Best Campgrounds near Friendsville, MD

General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there). Roads and camper pads are all paved, and the sites are in two loops– the Front Loop (Sites 1-30) and the Back Loop (Sites 31-68). All sites have electric hookups, and have a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern ring. There are multiple hosts in each loop. 

Site Quality: All camper pads are paved, and most appeared to be level. They are of varying lengths with 53, 55, and 64-68 having the longest pads. The sites are generous in size and are spaced a reasonable distance apart; there are varying degrees of foliage to provide privacy between sites. You would be hard-pressed to pick a “bad” site; perhaps Site 31 would be the least desirable as it is near the intersection of the two loops. 

Bath/Shower: There is a bathhouse in each loop; although the building itself appeared somewhat dated, the toilets and sinks have been updated to be automatic. The showers looked a bit sketchy, but I didn’t use them. 

Activities/Amenities: There are several short-distance hiking trails; the trail heads are very well marked and, once on the trail, the blazes are very easy to spot. I hiked the Sunset Trail, and it was shorter than advertised but the bench swing at the overlook was a very nice surprise. There is also archery, basketball, fishing, and a boat launch for the small lake. There is a playground in each loop. There is also a camper store in the Front loop that sells ice, firewood, and basic sundries; it is run by volunteers, so the hours are different each day based on availability. Kalbaugh Pond is ADA-accessible for catch-and-release fishing. Shaw Beach has swimming access. There was movie night on Saturday night and a ranger talk on Saturday morning. 

We generally shy away from campgrounds on weekends, especially in the summer months but surprisingly, the campground was only about ¾ full on a Friday in June. The volunteers make this park shine. We were greeted by Alma, who was very welcoming and said all of the volunteers are proud of “their” little campground. Of note: We approached the campground from the southeast through the town of Keyser. DO NOT do this if you have a large RV. There are multiple signs saying that the road was not safe for large trucks; although our 18-foot camper van had no problems, the road was narrow, hilly, and winding.

General: Large campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins. 

Site Quality: All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others. Our site backed up to the creek but surprisingly, there was not a lot of water flowing in the spring, 

Bath/Shower house: Basic and dated, but reasonably clean. Did not use the shower.

Activities/Amenities: Many include fishing, swimming, boating, bicycling, hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk. There is also a playground, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a large picnic area at the end of one of the loops. Bike and boat rentals are available in the summer season; the season was set to open the day after we left so aside from hiking, we could not avail ourselves of any of the activities (and my husband had a foot injury so even hiking was out for us). There are also laundry facilities, but I did not check these out. 

We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied. We’ve been very impressed by the pristine conditions of many Pennsylvania state parks, but this one had a more rustic feel and had not been modernized. Fleeting cell at best on Verizon.

Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay.

The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek. We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views.

The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder.

The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials.

The gentleman that checked us in was a wealth of knowledge. He told us all about the campground and told us they offer an outdoor shower. Their were two outdoor shower stalls which were shower curtains next to the shower house.

There are numerous disbursed camping sites at this location. We arrived on a Sunday and found all the sites near the vaulted toilet empty.

The campsites are boarded by boulders. The toilet was one of the cleanest I have seen. Most sites have good shade while still open to the sky.

Sites are level and have good back-in driveways. Fire rings are large. We removed lots of trash from our fire ring, mostly aluminum cans.

This park has many trails but mostly there more rapids to enjoy. The trails however are of a higher class of terrain though they aren’t necessarily difficult. There is much to see. The most unique part about this place is the small town in the middle of it. The shops are all mom and pop made from scratch food and hand made jewelry and clothing. There is a small pub right up the street and the entire town has an amazing view of the river just across the parking lot, which you can swim in up to a point. Ohiopyle is an amazing place, I have visited it many times and I plan to visit many times in the future.

That's the best way to describe this park. It has the primitive feel, campsites are in the natural woods as opposed to a pristine tent pad. I love how open and natural it feels.

However, the plus is that there are lots of little amentities, a coffee pavilion, wood to buy, portapots, and an incredibly kind "staff." I'm mobility impaired and it was just my dog and I. The guys were super helpful bringing the wheelbarrow of wood to me, which would have been difficult for me.

The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks.

The property was clean and quiet other than the occasional diesel truck going down the road.

