Top Free Dispersed Camping near Emmitsburg, MD

Camping near Emmitsburg, Maryland, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to check out.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "There’s tons of hiking, exploring along the lake, and Gettysburg within a 30-minute drive."
• Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Codorus State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
• Historical Sites: Visit nearby historical sites like Gettysburg. One camper noted, "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review for Greenbrier State Park Campground stated, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly, and park rangers are present and helpful."
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground shared, "Even on Labor Day weekend, it didn’t feel busy because of how few sites are in this section."
• Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are great for families. One reviewer mentioned, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like a tractor ride through the campground."

What you should know:

• No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, such as Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper noted, "It’s a family park!"
• Site Size Variability: Sites can vary in size and levelness. A visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are not huge; however, the bathhouse is new and nice."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owens Creek Campground, lack electric hookups and showers. A reviewer said, "The sites are very clean but close to each other."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A family at Cowans Gap State Park Campground found, "The privacy of our site was pretty good and we had nice shade."
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park."
• Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "Nicely stocked store, great cafe onsite."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levelness: Make sure to check the levelness of your site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
• Use Public Transport: If visiting DC, consider using public transport. A camper at Cherry Hill Park said, "We didn't drive to DC at all - just used public transit."
• Be Mindful of Noise: Keep an eye on noise levels, especially during weekends. A visitor at Harpers Ferry KOA mentioned, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground. No enforcement of quiet hours."

Camping near Emmitsburg, Maryland, has something for everyone. Whether you're with family or friends, you'll find plenty of activities and beautiful spots to enjoy.