141 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
In western Maryland, the area surrounding McHenry offers diverse camping experiences across several state parks and forests. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground serves as a popular destination with 112 sites accommodating tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Nearby Swallow Falls State Park provides camping within a heavily forested setting, while New Germany and Savage River State Forest offer additional options for overnight stays. These mixed-use campgrounds typically feature amenities ranging from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV spots, with many providing fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.
Camping in the McHenry region operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from April through December. Deep Creek Lake State Park's camping season runs April 15 to December 15, while Swallow Falls maintains similar dates. "The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly," noted one camper at Swallow Falls. Winter camping remains limited, though some areas like Savage River State Forest and New Germany State Park maintain year-round availability. Bear activity is common throughout the region, with most campgrounds providing bear-proof storage boxes at individual sites. Cell service varies by location and provider, with better coverage near developed areas and limited connectivity in more remote forest settings.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty of the area, particularly around Deep Creek Lake and the waterfalls at Swallow Falls. One visitor described Swallow Falls as "truly magical in the woods, virgin Woods. Definitely a little piece of heaven." The camping experience changes dramatically between weekdays and weekends, especially during summer months. Several reviewers mentioned the tranquility of weekday stays contrasted with weekend crowds. Deep Creek Lake attracts many visitors for water recreation, making lakeside campgrounds particularly busy during warm months. Most campgrounds in the region prohibit alcohol consumption, with the exception of Savage River State Forest and New Germany State Park. Camping areas near McHenry provide convenient access to outdoor recreation while remaining close to small towns for supplies and amenities.
"Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."
"Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids. Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other."
from $22 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Camp site(Tent camping) Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."
"Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
"Options to get there include the steep walking trail where bikes are allowed to be walked but not ridden, riding the 3.5 miles along the road, also very steep, or taking a shuttle from downtown Ohiopyle"
from $24 - $72 / night
Check Availability"This was a beautiful state forest, with two state parks sort of bordering it (Big Run & New Germany). The roads were all paved which was nice."
"Very remote western Maryland Appalachia. Sites are right off park road, are huge, rustic, and spaced very far apart from other sites. River runs along the sites."
"New Germany State Park is a pleasant location with a small lake for swimming and kayaking, as well as numerous trails in the wooded mountains of western Maryland."
"New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."
from $18 - $117 / night
Check Availability"Incredibly clean & close To everything. Located right beside Ohiopyle and Yough Lake dam. There is a beach in campground but found the drive to Yough lake perfect."
"Creekside sites felt smaller and more crowded than lakeside sites, which open onto the beach and lake. Guests were very friendly and considerate of quiet hours."
from $29 - $62 / night
Check Availability"It's a popular hiking destination that's relatively close to Morgantown, so it gets pretty crowded in the summer and I would suggest arriving early if you're going to"
"There is a great access to the trails from the campsite and a short walk to the overlook. Depending upon your location the bathrooms can be a hike. Sites 3-7 are good locations."
from $25 - $48 / night
Check Availability"It was an easy short walk to the parking lot. The campground has easy access to the bike trail. You can see bikers camping in a certain spot for the special rate of $14.00 per biker. "
"Great access to the Allegheny bike trail and all the small towns near. No shade over campsites."
from $155 / night
Check Availability"This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability"But other than the falls, this park has everything the other does, and even a lake. Most come here for the cabins."
"This lake (the main attraction of the state park) is one of my husband’s favorite fishing spots, especially on the kayaks. "
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
GuideGreat experience; would absolutely go back. Lucked out with weather being warm enough for swimming at the beginning of fall. Campsites set back from the road and separated by decent stands of trees from each other.
Four of five stars because designated tent pad and portions of the rest of the site (River Loop 4) were gravel over poured concrete and therefore impossible to properly stake a tent. In general, sites were spacious and well separated from neighbors. I would probably avoid River Loop sites 9 & 10, as they back on to the restrooms and have all-night light shining in.
GuideThe spots are spread out and the trees are beautiful. The people are so nice. The drive in is tight narrow lanes. We stayed one night at #49, pull through with water and electric, no sewer. We booked #43 but Becky moved us to 49 cuz it’s more level.
ScoutSuch a hidden gem! Beautiful place. Great host! Just what we were looking for
ScoutWe stayed 2 nights. People are very nice. Bathrooms and Laundry are clean.
Spaced spots surrounded by the forrest. Some trails directly from the camp.
TravelerStayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
ScoutWe are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
ScoutPerfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
TravelerWe love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Camping near McHenry, Maryland offers a diverse experience across the mountainous terrain of western Maryland, with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 feet that provide cooler summer temperatures than the eastern part of the state. The Appalachian ridges create microclimates that can drop temperatures by 10-15 degrees compared to nearby cities, making summer camping more comfortable with average highs in the upper 70s. Winter camping options remain available at several locations despite seasonal closures at the more popular destinations.
