151 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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."
"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."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability"This site is at the very top of the loop so it has a great cozy vibe and is spaced well away from other sites. The only downside is that the bathhouse is a walk downhill and then a walk back uphill."
"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."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $99 - $471 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $92 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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. "
"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."
"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."
from $18 - $50 / night
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ScoutBeautiful area. Very primitive, which is great. Roads were fairly decent to the campsite. Didn't stay near the water and no mountain view but still nice. Had a nice trail into the woods.
ScoutThe owners are friendly and te store is stocked and makes great camping/diner food. Well priced, and easy to get around. Bathrooms are solid and clean, with fast hot water!
ScoutThe campground is a nice size with enough space between sites to feel as though you have some privacy.
We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind.
The boat launch is right there which we planned to paddle board in the morning, but got rained out. The river looks really nice and clean though.
Tables and fire pits are a great size. We saw some gorgeous stars as there isn’t any light pollution.
It’s only half hour from Berkeley Springs, so fill up your spring water for free there and then come enjoy the campsite!
Will definitely return.
GuideSpent two nights while we saw the Avett Brothers play at Wolf Trap. Nice flat site with power. Campground was quiet and clean. The only negative is communication and signage. It took us a couple wrong turns to find our site and when we came back, after the concert around 11, the entrance gate was closed and we had to sneak in through the exit gate. Asked the next day and they said that is what campers do to access the park after 11pm.
TravelerThis was my second time staying at Greenridge in my twenty foot Dodge Ram RV van. This was a convenient first stop on my trip to Yellowstone NP. I arrived mid afternoon on a Saturday in August and there were plenty of sites available.
The sites are spaced apart and while I could see other sites were occupied as I drove to mine, I did not see or hear other people the entire length of my stay.
The dirt road leading to the site was well maintained and in good shape despite recent heavy rain.
The site was just few miles from the highway, making it easy for me to continue my journey the next morning.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
TravelerPrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
GuideThis is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
RangerWe stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city. Seth and the other gentlemen I spoke with were all extremely accommodating. Enjoyed learning about their approach to restorative farming and purchasing a variety of treats at the farm store. Beef, pork, chicken, seasonings, baked goods, and more. We booked on Hipcamp and recommend following his driving instructions. Our rig fit fine by tuhe main barn and they kept an eye on us going in and out to make sure we didn't have issues making any of the turns. Lots of farm life!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 with a 4.4-star rating from 42 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.
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