Best Campgrounds near Flintstone, MD

Flintstone, Maryland serves as a gateway to several notable camping destinations in western Maryland's mountainous region. Green Ridge State Forest offers nearly 100 primitive campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides developed facilities with electric hookups, showers, and lakeside recreation. The area accommodates diverse camping preferences with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts available at various campgrounds. Most sites are accessible via paved or gravel roads, though some forest locations require navigation on dirt roads with moderate clearance.

Permits and reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends when facilities like Rocky Gap State Park fill quickly. Green Ridge State Forest requires campers to register at headquarters before occupying sites, with fees typically under $20 per night. The camping season extends year-round at some locations, though winter brings colder temperatures to this mountainous area. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage near Interstate 68 and diminishing reception in more remote forest areas. A camper noted that "Green Ridge is where one comes to camp for the isolation. Very few sites are within walking distance of each other."

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Flintstone area. Rocky Gap State Park features a lake with swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities, while sites near the Potomac River and various creeks offer alternatives for water recreation. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to natural features, including the C&O Canal towpath and mountain paths. Campers frequently mention the region's wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer sightings common and occasional black bear activity. A review highlighted that "Rocky Gap is our go-to place for quick family camping. We tend to stay in either the F or C loops, as we have pets. Most of the sites are large enough for big family tents and many are made for RV's in mind."

Best Camping Sites Near Flintstone, Maryland (145)

    1. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 722-1480

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Rocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly."

    "Great location in Western Maryland. 10 min ride to Cumberland (larger town) 5 min ride to small town of Flintstone. Lots of well marked trails that range from beginner to advanced."

    2. Green Ridge State Forest

    29 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-3124

    $10 / night

    "Very few sites are within walking distance of each other. The exception is a group of sites near the Potomac Riverand the C&O Canal."

    "There are nearly 100 campsites within the forest boundaries and with the exception of the Kasekamp sites (that cater more to river floating and the nearby C&O Canal) most of them have no neighbor within"

    3. CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2

    19 Reviews
    Cumberland, MD
    10 miles
    +1 (301) 777-3472

    $35 / night

    "Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on."

    "Great stay at a well located spot. Beautiful and quiet. Don was very helpful with any request that we had. Would return again. Thanks Don."

    4. Rvino - Ridge Rider Campground, LLC

    13 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-2325

    $27 - $4200 / night

    "Lots to do, friendly staff and easy access to c.o. canal"

    "The sites are close together but there is still privacy as most sites are surrounded by trees. Bathhouses are in fair shape. Staff was super friendly. Would definitely go here again."

    5. Hidden Springs Campground

    7 Reviews
    Flintstone, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 767-9676

    $58 - $70 / night

    "We had a very positive experience at Hidden Springs. We stayed 4 nights, the first two were very quiet at the campground."

    6. Camp Cacapon

    16 Reviews
    Great Cacapon, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 343-1443

    $45 - $115 / night

    "Beautiful place, tucked in the woods, right next to the river. The RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and with full hook-ups."

    "Beautiful surroundings nestled off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out."

    7. Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    8 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    11 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "For this portion, at least, the campground is good and the tow path along the canal is great for a run and quite scenic."

    8. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."

    "It's close to some really great hiking--just outside the park--and that's how I ended up there."

    9. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    4 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."

    "Great campground, breast the Paw Paw Hill Tunnel trail. Unfortunately, when we went, the tunnel is closed for either construction or for safely risks. But nice area, can't wait to go back."

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Recent Reviews near Flintstone, MD

762 Reviews of 145 Flintstone Campgrounds


  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Large wooded sites

    The owners are so friendly and personable. The sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Hidden Springs Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    It was packed-all went smoothly. From check in, wood delivery, and parking.

  • M
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Perfect Site

    This was the perfect little site. Super friendly and accommodating, beautiful walking paths, great campsites. We really enjoyed our stay.

