Best Campgrounds near Oakland, MD
Oakland, Maryland is surrounded by several state parks and forest lands offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional camping options. Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park provide developed campgrounds with cabins that serve as popular alternatives to tent camping, particularly during cooler months. Deep Creek Lake State Park, located about 10 miles from Oakland, features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts. The region's forest lands, including Savage River State Forest and Potomac State Forest, provide additional camping opportunities within a short drive.
Campground accessibility varies seasonally, with most developed sites operating from April through December. Swallow Falls State Park maintains several full-hookup sites, though they are limited and often require advance reservations. The heavily forested terrain creates naturally private campsites at many locations, though this can mean uneven ground at some tent sites. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with several reviewers noting spotty coverage at Swallow Falls compared to neighboring Herrington Manor. A visitor noted, "If you have T-mobile cellular service, you can actually make and receive calls here [at Herrington Manor], unlike at Swallow Falls."
The waterfalls and natural features draw many visitors to campgrounds in the Oakland area, particularly during summer weekends. Several campgrounds offer trails connecting directly to scenic hiking routes, making them convenient bases for outdoor exploration. Campers frequently mention the proximity to waterways as a significant advantage of the region's camping options. The connection between parks is another highlight, as one camper observed, "If you are a paid camper with Swallow Falls, you also have access to Herrington Manor—which has a lake, picnic area and kayak rentals." Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, especially in the summer season when many families with children frequent the developed campgrounds. Winter camping is available at several locations but with reduced services and amenities.