Hiking at Swallow Falls State Park: The park features over 5 miles of trails through hemlock forests, with routes to Maryland's highest waterfall. "Swallow falls is awesome year round. In the winter the snow and ice is beautiful, fall is lovely and summer is fun," reports Marcandpatti B., who also notes the historical significance of the area where "Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, and John Burroughs camped on the site in 1918, and 1921."
Boating at Savage River State Forest: The reservoir offers excellent kayaking opportunities with multiple boat ramps. "From one end of the reservoir to the other on a kayak is about 2 hours," according to one camper who appreciates the "beautiful location and landscapes."
Cross-country skiing at New Germany State Park Campground: Winter activities are well-supported with trails specifically maintained for skiing. "The park has about 15 or so miles of trails. The trails are easy to medium and are open to cross country skiing in the winter months," explains Bill G., who visits the area regularly.
Swimming at Herrington Manor State Park: The lake features a designated swimming beach with rental equipment available. A visitor notes, "There is a really great beach area for the kids (or adults!) to play at, and a general over-abundance of creatures in and around the lake."
Privacy between sites at Swallow Falls State Park Campground: Sites are well-separated with natural barriers. "The camping loop in general was beautiful, quiet and heavily forested. I don't think there was a bad site in the whole loop," writes Jen V., who stayed in the Garrett Loop.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. One camper at New Germany State Park observed, "Summer temps usually do not get as nice 85max most of the summer," making the area ideal for those seeking to escape hotter regions.
Wildlife viewing: The forests surrounding McHenry offer abundant opportunities to observe native animals. "We spotted a raccoon, a bunny, a chipmunk, and (along the nearby roads) lots of deer— don't drive too fast!" advises Meredith P. who camped at Savage River State Forest.
Firefly displays: Several campgrounds in the area are known for impressive evening light shows. A visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night."
Primitive camping considerations at Savage River: Many sites lack facilities. "There are no amenities here besides a picnic table and a fire ring, but the sites are so spread out that it's basically like dispersed camping but on a paved road," reports Veronica S., highlighting that this arrangement provides excellent privacy despite the lack of hookups.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the McHenry area. A camper at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park noted, "Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did," which matches the variable coverage pattern throughout the region.
Water quality concerns: Lakes and swimming areas may face temporary closures. One camper mentioned finding "a notice about Ecoli after we had gone swimming" at Herrington Manor, demonstrating the importance of checking current conditions.
Bear-proof storage requirements: Wildlife management is taken seriously at campgrounds. "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!" observed Jonathan F. at Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Level tent sites for easier setup: Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run offers well-designed areas for tents. "My wife and I tent camped here for a weekend to go rafting. Our tent sites were very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained," shares Kevin C.
Child-friendly trails: The area offers numerous short hiking options suitable for younger visitors. Dale O. notes that at Swallow Falls, "The falls are beautiful and the trails are well kept. My kids love the swings and playground also."
Swimming options for children: Several parks offer designated beach areas with gradual entry points. Mike B. found New Germany State Park ideal for family camping, noting "The grounds had paths everywhere and were well kept. I didn't feel like I was walking in the dirt or through someone's campsite to get to the bathroom or the playground for the kids."
Salamander spotting adventures: Lakes and streams around McHenry provide educational wildlife viewing. A visitor to Herrington Manor observed, "There are TONS of salamanders along the shore, literally clouds of tadpoles near the launch docks (if you time it during the right part of the year of course)," creating natural science lessons for young campers.
Site selection for larger vehicles: Campground loops vary in accessibility. At Outflow Camping, Adam and Suzanne B. note, "The sites are gravel and level. Most only have 30 amp electric hookup but water can be filled at the 'gatehouse'... There are 3-4 full hookup and a few 50 amp."
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds offer limited electrical connections. Gary P. found at Swallow Falls that "the campground map I saw, I believe, said 84 campsites in the park and only 6 electric (& water)," which represents the typical ratio in the area.
Road conditions to campgrounds: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. A visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park noted, "One loop (the Meshach Browning Loop) has electric hookups; the other loops do not," highlighting the importance of researching specific loop amenities before arrival.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. Josh W. mentioned that at Coopers Rock State Forest there's a "Dump station on the way out," which is typical of many campgrounds in the region that offer this service only at central locations rather than at individual sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mchenry, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mchenry, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Mchenry, MD and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mchenry, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mchenry, MD is Swallow Falls State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mchenry, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Mchenry, MD.
What parks are near Mchenry, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Mchenry, MD that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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