Glamping accommodations near Kitzmiller, Maryland range from luxury cabins to premium tent sites in the Appalachian Mountains. Located in Garrett County at approximately 2,300 feet elevation, this region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during the day and dropping into the 50s at night. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can fall below freezing, particularly at higher elevations where wind exposure increases.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 1-2 mile trails lead to multiple cascades at Swallow Falls State Park Campground. "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early!"
Lake activities: Paddle boarding and kayaking available at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas." The park offers boat rentals during summer months with rentals starting at $15/hour.
Historic sites: Ford and Edison campsite located within the park boundaries. "Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921." This historical area includes interpretive signs explaining their wilderness camping adventures.
Winter recreation: Cross-country skiing trails available when snow conditions permit. "Swallow falls is awesome year round. In the winter the snow and ice is beautiful, fall is lovely and summer is fun." Most trails convert to ski routes with sufficient snowfall, typically between December and February.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Extra room between neighbors at many local parks. At Rocky Gap State Park, "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." Sites in the Ironwood loop provide the most privacy for luxury glamping setups.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms throughout the region. "The bath house was kept very clean, even though the campground was full." This is particularly important for glampers who want modern amenities without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening deer sightings common at Canaan Valley Resort State Park Campground. "There are deer everywhere!" The park maintains several wildlife viewing areas with interpretive information about local fauna.
Night sky observation: Limited light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "On one of the clear nights I was there, the sky was brilliant." The higher elevation campsites generally offer better viewing angles for astronomical observation, especially during new moon phases.
What you should know
Electric site availability: Limited hookup options at some parks. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops" at Swallow Falls State Park. Advanced reservations strongly recommended for glamping sites with utilities, especially during peak season.
Weather variability: Prepare for temperature swings throughout the year. "We visited on Memorial Day weekend. It was a hot day and we found a great shallow area and decided to take a dip." Mountain elevations can create significant temperature differences from nearby towns.
Noise considerations: Traffic sounds possible at some sites. "It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps." Consider requesting sites further from main roads when making reservations.
Water access: Swimming restrictions may apply at lakes. "Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas." Rangers regularly monitor swimming areas during summer months to enforce safety regulations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly trails: Falls viewing routes suitable for children of various ages. "The campground had a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach." Most waterfall trails are under 2 miles round trip with minimal elevation gain.
Playground access: Recreation areas within walking distance of campsites. At Middle Ridge Campground, "We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys!" This private campground offers animal interactions not found at state parks.
Swimming beaches: Designated areas for safe water play. "The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle." Most beaches have shallow entry points suitable for younger children.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers with interactive exhibits. "Explore the Discovery Center with its educational programs and live animal exhibits." Programming typically runs hourly between 10am-4pm during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level locations when possible. "We were in Ash loop lot 22. Unfortunately yesterday a storm knocked out the power supply for the campground but otherwise great service." Backup systems recommended during storm season.
Hookup availability: Full service options at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground. "There's 64 campsites, I believe they are all electric. There's water at the bathhouse which is inconvenient. You can't drive close to the bathhouse, there's pedestrian paths."
Road conditions: Narrow access points at some locations. "Road to access the campground was good with some tight turns up the hill the last couple of miles. The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight getting in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides."
Utility considerations: Water pressure variations possible at certain campgrounds. "Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi. No issues with power or sewer." Consider bringing a pressure regulator and water pump for more consistent flow.
