Best Campgrounds near Union Bridge, MD

Campgrounds near Union Bridge, Maryland include a mix of state parks and private facilities offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Cunningham Falls State Park, located approximately 20 miles northwest, features two distinct camping areas—Manor and Houck—with both providing access to hiking trails and Maryland's tallest waterfall. Patapsco Valley State Park offers additional camping options with multiple recreation areas spread along the Patapsco River. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate tents and RVs, while several also provide cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.

The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most state park campgrounds closing during winter months. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer when waterfront sites fill quickly. Catoctin Mountain Park and surrounding areas feature heavily wooded terrain with varying degrees of privacy between sites. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may be spotty in more remote areas. Weather conditions remain moderate through most of the camping season, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-90°F. A camper noted that "Catoctin is one of the most peaceful campgrounds I've been to, and a lot less crowded than Cunningham Falls State Park which is right across from Catoctin."

Campers consistently highlight the region's natural features, particularly the proximity to water. Cunningham Falls State Park provides access to a small lake with a swimming beach, though visitors mention the steep hike between the campground and water. Greenbrier State Park, though temporarily closed according to recent data, receives praise for its lake access and well-maintained facilities. Several visitors mention the excellent hiking opportunities throughout the region, with multiple parks offering trail connections. Tent campers appreciate the shaded sites available at most campgrounds, which provide relief during summer heat. According to one review, "This park just is near enough to Baltimore and DC to allow for a quick getaway and offers a lot to do. There are trails in the park you can hike, run and bike; the lake is small but you can paddle and fish."

Best Camping Sites Near Union Bridge, Maryland (135)

    1. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    22 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $23 - $29 / night

    "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."

    "Only one trail leading out. Ground is all gravel so bring a mat. Also VERY close to highway 15 so we heard traffic and j-breaks and motorcycles all night."

    2. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $24 - $247 / night

    "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland, so if they have room and we want to go spur of the moment, this one is a good choice.  "

    "The trails from

    Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail.  The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some.  "

    3. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    24 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $65 / night

    "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."

    4. Artillery Ridge Campground

    24 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 334-1288

    "This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"

    "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."

    5. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    28 Reviews
    Sabillasville, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 663-9388

    $30 / night

    "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."

    6. Gettysburg Campground

    26 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "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."

    7. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "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. "

    8. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "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."

    9. Ramblin' Pines

    17 Reviews
    Woodbine, MD
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 795-5161

    $30 - $70 / night

    "We stay at Ramblin Pines because it is close to family and a good proximity to visiting Baltimore and Frederick."

    "We love this home away from home ❤️"

    10. Gettysburg

    11 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 337-3363

    $66 - $127 / night

    "This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."

    "It also has a lake and cabins available."

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Recent Reviews near Union Bridge, MD

1027 Reviews of 135 Union Bridge Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!


Guide to Union Bridge

Camping near Union Bridge, Maryland, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Trails: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, have great trails. One visitor mentioned, "The bathhouse was fairly close and clean. We walked the trail around the lake which was fairly flat and mostly level so it was easy to walk."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Codorus State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
  • Exploring Historical Sites: Campers at Caledonia State Park Campground can visit nearby Gettysburg. One reviewer noted, "About 20 minute drive to Gettysburg."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Bull Run Regional Park mentioned, "It’s a quiet campground. The bathhouse was fairly close and clean."
  • Family-Friendly Environment: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park are great for families. A reviewer stated, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no TMobile."
  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA mentioned, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
  • No Alcohol Policies: Many campgrounds, like Owens Creek Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper shared, "A great place to boondock. Quiet and clean."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One parent at Greenbelt Park Campground said, "There are a few picnic areas, a pretty unimpressive small playground, some nature/walking trails."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially with kids. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground noted, "We had to write in large letters with chalk on the road for people to slow down."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring games for the kids to play outside. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "We were able to get souvenirs and also some necessities for our RV."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levelness: Make sure your site is level before setting up. A camper at Harpers Ferry KOA said, "Our site was so unlevel that I was not able to get the RV leveled the entire weekend."
  • Use Local Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground shared, "Easy access to dump station."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground noted, "The camp store is very well stocked with camping stuff, food, and beer."

Camping near Union Bridge, Maryland, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are popular outdoor activities around Union Bridge?

The Union Bridge area offers diverse outdoor recreation opportunities. Hiking enthusiasts can explore nearby trails at Catoctin Mountain Park, which features peaceful wooded paths and scenic vistas. Water activities abound, with paddling, fishing, and swimming available at nearby lakes. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park provides excellent biking opportunities along its historic towpath. For those interested in history, exploring Civil War battlefields and covered bridges makes for engaging day trips. The region also offers tubing on local rivers during summer months, with outfitters near Brunswick Family Campground. Bird watching, photography, and nature observation are popular year-round activities throughout the area's parks and natural spaces.

What camping facilities are available near Union Bridge?

Union Bridge offers several camping options with varying amenities. Cunningham Falls State Park Manor Area provides family-friendly camping with playgrounds, clean facilities, and hiking trails. For a quieter experience, Owens Creek Campground offers shaded sites with creek access, fire rings, and proximity to bath houses. Both public and private campgrounds are available in the region. Many sites are reservable and accommodate tents and RVs. Facilities typically include restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables, with some offering electrical hookups. For campers seeking unique experiences, Button Farm provides private farm camping with well-maintained amenities and spacious sites that can accommodate larger groups.

How do I get to Union Bridge in Maryland?

Union Bridge is easily accessible by car via several major routes. From Baltimore, take I-795 North to MD-140 West, then follow MD-75 North to Union Bridge. From Washington DC, take I-270 North to Frederick, then MD-26 East to MD-75 North. If traveling from Pennsylvania, use US-15 South to MD-194 South. The town is approximately 50 miles northwest of Baltimore and 60 miles north of Washington DC. For those camping in the area, Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA is about 30 minutes west and makes a convenient base for exploring Union Bridge and surrounding historical sites. Greenbelt Park Campground offers another option for travelers coming from the DC area, though it's further from Union Bridge.