Best Campgrounds near Highfield-Cascade, MD
The Highfield-Cascade area in Maryland provides access to multiple established campgrounds within Catoctin Mountain Park and surrounding state parks. Owens Creek Campground offers secluded tent and RV sites along a creek with hiking trail access, while nearby Cunningham Falls State Park features two camping areas—Houck Area and Manor Area—with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and cabin options. Several other campgrounds including Greenbrier State Park and Gambrill State Park complete the range of mixed-use campgrounds in the region, all situated within forested mountain terrain and typically operating from April through October.
Road conditions throughout the area remain accessible for most vehicles, though larger RVs may find limitations at certain campgrounds. The region experiences four distinct seasons with particularly popular camping periods during spring and fall when temperatures are mild and forest colors are vibrant. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities frequently reach capacity. Sites with electric hookups tend to book earliest, while primitive tent sites offer more last-minute availability. "Catoctin is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to, and a lot less crowded than Cunningham Falls State Park which is right across from Catoctin. Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy."
Wooded, shaded sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors seeking summer camping options. The elevation provides natural cooling even during hot months, with many campgrounds situated in thick forest cover that offers privacy between sites. Hiking trails connect directly to several campgrounds, with the Catoctin Trail system providing interconnected routes throughout the mountain park. Campers highlight the proximity to water features including Cunningham Falls and multiple streams. A camper noted, "This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage. Catoctin Mountain Park has 25 miles of hiking trails." The campground's location also allows for day trips to nearby historic areas including Gettysburg, Harper's Ferry, and Frederick, making it suitable for both outdoor recreation and cultural exploration.
