Camping options near Walkersville, Maryland include several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. These sites sit at elevations ranging from 270 to 1,700 feet across the Piedmont and Appalachian foothills region, creating varied camping experiences. Winter camping remains available at select year-round facilities including Ramblin' Pines where temperatures typically range from 25-45°F during December through February.
What to do
Hiking through history: Catoctin Mountain Park offers multiple trail difficulties with standout views. "Great sites with many options from car camping to short wilderness sites. Fire rings, tent pads, running water, flush toilets and showers nearby. Owens Creek runs alongside many of the campsites and adds to the outdoors experience. Great access to trails. Wolf Rock and Chimney Rock were my favorite," notes one Owens Creek Campground visitor.
Mountain biking: Frederick watershed trails adjacent to Gambrill State Park provide technical riding options for intermediate to advanced cyclists. "The park itself is well known for hiking trails that take you up and around the mountain. Every hiking trail except for the white trail allows mountain biking and horseback riding," reports a camper at Gambrill State Park.
Civil War exploration: Multiple battlefields within 30 minutes of Walkersville offer self-guided tours. "Any service (gas, groceries, medical, shopping) you need can be easily found in the area. The national battlefield is a must-do. I'm not a history buff by any means, but I really enjoyed the auto tour, and was taken aback at how vast and beautiful the battlefield is, with varying scenery."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at certain campgrounds. "Sites are very cool and wooded with a lot of privacy. The sites are very nice and wooded with a lot of privacy. After camping a week on the beach, our stop here was a godsend," writes a reviewer about Owens Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank highly in camper satisfaction. "Bathhouse was simple, but effective with steamy, hot water! People were good about keeping their space in this COVID era. Park attendants were the most attentive I have ever seen, making their rounds every 30 min or so," notes a visitor at Gambrill State Park.
Water features: Streams, ponds, and lakes enhance the camping experience at several locations. "We were able to set up our tent maybe five feet from the creek so we could hear it babble when we went to sleep," shares a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park. Another mentions that "The trail to the lake is accessible but far enough that you avoid the high day use traffic."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the region require advance booking during peak season. At Greenbrier State Park, "It was a really beautiful park with plenty of hiking trails. The sites are nice and level. It's very wooded and sites are spread out so you get plenty of privacy. Can't wait to come back."
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for certain camping setups. "Heads up, big rig owners! Our Pull-thru FHU Patio site had a serious slope. It was impossible to level my 45' motorhome without elevating the front wheels dangerously in the air," warns a visitor to Harpers Ferry KOA.
Seasonal crowding: Many recreation areas become extremely busy during summer weekends. "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it since we are careful due to COVID," reports a Greenbrier State Park visitor. Another notes: "This is a beautiful park with a lake, beach, and swimming area. Fishing is allowed. There are lots of hiking trails. The only downsides are how crowded it can get peak season."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's programs. "The campground offers a lot for the money. There's a pond for fishing, a pool for swimming and a little general store for all your needs, the kids loved the bounce pillow," writes a visitor to Ramblin' Pines.
Educational opportunities: Many nearby parks provide ranger-led programs during summer months. "During our stay, we enjoyed many different activities. It was great that they provided a nice pancake breakfast free of charge," notes a camper about their experience at Harpers Ferry KOA.
Safety considerations: Parents should note varying water conditions at swimming areas. "Hunting Creek Lake is a 75 acre man-made lake near Cunningham Falls. It's labeled as great for boating, kayaking, and fishing. There were even paddle boats available. There was all sorts of algae and growth in the water. We would hit pockets of cold and warm water, which felt like you were walking through someone's urine."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Experienced RVers recommend specific campsite areas for larger rigs. At Little Bennett Campground, "We stayed at site D72 for 4 days. The sites are quiet, very spacious, level, and heavily wooded with 50A service, water and sewer hookup. D Loop is for RVs, A, B, C & E are tents only."
Utility hookup quality: Power, water, and sewer connections vary across campgrounds. "Clean and level gravel site with well-maintained utility hook-ups. The whole park is quiet and well-maintained," reports an RVer visiting Harpers Ferry KOA.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present difficulties for larger vehicles. "Very nice small Montgomery County Park. Entrance gate required entry code. Instructed by staff via gate phone to proceed to campsite as check-in at camp store is at dead end with insufficient turning space for pickup towing 28ft bumper pull; complete check-in after camper was unhooked at site."
