Best Glamping near Oldtown, MD

This campground is huge, and very crowded. We were there in the days leading up to 4th of July, and there was not a single empty site. Our section had mostly pop-ups and mid-size travel trailers, so the sites were all grass and gravel. However, the area with pull-through sites for big rigs was just a huge RV parking lot. All roads were very narrow and winding. We did fine with the pup, but can’t imagine trying to navigate a large motorhome through there. Crowding/space issues aside, this is a really nice (albeit expensive) campground. Almost everything, from the grounds, to rec halls, to pool and laundry, was sparkling clean and beautifully maintained. Bathrooms were reasonably clean as well, although they could certainly use some TLC and updating (most MD state park bathhouses are nicer).Staff was very friendly, as well. Tons of stuff to do here, especially for families: arts & crafts, indoor movie theatre, games, civil war reenactments, wine tastings, etc. We were certainly never bored, and the kids thought they had died and gone to heaven. Our site was extremely close to our neighbor's site, but still surprisingly roomy and decently shaded. We were right next to the pancake hut (free daily pancake breakfast included during the on-season) and playground, and very close to other activities. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is just a stone's throw away, with great hiking, sight-seeing, and cute little shops.

Overall, this is a really nice place, but much more of a resort than a campground in my opinion. The kids loved it, but I’ll always prefer the wooded seclusion of a state or national park. However, if I was looking for a more action-packed, activities-filled “glamping” experience, I wouldn’t hesitate to return.

This is a nice and large campground by Maryland State Park Standards. Sites are nice and not stacked right on top of one another. Some sites have electric, but the bathhouses are clean and decently well kept. The real draw here is the very large lake stocked with fish, and the casino. Botha are just a short walk from the campground. It is incredibly convenient from I68 but you do t get any highway noise. There are even yurts to rent.

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. We always stay on Dogwood loop, and the camp hosts are there if you need them, but otherwise leave you be to enjoy your stay.

My only complaint is the sounds from the highway. You can hear the trucks go by, and that does take away from the experience a bit.

We just got our tent this year, so we have always stayed in one of the cabins, when camping here. The rest of the sites are rather separated though, and a great camping experience. I'm attaching several photos from our years of camping at Rocky Gap,, in cabin 104 Dogwood.

We usually stay on Dogwood Loop, which has a nice, direct path from one of the sites down to the beach area. I would say that it is about a 1/4-1/3 mile walk from the loop to the beach/playground area. That said, when going to the beach to swim, we took our car. However, for a trip to the playground or just for a nice walk, the path is great.

The beach area here is, by far, my favorite in the area. I've been to Greenbrier and Herrington Manor, and the beach area at RGSP is, in my opinion, superior. There is a roped off area for swimming, an area for dogs and an area for fishing. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards & canoes for about $5-10 an hour (depending on the type) and going out on the lake is a great way to spend the day! The water is incredibly clean and the best part, is that the 'day use' area for the general public is seperate. So, when you go to the beach at Rocky Gap, it is just other campers. This keeps the beach clean, quiet and not crowded.

There is also a roughly 5 mile loop trail the goes around the lake, and starts and finishes near the camp store. I have not done this hike, but often see runners and hikers coming in and out and have heard it is fantastic. There is also a small trail that comes off of the dogwood loop, across from the camp host's site. My small dog and I have done about 1/2 mile of it- it is rocky, but beautiful.

My son was 6 when we came here last and he was able to ride his bike around the dogwood loop just fine. It is a little hilly, but not too much and I've also enjoyed running the loops in years past.

I've been to 6 Maryland campgrounds this year, and I have to say that Rocky Gap has, by far, the best bathhouse. The women's room has 2-3 very updated shower stalls, roughly 5 bathroom stalls and is always clean. Outside of the bathhouse, is a dish washing station with hot water and a garbage disposal.

You can purchase bundles of firewood for $5 at the campstore and ice is around $3. They also don't have trash dumps on the loops, and you take your trash to the main trash area near the camp store.

Camp site(Tent camping)

Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful. We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night.

It is Maryland so watch out for poison ivy when walking through bushes.

Facilities/ Amenities

Bathrooms were clean.

Surrounding area

Walking distance to the huge beach / lake. The area was overcrowded but maintained well and clean.

We recent went camping for the first time at Jellystone in Maryland. 5 of our 6 kids came with us, so we knew we needed to find a camping ground more geared kids. Jellystone was amazing in every way possible.  The kids were never bored and had so much fun.  Us, as adults, were also never bored. We are definitely going back. Camping ground was clean, staff was nice and tons of fun activities.

Great location in Western Maryland. 10 min ride to Cumberland (larger town) 5 min ride to small town of Flintstone. Lots of well marked trails that range from beginner to advanced. Lake holds opportunity for numerous activities from swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle board, and canoeing. No motorized boats which can be a good thing sometimes. The lake even has areas for pets to swim! Campground has tent sites, cabins, camper sites and group sites. All loops have bath houses with showers. Several loops have sites with electric hook ups and pets friendly loops as well. Casino and golf course located on the opposite side of the lake if you wish to visit them while camping.

