149 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Oakland, Maryland ranges from developed campgrounds with full hookups to cabin and yurt accommodations across several state parks and forest lands. Swallow Falls State Park and Herrington Manor State Park provide developed campgrounds with cabins that serve as popular alternatives to tent camping, particularly during cooler months. Deep Creek Lake State Park, located about 10 miles from Oakland, features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts. The region's forest lands, including Savage River State Forest and Potomac State Forest, provide additional camping opportunities within a short drive.
Campground accessibility varies seasonally, with most developed sites operating from April through December. Swallow Falls State Park maintains several full-hookup sites, though they are limited and often require advance reservations. The heavily forested terrain creates naturally private campsites at many locations, though this can mean uneven ground at some tent sites. Cell service varies significantly across the region, with several reviewers noting spotty coverage at Swallow Falls compared to neighboring Herrington Manor. A visitor noted, "If you have T-mobile cellular service, you can actually make and receive calls here [at Herrington Manor], unlike at Swallow Falls."
The waterfalls and natural features draw many visitors to campgrounds in the Oakland area, particularly during summer weekends. Several campgrounds offer trails connecting directly to scenic hiking routes, making them convenient bases for outdoor exploration. Campers frequently mention the proximity to waterways as a significant advantage of the region's camping options. The connection between parks is another highlight, as one camper observed, "If you are a paid camper with Swallow Falls, you also have access to Herrington Manor—which has a lake, picnic area and kayak rentals." Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, especially in the summer season when many families with children frequent the developed campgrounds. Winter camping is available at several locations but with reduced services 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"Like many state park campgrounds, each of the campsites are not that dispersed, so you will be right next to everyone else."
"Our site was near the edge of the campground, which is basically a large grassy area with a bathroom in the middle of the loop."
from $50 / 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 - $80 / 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. "
"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."
"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"General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there)."
"Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Far enough away from the next campsite to enjoy peace and seclusion. Next to a crik for those nighttime lullabies"
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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
TravelerStayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
TravelerWe had a great stay. Well manicured grounds. Lots of fallen trees from recent weather. Bathrooms could be cleaner. The camp hosts are awesome people. The area is quiet and peaceful. Lots of bike trails. Lake nice with swimming. Not crowded. Very family oriented. Playgrounds scattered around the campground in really good shape.
We stayed at site 173. I loved it. Private. Had a little stream that ran behind it which would have been great for kids to play in. I loved the sound of running water. The fire pit and picnic table were in a little area above the stream surrounded by trees. It was so pretty and felt protected. They sell wood and awesome fire starters on site. Well priced. $5 for big bundle of split wood and $1 for each large fire starter. The Fire starters were so good, I bought extras to take with me. Definitely good quality. Not like the small ones you buy at the store.
All in all, I loved it and will go back. I’ll take the grandkids next time. The lake, stream, biking, playground will keep them busy.
I have TMobile and had no cellphone service at my site. But could get service in other areas.
Site 225 looked like a great site. Up on a hill with a view, full hook up, playground close, and cell service.
ScoutThis campground is very basic. The area is very remote. Make sure you bring supplies. Going out to eat is at least a 30-minute drive. Floating the loop at Big Bend is one of the best things you can do without traveling away from the camping area. Seneca Rocks, Smoke Hole Caverns, and Seneca Caverns are all within an hour drive.
GuideI stayed at the non electric campsite area and it was nice. Very wooded and lots of trails to explore
GuideFull hookup, accessible after office hours. Friendly staff.
