RV campgrounds near Oakland, Maryland sit at elevations of 2,000-3,000 feet in the Allegheny Mountains region. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing between November and March, with significant snowfall limiting access to many campgrounds. Most facilities in this area operate seasonally with peak availability from May through October when temperatures range from 50-80°F.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground offers a dedicated star gazing platform for night sky viewing, though recent visitors note it "leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair." Located 30 miles from Oakland, the campground provides a good base for astronomy enthusiasts.
Trout fishing access: The Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort provides direct river access for anglers. "Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. A little pricey for the area," notes one camper. The sites are positioned along the riverbank, providing convenient fishing opportunities without leaving the campground.
Hiking proximity: Multiple trails are accessible near Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, located 20 miles from Oakland. A reviewer mentions, "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there. On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Campers at Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground appreciate the natural waterfront setting. One camper describes it as "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area. Firewood available. Relaxing." The campground maintains a natural feel while providing basic amenities.
Firewood availability: Multiple rv campgrounds near Oakland, Maryland provide firewood services. A visitor at Double G Campground noted, "Firewood is abundant, good quality, and cheap." Some locations even offer delivery service, making campfire setup more convenient.
Personalized service: Smaller campgrounds in the region often provide individualized attention. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, a solo traveler reported: "When I got there, well after 5pm, Mary Lou was waiting for me! I apparently was the only tent camper but still, she made sure I had everything I needed for my one might stay, and set me up close to the bathhouse."
What you should know
Winter limitations: Most campgrounds near Oakland close between late October and April due to harsh mountain weather. One of the few year-round options is Riverside Cabins and RV Park where a camper shared: "We stayed here in October 2020. Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots. We tent camped and Steve (owner) took us down to the bank of the south branch of the Potomac. Perfect!"
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the mountainous terrain feature uneven sites requiring additional leveling equipment. A camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort noted that "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," while another at Benner's Meadow Run reported: "The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring."
Cell service variability: Connectivity fluctuates significantly throughout the region. Smoke Hole Caverns RV Resort has "No cell phone coverage" according to reviewers, while other facilities closer to Oakland typically offer more reliable service.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) features "multiple pools, playsets, cabins and river sites" according to recent visitors, making it suitable for families seeking recreational amenities. The campground sits approximately 30 miles from Oakland and operates seasonally.
Noise considerations: Campgrounds vary significantly in atmosphere, from quiet to activity-focused. One camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort mentioned: "It was noisy and loud throughout our whole stay," while others described certain campgrounds as "quiet and relaxing."
Pet restrictions: While most rv campgrounds Oakland, Maryland allow pets, some have specific limitations. A reviewer at Smoke Hole Caverns noted: "When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making the reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here. We have an old dog, and nobody has said anything."
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Several campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. Smoke Hole Caverns specifically mentions: "There are a number of campgrounds in the Smoke Hole Canyon/Seneca Rocks area, but most of them are better suited to smaller rigs and tent campers. If you have a class A or are looking for something with full hookups, look no further."
Seasonal occupancy: Many RV sites near Oakland are occupied by long-term or seasonal campers. Benner's Meadow Run was described as having "Not many people there and the seasonal campsites were mostly closed up for the winter" during a late September visit, indicating potential for more privacy during shoulder seasons.
Road conditions: Mountain terrain creates challenging access at some locations. Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground restricts RVs to "30 foot or less recommended" due to road limitations, while gravel interior roads at some facilities can impact mobility options: "Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids."
