Camping near Thurmont, Maryland, offers a great mix of nature, fun activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby Appalachian Trail, which offers stunning views and a chance to connect with nature. One visitor mentioned, "The Appalachian trail runs right by it. About 20 minute drive to Gettysburg" at Caledonia State Park Campground.
- Fishing and Boating: Enjoy a day on the water at various lakes. Campers at Cowans Gap State Park Campground have shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
- Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, making it perfect for birdwatching and spotting other animals. A camper noted, "You can hear the beautiful sounds of nature" at Green Ridge State Forest.
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer said, "The bathrooms were phenomenal, great hot showers" at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA.
- Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
- Friendly Staff: Many reviews highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper noted, "The staff really make sure the traffic is circulating and organized during the weekend" at Greenbrier State Park Campground.
What you should know:
- No Cell Service: Be prepared for limited connectivity. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground warned, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
- Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park advised, "It stays booked because it is such a well-maintained campground."
- Quiet Hours: Respecting quiet hours is important. One camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA mentioned, "No enforcement of quiet hours...did not quiet down till 1am."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A parent at Cherry Hill Park said, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."
- Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed "biking, hiking, sitting around a campfire" at Cowans Gap State Park Campground.
- Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. 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."
- Bring Leveling Blocks: Many sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Bull Run Regional Park suggested, "The site was great except the weird parking stops on every site but the pull throughs."
- Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "Easy access to dump station."
Camping near Thurmont, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With beautiful scenery and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