ScoutI wish I could give this campground zero stars. Like the reviews below us stated, we were also verbally attacked by the little man on the golf cart. This campground should be embarrassed by the way it treats families. We were supposed to stay Thursday through Sunday with our best friends and our six children. Instead, we packed up and left Saturday after returning from our planned trip to Ohiopyle with our kids. What was supposed to be a fun, relaxing family camping weekend turned into an experience that left us shocked, disappointed, and completely disrespected. We are experienced campers and have spent years creating memories with our children at campgrounds. We are respectful guests, we follow rules, and we have never had an experience like this. Unfortunately, this campground chose poor communication, intimidation, and selective enforcement over basic customer service. During our stay, we had a truck briefly drive down to the swimming area to unload and later reload chairs, coolers, and supplies for our six children. There are no signs stating that vehicles are prohibited on the grass. In fact, there were multiple golf carts in the same area throughout the day, including staff members and seasonal campers, which led us to believe this was permitted. We understand vehicles are heavier than golf carts, but there were zero signage stating no cars allowed. To preface, there was zero damage done to the grass area due to our truck, we took photos prior to leaving the campground to protect ourselves since management is so emotionally unstable. Mind you: this is an army corp engineers campground, by Under federal law(36 CFR§ 327.2), motorized vehicles, including golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and standard cars, must remain strictly on designated paved or gravel roads and parking lots. We found this rule after we got home and did our research. There were about 5 golf carts AND a gator in and out of the beach area through out the day. If someone had simply approached us and kindly explained that vehicles were not allowed there, we would have apologized. Instead, staff chose to sit back after someone complained, watch my children swim for hours, wait for us to clean up and bring the truck down to reload, then turn a simple misunderstanding into a confrontation. A staff member approached the truck in a golf cart, speeding up and hopping out(this is all on video) while my minor daughter was inside, reached into our vehicle and took our tag then proceeded to yell at us to pack our“shit” and prepare to leave. The way this was handled was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Our children were present, witnessed this, and were left scared and confused over a situation that could have been resolved in less than a minute with a respectful conversation. We were also told there is a strict 5 mph speed limit and that radar is used because of a serious incident involving a child in the past, He was hit and life flighted. Yet seasonal campers continued driving golf carts around at unsafe speeds while drinking. Rules and safety expectations should apply equally to everyone, not only when management decides to enforce them against certain guests and not their buddies who pay for a seasonal spot. We went to the office in good faith to discuss what happened and believed the situation had been resolved. We stayed another night, only to be told the following morning that we were no longer welcome back. To permanently ban a family over a first time issue involving a rule that was never communicated is absolutely unacceptable. A well run campground understands that communication and respect go both ways. Instead, this campground made paying guests feel unwelcome and disposable. Management needs to take a serious look at how they handle conflicts because this was not customer service, it was an unnecessary escalation. We will never return to this campground, and after this experience, we strongly encourage other families to think twice before booking a stay here. Especially with young children.
Travelercheck in was easy. there’s lots to do for families kids- there’s ponds to fish, swimming pool, mini golf. golf cart rentals. playground. they also have events like family olympics and outdoor movies. site was also very nice and spacious
ScoutHonestly I would not go here. Its a beautiful spot great for fishing and swimming. I wish it was doable. But no. We been here for 4 days for the holiday. We wanted something affordable and full of nature. We really thought this place would be like other campsites. But other than taking out trash (which most people just burn making it stinky the entire time and every single fire pit you probably shouldnt cook on) there are no rules no regulations. People can be in your site looking into your tent and they do not care here. People just go where they want and fish around kids swimming rather than going somewhere else. Music can be blared so loud theres nowhere to go without hearing it. Dogs do not have to he on leash despite the sign at the entrance. (Told essentially to get over it) the dogs will roam everywhere. Its completely taken over by "locals" who aren't actually locals at all. They are just people from other states that stay here all the time and take over during the holidays. If youre already established at this camp you are good to go. But if you are highly respectful people who respect nature and want the peace of real camping. Do not go here. We are packing and leaving 5 days early and will not be back.
GuideCoopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.
Camping sites near Oakland, Maryland feature a significant elevation change that affects temperatures and camping conditions. Located in Garrett County at approximately 2,400 feet above sea level, the area experiences temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowland regions. This mountain climate means summer nights often drop into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 70s, requiring campers to pack layers even for summer trips.
