Lynette B.
Scout
ScoutQuemahoning Family Recreation Area
Perfect
Perfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
Camping near Oldtown, MD
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Appalachian foothills surrounding Oldtown, Maryland feature a mix of state parks, forests, and riverside campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Rocky Gap State Park Campground, located about 20 miles northwest of Oldtown, offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around a scenic lake. Green Ridge State Forest provides more primitive camping experiences with dispersed sites that require registration at the main office. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park maintains several small campgrounds along the Potomac River, including Fifteen Mile Campground and Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, which primarily accommodate tent campers. Private campgrounds like Cumberland Campgrounds and Ridge Rider Campground supplement these public options with full hookup sites for RVs.
Camping reservations are essential during summer months, particularly for weekend stays at Rocky Gap State Park where sites can fill months in advance. According to one camper, "Weekends fill up quick and getting a holiday site is best if you plan MONTHS ahead." Most campgrounds in the region are open from April through October, though Green Ridge State Forest offers year-round camping. Maryland's "can't bring your own firewood" policy applies throughout the area to prevent pest introduction, with bundles available for purchase at camp stores. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at developed campgrounds near Interstate 68 and spotty reception in more remote forest locations. Western Maryland's bear country requires proper food storage at all camping locations.
Waterfront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Rocky Gap State Park where the lake offers swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. "The beach area here is, by far, my favorite in the area," notes one reviewer. "There is a roped off area for swimming, an area for dogs and an area for fishing." Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathhouses and dish washing stations at state park facilities. Green Ridge State Forest appeals to those seeking solitude, with one visitor noting that the "dispersed campsites offer great privacy. All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods." Poison ivy is commonly reported around campsite edges throughout the region, particularly in more primitive camping areas. Highway noise can be noticeable at some Rocky Gap sites despite the otherwise natural setting.
Best Campgrounds near Oldtown (167)
1. Rocky Gap State Park Campground
"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."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability2. Green Ridge State Forest
"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. "
from $10 / night
Check Availability3. CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2
"Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on."
"Great stay at a well located spot. Beautiful and quiet. Don was very helpful with any request that we had. Would return again. Thanks Don."
from $35 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Cacapon
"Beautiful place, tucked in the woods, right next to the river. The RV campsite is spacious, private, shaded, and with full hook-ups."
"Beautiful surroundings nestled off the beaten path but definitely worth checking out."
from $45 - $115 / night
Check Availability5. Middle Ridge Campground
"It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "
"Very positive experience."
6. Rvino - Ridge Rider Campground, LLC
"It’s a quiet spot to relax away from all the fast paced noise of city life. Campground is clean and the spots are nice. Might be a little closer than other places, but I wouldn’t let that deter you!"
"Lots to do, friendly staff and easy access to c.o. canal"
from $25 - $74 / night
Check Availability7. Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"This is a more traditional NPS campground along the Potomac River and C&O Towpath Trail where you can actually drive in, instead of just hiking or cycling."
"The river is gorgeous and so are the trails bring a bike if you have one. There’s a bar within walking distance that’s cash only."
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability8. Spring Gap Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability9. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
"Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
"Great campground, breast the Paw Paw Hill Tunnel trail. Unfortunately, when we went, the tunnel is closed for either construction or for safely risks. But nice area, can't wait to go back."
from $20 / night
Check Availability10. Hidden Springs Campground
"We had a very positive experience at Hidden Springs. We stayed 4 nights, the first two were very quiet at the campground."
from $58 - $70 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 57 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 8 min from Hagerstown, MD
- 1 hr 26 min from Chambersburg, PA
- 1 hr 29 min from Johnstown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Oldtown, MD
353 Photos of 167 Oldtown Campgrounds
Shari G.
Town Creek Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Shari G.
Irons Mountain Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Michelle L.
CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2
Chris F.
Rocky Gap State Park Campground
Austin A.
Green Ridge State Forest
Joe D.
Rvino - Ridge Rider Campground, LLC
Chip G.
Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
SAMEAN Y.
Great Escape Of Romney, West Virginia
Paul O.
Gary's Family Campground
Lisa D.
Hidden Springs Campground
Name
Camp Cacapon
Buffalo G.
Buffalo Gap Retreat
Recent Reviews near Oldtown, MD
945 Reviews of 167 Oldtown Campgrounds
Shelby H.
TravelerYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Fantastic for Family
We 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.
