The Westernport, Maryland region sits at the intersection of three states - Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania - creating diverse camping options within an hour's drive. Elevations range from 900 to 3,000 feet with temperature variations of 10-15 degrees between valley campgrounds and mountain sites. Summer nights remain cool in higher elevations while valley campsites can experience humidity and occasional river flooding during heavy rains.
What to do
Fishing access: Many campgrounds offer direct river frontage for fishing. At Smoke Hole Caverns and Log Cabin/RV Resort, visitors appreciate the excellent fishing conditions. As one camper noted, "Only 10 sites right on the river. Great fishing. Very quiet. Full hookups for RVs including cable. Did I mention access to multiple areas for great trout fishing."
Stargazing opportunities: The region has minimal light pollution, particularly at higher elevations. Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground features a dedicated star gazing platform, though a visitor mentioned it "leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair." Despite this, the mountain locations provide excellent night sky viewing conditions.
Hiking proximity: Multiple trails are accessible from campgrounds. A camper at Smoke Hole Caverns mentioned, "Location is prime! Trail head to Chimney Rock is 2 minutes from camp site and Seneca Rock is about 20 minutes away." Many campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for day hikes to popular destinations.
What campers like
Multi-state exploration: The strategic location allows visitors to access attractions in three states. A camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort mentioned, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood." The location provides easy access to attractions in all three states.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. At Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground, a visitor enjoyed the "Rustic, clean porta johns, private, primitive spots on river. Community fire rings on beach area." Another camper added, "The river is beautiful, but you do have to go down a bit of an incline to get there."
Family activities: Campgrounds cater to families with planned events and amenities. A visitor to Benner's Meadow Run noted, "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!" Another mentioned, "So much to do for the kids. Clean and well kept."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many rv sites near Westernport, Maryland have terrain issues. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, a camper reported, "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Bathroom quality varies: Facility maintenance differs significantly between campgrounds. A Pioneer Lakes visitor noted, "Bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order."
Pet policies: Not all campgrounds welcome pets. As one camper at Smoke Hole Caverns discovered, "When we got here, we read signs about 'no pets', but they didn't ask when making reservation, so we had no idea until a few days after being here. We have an old dog, and nobody has said anything."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in higher elevations close during winter. A camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort noted their operating season as "Open 5/1/2020 - 10/18/2020," though some campgrounds like Riverside Cabins and RV Park operate "All year."
Tips for camping with families
Check activity calendars: Weekend events vary by campground. A visitor to Riverside Cabins and RV Park described it as a "Nice family campground with cabins, tent sights and RV slots," while another at The Blue Canoe Resort mentioned "entertainment and Saturday night was a fun DJ."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds cater to families with children, creating more noise. A camper at Pioneer Lakes explained, "Preface: if your main objective is activities for children, you have come to the right place. This place is loud and full of kids."
Waterfront safety: River access points have varying degrees of safety features. At Brooklyn Heights, a visitor described, "On the beach there are rafts, paddleboats, chairs, and across the river there is a ladder to climb up on the rocks."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Double G Campground observed it's a "Decent size RV park with mostly seasonal and full time residents. They are still happy to have short term campers."
Electric service types: Power availability varies between campgrounds. Smoke Hole Caverns offers "Full hookups for RVs including cable," while other campgrounds may only offer 30-amp service at select sites.
Road conditions: Access roads can present challenges. A Pioneer Lakes visitor mentioned, "The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool!" Another camper at The Blue Canoe noted staff "personally takes you to your site and helps you back in/pull in."
Check site spacing: RV site proximity varies significantly. At The Blue Canoe, a visitor mentioned, "the fire rings are all in sight of each other. Like a row parallel to the sites all the way down the line; not much privacy while cooking or enjoying your fire."
