Lonaconing, Maryland sits in the Allegheny Mountains at approximately 1,700 feet elevation where summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F while winters can drop below 20°F with significant snowfall. The area's topography creates distinct camping microclimates, with ridge campsites experiencing stronger winds than protected valley locations. Most campgrounds in the region operate on seasonal schedules with limited winter accessibility due to road conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 5-mile loop trail around Lake Habeeb at Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers multiple waterfall views accessible from the campground. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," notes Jeff H.
Fishing ponds: Short downhill hike from Middle Ridge Campground leads to stocked fishing areas. "Short drive down the mountain to get to the ponds but my husband and oldest son had a blast catching fish in their ponds!" reports one camper.
Educational nature programs: Weekly sessions at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground include wildlife presentations. "There's a nature center by a small lake. You can fish there & they have kayaks to rent," explains a visitor.
Bouldering and cave exploration: Multiple climbing spots at Laurel Hill State Park suitable for beginners. "There was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! And even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise," shares Jill R.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers praise the generous site spacing at Swallow Falls State Park Campground. "The campsites are great and the people who come here are always really friendly, you're bound to make some friends," writes Jillian K.
Fall foliage views: Blackwater Falls State Park transforms with vibrant colors from mid-September through October. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" suggests Kellie A.
Lake swimming areas: Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run maintains a designated swimming beach with clean water. "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site," reports Natalee M.
Private mountain ridge camping: Middle Ridge Campground offers a quiet alternative to busier state park glamping near Lonaconing. "We really enjoyed our stay. Quiet camping on top of a mountain. Beautiful wooded views. Hosts were amazing and plenty of space between campers," says Lyle & Stephanie H.
What you should know
Bear activity is common: Most campgrounds provide bear-proof containers at sites. "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!" explains Jonathan F.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty coverage. "Starlink was sketchy at best, Verizon had one bar and slightly usable, ATT was best with a couple of bars and ok speeds," reports one camper at Middle Ridge.
Water limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted water access points. "Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi," notes Stephen H.
Campsite leveling challenges: At Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, some sites require additional equipment. "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L.
Tips for camping with families
Choose loops with playground access: Several camping areas have dedicated family loops. "Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach," shares Katie H.
Animal encounters: Schedule visits to wildlife areas at Blackwater Falls State Park Campground for kids. "There's so much to do at this park! Multiple waterfalls, awesome hikes, a lake, a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo," recommends Katie M.
Natural water slides: Located just outside Ohiopyle, these rock formations create natural sliding areas. "Just outside town as you climb the hill, to the left is Sliding Rock. Get there early to get a parking spot…and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun," advises Dave V.
Kid-friendly tent sites: Look for raised tent platforms that stay dry in wet weather. "Our tent sites were very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained," mentions Kevin C.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Limited at state parks but available at private campgrounds. "There are only a couple sites with electricity in each of the two loops," notes one camper about Swallow Falls.
Site selection strategy: At Shawnee State Park Campground, research before booking. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers were super accommodating!" advises Brittany V.
Mountain road considerations: Access roads may present challenges. "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," warns a reviewer.
Electric hookup placement: Check details before arrival. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," suggests Erik E.