  • Lyle & Stephanie H.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private - Quiet - Great Hosts

    We really enjoyed our stay.   Quiet camping on top of a mountain.   Beautiful wooded views.  Hosts were amazing and plenty of space between campers.  All the spots are shaded.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Peaceful retreat in the woods on the mountain

    Nice full hook-up sites in spacious level sites in the woods. Great place to get away. Great value with a gracious host and hostess. Delivered wood to our site by the time I disconnected. The donkeys were fun to see. The town of Romney nearby has everything you might need. Highly recommend the small farmer markets with fresh fruit and veggies. Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. 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. Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi. No issues with power or sewer. Pool looked nice and clean, but we did not get a chance to use it. Hike down to the ponds is pretty steep. Would go back again if in the area. Starlink was sketchy at best, Verizon had one bar and slightly usable, ATT was best with a couple of bars and ok speeds.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • N
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Quiet, peaceful and friendly owners

    We absolutely loved this place and will definitely be back. Seeing the equine daily was a huge plus; they were super sweet and funny. The owners were so helpful and friendly.


Guide to Flintstone

Situated in the Allegheny Mountains at approximately 875 feet elevation, Flintstone, Maryland offers access to both heavily wooded forests and waterfront camping opportunities. The region experiences distinct seasons with fall temperatures ranging from 30°F to 60°F, making it ideal for extended camping seasons. Campsites near Flintstone typically sit on varying terrain, from riverside flats to forested hillsides.

What to do

Paddleboarding on Lake Habeeb: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy various water activities. One camper mentioned, "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas."

Tunnel exploration: The historic Paw Paw Tunnel located 1.75 miles from the C&O Canal Trail provides a unique hiking experience. According to a visitor, "The tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day."

Apple picking opportunities: Some campgrounds feature fruit trees on property. At Hillcrest River Kampground, one camper noted they "Love the apple trees that outline the property," providing a seasonal activity for campers in late summer and early fall.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campers value the room between sites at certain campgrounds. A visitor to Green Ridge State Forest shared, "The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite."

Private beach access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas away from public crowds. One camper praised, "This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public."

Accessible fishing spots: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities. At Little Orleans Campground, visitors can enjoy "a cute duck/goose pond you can even fish in (catch and release)," which provides a family-friendly activity without leaving the campground.

What you should know

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Camp Cacapon, campers note there's "wifi, but no cell service… bonus for relaxation!" Plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.

Site terrain challenges: Many primitive sites require careful selection for comfortable camping. At Green Ridge State Forest, "none of the sites are appropriate for RVs. Maybe a small camper, but one must remember a good portion of the campsites are reached by notoriously thin and rough roads."

Weather preparation: The mountain region experiences significant temperature fluctuations. One camper reported camping at Green Ridge "even though it was only 14 degrees at night," highlighting the need for proper cold-weather gear, especially in spring and fall.

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At Spring Gap Campground, campers note it's "Close to Route 51, so there is a lot of traffic noise" and "Close to train tracks, so there were a few trains passing in the night."

Tips for camping with families

Lake activities with rentals: For families seeking water recreation, Rocky Gap offers convenient equipment access. "Nice beach area with volley ball nets. Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent," noted one visitor, making it easier for families who don't own water equipment.

Loop selection matters: Certain camping loops are better suited for families with pets. A Rocky Gap camper advised, "We tend to stay in either the F or C loops, as we have pets. Most of the sites are large enough for big family tents."

Playgrounds and amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Fifteen Mile Creek Group Campsite, families appreciate the "nice playground near shade for parents to watch" and the convenience of "trails from the camp loops to the beach."

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup locations: Full-service sites are concentrated in specific campgrounds. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "There are 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites," providing options for various RV setups.

Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful positioning and equipment. One RVer noted, "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," recommending bringing adequate leveling blocks.

Road condition awareness: Access roads to some sites require appropriate vehicles. At Little Orleans Campground, "Sites and roads are gravel," while at Green Ridge, roads are "gravel (if you're lucky) or dirt, which is more likely," requiring vehicles with suitable clearance for comfortable access.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Flintstone, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, Flintstone, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Flintstone, MD and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Flintstone, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Flintstone, MD is Rocky Gap State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 52 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Flintstone, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Flintstone, MD.

What parks are near Flintstone, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Flintstone, MD that allow camping, notably Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.