- JJC T.Traveler
Cowans Gap State Park Campground
Great spot for a weekend away!
Very clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
- C
Crispin S.
GuideLittle Fort Campground
Good Sleep Spot
This spot was good for a one night pull over and just wanted to rest; I would not set up camp and spend some time at this site.
There are several spots with a vault toilet. We stayed at campsite 6. This spot had a tent pad, fire ring, and picnic table but overall pretty small. It did offer a slight more privacy due to the tent pad being below the parking spot and surrounded by overgrown brush. There are no views with this spot but does offer a trail. I would not recommend the trail being it has been used as a bathroom spot with toilet paper and heavy smell included.
The vault toilet was just a vault toilet. It is a heavy noise area with other campers and ATV so if you are looking for a secluded peaceful site with spectacular views, this is not it. If you just need a place to lay your head or wanting to bring your ATV along this is for you.
Heather S.GuideFriendship Village Campground & RV Park
Home Away From Home
I don’t know what it is about this place but whenever I’m here all my worries are gone! I can honestly say IM RELAXED!!! I’m relaxed- whether I’m riding the golf cart eating ice cream, playing in the arcades, walking around in the campground store, playing mini golf, fishing from our campsite, watching the doggy’s play in the dog park. I’m honestly happy here!!! My favorite sites are by the lake or river. The bathhouses were clean!! We don’t swim but the pools looked great!! I’m always sad to leave but super excited to come back!! I have a video review on my YouTube channel @UpOnTheRidge304 about this campground - feel free to check it out.
- EEmily M.Scout
Rocky Gap State Park Campground
Wonderful family campground
We had a delightful 2 night stay at Rocky Gap in the Dogwood loop. This campsite was beautiful, well maintained and clean, with great access from our area in Dogwood to both the trails and the beach. The campsite itself was a large pull-through, wooded site, that accommodated our big tent and glamping set up for a family of four. The beach was adorable, with a snack bar, playground, nature center and camp store, and I loved that it was only for the campground's use. We took the lake trail walk one day and got to see the campsites that are right across from the lake with amazing views! Minor complaints are that you can hear the roadway from the campsite (didn't really bother us, just noting it) and there's not a ton of privacy in the campground. Neither of these things detracted from our enjoyment of the park and campground though!
- PPam J.Traveler
Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Nice weekend getaway.
We 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. 
Tatiana I.GuideCandy Hill Campground
All you need campground
Wonderful campground that has all you need: full hookup, bathrooms, shower, laundry, gift shop, parts shop
- AAlly S.Scout
Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Awful place
I 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.
Guide to Oldtown
Dispersed camping near Oldtown, Maryland offers options beyond the developed state parks and national historical areas. The region sits at elevations between 500-1,500 feet in the eastern foothills of the Appalachians, creating varied terrain for camping. Late fall brings temperature swings from the 30s at night to the 60s during day, while summer can see sustained periods above 80°F with high humidity.
What to do
Hike through the Paw Paw Tunnel: Located at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, this historic canal tunnel stretches nearly a mile. "Nice view of the Potomac and mountains. Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath... Bring a rake- I've never seen so many black walnuts on the ground!" notes Robin at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground.
Paddle the Cacapon River: Camp Cacapon offers direct river access. One camper mentioned, "We brought our kayaks and got them on the river for some time. The scenery will take your breath away. I just fell in love with the place and will be back," according to Saskia H. at Camp Cacapon.
Fish at Middle Ridge Campground: The campground maintains stocked ponds a short drive from campsites. "Short drive down the mountain to get to the ponds but my husband and oldest son had a blast catching fish in their ponds!" reports Kayla M.
Explore the C&O Canal Trail: The historic towpath offers miles of flat terrain for walking or biking. "This is a 1 3/4 mile walk along the C&O Canal Trail to the outskirts of Cumberland. A fantastic museum is near that 1 3/4 mile point," says Roger W. at Spring Gap Campground.
What campers like
Wooded solitude at Green Ridge: Campers consistently praise the isolation of sites in this forest. "The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite," writes Benjamin L. at Green Ridge State Forest.
The simplicity of canal-side camping: Fifteen Mile Campground offers minimalist sites with basic amenities. "Open space in a pine forest, nothing but a picnic table and space. If you need it you better bring it," notes Britt at Fifteen Mile Campground.
