Camping spots near Cumberland, Maryland range from mountain forest sites to riverside locations with elevations between 600-2,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter dropping to 20-30°F. Fall camping is particularly popular due to the vibrant foliage display throughout the Appalachian ridges, with peak colors typically occurring mid-October through early November.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: The Potomac River at Hillcrest River Kampground offers catch-and-release fishing in their pond. "Really a nice campground with great hosts. Only complaint is the closeness of other sites, luckily no one else was around," notes Jennifer K. Some campgrounds like Middle Ridge also maintain stocked ponds for guests.
Hiking the scenic trails: New Germany State Park Campground features approximately 15 miles of trails rated easy to medium. "The park is full of very tall pine trees. The campground is well maintained and the Rangers were very friendly," writes Michele F. These trails convert to cross-country skiing routes during winter months.
Kayaking and paddling: Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park provides protected coves for paddling. "A lot of lake to paddle. Easy to get to from I-70," reports Marcandpatti B. Many campers bring their own watercraft, though some parks offer rentals during peak season.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Green Ridge State Forest offers remarkable site separation. "From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite, in fact, I'm not exactly sure where it even was," shares Benjamin L. This isolation makes Green Ridge popular with campers seeking true outdoor solitude.
Clean facilities: Middle Ridge Campground maintains excellent bathhouse conditions. "The bathroom is clean. There is open space and tree cover. There is river access," Jessica W. explains. Similarly, Camp Cacapon receives consistent praise for its well-maintained facilities: "Bathrooms have very large, deep, generous stainless steel sinks with ample workspace," notes Theresa R.
Wildlife viewing: Savage River State Forest provides opportunities for animal sightings. "We spotted a raccoon, a bunny, a chipmunk, and (along the nearby roads) lots of deer—don't drive too fast!" warns Meredith P. At Middle Ridge Campground, some sites feature unusual animal encounters: "We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys!" shares Kayla M.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Spring Gap Campground closes from late September to early April. "SPRING GAP in early November, 2023... Usage during visit: Empty," reports Roger W., who visited during the off-season. Many area campgrounds reduce services during winter months.
Cell service limitations: Savage River State Forest has virtually no cellular connectivity. "We had no cell service at all for most of the area," Chris F. notes. Similarly, Camp Cacapon operates in a low-service area, though they provide Wi-Fi: "there is wifi, but no cell service … bonus for relaxation!"
Permit requirements: Green Ridge State Forest requires campers to obtain permits. "You will definitely need a good map with the numbered campsites and suggest downloading offline navigation to your phone," advises Andrew M. Permits must be displayed at campsites and are available at the ranger station when open.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Hidden Springs Campground offers several family-focused facilities. "Swimming pool available and pond for fishing. Nice little store. Lots of pavilions for large family outings," notes Jordan B. The campground stays open from May through November.
Water activities: New Germany State Park features a swimming beach that's particularly good for families with children. "A great swim area where mom can relax while kids play," MeLinda W. observes. The lake is notably cooler than lower-elevation water bodies, providing refreshing relief during summer heat.
Nature programs: Rocky Gap State Park provides educational activities through their camp store. "Clean, well run camp store. Nice beach area with volley ball nets. Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent," Jeff H. mentions. Their nature center offers scheduled programs during summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Little Orleans Campground (now known as Rvino - Ridge Rider Campground) can accommodate larger rigs but has terrain considerations. "Field tent spaces have little cover, but have all the essentials as well as porta potties nearby," notes Gagandeep A. The campground features both RV sites with hookups and primitive tent areas.
Site leveling needs: Hidden Springs Campground provides generally level spots. "Many E/W only sites but all sites are nice and fairly level, well maintained!" shares Steve H. However, some Cumberland area campgrounds require significant leveling equipment due to their mountain terrain.
Hookup availability: Middle Ridge Campground offers full hookup options. "The RV spot overlooks the camping area and has full hookups," Paul O. explains. Travelers should note that while many private campgrounds provide full hookups, state and federal sites typically offer limited or no utility connections.
