Camping near Smithsburg, Maryland, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, with one reviewer from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioning, "There is a lot of hiking, exploring along the lake, and Gettysburg within a 30-minute drive."
- Fishing: Cast your line in nearby lakes. A visitor at Rocky Gap State Park Campground shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at designated swimming areas. One camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground noted, "The swimming lake is excellent."
What campers like:
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park said, "The bathrooms/showers are very clean and modern."
- Secluded sites: Many enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "The privacy of our site was pretty good and we had nice shade."
- Friendly staff: Campers often rave about helpful staff. One camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground remarked, "The camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful."
What you should know:
- No cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell service. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground warned, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
- Reservations recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground advised, "It stays booked because it is such a well-maintained campground."
- Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA noted, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities for kids. A camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "Near the beach, there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
- Plan for quiet hours: Make sure everyone knows the campground rules about noise. A visitor at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA expressed frustration, saying, "No enforcement of quiet hours...did not quiet down till 1am."
- Pack outdoor games: Bring along games for family fun. A camper at Cherry Hill Park enjoyed, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like a tractor ride through the campground."
Tips from RVers:
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Rocky Gap State Park Campground noted, "Our site was very tight and narrow, but pretty level."
- Look for full hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "This time we stayed in full hookup."
- Be prepared for leveling: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground said, "The site I had was definitely smaller than I expected but it still worked."
Camping near Smithsburg, Maryland, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
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