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Best Campgrounds in Maryland

1,359 Reviews

Maryland's camping landscape features a mix of established campgrounds and more rustic options within state parks and forests. Assateague State Park Campground on the Atlantic Ocean and Rocky Gap State Park with its lake and mountain setting offer popular options for tent and RV campers. Green Ridge State Forest provides more primitive experiences in western Maryland, with spacious sites tucked into dense woodland. Elk Neck State Park and Tuckahoe State Park campgrounds accommodate a variety of camping styles including cabins and yurts, creating accessible options for different comfort levels.

Most Maryland campgrounds have seasonal operating schedules, with the fullest services available from April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for waterfront sites and during summer weekends. One camper noted, "We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites." Green Ridge State Forest offers year-round access but requires high-clearance vehicles for many sites, with no reservations available—campers must arrive early to secure spots. Cell service varies significantly across the state, with more remote areas in western Maryland offering limited connectivity.

The camping experience differs substantially between Maryland's coastal and mountain regions. Along the Atlantic shoreline, Assateague campgrounds provide beach access and opportunities to observe wild horses, though one visitor mentioned that "knee-high pricker-grass" has replaced the sandy sites at some locations. In contrast, western Maryland's camping areas offer forest immersion and solitude. A camper at Green Ridge noted, "The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote." Many campgrounds provide amenities including clean bathhouses, picnic tables, and fire rings, but primitive sites typically offer only basic facilities. Mixed-use campgrounds with both tent and RV sites are common, allowing for various camping styles within the same area.

Best Camping Sites in Maryland (182)

    1. Assateague State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-2120

    $28 - $39 / night

    "and was well situated, with a nice open space between the edge of the site and the dunes."

    "There is an outdoor shower and sink as well as several paths to the beach. The beach is beautiful and clean."

    2. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.
    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area
    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    3. Bayside Assateague Campground — Assateague Island National Seashore

    55 Reviews
    Girdletree, MD
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-3030

    $40 - $80 / night

    "We enjoyed bike riding around the island, catching glimpses of the wild ponies and running around on the beach."

    "Sites were not too close to one another. We had site 13 on ocean loop 1. Just a few steps, and you’re on the beach. Nice picnic table and fire pit."

    4. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    Website
    +1 (301) 722-1480

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Rocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly."

    "The beach at the lake is not far away for any loop."

    5. Cherry Hill Park

    42 Reviews
    Beltsville, MD
    Website
    +1 (301) 937-7116

    $999 / night

    "Metrorail is about 6 miles from campground, near University of Maryland."

    "Great camping amenities, soft cushioned sites, with power and water close by. DO NOT GET BASIC TENT SITES AS THEY ARE NEXT TO HIGHWAYS AND VERY NOISY!!! Premium tent sites would be a better choice."

    6. Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    42 Reviews
    Berlin, MD
    Website
    +1 (410) 641-1441

    $40 / night

    "Wild horses, wide, clean stretches of beach, safe surroundings, close to town. This is the best beach camping in all of Maryland."

    "You can also spend a day in Ocean City, Maryland or head down to Chincoteague for the best ice cream you'll ever have! Arguably the best camping trip I've ever been on."

    7. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    42 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."

    "Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

    8. Tuckahoe State Park Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ridgely, MD
    Website
    +1 (410) 820-1668

    $21 - $70 / night

    "Tuckahoe State Park is tucked away onto the Eastern Shore of Maryland, close to the Chesapeake Bay. It features every kind of camping you can imagine."

    "Those can be found at the campground entrance. Each loop has a wood shed and clean, well-appointed bathhouse. There are water pumps along the road for refills."

    9. Greenbelt Park Campground — Greenbelt Park

    32 Reviews
    Greenbelt, MD
    Website
    +1 (301) 344-3948

    $20 / night

    "If you are really looking for somewhere to feel far away from civilization and see some beautiful scenery, this probably isn't it."

    "The campsite is superb with walking trails, wildlife and the occasional overflying US Presidential Helicopter. Easily accessible from close by freeways, and charmingly peaceful"

    10. Green Ridge State Forest

    29 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-3124

    $10 / night

    "All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods. You can occupy a site as long as you register at the parks main office. $10/night."

    "My family and I have gone camping all over Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but had never visited Green Ridge before this weekend. "

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1359 Reviews of 182 Maryland Campgrounds

  • Nancy W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2026

    Martinak State Park Campground

    Quiet camping in the woods.