Waterfall hiking trails: 3-mile system connects the falls at Swallow Falls State Park where multiple cascades can be explored in a single hike. "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early!" notes camper Jen V.
Cross-country skiing: winter months only transform New Germany State Park into a snow sports destination with groomed trails. "The park is full of very tall pine trees. The trails are easy to medium and are open to cross country skiing in the winter months," says Bill G. Summer temps usually max out around 85 degrees, making this a cooler option than lower elevations.
Lake swimming: non-motorized beach area provides a natural swimming spot away from powerboats. "The lake has a small beach and the water is always cool," according to Bill G., who visited New Germany State Park. For families wanting more developed swim facilities, one reviewer cautions about natural water conditions: "The swim area leaves a residual stain in your swimwear," which requires thorough cleaning afterward.
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk offer the best times to spot deer around camp areas. At Savage River State Forest, camper Meredith P. reports, "We spotted a raccoon, a bunny, a chipmunk, and (along the nearby roads) lots of deer—don't drive too fast!" The heavily forested campgrounds provide natural habitat for diverse wildlife.
Natural isolation: widely spaced sites create privacy despite being in established campgrounds. "There's enough foliage that separate campsites that it feels somewhat private," notes Dave V. about Ohiopyle State Park just across the Pennsylvania border. At Savage River, another camper describes it as "Far enough away from the next campsite to enjoy peace and seclusion. Next to a crik for those nighttime lullabies."
Firefly displays: summer evenings bring natural light shows in several campgrounds. Simon S., who visited Deep Creek Lake State Park, shares: "We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night." These natural displays occur primarily in June and early July.
Limited cell coverage: prepare offline materials before arrival as service is inconsistent. "There is NO cell coverage, so bring your conversation starters or a book," advises Bill G. about New Germany State Park. Similarly, at Deep Creek Lake, one reviewer notes, "No/very limited cell service. The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best."
Bear safety protocols: mandatory at most area campgrounds due to active black bear populations. Deep Creek Lake requires special precautions: "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.
Reservation planning: weekends fill 2-3 months in advance during peak summer. "We went in late October and we arrived fairly late in the day and to our surprise someone was in the store when we got there," notes Mike G. about Coopers Rock State Forest, suggesting off-season visits allow more flexibility.
Bike-friendly campground loops: bring bikes for kids to navigate campground roads safely. At Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, Christina W. recommends: "Make sure to bring bicycles for your kids to ride around the loop. There is also a pond that you can hike to for fishing. It is far enough that your children would not wonder there on their own."
Playground accessibility: centrally located within walking distance of most campsites. "The parks have 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," reports Mike B. from Swallow Falls State Park.
Nature centers: ranger-led programs offer educational opportunities specifically designed for children. "There's a nature center for the kids, a petting zoo... the nearby towns of Davis and Thomas are very cute too with great coffee and food options," shares Katie M., highlighting the family-friendly amenities beyond just camping.
Limited full-hookup availability: reserve months ahead for sites with water, electric and sewer connections. "New sites will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," notes William B. about Coopers Rock State Forest, showing the ongoing improvements to RV infrastructure in the region.
Dump station locations: plan ahead as not all campgrounds offer this service. At Deep Creek Lake, Lee D. observes: "One loop (the Meshach Browning Loop) has electric hookups; the other loops do not." Knowledge of where to find services is crucial for longer stays.
Site leveling challenges: bring blocks as many sites require adjustment. "The sites were all clean(side note: some of the sites are AWESOME, some are a patch of grass. It's honestly best to carefully look at the site map)," advises Christina C., highlighting the importance of selecting appropriate sites for different RV sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Oakland, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Oakland, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 149 campgrounds and RV parks near Oakland, MD and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Oakland, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oakland, MD is Swallow Falls State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oakland, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Oakland, MD.
What parks are near Oakland, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 parks near Oakland, MD that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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