Best Tent Camping near Westernport, MD

Tent campsites near Westernport, Maryland offer a mix of established and primitive options within the surrounding Appalachian landscape. Big Run State Park Campground provides tent-specific sites with creek-side locations that campers particularly value for their natural setting. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed camping area, located in West Virginia but accessible from Westernport, offers free backcountry tent camping with more primitive conditions. Several campgrounds in the region cater specifically to hikers and bikers along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, providing dedicated tent camping areas.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between established and dispersed sites. Big Run State Park provides clean, maintained tent sites with access to stream-side camping, while dispersed areas like Canaan Loop Road require campers to be self-sufficient. Seasonal considerations affect tent camping experiences, with winter camping requiring substantial preparation, especially at higher elevations. Portable toilets or vault toilets are available at most established campgrounds, though primitive sites may lack facilities entirely. Many tent-only sites in the area feature grassy or wooded terrain with variable privacy between campsites.

The tent camping experience near Westernport offers opportunities for solitude and natural immersion. Sites along streams and creeks provide ambient sounds that enhance the camping experience, with one camper noting that Big Run State Park is "one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream." Tent campers at Canaan Loop Road enjoy secluded forest settings with access to nearby trails leading to scenic overlooks. The region experiences significant seasonal variation, with some tent sites becoming challenging to access during winter months due to snow and mud. Proximity to water features is a common highlight among tent campers in the area, with many sites offering direct access to streams, creeks, or the Potomac River.

Best Tent Sites Near Westernport, Maryland (26)

    1. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."

    2. Barnum Whitewater Area

    2 Reviews
    Jennings Randolph Lake, WV
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 788-5732

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."

    "Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything!"

    3. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center

    2 Reviews
    Kitzmiller, WV
    15 miles
    Website

    $28 / night

    "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay."

    "Surrounded by a white water stream, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind. This really is a such a peaceful environment, and the ideal property to re-connect with nature."

    4. Lost Land Run

    1 Review
    Kitzmiller, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 334-2038

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Due to location in-between the tall mountains there is absolutely No CELLPHONE SRRVICE past the first couple campsites and only very spotty at those campsites as well."

    5. Maple Festival Park (near GAP Trail)

    2 Reviews
    Meyersdale, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 442-4284

    $20 / night

    "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather. It’s all up for grabs for the night."

    7. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    25 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    8. Canaan Loop Road Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Davis, WV
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 478-2000

    "We camped here on a winter road trip fully prepared for the worst weather and this mountain top dispersed site delivered."

    "road is easy to drive on- some bumps but we were in a small kia sedan and it was fine, there are a lot of spots visible from the road but there are also some hidden a few steps away from the road that"

    9. Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    4 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    31 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Basic tent camping sites. Portable bathroom facilities only. Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel."

    "Close to the Paw Paw Tunnel towpath. The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."

    10. Apple Blossom Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Mchenry, MD
    20 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Westernport, MD

961 Reviews of 26 Westernport Campgrounds


  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 27, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Allegheny Plateau and Dolly Sods Wilderness

    Small, primitive campground with 12-sites.  There were a surprising number of trailers and small RVs when I visited, especially when you consider visitors have to drive about 10-miles on a graded dirt road to get there.

    There are some walk-in tent sites for more privacy and you have the option of pure wilderness camping in the surrounding 17,400 acres of Dolly Sods as long as you use existing campfire rings, or use a backpack stove when you can't find one.

    No cell phone service or Internet… No electricity, pit toilets, and a busted water pump, but there is a fresh-water spring. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern pole. 

    The camp hosts are super mellow and also lead the volunteer bird-banding that takes place just across the road from the Red Creek Campground.  

    The plant life and weather at Dolly Sods are similar to Northern Canada, so bring some extra layers. It was at least 15-degrees cooler than the valley when I reached the peak of the Allegheny Plateau. Add the wind and I had to put my sweatshirt after sweating in a T-shirt at Seneca Rocks that same day. 

    Bring a backpack and good hiking boots so you're prepared to experience some of the most amazing scenery and wildlife you’ve ever seen! 

    First-come, first-serve only and often full on weekends.

    *Word of caution: Dolly Sods was used for military training during WWII, so there are artillery and mortar shells still being found in this wilderness. Don’t touch any shells you might find, note the location and report to authorities.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • Jennifer B.
    Oct. 26, 2019

    Seneca Shadows

    Perfect Location!