    This is a great little state park tucked away in the woods. Campsites are pretty spacious and have nice shade. The campground has two loops, each with a bathhouse located in the middle. Our site (Butterfly Loop #3) was long enough for our motorhome and tow car. The roads are paved, as was our camping pad. The only utility at our site was 30-amp electric. There are water spigots located throughout each loop and we were close enough to fill our water tank. For the most part, the park is big-rig friendly but we did brush against some trees on our way around the loop. Campsites do vary in length so make sure you include your length when booking. We reserved online and were instructed to just go to our site which was nice and convenient. They sell firewood onsite and have a self-pay station which we loved. There is a nice boat launch and the kayak launch has a platform to assist you getting in and out and there are plenty of places to fish from the bank. There is a nature center (which was not open during our stay), playground, picnic pavilions, amphitheater, The bathrooms could use some more attention. The shower curtains were pink meaning they have not been properly cleaned in a while. Needless to say, we did not shower there. The dump station was closed while we were there but we were told we could use the dump station at Tuckahoe State Park (about 10 miles away). We really enjoyed the short hiking trails and paved trail which allowed us to log about 3 miles without having to leave the park. The campground is a really relaxing place to be. We did drive (about 40 minutes south) to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, both of which we recommend.  It is also worth a drive to St. Michaels to see the quaint seaside town and visit the maritime museum (plan on spending half a day at the museum).  The only downside is that the park is not gated and open for day use so a lot of people just drive through the campground looking around.

  • Madison M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2026

    Assateague State Park Campground

    Beautiful views and AMAZING outdoor showers!

    Campground is clean with wild horses walking through it. The beach is clean and quiet. The amenities are clean and the outdoor showers are 10/10! Hot with beautiful views! A little noisy with the generators at the non-electric sites, but they don’t detract from the experience.

  • Madison M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2026

    Assateague Island National Seashore Oceanside Campground

    COOLEST EXPERIENCE

    Parked with my class B van! Amazing you can hear the ocean at night. No electricity so be prepared. Horses will walk through your campsite. Clean and quiet. No cell service. Lots to do with hiking and beaching! Be prepared for cold outdoor showers!

  • Madison M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2026

    Sun Outdoors Frontier Town

    Unexpected fun! Great amenities!

    Wasn’t sure at first… kind of a lot of money for one night with no sewer hook up, but the amenities make up for the price! The western show was so fun! Frontier town was cute and not too cheesy! Loved walking all the way around the park! Dog friendly!

  • Matt S.
    Jun. 1, 2026

    Bay Shore Campground

    What stands out about this campground? The view!

    We spent a week at Bay Shore Campground to explore Rock Hall, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland. What stands out about this campground? The view! 

    For me, this is a 4-star campground because of the view and nice staff, but not 5-stars because of the sloped site packed in with the neighbors and no sewer connection. 

    THINGS I LIKED:

    — Great view from our site of the Chesapeake Bay— especially for sunset each evening

    — Friendly staff

    — Nearby Rock Hall, Chestertown, and Eastern Neck Island Wildlife Refuge

    — They offered a promo to pay for 6 nights, and the 7th was free 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:

    — Our site(Site B) had an amazing view of Chesapeake Bay, but the slope made it difficult to get even close to level— even with my front jacks fully extended. I had to buy additional leveling blocks from the camp store(at twice the price of Amazon) just so we didn’t feel like walking uphill to walk around our motorhome. I admit, I am spoiled but really appreciate the campgrounds that level their sites. I think it could be done in a few hours with a rented front loader at a couple nights’ cost.

    — Our site(Site B) was tight. The neighbor’s awning was just inches from our motorhome. I understand the need for any business to maximize revenue, but this was unpleasantly close.

    — There are no sewer hookups at the sites. They do have a couple of dump stations for your way out and provide a pump-out service once per week at$40 a pop. They were nice enough to pump me out a second time since I stayed 7 nights. Again, I know I’m spoiled, but a sewer connection is a necessity when you’re staying 8 days. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    Sure thing, but we’d stay at a different site.

  • MsTrailBlazer 🏔.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2026

    Assateague State Park Campground

    My sons favoreite park

    This is such a perfect way to hang by the ocean. Some sites are close but tenting is key. Showers and outdoor showers are my favorite. There isn’t much to dislike if anything? Oh, ai know. Light pollution. There is no light pollution and we always bring our telescope and then rvs will keep their leds on, but unless that is enforced. There isn’t much that can be done. 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • Kindra W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2026

    Point Lookout State Park - Temporarily Closed

    5 stars! Beautiful, clean, magical

    Magical stay at Point Lookout — New Tulip Loop (Full Hook‑Up) and I’m already planning a return. The whole park feels peaceful and safe, the staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, and our site is clean and well‑maintained. The loop’s energy felt magical — quiet, restorative, and tucked into the trees so it felt private but not isolated. Full hookups were convenient and reliable; the site layout is roomy and pet‑friendly, with an easy walk to a beautiful dog beach so our pup had a blast. We walked to stunning beaches and spent afternoons watching water and sky at the tip of the peninsula — spectacular views where the Potomac meets the Chesapeake. The park’s Civil War history and lighthouse added fascinating, walkable sites to explore between beach time, giving the stay both recreation and depth. Clean facilities, helpful staff at the park office, and well-marked trails made everything low‑stress and enjoyable. If you want a peaceful, historic, pet‑friendly Class A spot with full hookups and gorgeous nearby beaches, Tulip Loop at Point Lookout is five stars from me.

