Best Campgrounds near Bloomington, MD
The Bloomington, Maryland area contains several established campgrounds set among the forests and waterways of western Maryland and neighboring West Virginia. Savage River State Forest offers primitive camping with sites spaced far apart along streams, while nearby state parks like Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls provide more developed facilities with electric hookups and shower buildings. Campers will find tent sites, RV camping with electric hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the region. Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake offers lakeside camping with boat access, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Middle Ridge Campground provides full-hookup sites for RVs and glamping options.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Deep Creek Lake State Park open from April 15 to December 15, and Swallow Falls open April to December. The primitive sites at Big Run State Park and Savage River State Forest remain open year-round but may have limited access during winter months due to snow and ice conditions. Several campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Roads in Savage River State Forest are paved, but reaching some of the more remote sites may require careful navigation. "Deep woods, privacy, great stream - my favorite kind of camping because it feels like you are all alone," noted one visitor about Savage River State Forest.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with many highly-rated sites positioned along streams, rivers, and lakes. At Big Run State Park Campground, sites adjacent to the stream offer natural water sounds and fishing opportunities, while locations near the reservoir provide easy canoe and kayak launching. Visitors commonly mention the privacy between sites at Savage River State Forest as a major benefit. Several reviewers highlight the family-friendly atmosphere at Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, noting amenities like a playground in each camping loop, ranger-led activities, and hiking trails with well-marked blazes. The campgrounds closer to Cumberland tend to be more developed with full hookups for RVs, while those deeper in the forests offer more primitive experiences with greater seclusion.
