Best Campgrounds near Smithsburg, MD

The forested mountains surrounding Smithsburg, Maryland provide a range of camping experiences within a short drive. Catoctin Mountain Park, managed by the National Park Service, offers Owens Creek Campground with 50 well-maintained sites nestled in dense maple and oak forest. Just 15 minutes southwest, Greenbrier State Park features family-friendly camping with a swimming lake and beach area. Cunningham Falls State Park, divided into the Houck and Manor areas, provides both tent and RV camping with access to Maryland's tallest waterfall. For those seeking more amenities, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport offers cabin rentals and organized activities. The region sits at the convergence of several state and federal lands, creating a diverse camping landscape that ranges from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups.

Reservations are essential during the primary camping season from April through October, when most campgrounds operate at capacity, particularly on weekends. Summer temperatures in the area typically range from 60-85°F, with higher humidity in July and August. As one camper noted, "It was a very hot weekend but the campground is mostly in full shade. We never felt uncomfortable at our site." The dense tree canopy at Owens Creek and parts of Cunningham Falls provides natural cooling, while Greenbrier's lake offers swimming opportunities. Cell service varies significantly by location and carrier, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns. Many sites require advance booking through recreation.gov or the Maryland Park Service reservation system, with most campgrounds filling 2-3 months ahead for summer weekends.

Shaded campsites receive consistently positive reviews across the region's campgrounds. "The entire campsite is shaded under a maple and poplar canopy which was perfect during the day," reported one visitor to Owens Creek. Proximity to hiking trails is another highlight, with Catoctin Mountain Park offering 25 miles of trails connecting to Cunningham Falls. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited in many Maryland state parks, though policies vary by location. Bathhouse quality and maintenance are frequently mentioned in reviews, with most facilities described as clean but basic. During peak summer weekends, popular areas like Greenbrier's beach can become crowded with day visitors, prompting some campers to seek more secluded options like Gambrill State Park, which one reviewer called "a great alternative if you're looking for a more peaceful, secluded camping experience."

Best Camping Sites Near Smithsburg, Maryland (142)

    1. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do."

    "Maryland has some great state parks and this is one of them. Decent sized sites, clean bath houses. Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

    2. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    28 Reviews
    Sabillasville, MD
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 663-9388

    $30 / night

    "Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

    "My only complaint is that the fire ring is a little too close to the main road. This is true for most of the sites. However the tent pad was set back in the woods and it was very peaceful."

    3. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    24 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $65 / night

    "Camp next to the president."

    "There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."

    4. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    22 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain.

    This is not a pet friendly loop.

    Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.

    The site is between two cabins."

    "Only one trail leading out. Ground is all gravel so bring a mat. Also VERY close to highway 15 so we heard traffic and j-breaks and motorcycles all night."

    5. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    23 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7117

    $99 - $471 / night

    "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."

    "There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."

    6. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    7. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."

    "Located about 4 miles from town it is far enough for that country feel but close enough to be convenient.  The camp store was well stocked with basic needs as was the gift shop. "

    8. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    19 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7571

    "Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."

    "Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."

    9. Gettysburg Campground

    26 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."

    "If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."

    10. Gambrill State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    Middletown, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $18 - $50 / night

    "The site was very level, nicely shaded, and positioned a short distance from the bath house. There was also a water spigot located right at the entrance of the site."

    "There was a walking path to the bathhouse between 13 and 14. Sites 8-11 were on a nice open field, with some smaller trees."

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Recent Reviews near Smithsburg, MD

1011 Reviews of 142 Smithsburg Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!


Guide to Smithsburg

Camping options near Smithsburg, Maryland range from basic forest sites to full-service family campgrounds within a 30-minute drive. The region sits at elevations between 800-1,600 feet in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains, creating moderate summer temperatures that average 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas. Despite the area's popularity, midweek campers during May and September often find uncrowded conditions with greater site availability.

What to do

Fishing access: 42-acre Greenbrier Lake: The 1,100-acre Greenbrier State Park Campground offers both bank fishing and boat fishing (electric motors only). "Lake area can be crowded on weekends, I tend to avoid. Hike from visitor center to AT is steep and rocky," notes camper Butch B.

Nature programs: Ranger-led activities: The Houck area at Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park offers seasonal interpretive programs. "During peak season, there are nature programs going on," reports one visitor. Another camper adds, "The volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful. Can't wait to come back!!"

Wildlife viewing: Native species habitat: Across most forest campgrounds in the area, early morning and dusk offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities. At Catoctin Mountain Park's Owens Creek Campground, one camper reported, "We decided to go mushroom hunting. Wow we hit the jackpot." The area supports diverse fungi, birds, and small mammals.

What campers like

Shaded retreats: Old-growth forest: Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park receives praise for its mature forest setting. "Great campground, clean bathrooms, friendly hosts. Beautiful Park!" reports camper Brittany M. Another noted, "Nice small campground WAY back in woods. Been here many times over the last 25 years."

Water features: Creek access: Several campgrounds offer water features for cooling off. One camper at Gettysburg Campground reported, "The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning." Sites along water often book first during summer months.

Uncrowded alternatives: Secluded options: For campers seeking quieter experiences, some parks offer more solitude than others. "I stayed at Cunningham Falls State Park a few weeks ago and the campground was very good with lots to do hikes, swimming etc. But last night I stayed at same state forest but 4 miles away the Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area. I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time," noted Ellen C.

What you should know

Site selection considerations: At Gambrill State Park Campground, site 16 receives specific praise: "Site 16 will get you furthest away from other campers and give you some privacy." Another camper confirms: "We got the most secluded site (site 16, and thank you to the other reviewer for the heads up) but still very exposed to neighbors and roads."

Weather patterns: The mountain location creates variable conditions even in summer. In April 2021, one Gambrill visitor reported: "It was so very cold the first night we were there (25!). We took advantage of our electric site and used a small space heater to take the edge off of that night!"

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. At Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park, one visitor notes: "Cell service doesn't work, electric hook ups only. This state park is beautiful and off the grid!" Service improves closer to towns or at higher elevation sites.

Tips for camping with families

Water play options: Lake vs. pools: Family-friendly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD offers structured water recreation. "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," reports Beth C.

Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer programming specifically for children. "Lots of things to do for younger ones. The adults can still relax in the lazy River and pool," notes one Jellystone camper. Another adds, "The kids were never bored and had so much fun."

Camping cabin alternatives: For families new to camping, several parks offer cabin options. "We stayed in a lovely cabin here while I was in town for work. My husband enjoyed the pool with the kids during the day and when I was there we enjoyed shuffleboard, mini golf and hiking together," reports a visitor to the Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA.

Tips from RVers

Site specifications and access: Pay attention to site lengths and access details when booking. At Caledonia State Park Campground, "Very nice campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Nice creek for the kids to play on a hot day. Great spot for kids. Not sure about other sites- some sites appeared not to have tent sites and steep parking. All the full look-up sites appeared very nice."

Off-peak advantages: Consider visiting in spring or fall for better availability. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier. Friendly staff. Lots of trees," notes a Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA camper.

Dump station and water fill locations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Owens Creek, there's "No sanitary dump" on site, while Greenbrier State Park does provide this amenity. Campers should plan accordingly for longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Smithsburg, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Smithsburg, MD is Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED with a 4.4-star rating from 41 reviews.

What parks are near Smithsburg, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Smithsburg, MD that allow camping, notably Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.