Camping opportunities near Ellerslie, Maryland extend throughout the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 650 to 3,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer highs rarely exceeding 85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most primitive campsites in the area are accessible via forest roads that can become rutted after heavy rainfall, making high-clearance vehicles recommended for accessing remote locations.
What to do
Hike the 5-mile Lake Habeeb Trail: The trail at Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers a complete loop around the lake with multiple access points from the campground. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort," notes Jeff H.
Fish at multiple stocked waterways: Savage River State Forest provides fishing opportunities in mountain streams that remain cool even during summer months. "There are multiple boat ramps, and from one end of the reservoir to the other on a kayak is about 2 hours. Hiking options are endless although some are hard to spot," shares Jillian K.
Explore the C&O Canal Trail: CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2 offers access to the historic canal path. "This is a 1 3/4 mile walk along the C &O Canal Trail to the outskirts of Cumberland. A fantastic museum is near that 1 3/4 mile point. The National Park Visitor Center is there as well which is very informative," explains Roger W.
Paddle on Lake Habeeb: Rental equipment is available directly at the lake. "Nice lake where you can fish, canoe/kayak, etc. didn't get a chance to swim because of all the rain but there is a beach as well," writes Kaley R.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Green Ridge State Forest offers secluded primitive camping. "What it does have is solitude. There are nearly 100 campsites within the forest boundaries and with the exception of the Kasekamp sites most of them have no neighbor within half a mile," explains Bill G.
Swimming options: New Germany State Park features a small lake with designated swimming areas. "We loved this campground. It was quieter than Deep Creek with shaded good sized camp sites in the Hemlock loop where pets are allowed. The small lake was perfect for swimming," says Angie R.
Affordable primitive camping: Sites at Savage River State Forest provide budget options for campers seeking basic facilities. "If you want a good primitive camping experience this place is great. Only $10 a night and you're supposed to only have 2 cars and 6 people at a single site," reports Jillian K.
Private campsite options: Savage River State Forest offers sites with ample space. "The campgrounds were full but the sites are spaced far enough apart that we didn't see or hear anyone else. The closest restrooms are at the end of the road near the lake and were well taken care of," shares Joe G.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the region have poor connectivity. "Note that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience," warns Jen V. about New Germany State Park.
Bears are active in the area: Green Ridge State Forest requires proper food storage. "Remember this is bear country and they are around this year in force," cautions Bill G.
Weather can change quickly: Shawnee State Park Campground experiences variable conditions. "The weather was crazy the one night I stayed! Thunderstorms turned to ice turned to snow which made the area even more beautiful," recalls Michele F.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Many of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one," explains Lee D.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly water areas: Rocky Gap provides designated swimming areas. "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," shares one camper.
Consider proximity to bathrooms: New Germany State Park Campground has limited facilities. "If you're camping at sites 14-26, the walk may seem a bit long to use the john," warns Bill G.
Look for educational opportunities: State parks in the region offer nature centers. "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center. Overall a very nice family camping area," notes Jillian K.
Select sites with adequate space: Middle Ridge Campground provides room for family activities. "Large campsites with good spacing between guests, which makes your site feel private. I called before booking and talked to the owner which helped us pick out the perfect spot," advises Kayla M.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions before booking: Hidden Springs Campground has varied site sizes. "We stayed 4 nights, the first two were very quiet at the campground. Bathhouses are in fair shape. Staff was super friendly," reports Carrie B.
Be prepared for uneven sites: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Our site P1 is a full hook up pull through but it's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit," warns Jennifer K.
Access roads can be challenging: Road conditions vary throughout the region. "Site 2 looks not too bad but a little less level. Site 6 also seemed like a nice spot for a Rv. Don't recommend taking a large travel trailer on 15 mile creek Rd south of I68. Lots of S turns and pretty steep for my skills," advises Josh G.
Research seasonal closure dates: Some campgrounds operate year-round while others close in winter. "Many sites require advance reservations, especially during summer weekends when lakefront areas reach capacity quickly," notes Carrie B.
