Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers practical amenities for visitors seeking glamping close to Frostburg, Maryland. Located in western Maryland at 1,300 feet elevation, the park experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, with summer highs typically ranging from 75-85°F. The park sits on the eastern edge of the Allegheny Plateau with terrain characterized by steep valleys and rocky outcroppings.
What to do
Hiking around Lake Habeeb: The 5-mile trail encircling Lake Habeeb provides varied terrain for all skill levels. According to one visitor at Rocky Gap State Park Campground, "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort."
Water activities at Deep Creek Lake: The lake offers kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing opportunities from spring through fall. "We caught a solid amount of Bass, so all in all it was a success!" notes a camper who visited Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground.
Waterfall exploration: Experience Maryland's highest waterfall at Swallow Falls State Park. A visitor mentioned, "The falls are available via a short trail from the camping area. Camping here also gets you access to the Herington Manor area also."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds in the Frostburg area offer sites with ample room between neighbors. A Rocky Gap camper explained, "First time here but will be back. Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own sections of woods."
Private swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain separate beach areas for overnight guests. At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, "The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful. We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Frostburg provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. One reviewer at Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "We were told there were regular bear sightings and there were bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear, keeping our zero bear sightings record intact."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping facilities often have limited operations outside summer months. "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded. The campground beach is fun," explains one visitor.
Road noise: Some campgrounds experience highway sounds despite their natural setting. A camper at Middle Ridge Campground noted, "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise."
Site variations: Not all sites are created equal, especially for tent campers. "Our tent sites were very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained," reports a visitor to Yough Lake Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's areas: Some sites offer specialized facilities for younger campers. At Rocky Gap State Park, "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."
Consider bath house proximity: With children, convenient facilities matter. "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping," notes a repeat visitor to Rocky Gap.
Look for swimming options: Water features are key for family enjoyment. A visitor to Laurel Hill State Park Campground shared, "The beaches were great. We went canoeing on the lake. And had fun just hiking around a bit."
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness before booking: Many campsites in the mountainous terrain can be challenging for RVs. "Site 166 is not flat what so ever," warns a camper at Ohiopyle State Park.
Consider site location carefully: Different loops offer varying experiences. "Looking around the rest of the campground, the loop up near the cabins was a typical RV area with sites lined up with little privacy in between. I would look at the other loops for our next tent-camping visit."
Prepare for limited hookup options: Full-service sites can be scarce in some parks. "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities," reports a visitor to Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