Nice little park& campground. Very Clean, cozy and quiet, except for the road noise. Right off Route 31, minutes from I-76 makes it a very convenient place to stop along your travels. Bathrooms are clean, grounds very well kept. The park area is lovely, but the lake is currently very low. Trout stocked but I wouldn’t count on fishing here right now. Short walking trail along a creek. Very lovely cabins and cabin areas and tent sites. RV sites are small but adequate and most are pull though. Honestly some of the best attention and details we’ve seen at a state park. We would stay again.  We stayed at site 12E and site 1E.  Be aware that site 1E is not very level on pull through gravel surface.

I left a review but Dyrt keeps wanting to give another one. We stayed 2 weeks. I'm originally from the area but live in Florida. I was back for a family reunion and to visit friends and former classmates. I had no idea this gem was here, but after finding it, when I come to visit, which is once a year or every other year, if I bring the motorhome, I will definitely stay here.

I have stayed at this campground MANY times and it has been TERRIBLE every time with kids screaming and music blasting at 1 in the morning the staff don't care they just care about the bottom line by selling 13 dollar milkshakes and serving you 20 dollar salads! This Campground Is Poorly Maintained And It is evident that they just want to take your money this campground is frequently at capacity and is oversold frequently! The Pools Are Dirty And Were Closed On 2 Of The 3 Days staff would not tell us what happened and would not give us our money back. While you were swimming you were touching hair every other time you moved and their were many leaves in the pools that staff did not care and were super rude

When we arrived, Donnelly showed us a few sites that we may like. He does ride a mower because he had a double knee surgery. I'm from this area and didn't realize this campground gem was here until recently. Our stay is 2 weeks.

I always read the recent reviews before coming and wasn't sure what to expect and truthfully was a bit nervous. Now that I know those horrible reviews are not true, I feel better. It's a shame people would give such horrible reviews on such a cute place and super nice owner.

If your looking for cleanliness find another campground. The bathrooms and Showers in the campground and the beach house are Gross all the time. The swim area leaves a brown residual stain in your swimwear and on your person. A simple shower won't get the stuff off your skin you will have to scrub multiple times to get clean. Forget getting a peaceful night's sleep because you won't due to dogs barking and the amount of traffic traveling through the area or by the campground. The Lack of rangers presence and lack of cleanliness has made this place go from a nice place to spend time to a absolute last resort when it  comes to camping for my family.

Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown.

This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded. Very clean park and shower house does not have the timed showers of Lakeside. Both times very much appreciated the presense of DCNR - on foot this time. Very nice park to hike, swim, walk, bike, and kayak. The little store has drinks and snacks. Because the beach was closed we had considered going to Deery Community Pool 7 miles away - another option in the area.

Donelly decided that we were Muslims and told us to get off his property.  I'm not making this up - it really happened.

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. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach. The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping.

We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!

We tried to get a spot this weekend and arrived around 430pm on Friday.  Every single spot was taken with many people who look like they have been set up there all summer....

When we arrived at the campground we were greeted by a grumpy and very rude old man named Don. Don rolled up on his sputtering riding lawn mower, driving right past us and took a cruze around our fifth wheel. Upon his inspection and without introducing he said "why do you people buy such large RVs. "Why can't you buy something smaller like normal people." Then he went on a rant indicating how the construction workers there who were staying were tearing everything up. I look around and could not figure out what he was talking about. The place had a few trailers and operated a small lawnmower business as well. After a few moments Don said follow me and I'll show you where you can park and abruptly tore off on his riding lawnmower. I walk behind him for approximately 100 yards to the spot. Don indicated I need you to park exactly like this and that is how it needs to be and don't tear up my grass, you know driving around backing up turning your wheels. The whole area is grass are you kidding me! After shoring up the area I was able to back up into my spot approx 75 yards. After several attempts and due to the soft ground, grass and uneven ground I was unable and to properly level my rig. Believe, I had been driving all day and was ready for a cold one. However, and without hesitation I looked at My wife and we made the call to exfil the campground. We were both throughly were upset and disgusted at the lack of professionalism of Don and the operation Hillcrest. Never to return and will steer others away. I think Don needs to change his operation to a turf company wheee he can enjoy his days feeding and cutting the grass!

Loved camping here! We found a nice site in the pine trees! Perfect for 2 vehicles and 5 people hammock camping!