Primitive camping areas near Frostburg, Maryland sit at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet in the Allegheny Mountains, creating cooler summer temperatures than lower-lying regions. The area's dense hemlock forests provide natural shelter at many campsites, with temperatures typically 10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands during summer months. Access roads to more remote sites often require high-clearance vehicles due to gravel or unimproved surfaces.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals for water activities. "Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent. The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," explains Jeff H.
Firefly viewing: Campsites at Savage River State Forest provide prime locations for observing firefly displays during summer evenings. "We found a site right on a beautiful stream. It was a good sized site with a nice fire circle. We found a spectacular firefly display at night," notes Sophia T.
Fishing options: Multiple stocked fishing locations exist within short drives of Frostburg campsites. "There's areas for swimming and fishing and you can do non-motorized boating like kayaks and such," writes Jillian K. about New Germany State Park Campground.
What campers like
Temperature relief: The higher elevation creates notably cooler conditions than surrounding areas, providing comfort during summer camping. "I went camping the last week of August and it was beautiful. If you're from the area you know how hot it can be at this time of year but it's at least 10 degrees cooler out here," a camper shared about Savage River State Forest.
Site seclusion: Many campsites offer substantial privacy with natural buffers between neighboring sites. "The sites are very spread out, and not very consistent in size/quality. We were able to nab site 112 and it was fantastic: lots of space, and privacy too," reports Chris F.
Water access: Several campgrounds feature creek-side campsites where running water provides natural white noise. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" remarks Zoe H. about Big Run State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campsites have minimal to no cellular connectivity. "Note that there is very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience," explains Jen V. about New Germany State Park Campground.
Variable site quality: Campsite conditions vary significantly across the region, with differences in terrain, access, and amenities. "Some are more hallowed than others, but I'm getting ahead of myself. None of the sites are appropriate for RVs. Maybe a small camper, but one must remember a good portion of the campsites are reached by notoriously thin and rough roads," explains a camper about Green Ridge State Forest.
Supply planning: Limited access to stores means campers should arrive fully supplied. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," notes Robert C.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly lake options: When seeking pet friendly camping near Frostburg, Maryland, consider locations with designated pet swimming areas. "We love this campground. The park is full of very tall pine trees. We had the perfect amount of sun for an afternoon nap after a short hike," writes Andrea S. about Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground.
Kid-friendly water play: Shallow creek access points provide safer water interaction for children. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water," reports Andy C. about Big Run State Park.
Nature center visits: Several parks offer educational exhibits suitable for family exploration. "For kids they have a small jungle gym and critter center. Overall a very nice family camping area," writes Jillian K. about New Germany State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection assistance: When bringing an RV to campsites near Frostburg, contact campground hosts for guidance on appropriate sites. "We enjoyed our stay at Middle Ridge Campground. I called before booking and talked to the owner which helped us pick out the perfect spot! Large campsites with good spacing between guests, which makes your site feel private," explains Kayla M.
RV size limitations: Many campgrounds have restricted access for larger rigs. "This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren't many other options. The campground is clean and safe," notes Rainy O. about Middle Ridge Campground.
Loop selection: When seeking pet friendly camping near Frostburg with an RV, verify which camping loops permit pets. "The larger (not pet friendly) loop is nearer the lake. Some of the sites are close together, some are not as large as they are made out to be on the reservation site," explains Bill G. about New Germany State Park.