Views from higher elevations: Several campgrounds sit on ridges overlooking valleys. At CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS, one camper mentioned: "Ended up staying 2 nights as the views were great. Flat spots with very little work to set up a class c... a great view of valley below."
Seasonal activities and programs: Some private campgrounds run regular events. Melissa C. at Little Orleans Campground noted, "Lots of weekend events and bingo at the camp store, friendly helpful staff! Great sites!"
What you should know
Cell service varies dramatically by location: Signal strength depends on elevation and proximity to towns. "Starlink was sketchy at best, Verizon had one bar and slightly usable, ATT was best with a couple of bars and ok speeds," reports Stephen H. at Middle Ridge Campground.
Road access limitations: Many forest roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Green Ridge State Forest, a camper warns, "All of the sites are primitive sites, and some require high clearance and 4 wheel drive in order to get to the site."
Reservation systems differ: State parks require advance booking while forest sites are often first-come. "You can't make a reservation in advance, you have to take a chance that there will be a site available," explains Benjamin L. about Green Ridge.
Seasonal closures affect facilities: Many campgrounds reduce services after October. "Bathrooms were likely removed for the season," noted a Roger W. during a November visit to Spring Gap.
Highway noise affects some sites: Despite rural settings, several campgrounds sit near highways. At Paw Paw Campground, a visitor reported "Close and loud" road noise.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access swimming: Rocky Gap State Park remains popular for its beach. "The beach area here is, by far, my favorite in the area," notes one reviewer, while another camper, Katie H., mentioned, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Animal viewing opportunities: Some campgrounds feature farm animals. At Hidden Springs Campground, Jordan B. notes, "Swimming pool available and pond for fishing. Nice little store. Lots of pavilions for large family outings."
Tent camping field sites: For larger family gatherings, some campgrounds offer open field camping. "Field tent spaces have little cover, but have all the essentials as well as porta potties nearby," reports Gagandeep A. about Little Orleans Campground.
Glamping options: For families wanting more comfort, Camp Cacapon offers furnished tents. A visitor shared, "We stayed in two brand new, enormous glamping tents. Each tent had two comfy queen-size beds, a heater, a fan, and two lamps with USB ports."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One RVer at CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS reported, "Our site P1 is a full hook up pull through but it's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit."
Water pressure considerations: Some campgrounds have inconsistent utilities. Stephen H. at Middle Ridge Campground noted, "Water pressure was just a bit weak and used our water tank and pump during our stay. Best we could get for water pressure out of the hose was 25-20 psi."
Road navigation: The region's mountain roads create challenges for larger rigs. "The campground itself is gravel roads that were pretty tight gettin in and out of and fairly steep with trees on all sides. Made it in and out no issue taking it slow, but not sure I would try anything longer than about 36' fifth wheel or 34' travel trailer," cautions Stephen H.
Electric hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited at public campgrounds. Only private campgrounds like Hidden Springs and Middle Ridge reliably offer full hookups for RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Oldtown campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Oldtown campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Oldtown offer diverse amenities to enhance your camping experience. Swallow Falls State Park Campground provides clean facilities, level tent sites, and proximity to hiking trails and waterfalls. The campground creates a true forest atmosphere while maintaining comfort. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground features beautiful wooded sites, clean bathhouses, and lake access for swimming and boating. Most campgrounds in the area include fire rings, picnic tables, drinking water, and centralized bathhouses with showers and toilets. Some offer electric hookups for RVs and a camp store for essential supplies.
Is there camping available in Oldtown, Idaho?
Is there camping available in Oldtown, Idaho?
Yes, there are several camping options near Oldtown, Idaho. Rocky Gap State Park Campground is one of the most popular options in the region, offering a variety of campsites including tent sites and RV-friendly spots. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Big Run State Park Campground provides a peaceful hideaway with sites adjacent to streams, perfect for those who enjoy the sounds of flowing water while camping. Both campgrounds are well-maintained and offer natural beauty typical of the Idaho-Maryland border region.
When is the best time of year to camp in Oldtown?
When is the best time of year to camp in Oldtown?
The best time to camp in the Oldtown area is late spring through early fall. New Germany State Park Campground is particularly pleasant during summer months when you can enjoy the small lake for swimming and kayaking, plus explore numerous wooded mountain trails. Fall brings spectacular foliage, as noted at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run, with beautiful mountain views through the colorful trees. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures ideal for hiking. Winter camping is possible but facilities may be limited, and preparedness for cold weather is essential.
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