Best Campgrounds near Frederick, MD

Frederick, Maryland's surrounding area has many good camping spots for both quiet getaways and outdoor fun. Greenbrier State Park Campground draws many campers with its swimming beach and places to have picnics. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground has hiking trails that wind through beautiful forests. Codorus State Park Campground works well for fishing, as its lake contains many different fish species. Cacapon Resort State Park lets you do more than just camp - you can golf or go horseback riding too. You can reach most of these campgrounds on decent roads, though some spots might need a vehicle that sits higher off the ground, especially when it rains or snows. Since these camping areas aren't far from Frederick, you can easily take day trips into town to see historic places and grab food at local restaurants. Keep in mind that some campgrounds shut down during winter, so it's smart to check if they're open before you plan your trip. The campgrounds around Frederick give all kinds of campers - from those wanting peace and quiet to those seeking active outdoor time - plenty of choices.

Best Camping Sites Near Frederick, Maryland (119)

    1. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Very nice campground not far from DC area and Frederick.  We are going back for second time this month (June 2020).  "

    "We really enjoyed camping at Greenbrier state park, and was pleasantly surprised how nice the park was given its convenient location to us!"

    2. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    22 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Only 30 minutes north of Frederick. There is a lot of beautiful trails in the area and a man-made lake with two swimming area beaches."

    "Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain.

    This is not a pet friendly loop.

    Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.

    The site is between two cabins."

    3. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    24 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $65 / night

    "There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."

    "Camp next to the president."

    4. Gambrill State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Middletown, MD
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $50 / night

    "It is located in Frederick, about an hour outside of Baltimore and Washington D.C. Though the campground is small, each site looks pretty unique. It offers tent sites, electric sites, and 4 cabins."

    "The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."

    5. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    28 Reviews
    Sabillasville, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 663-9388

    $30 / night

    "Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

    "My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."

    6. Little Bennett Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clarksburg, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 528-3430

    "Quiet woods in Maryland about 30 or 40 miles north of DC. Tenting, and RV spots partial to full service. Just of hiway 270. pricey ($66/night) for a state park, but nice."

    "PROS 

    Very nice small Montgomery County Park 

    No reservation fee to make on-line reservations 

    Reserved 137 days prior to arriving 

    Entrance gate required entry code Instructed by staff via gate phone"

    7. Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

    38 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-6895

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We set up camp at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA Holiday as our launchpad to visit the historic sites in and around Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, and Frederick, Maryland. "

    "It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot)."

    8. Brunswick Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Brunswick, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 834-9950

    $10 - $90 / night

    "Picked this location because it is close to our home in Silver Spring, MD but far enough to make us feel like we were leaving town."

    "Great location right next the river. Easy to walk into the river or tube down it. Lots of different activities for kids and plenty of space at each site to make your home away from home."

    9. Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    23 Reviews
    Harpers Ferry, WV
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 535-2663

    "If you would like to do some exploring, then you can walk the trail right next to the campground into the historical town of Harper's Ferry (If you’re facing the river then the trail is to the right of"

    "Harper's Ferry is a little town in WV nestled right next to the Potomac River. It's also a convenient halfwayish point on the Appalachian Trail."

    10. Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area

    6 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $29 / night

    "Nice little spot near Thurmont Maryland. Good playground for the kids."

    "If you like farther away from stores and restaurants (but not two far). This is a nice option. It is about 2 hours from DC. The firewood they sell is very good."

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Showing results 1-10 of 119 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Frederick, MD

1021 Reviews of 119 Frederick Campgrounds



Guide to Frederick

Camping near Frederick, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "We camped in a tent. It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Codorus State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland... The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice."
  • Swimming: Relax at the beach area in Greenbrier State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy the activities available. One reviewer at Pohick Bay Campground mentioned, "The kids loved the man-made beach and park."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground remarked, "Nice creek running through. Pool. Appalachian trail runs right by it."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have limited or no cell service. One camper noted, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Greenbrier State Park Campground can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor advised, "It stays booked because it is such a well-maintained campground."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA mentioned, "Partiers with foul mouths throughout the campground. No enforcement of quiet hours."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cherry Hill Park that offer activities for kids. One parent said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for fun on the water. A visitor at Pohick Bay Campground shared, "Bring bikes. Long bike trail along the road."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has a beach swim area with a concession stand."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify the size of your site before booking. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
  • Use Local Amenities: Take advantage of nearby stores for supplies. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be loud, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "This place is absolutely the most horrific noisy place is like sleeping on the side of the highway."

Camping around Frederick, MD, has something for everyone, from serene nature spots to family-friendly parks. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Frederick, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Frederick, MD is Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.

What parks are near Frederick, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Frederick, MD that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.