Glamping opportunities close to Smithsburg, Maryland extend beyond the standard offerings at Cunningham Falls State Park. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500-1700 feet in the Catoctin Mountains, creating microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Local campgrounds typically experience temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas, making summer months particularly popular for outdoor stays.
What to do
Explore Catoctin Mountain trails: Miles of hiking paths connect several camping areas to key attractions including Cunningham Falls. "There are plenty of trails, including the Catoctin Trail, but all the trails I was on do not permit biking," notes one visitor to Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park.
Fish in multiple locations: Several campgrounds offer pond and creek fishing options. A camper at Artillery Ridge Campground reports, "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
Visit nearby historical sites: The area provides convenient access to Civil War battlefields and museums. "Close to Antitiem battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)," explains a camper at Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA.
Go tubing or kayaking: Stream access points offer water recreation opportunities during warmer months. "You can get a site along the creek where you can tube or kayak (they rent them out here)!" writes a visitor to the Hagerstown area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. At Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park, a camper notes, "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet."
Wooded camping environments: Tree cover provides shade and atmosphere at many locations. "Our site was level and well separated from others, though it was small," shares a visitor at Gettysburg Campground.
Walking proximity to attractions: Several campgrounds connect directly to trails or points of interest. A camper at Annapolis Rock Campground explains, "Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."
Natural water features: Streams, ponds, and lakes enhance the camping experience. "Get cozy with nature at Harpers Ferry KOA Holiday where you're a short walk from both historic sites and outdoor activities," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal water park operations: Facilities at some luxury glamping sites may have limited availability. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD, a camper warns, "We stayed at Jellystone in Hagerstown in June. My daughter was excited about the little water park... we were told that it was only open on weekends this time of year."
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "It took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it," explains a visitor at Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Limited firewood availability: Some campgrounds restrict outside wood and may have supply issues. "We naively followed the direction against bringing our own firewood. Opened the firewood compartment on arrival to find it totally empty."
Road noise at certain locations: Some sites experience highway sounds. A Manor Area camper reports, "Once fire was going, we could appreciate the site's natural setting albeit near the highway."
Tips for camping with families
Choose camp loops strategically: Different camping areas offer varying experiences for children. "If you have kids or like to talk to other people go to the original campground but if you perfer quiet and your own little piece of the woods go to the Manor Area," advises a Cunningham Falls visitor.
Utilize campground-specific kid activities: Many locations offer structured programs. "We have stayed in the camping cabins here multiple times. We love the animals and activities for the kids. Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house," notes a reviewer at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA.
Consider seasonal crowds: Popularity varies throughout the year, affecting experience. "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging," suggests a Jellystone camper.
Evaluate trail difficulty for children: Not all paths are suitable for young hikers. "The Lower Falls Trail is short but great for younger kids and we saw lots of dogs which was lovely," reports a family at Cunningham Falls.
Tips from RVers
Pack extension cords and leveling blocks: Setup challenges exist at some sites. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," warns a camper at Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Research specific loop characteristics: Various camping sections have different amenities. "The electric 'A loop' is paved so it's great for bike riding. The bathhouse is just a short walk away," notes an RVer at Cunningham Falls State Park.
Consider proximity to bathhouses: Facility locations vary by campground. "Showerhouse/Restrooms are placed in the middle of each loop and are modern facilities. Fairly clean and maintained. Electric outlets are a plus," advises a reviewer at Houck Area.
Prepare for tight navigation: Some campgrounds have challenging road layouts. "The roads are very windy and narrow, and I can't imagine trying to maneuver a large RV in there," cautions a visitor to Harpers Ferry.
