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Best Campgrounds near Frederick, MD

1,036 Reviews

Camping around Frederick in Maryland ranges from state parks to forest sites with varying amenities. Greenbrier State Park Campground has a nice beach area and good views, though it's currently closed. Codorus State Park Campground is known among local fishers for its good catches. Hikers can find many trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground to walk through the woods. You can get to most of these places without trouble since the roads are kept in good shape. The campgrounds typically have bathrooms and drinking water available. Cowans Gap State Park Campground is quieter and feels more removed from busy areas. Some campgrounds even have tractor rides, which kids particularly enjoy. Weather-wise, camping is best in spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold. Summer gets pretty warm, so you'll need to stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Winter camping works if you bring warm sleeping bags and proper cold-weather gear. The Frederick area has camping that works well whether you want to be active or just relax by a campfire.

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Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

Horsepen Branch Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

38 min away

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Best Camping Sites Near Frederick, Maryland (131)

    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

    39 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

    24 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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Recent Camping Photos near Frederick, MD

422 Photos of 131 Frederick Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Frederick, MD

1036 Reviews of 131 Frederick Campgrounds

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

  • Erin W.
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Lake Fairfax Campground

    Nice for a quick weekend

    This campground is nice for a quick weekend and does have pretty trails next to the campground. The sites are largely in more of a meadow and not many are very wooded. Our site, 41, was level and nicely spaced from other sites but many tent sites were not level at all. Many tents were on a full slant. There is a waterpark that is an extra cost which is fun for kids. Bathrooms are well maintained and huge.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Cherry Hill Park

    Can’t beat it

    Proximity to DC and surrounding areas can’t be beat. Uber, Lyft, bus, shuttle. It takes about a half hour to get downtown to the monuments. Our uber rides ranged from 20-45$ for a family of 5. So $4-9 per person. We rode in all 4 days this way. Personalized, comfortable. Door to door. We saw tons of stuff. No one can say they saw everything. We took the train from Union station to Penn station. Saw the nationals, the orioles. So fun. The park itself has more than most. Mini golf, two pools, arcade, 24 hour laundry, a store and office open early!! And late!!! Wow! Just can’t be beat. Great sites. So many other things in the park. Splash pad, paved roads for scootering. Just awesome!

  • Caleb S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Tabolt island state park

    We had a nice stay overlooking the marsh. The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh. The beach was nice and clean.

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

Are there any RV campgrounds near Frederick, MD with full hookups?

Evergreen Point Village is the primary RV park in the immediate Frederick area offering full hookups. While it's more of a mobile home community with some RV spaces rather than a vacation resort, every site provides full hookups. The spaces are tightly packed but private, making it functional for RVers needing convenient access to Frederick. For those willing to drive a bit further, Little Bennett Campground near Clarksburg offers more traditional campground amenities while still providing the hookups needed for comfortable RV camping, including sites that can accommodate larger rigs.

What are the best campgrounds in Frederick, MD for families?

Families visiting Frederick have several excellent campground options. Gambrill State Park Campground is ideal for beginning campers with unique sites, pet-friendly policies, and both tent and electric sites. It's conveniently located just outside Frederick, offering a peaceful natural setting while being close to city amenities. For families seeking more amenities, Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA hosts family-friendly weekend festivities, especially during October when they offer Halloween activities. Though technically in West Virginia, it's a short drive from Frederick and serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's historic sites and natural attractions.

Where can I find riverside or lakeside camping near Frederick, MD?

For lakeside camping near Frederick, Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park offers beautiful sites nestled in Catoctin Mountain, just 30 minutes north of Frederick. The park features a man-made lake with two swimming beaches, though water levels and algae can be seasonal concerns. For riverside options, Brunswick Family Campground provides camping along the Potomac River, offering water activities and scenic views. Both locations combine water access with the natural beauty of Maryland's landscapes, providing refreshing alternatives during the warm summer months when water recreation becomes a priority for campers.

Is there any free or dispersed camping available near Frederick, MD?

True free or dispersed camping is limited near Frederick due to the density of private land and regulated public lands in the region. Adirondack Shelters — Catoctin Mountain Park offers a primitive camping experience, though not entirely free. These three-sided shelters provide a backcountry experience close to Frederick. For hikers and bikers, Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the C&O Canal provides low-cost camping options. While not free, these sites are typically more affordable than established campgrounds. True dispersed camping requires traveling further west into George Washington National Forest in Virginia or other national forest lands beyond the immediate Frederick area.

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