campsites along this road on the way up to Dolly Sods wilderness but this primitive group of three large unmarked campsites with stone fire rings is before you get to the Bear Flats Plateau and the Red Creek camp grounds. It is a 2.5 mile, 2000’ climb to get to the trailhead for Bear Rocks Trail in Bear Rocks Preserve which is about a half mile past the entrance to this unmarked group site. I camped in the middle of these three large campsites that are each about 100 feet away from each other. Firewood was available on a self serve honor system (put $5 cash in the box for each bundle you take) at the farmhouse across from the turn on to Brushy Creek.



        Guide to Cumberland

        Camping near Cumberland, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

        What to do

        • Hiking: Explore the trails around Greenbrier State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
        • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Cowans Gap State Park Campground. A camper shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
        • Rafting: For those seeking thrills, Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park is nearby. One reviewer said, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."

        What campers like

        • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Bathrooms and showers are very clean. Sites are spacious and well placed."
        • Privacy: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Coopers Rock State Forest. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful campground with well spaced sites."
        • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff at Five River Campground. A reviewer said, "The owners are amazing and so helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful time."

        What you should know

        • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper warned, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
        • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds, such as Rocky Gap State Park Campground, are only open from late April to October. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
        • Alcohol policies: If you enjoy a drink while camping, be aware that some campgrounds, like Blackwater Falls State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol.

        Tips for camping with families

        • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites, like Green Ridge State Forest. A camper mentioned, "Sites were nice and spread out. Great trails in the area."
        • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, such as hiking or fishing, to keep kids entertained. One family enjoyed, "Biking, hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice" at Cowans Gap State Park Campground.
        • Check for playgrounds: Some campgrounds, like Rocky Gap State Park Campground, have playgrounds nearby, making it easier for kids to have fun while parents relax.

        Tips from RVers

        • Level sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, such as Five River Campground. One RVer shared, "Full hook up sites were amazing."
        • Check amenities: Make sure the campground has the amenities you need, like electric hookups. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The facilities were extremely clean."
        • Be aware of noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. One camper at Harpers Ferry KOA mentioned, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground. No enforcement of quiet hours."

        Camping around Cumberland, MD, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cumberland, MD?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cumberland, MD is Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cumberland, MD?

          TheDyrt.com has all 6 dispersed camping locations near Cumberland, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.