Rocky Gap is our go-to place for quick family camping. We tend to stay in either the F or C loops, as we have pets. We take a large family tent with us and all the trims. Most of the sites are large enough for big family tents and many are made for RV’s in mind. Each loop has a centralized bathroom with showers (and warm water!) There are dish washing stations as well. The beach at the lake is not far away for any loop. Prior to COVID, there was a camp store with basic amenities as well as ice cream, but that has not happened as of yet due to regulations still in place. There is a small cafe type place near the camp store that is run by volunteers that is open on the weekends. When COVID doesn’t rule, the nature center is open and ranger programs abound. (They are quite popular as well) the is an aviary near the campground entrance and is one of two in Western Maryland that houses birds that cannot be released due to injury. (The other is at Deep Creek Lake.) Nearby there is the resort and casino attached to the park on the public side. Close by are many restaurants that have remained opened during COVID. The park itself offers miles of trails, many of which are rated for mountain biking as well as hiking. Every campsite has a fire ring. There is waste bins at the campground entrance. Remember Western Maryland is bear country, but also deer, eagle, hawk, and plenty of fish. The one improvement I’ve heard, but don’t really care for is that some campers wish for a shuttle to the casino. I say let’em walk. As of this writing, no lifeguards patrol the beach. The bathrooms and playgrounds are open. You’re going to have to get your groceries in town. I’ve noticed weekend’s fill up quick and getting a holiday site is best if you plan MONTHS ahead.

I booked last minute and got the last paved, pull-through spot for the weekend prior to Halloween. Every weekend in October there are family-friendly festivities, and the guests and staff got really into it. It’s very close to Harper’s Ferry (almost worth the hike into town rather than the difficulty finding parking in a town with one parking lot). Took the dogs to the frequented Maryland Heights Trail, and that was a great 4-5 mile uphill jaunt that overlooks the town. Stunning in autumn. The site was clean, offered recycling, and the on-site store was convenient. For how close it is to Washington DC and Frederick MD, this is an easy getaway.

I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Secondly, the tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep, I slept great. 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. The grounds had 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. It was our first camping here and in Maryland for that matter, and we would love to go back.

Very nice campground. Beautiful lake and from our lakeside sites we could put our kayaks in right from the campsite, maybe 20 yards away into a sheltered cove. The weather was horrid while we were there but woke up Sunday morning to pack up and the sun was out, the true beauty of this campground was awesome. Paved roads and compacted gravel tent pads. Sites are both spacious and a good distance apart. Bath house was reasonably clean and had two showers each with a lockable door and small changing room attached. Each loop has one bathhouse and it is situated in the center of the loop. You are supposed to walk or bike to it as the only road into it has a do not enter sign and is for employee vehicles only. Maryland has a “can't bring your own firewood” policy that they say is because they don’t want pests brought in from outside but seems to be more of a money grab to me. Firewood is $5 per bundle at the camp store and we easily went through three or four bundles per night. There is a Walmart about 10 miles away in Lavale MD for anything you might need. There is also a no pets policy, at least in the loop we were in, which we loved because nothing spoils a good camping trip like a dog that barks the entire time you are camping. Policy says alcohol is prohibited but we are well behaved and drank beers at the campsite without hassle. Despite the rain, we had a great time and were very happy with our first trip to Rocky Gap. We will definitely be back before the season is over, hopefully with better weather.

We have NOT stayed in or photographed the campground at Swallow Falls state park, but I wanted to provide some photos of the park and a brief review of the area as we’ve been there several times.

Swallow Falls is one of my favorite places to visit in the greater Deep Creek Lake area, especially since I find the hiking directly around DCL pretty lacking. The trail between Swallow Falls and Herrington Manor is nice, but the much shorter main trail within SFSP itself is awesome. Muddy Creek Falls - the main attraction of the state park and the highest waterfall in Maryland - is the main reason to do the hike, and a great place to take an amazing photo. The whole trail - though only 2 miles or so - has a lot to offer, though, with a variety of smaller falls, ‘local’ swimming holes, great rock formations and places to fish on the river, and a lot of places where you can still see the path of Hurricane Sandy through the park.

Definitely a great place to check out if you’re camping in or visiting the nearby area, and I’ve heard the campground is quiet and peaceful, I’ve just never camped there myself. If we do, I will post another review with pics of the campground.

The campgrounds are very nice, two lakes with crystal clear water, camp store, the camp sites are spread out but still a lot of people, hence a lot of noise.

This is a nice park offering lots of campsites, though, only one loop has electricity.

Pretty lake that offers canoe, kayak, paddle boarding and swimming. All of which are available for rent. Fire wood is also available, locally (follow the sign as you enter the State Park) and within the park. Campstore is well stocked and has most of the basic things you may need or forget. They also have a small concession stand that sells ice cream and other treats. Bathrooms and bathhouse are reasonably clean, showers had pressure and hot water. Plenty of hiking offering great views and photo opportunities.

