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Best Tent Camping near Flintstone, MD

745 Reviews

Tent campers exploring the area surrounding Flintstone, Maryland have access to several primitive campgrounds along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park corridor, with additional tent sites available at Big Run State Park and Barnum Whitewater Area. The region offers a mix of riverside tent camping options and more secluded forest sites, with most tent-only areas requiring modest walks from parking areas. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground provides basic tent-only sites within walking distance of the historic tunnel, while other tent campgrounds are scattered along waterways throughout the region.

Most tent sites in the Flintstone area feature grass or dirt surfaces with minimal site preparation. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal campgrounds typically offer primitive amenities, with chemical toilets or pit latrines being the standard facility. Campers should note that many sites require parking on nearby roads and carrying equipment to the camping area, sometimes across bridges or down paths. Water access varies significantly, with some campgrounds featuring hand pumps (occasionally missing handles) while others have no potable water. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established tent campgrounds, though several hiker-biker sites may have limited seating for large groups.

The tent camping experience near Flintstone often includes proximity to waterways, with many sites positioned along the Potomac River or smaller creeks. Train noise can be a consideration for light sleepers, as many tent campgrounds sit near active rail lines. Sites at Big Run State Park offer more seclusion and privacy between campsites, with some situated in wooded areas adjacent to streams. Antietam Creek Campground provides riverside tent sites but limited privacy from neighboring campers and trail users. According to one visitor, "Big Run State Park is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream where you can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

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Best Tent Sites Near Flintstone, Maryland (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Flintstone, MD

28 Photos of 29 Flintstone Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Flintstone, MD

745 Reviews of 29 Flintstone Campgrounds

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • 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.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Suzy W.
    May. 23, 2018

    Hawk Recreation Area Campground

    A nice spot to get a little off the grid a couple hours outside DC.

    I only stayed one night, but plan to return for a longer stay as it was peaceful and scenic. The campground is free, open from late April through December, and campers may stay up to 21 days. However, there are no online reservations or staff in the area; I would want to have a back-up plan in case all sites are already taken.

    Check-in and check-out are accomplished by filling out a 3 x 5 card at the entrance and placing it in the slot for your campsite. At the end of October, only 4 of the 15 campsites were occupied so I was able to select one spaced out from other campers for privacy.

    The campsites are arranged on the outer perimeter of the loop drive, with a vaulted toilet outhouse and a pump water spigot located within the center island. (I did not use the water, but have read elsewhere that it may come out looking rusty, presumably from the mineral content). Campsites had enough space between them to feel private but close enough to feel that local bears would (hopefully) pass us by. Each campsite has a long parking area (not pull through), a cleared area for tents, a picnic table, and a fire ring and lantern pole. There is no electricity at the campground.

    The road approaching the campground is not comfortably wide enough to pass oncoming cars (though I did not encounter any) so I would take it slow, especially around the many bends. My cellular reception cut out along one of the forest roads well before reaching the campground; I will have a compass and written directions in and out handy when I return.

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • 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.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2023

    Big Run State Park Campground

    Great primitive campsite

    This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals

Guide to Flintstone

Flintstone, Maryland, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape in nature.

Tips for Tent Camping Near Flintstone

  • For a unique experience, consider the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, which provides boat-in, drive-in, and hike-in access, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.
  • Be prepared for basic amenities at Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, where you'll find clean chemical toilets but no showers or potable water.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded experience, Barnum Whitewater Area offers primitive camping sites along the river, ideal for those who appreciate nature's tranquility.

Local Activities for Campers

  • Explore the scenic Paw Paw Tunnel nearby, accessible from the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, where you can hike or bike along the historic towpath.
  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking opportunities at Big Run State Park Campground, which is close to the Savage River reservoir, perfect for water sports enthusiasts.
  • Take a short hike to the Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite for a peaceful retreat, where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.

Unique Features of Campgrounds Near Flintstone

  • The Stoney Creek Campground offers private riverfront sites with hot showers and dedicated bathrooms, making it a comfortable choice for larger groups.
  • At Maple Festival Park (near GAP Trail), you can set up your tent in a charming setting that hosts an annual festival, adding a unique local flavor to your camping experience.
  • Buffalo Gap Retreat features a mix of tent and cabin accommodations, along with amenities like picnic tables and firewood, making it a versatile option for different camping styles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Flintstone, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Flintstone, MD is Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Flintstone, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Flintstone, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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