Cunningham Falls State Park spans two distinct areas approximately 30 minutes from Libertytown, Maryland. The region sits at an elevation of around 1,000 feet, situated in the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains. Weather patterns can shift rapidly in fall months with temperature variations of 20-30 degrees between day and night.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Catoctin Mountain: The Manor Area has a visitor center with an aviary for close encounters with native birds. The nature center houses rescued wildlife that cannot return to their natural habitat. "I wasn't able to see them" noted one visitor about the aviary at Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area, though it remains a popular attraction.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple lakes and ponds support various fish species including bass and trout. At Ramblin' Pines, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site," reports a satisfied camper who appreciated the convenience of fishing without leaving the campground.
Hiking variety: Trails range from easy family walks to more challenging terrain. "There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking," notes one reviewer of Houck Area, highlighting important restrictions for mountain bikers planning visits.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Sites offer good separation in many campgrounds. At the Manor Area, one camper mentioned "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet."
Family-friendly amenities: Little Bennett Campground offers structured activities for younger campers. "Great campground. A bit pricey, but has a full hookup loop. Other loops are tent only. Wonderful bath house. Lots of stuff to do," notes a visitor highlighting the range of accommodations.
Varied camping landscapes: Options range from lakeside settings to mountain woodland environments. One camper at Codorus State Park Campground reported "I stayed at Codorus State Park for the first time a few years ago while out east. We really love this Campground! There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most glamping facilities near Libertytown operate seasonally. "We stayed in October so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance," notes a camper at Gettysburg Campground, highlighting off-season benefits and potential drawbacks.
Reservation requirements: Weekends book quickly during summer and fall. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," explains a visitor about the William Houck Area.
Varying levels of privacy: Site privacy can differ dramatically between loops and campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned of Manor Area: "If you have kids or like to talk to other people go to the original campground but if you prefer quiet and your own little piece of the woods go to the Manor Area."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, one camper praised: "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging."
Evening programs: Some parks offer ranger-led activities during peak season. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," notes a visitor about Cunningham Falls, helping families plan educational opportunities.
Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds have significant elevation changes. A camper at Houck Area observed: "There is a steep hike back and forth from campsite to beach, we ended up driving to beach area after our first attempt to walk to beach with all our gear."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. One RVer at Artillery Ridge Campground shared: "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great."
Utility placement: Some sites have unusual utility configurations. At Granite Hill, a camper warned: "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A."
Cell service variability: Coverage can be limited in mountain areas. An RVer at Little Bennett reported specific metrics: "AT&T 5 MB/s w/o booster(1 bar), 8 MB/s with it(2 bars). There is no satellite coverage due to the heavy tree canopy."