  • c
    May. 9, 2026

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Hilton area

    Thought the campsites were extremely close together. There were A LOT of kids and no quiet hours. Good for families. Not good for a camping camping experience.

Guide to Maryland

Camping in Maryland offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this state.

What to do

  • Hiking: Maryland is home to numerous trails. For example, at Catoctin Mountain Park, you can explore 25 miles of hiking trails. One camper noted, “Catoctin is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to, and a lot less crowded than Cunningham Falls State Park.”
  • Fishing and Boating: At Elk Neck State Park, you can fish in the Chesapeake Bay or rent kayaks. A visitor shared, “We went on a hike to check out the lighthouse... There’s also great camping and fishing throughout the area.”
  • Exploring History: Visit Fort Frederick State Park for a dose of history. One reviewer mentioned, “Super cool history to be found here for sure and really nice walking paths also right on the river.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and campsites. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park said, “Bathroom and shower facilities were fine, and had a big sink you could use for cleaning/dishwashing.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers enjoy the peacefulness of the sites. One camper at Owens Creek Campground remarked, “This is a great quiet little camping ground which was my son’s introduction to camping.”
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. A review from Tuckahoe State Park noted, “The campsites are typically spacious and spaced out well.”

What you should know

  • No Alcohol Allowed: Many campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park, have strict no-alcohol policies. A camper pointed out, “What a park! We loved it here and will definitely be back.”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as McCoys Ferry, are more primitive. One visitor mentioned, “This campground is very intimate... At night you can hear the trains pass.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Susquehanna State Park said, “Stayed here recently for 2 nights... Lots and lots of family and multi-family groups.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A parent at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, “My kids also LOVED the swimming lake -- especially great for small kids.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Tuckahoe State Park mentioned, “There is so much to do right in this area as well. Lots of hiking.”
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A camper at Owens Creek Campground suggested, “Firewood is provided near the entrance with a donation box.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Brunswick Family Campground said, “Great campground as long as you select the correct site as that is incredibly important.”
  • Look for Electric Hookups: Some campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, “Got a last minute non-electric spot. Pad is very level.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park mentioned, “The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape.”

Camping in Maryland is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're with family or exploring solo. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Maryland?

True dispersed camping is limited in Maryland due to its densely populated nature. Your best option is Swains Lock Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, which offers a primitive camping experience with nearby parking. The site provides basic amenities while still offering a backcountry feel. For a more remote experience, western Maryland offers limited dispersed camping opportunities in Savage River State Forest and Green Ridge State Forest, where you can camp outside of designated campgrounds. Always check with the managing authority before setting up, as permits may be required and regulations can change seasonally.

What private campgrounds are available in Maryland?

Brunswick Family Campground is a popular private option situated between railroad tracks and the Potomac River. The campground offers mesmerizing river views and helpful staff, making it a convenient getaway for those from the DC metro area while still feeling like an escape. Assateague State Park Campground offers a unique private camping experience with oceanfront sites and the famous wild horses. Other private options include Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Western Maryland, Cherry Hill Park near College Park (convenient to DC), and Bar Harbor RV Park on the Eastern Shore. Most private campgrounds offer amenities like full hookups, WiFi, and organized activities that state parks typically don't provide.

Are there free camping options available in Maryland?

Free camping is scarce in Maryland, but there are a few options. Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park offers some of the most affordable camping in the state, though not entirely free. It's notably less crowded than nearby Cunningham Falls State Park and features peaceful creekside sites. Some hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal towpath are available for free or minimal cost to cyclists and hikers. Additionally, Big Run State Park Campground in Western Maryland has some of the most affordable sites in the state park system. Always verify current fees before your trip, as rates can change seasonally.

What are the best state park campgrounds in Maryland?

Rocky Gap State Park Campground consistently ranks among Maryland's best with its lakeside camping, well-maintained facilities, and activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking. The F and C loops are ideal for pet owners, and many sites are spacious enough for large family tents. Swallow Falls State Park Campground is another top choice, offering level tent sites in a true forest setting. The campground's proximity to multiple waterfalls makes it exceptionally scenic. Other excellent options include Deep Creek Lake for its beautiful forest setting and firefly displays in summer, and Big Run State Park for stream-side camping with excellent paddling access.

Keep Exploring

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