Nestled in western Maryland near the Pennsylvania border, Ellerslie sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in the Appalachian foothills. The area experiences four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and moderate summers, making April through October the primary camping season. The region's mixed hardwood forests create dense shade at many campsites, particularly beneficial during summer camping months.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Shawnee State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes one visitor. The park maintains miles of wooded paths accessible directly from camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and lake access points provide varied fishing experiences. "We stayed at site 258 (Non-electric). The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," reports a Shawnee State Park camper. Most locations don't require fishing licenses for pond fishing within campground boundaries.
Historic exploration: The C&O Canal offers unique historical context combined with outdoor recreation. A visitor to Fifteen Mile Campground shares: "This is a more traditional NPS campground along the Potomac River and C&O Towpath Trail where you can actually drive in, instead of just hiking or cycling. It would make a great shuttle point." The towpath provides 10+ miles of flat terrain suitable for bikes and strollers.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the ample space between sites at several parks. At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, one camper noted, "First time here but will be back. Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own sections of woods." The park's Ironwood loop features non-electric sites suitable for tents and small RVs.
Water activities: Beyond swimming, many parks offer affordable watercraft rentals. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," mentions a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park Campground. The wide, flat trails surrounding most lakes accommodate beginners and young paddlers.
Fall foliage viewing: The region transforms with color from late September through October. "We had a wonderful, big electric and water site. A lot to do here!" notes a visitor at Kentuck Campground. Most yurt camping options in Ellerslie, Maryland require advance booking during peak leaf season, sometimes 6-9 months ahead.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds feature significant terrain variation. A visitor to Hidden Springs Campground advises, "I called before booking and talked to the owner which helped us pick out the perfect spot!" Sites on slopes may require extensive leveling, particularly for larger RVs.
Seasonal availability: Year-round yurt camping near Ellerslie, Maryland is limited. "We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out," explains one camper. Many parks restrict water services from November through March.
Road access considerations: Several campgrounds feature challenging approach roads. "The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides. Made it in and out no issue taking it slow, but not sure I would try anything longer than about 36' fifth wheel or 34' travel trailer," warns a visitor to Middle Ridge Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many parks offer educational wildlife encounters. "We absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back. Seeing the equine daily was a huge plus; they were super sweet and funny," shares a Middle Ridge Campground visitor. Several locations maintain small animal areas with feeding opportunities during morning hours.
Multiple playground options: Family-oriented campgrounds often feature multiple play areas. "There are 3 playgrounds all different and all well kept," notes a camper at Friendship Village Campground. Most playgrounds cater to different age ranges, from toddlers to older children.
Water safety considerations: Swimming areas vary significantly in supervision levels. "The lifeguards came out on boat and kindly told us we could not swim," explains a Rocky Gap visitor, highlighting that designated swim areas are strictly enforced. Most parks restrict swimming to beach areas with established hours, typically 10am-6pm during summer.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Electrical connections aren't always ideally positioned. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises a Laurel Hill camper. Extension cords of 25-50 feet are recommended for most sites.
Variable leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities," warns a Pioneer Lakes RV Park visitor. First-time yurt campers in Ellerslie, Maryland should bring additional sleeping pads for comfort on wooden platforms.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies dramatically across the region. "Starlink was sketchy at best, Verizon had one bar and slightly usable, ATT was best with a couple of bars and ok speeds," reports a Middle Ridge visitor. Most campgrounds do not offer reliable WiFi, requiring campers to prepare for limited communication.
