Cunningham Falls State Park offers tent, RV, and cabin camping in two distinct sections - the Houck Area and Manor Area - within the 78-acre park that spans the Catoctin Mountain range at elevations between 900-1,900 feet. The park features 149 campsites spread across five loops in the Houck Area and additional sites in the Manor Area, providing varied camping experiences about 60 miles northwest of Baltimore. Electric hookups are available in some loops, with water access limited to communal spigots throughout the campground.
What to do
Hiking to Cunningham Falls: Take the 1.5-mile Cliff Trail for moderately challenging terrain leading to the park's namesake waterfall. "The trail is an easy six mile loop to and from the falls," notes a camper at Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Cast a line at Hunting Creek Lake where catch-and-release fishing is permitted. "There are a few spots to get away and do some fishing," mentions one visitor, though they note "the beach was too crowded for my liking."
Attend local festivals: Visit during autumn when Thurmont hosts special events. "If you're there around Columbus Day weekend, check out Colorfest in the town of Thurmont!!" recommends a camper at Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park.
Explore historic sites: Visit nearby Gettysburg battlefields, just a short drive away. "The campground is fantastic! Great sites and clean facilities!!" says one visitor who combined their stay with battlefield exploration.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The Manor Area at Cunningham Falls State Park offers significantly more space between campsites. "I haven't seen this much space between campsites in a long time. The place was clean, paved roads, great price and very quiet," reports one camper.
Natural water features: The lake and creek areas provide scenic spots for recreation. "The campsites have trees and some privacy. The trail to the lake is accessible but far enough that you avoid the high day use traffic," notes a visitor to Houck Area.
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer planned events, particularly on weekends. At Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts, "They have tons to do as the family. During the summer may have different themed weekends and fun activities for the whole family."
Wildlife viewing: The Aviary at Manor Area provides educational opportunities. One camper mentions, "It was August 1st and the bugs were minimal and there is a visitor station and aviary but I wasn't able to see them."
What you should know
Site limitations: Some loops at Cunningham Falls have challenging layouts. "There are paths to the bathroom through many sites so people walk through your site to get to the bathhouse. Also poison ivy everywhere," warns a camper at Houck Area.
Varying bathroom conditions: Facilities maintenance can be inconsistent. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, "The bath house needs cleaning more regularly. If they invested a little bit on upkeep this would be an awesome place."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," notes a visitor to Cunningham Falls.
Site selection: Research site locations carefully before booking. "The sites are small and not very private but are well defined. It's very clear where to park, set up the tent etc," explains a camper about the Bear Branch Loop at Cunningham Falls.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly hiking: Choose trails appropriate for young adventurers. A visitor to Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area shares, "The Lower Falls Trail is short but great for younger kids and we saw lots of dogs which was lovely."
Playground access: Select sites near play areas for convenience. At Granite Hill, one camper recommends, "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."
Evening activities: Look for campgrounds offering organized events. "The volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful. Can't wait to come back!!" says a grandparent who brought grandkids to Cunningham Falls.
Swimming options: Plan for water recreation during summer months. "Next time we'll plan to check out the lake which looked pretty great," mentions a camper who visited with children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven sites. At Gettysburg Campground, "The amenities of Gettysburg Campground are quite good: full hookups with cable, all working as expected. Level sites, friendly and efficient staff, decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
Hookup locations: Check hookup placements before arrival. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," reports an RVer at Granite Hill.
Traffic noise considerations: Some sites experience road noise. A visitor to Cunningham Falls Manor Area noted, "Our experience was rainy, but it was fun regardless. Nice park with hike to the waterfalls, swimming in the lake and playground."
Site selection for larger rigs: Research site dimensions carefully. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking," shares a camper at Gettysburg Campground, indicating some flexibility for various camping setups.