    If you're a fan of hiking and rock climbing at Seneca Rocks, Seneca Shadows is absolutely the best campground near this fantastic rock formation. 

    It’s located in the Monongahela National Forest near the North Fork South Branch of the Potomac River with nearby peaks ranging from 1,000 feet to nearly 5,000 feet above sea level. Seneca Shadows campground offers a view of the famed Seneca Rocks and puts you within walking distance of the visitor’s center, hiking and climbing trails, plus the quaint town of Seneca Rocks where you buy gas, food and gifts. 

    Make sure you visit Harper’s Old Country Store, a 4th generation family run business, operating since 1902. The visitor’s center has a nice collection of Native American artifacts and a cool video of the Army soldiers who trained here before WWII. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground is a modern campground with paved parking, flush toilets, showers and an amphitheater. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Seneca Shadows is part of a growing trend where a private concessionaire is a running a public camp-ground. I’m not a huge fan since it often mean higher fees, but I must say that the campground was spotless and well-run by a delightful couple who obviously enjoyed their summer job. 

    Seneca Shadows Campground has three loops to chose from: 

    The A& B Loops are for tents or RVs with no electric service. 

    The C-Loop has electricity. 

    There's also a group camping area and a "tent-only" camping area with walk-in sites from a nearby parking lot.

    Spruce Knob and Dolly Sods are nearby and both deserve a spot on your outdoor adventure“bucket list” in West Virginia.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Red Creek Campground

    Far from the hectic pace!

    Red Creek Campground is positioned a decent drive down gravel National Forest roads, so it does not see the amount of traffic that easier, closer campgrounds get.      https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mnf/recreation/natureviewing/recarea/?recid=7003&actid=63

    With a season of Mid-April through the beginning of December, be assured that weather is always a factor. Family has been thwarted at Thanksgiving by unpassable snow without a 4x4. Rain is almost certain, as the varied elevation nearly creates its own weather patterns.  So my first recommendation is to always add rain gear and cold weather garments for insurance.

    We ordinarily visit during the month of August and being a "fly by the seat of my pants" type of roaming tent camper...I have arrived to see Red Creek Campground full...as these sites are non-reservable. 

    Keep in mind, Red Creek Campground is "primitive"...no modern facilities, no showers, no electric...and the only running water accessible, is a small spring pipe (that I highly recommend filtering before use even though it does not post that).

    Sites on the outer portion of the loop are fairly concealed from one another by trees and undergrowth...the inner loop sites are a little more exposed.  Gravel parking at sites and each site offers a picnic table a fire ring and lantern post. All sites are a short distance to the two individual unisex pit lantrines in the center of the campground.

    With no ambient light, the night skies are amazing...though cloud cover always seem to plague my visits at night. Though one evening we drove down toward Bear Rocks and laid in an open field to stargaze one evening to enjoy a wonderful light show from shooting stars. We were so quiet, several deer passed between us within arms reach...a little disconcerting but we survived.

    Trails are abundant and some leave directly from the campground deeper into the Wilderness Area. Choose footwear wisely, as the trails are strewn with sharp rocks (on certain trails), various stream and river crossings, shoe-swallowing mud bogs along with the regular ol' dirt trail.  Bring a trail map, water...and/or a water filter...and raingear.

    Nearby Bear Rocks is a fun scamper for "kids" of all ages and the views eastward share WV and Virginia mountain ranges.

    We were thrilled to visit when "Bird Banding" is taking place and enjoyed searching for migrating birds caught in the netting on the east side of the road opposite the campground.

    For a peaceful, relaxing camping experience that offers great hiking, and some of the most amazing flora and fauna...its a family favorite!

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Beautiful Mountains

    We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.


Guide to Westernport

Tent camping near Westernport, Maryland offers a blend of serene nature and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $35

Explore local attractions and activities

  • Big Run State Park Campground is close to the Savage River reservoir, perfect for kayaking and enjoying the water.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails near Lost Land Run, offering challenging paths and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • The scenic beauty of Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center makes it an ideal spot for peaceful walks along the creek, allowing campers to reconnect with nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westernport, MD?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westernport, MD is Big Run State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Westernport, MD?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Westernport, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.