Great place for a family getaway.

The campground is easily accessible- there are 9 loops and a group site. The best loops for families with pets are Dogwood and Elm. No pets? Go to Ironwood loop and get a site close to the water. Water is readily available. The bathrooms are clean and the showers warm. After October, most of the loops close, the exception being Ash loop, which offers electric hookup for RV. The camp store is stocked well, but dinner may have to come from a local market if you’re planning a cookout at your site. The beach is also pet friendly. There is boat rental and several opportunities for Ranger led activities for all. Recently, the park has been taking part in American Chestnut revitalization. If there is any detractors at all, it’s the casino on the other side of the park. It’s bright and loud ( though and outdoor events are quiet by 10 ish) There is a strict no alcohol policy unless your in an RV or a cabin. Meaning the alcohol must stay inside at all times. Firewood is readily available. The sites can be a bit close, but as a family camper with a load of six people plus two dogs, we never have felt claustrophobic in our site choice. The web site offers limited photos of the sites. This park is our go to place for a weekend with kids and as it’s cheap and nearby, it’s well worth it. As a side note, the food at the casino isn’t bad. Just not a good place for kids. The trails are well maintained. Keep a careful watch for snakes and bears.

Have waited six months into our RV life to start reviews for fair comparisons. This quickly became our top stay “so far” of the trip. Spent 5 nights. Private wooded setting, hardly anyone there, amazing hiking (you can hike to the PA border!) and mountain biking right from the site. And the bathroom/showers were spotless. When the weather turned quite cold they were happy to let us switch sites to electric which was much appreciated. Great areas for dog walking. Loved loved LOVED it here. And enjoyed a socially distanced visit to 1812 Brewery near by.

We camped here with family two days in April. The tent sites are fine, maintained with hard gravel tent spots. Each site is a good size and spaced apart for privacy. The bathrooms were clean. Water spigots and even a dish clean out area made it lovely (the dishes sink was closed for the season though). The playground and beach were lovely. The downside, and it is big for us, is that instead of falling asleep to the sound of frogs, we laid awake all night listening to the noise from nearby 83. The traffic noise was so loud combined with the often interrupting scream of truck brakes. We will not return, as we go camping to be in nature and the road noise was a constant reminded we were not.

I have stayed at this park many times over the years and it is always clean and well-maintained.  This park is suitable for winter camping as well with fully functional bathhouses throughout the wintertime.  The park has a lake and store along the beachfront area.  This property is also part of the Rocky Gap Resort which has golf and a casino.

It's about an hour from my house just of I-68. Has a big lake with swimming, fishing, hiking, canoes and kayaks for rent. It is pet friendly and quite even though it's 5 minutes from the interstate. We love taking long weekend trips there.

Rocky Gap has a large number of water activities available (boating, fishing, swimming) and two beaches. There are approximately 35 miles of mountain biking/hiking trails around the lake and on the surrounding hills.

If camping is not to the liking of everyone in your party there is a golf course and casino on one side of the lake. Something for a lot of tastes.

Only down side is that even on a Tuesday the camp and beaches were quite busy, so a little on the noisy side.

Great location and nice sites. Sites are set apart which makes it really nice. Close to the GAP and C&O Trail and lots of other outdoor attractions

Just spent a long weekend here, for the first time. Camped from Thursday to Mon. The park is a easy drive from Pittsburgh and DC. We stayed in the C Loop. Sites are nicely spaced with trees in between. Sites was level with a fire ring, picnic table and lantern post. Lake was very pretty. Looked clean although fish really weren’t biting this weekend. There are 2 beaches, one by the campground and a larger one by the casino. Campground is at the opposite side of the lake from the campground. The trail going around the lake (approx 5.3 miles around) is pretty flat and easy to hike. All in all a nice park. I would go back.

We booked 2 weeks before for Thurs-Saturday. We arrived Thursday evening, and there were a couple other people but by Friday every lot was filled. We weren’t camped near the lake, so the bugs weren’t too bad. Bathroom facilities were pretty clean (and I have HIGH standards for cleanliness) and there was an outdoor sink for dishwashing. RE the beach: it was nice and calm on Thursday, but pretty packed on Friday. You can find a spot on the beach, but it may not be shaded. Overall, this is a great place for families. There’s golfing, swimming, good hiking, boating, kayaking rentals, and a casino for adult fun. For hiking, I highly recommend the Lake Habeeb Lakeside Loop for wonderful views. The only downside is that it goes through the beach and that stretch is pretty hot.

This was my first time camping in over 10 years and my first solo trip. I felt really safe. The bath house was cleaned regularly. The lake was beautiful. It's easy to find off the highway, and far enough from the next town to be quiet but not so far if you have a reason to go into town (like say, you forgot food for your second of two nights), it's easy enough to get to. I accidentally booked a site close to the main road through the campground, I hiked during the day but it was busy when I was there, it was pretty quiet at night, enough trees for privacy.