Tent camping near Bloomington, Maryland occurs primarily in the humid continental climate zone with four distinct seasons. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet in Maryland's westernmost county, creating temperature variations between valleys and ridgetops. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day while dropping into the 50s at night, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Big Run State Park Campground offers excellent trout fishing in both the stream and nearby reservoir. One camper notes, "beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!"
Tunnel exploration: Paw Paw Tunnel Campground provides access to the historic Paw Paw Tunnel. A reviewer explains, "Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day."
Wildlife watching: The forests around campgrounds host diverse wildlife. At Lost Land Run, a camper advises to "Keep an eye out for lots of the more dangerous varieties of wildlife native to the area big cats, snakes galore, bear, coyotes etc but beautiful views if you're ready for an adventure."
Water recreation: Many campsites offer stream or reservoir access. At Big Run State Park, visitors appreciate that "sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks."
What campers like
Stream sounds: Campers consistently mention enjoying the natural sounds at streamside sites. One Big Run visitor shared, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
True disconnection: For those seeking isolation, Lost Land Run delivers complete technology separation. A local notes there is "absolutely No CELLPHONE SRRVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."
Site spacing: Campers value the privacy between sites. As one camper at Big Run State Park Campground observed, "This place is a gem! Nice wide open site. Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Hiking access: Proximity to trails ranks high with visitors. At Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, guests appreciate being "between Potomac and Paw Paw Tunnel" with "Nice view of the Potomac and mountains. Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Check operating dates before planning trips. Laurel Ridge State Park campgrounds are only open "May to October."
Toilet facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between sites. At Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center, a camper noted, "The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder."
Trail difficulty: Hiking trails near the best tent camping near Bloomington, Maryland often require experience. At Lost Land Run, a local warns that hiking paths are "not recommended for beginners or small children as it is very Rocky, slippery, with too much potential for a serious injury with inexperienced people."
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near some campgrounds. One visitor to Maple Festival Park reported, "There are quite a few trains thru town" though it remains a "Very peaceful place."
Water sources: Many primitive sites lack running water. At Big Run State Park, campers note "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water play: Select sites with safe stream access. At Big Run State Park, campers report the "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."
Pack lighting equipment: The Paw Paw Tunnel requires proper illumination. A visitor advises, "Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark!"
Consider site location: Choose sites away from hazards with children. At Barnum Whitewater Area, "The camping area is kinda packed together, but the main draw here is the river."
Bug protection: Summer camping requires insect repellent. One camper at Big Run State Park noted their site was "great after sleeping in the car for a few nights. There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for trailers: Check site dimensions before booking. At Big Run State Park, a camper with a "26ft hybrid camper" found that "lot 73...Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek."
Cabin alternatives: Several campgrounds offer cabin options for those without tents. At Barnum Whitewater Area, "Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."
Access limitations: Some roads require appropriate vehicles. The bare campsites at Big Run are "more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream" but may be harder to access with larger rigs.
