Best Dispersed Camping near Hancock, MD

Dispersed camping options near Hancock, Maryland include Buchanan State Forest in Pennsylvania and Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia. Both locations provide primitive camping experiences with minimal amenities. Buchanan State Forest features rustic sites with picnic tables and permits campfires, but lacks drinking water, toilets, and hookups. A permit is required for camping, with fees around $10 per night. The forest contains interesting hiking trails and an abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike section that many visitors find worth exploring.

Edwards Run Wildlife Management Area in West Virginia offers basic roadside camping with some walk-in sites available farther from the road. The area has vault toilets and trash collection but no drinking water or hookups. According to reviews, "there are better sites on in, just gotta hike to em," making this location suitable for those willing to venture beyond the parking area. A $10 camping fee is posted at the kiosk, though payment procedures may not be clearly marked.

Both locations experience typical Appalachian weather patterns with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as services are limited. Buchanan State Forest is noted for exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Several visitors report the forest as "extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful." Wildlife encounters are possible in both areas; proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting animals to campsites.