Best Campgrounds near Oldtown, MD

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 Camping Sites Near Oldtown, Maryland (160)

    1. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    12 miles
    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."

    2. Green Ridge State Forest

    29 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    12 miles
    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. "

    3. CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2

    19 Reviews
    Cumberland, MD
    9 miles
    +1 (301) 777-3472

    $35 / night

    "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."

    4. Middle Ridge Campground

    24 Reviews
    Romney, WV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 822-8020

    "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."

    5. Camp Cacapon

    17 Reviews
    Great Cacapon, WV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (240) 343-1443

    $45 - $115 / night

    "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."

    6. Rvino - Ridge Rider Campground, LLC

    13 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-2325

    $27 - $4200 / night

    "Lots to do, friendly staff and easy access to c.o. canal"

    "The sites are close together but there is still privacy as most sites are surrounded by trees. Bathhouses are in fair shape. Staff was super friendly. Would definitely go here again."

    7. Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    8 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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."

    "For this portion, at least, the campground is good and the tow path along the canal is great for a run and quite scenic."

    9. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    4 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    8 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    10. Hidden Springs Campground

    7 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 767-9676

    $58 - $70 / night

    "We had a very positive experience at Hidden Springs. We stayed 4 nights, the first two were very quiet at the campground."

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Recent Reviews near Oldtown, MD

854 Reviews of 160 Oldtown Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Quite and comfortable in the woods.

    Hosts are great.  Bathhouse was very clean.  Fall folliage was perfect.  The campgound is really 1.6 mi from rte 50 but feels longer the first time due to narrow roads and hills.  For being on the side of a mountain, the sites were suprisining level.  Only needed a few blocks under the wheels.  We chose one of the pull throughs.

    Don't forget to plug in well pump or you won't have water!

    30' TT

  • E
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Terrific

    Just got home from a lovely week in Romney.  We found the perfect campground, a mile or so off route 50, deep in the woods.  Each campsite surrounded by trees.  Since we have a popup, Shelly recommended a site not far from the bathhouse.  Perfect.  We were in Romney to ride the Potomac Eagle, but Shelly also recommended other experiences in Romney (Fort Mill Ridge, Indian Mound Cemetery, historic David House).  A very nice autumn week.

  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Cedar Creek Trail dispersed campsite

    Cedar Creek Trail Dispersed Campsite

    Went to Stultz gap and was a little unimpressed. Drove about 10 minutes further north on the same road.

    Location is approximate. After the intersection, the road will turn into a trail (marked by a metal gate) and there is a campsite right there.

    Was very peaceful and clean. Had an established fire ring.

  • Spencer W.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Campsite

    Stultz Gap Dispersed Camping

    The spot itself is right next to the road. The map seems to indicate trails connected but they appear very overgrown.

    Appears some may use this with horses as some small amount of waste was left behind.

    We ended up driving about 10-15 minutes further north along the same road and found a nicer spot with an established fire ring.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    Dense and chaotic, but great breakfast

    We got here late on a Friday and boy was it packed. It was a pretty tight fit and at a perpendicular. Not sure why campsites do that. We didn’t use the bathroom or showers because it was so late and honestly because they only had one bathroom location for all those people and it was on the opposite side of the campsite. They have SO many activities going on for kids and families including crafts and a magic show. They also had a diner and general store. Didn’t go into the store but did get breakfast from the diner and the breakfast was honestly delicious. It was about a 20 min wait at 8:15 but the quality of the food totally makes up for that. I recommend the sausage gravy and biscuits. Overall, great spot if you’ve got kids. Pretty packed if you’re just traveling or looking for some outdoor time.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.

  • E
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Camp Cacapon

    Great camping in a perfect spot

    We stayed at this campground Sep 26-28 and had a fantastic time. The campsite is in a perfect spot on the Cacapon river, and the facilities are excellent. Nice campsites, clean bathrooms and a charming little pavilion that you can rent and hang out with your group.

    Highly recommend

  • G
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private

    If you’re looking for quiet and privacy, this is the place.  they laid out the sites so that you’re not side by side. They are all on an angle which moves you further away from anyone on both sides.  The angled site also was great for driving just past you’re site and practically backing straight back into you’re site.  Decent bath house and friendly, low key staff.  Great rates per night.


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?

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?

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?

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.