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Tent Camping near Westernport, MD

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

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    Best Tent Campgrounds near Westernport (28)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Big Run State Park Campground

      4.5(6)6mi from WesternportTents

      "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."

      from $10 - $55 / night

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      2. Barnum Whitewater Area

      4.5(2)6mi from WesternportTents, Cabins

      "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!"

      from $10 - $30 / night

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      3. Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center

      4.5(2)15mi from Westernport13 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $28 / night

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      4. Lost Land Run

      5.0(1)14mi from WesternportTents

      "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."

      from $10 - $20 / night

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      5. Maple Festival Park (near GAP Trail)

      4.0(2)23mi from WesternportTents

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      6. Youghiogheny Wild River Natural Environmental Area

      Be the first to review13mi from WesternportTents
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      7. Possum Tail Farm Camp

      5.0(1)25mi from Westernport1 siteTents

      "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."

      from $55 / night

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

      3.8(4)31mi from Westernport10 sitesTents

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      9. Apple Blossom Camp

      Be the first to review20mi from WesternportTents

      from $40 - $60 / night

      10. green ridge state forest

      5.0(2)33mi from WesternportTents

      "It’s first come first serve but if Hq is closed you can sign up on a clipboard outside. This is about 30 minutes from the forest itself depending on which site you get."

      "Went for a walk in the morning, lots of birdsong. A bit of road noise from the nearby highways but didn’t hear anything at night."

      from $10 / night

    View all 28 campgrounds

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    Recent Tent Camping Photos near Westernport, MD

    21 Photos of 28 Westernport Campgrounds

    Tent Camping Reviews near Westernport, MD

    1013 Reviews of 28 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.The Dyrt Pro User
      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- McCollum Campground

      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 provides access to the Appalachian highlands with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s while winter brings frequent snow accumulation at higher elevations. Several campgrounds offer primitive sites with minimal facilities requiring campers to bring their own water and pack out all waste.

    What to do

    Explore historic tunnels: Visit the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground where you can access the historic Paw Paw Tunnel. "The tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel. Tunnel is always nice and cool refreshing during a long bike ride or hike on a hot day," notes Jordan B. Bring flashlights as the tunnel gets extremely dark.

    Paddle calm waters: The reservoir area near Big Run State Park Campground offers flatwater paddling opportunities with easy shoreline access. Mark K. explains that "It is close to the Savage River reservoir, which is great for kayaking." Canoe and kayak rentals are available at nearby camp stores during peak season.

    Fish for trout: Several streams in the region support native and stocked trout populations. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," reports Nathan S. about Big Run State Park. Maryland fishing licenses are required and can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.

    What campers like

    Creek-side camping spots: Campers consistently mention the appeal of sites situated along streams. "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!" writes Zoe H. about her experience at Big Run State Park Campground.

    Secluded forest settings: Squirrel Hollow Road Camping offers true backcountry camping with minimal infrastructure. Jon D. notes, "Large campsites and relatively quiet. We took two vehicles and found several suitable sites." This dispersed camping area requires self-sufficiency and leave-no-trace practices.

    Quiet weekday visits: For those seeking solitude, camping midweek offers the best experience. Kevin C. reports about Squirrel Hollow: "We camped during the week and had nobody else camping on weekdays." Summer weekends tend to attract more local campers to accessible sites.

    What you should know

    Limited facilities: Many campgrounds in the region operate with minimal amenities. At Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, Roger W. reports: "Clean Chemical toilets. No showers. Hand pump for potable water." Pack accordingly and bring sanitizing supplies.

    Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise despite their natural settings. "Paw Paw: Highway noise," notes Roger W., adding that on his rating scale the site received a "2" for road noise described as "Close and loud."

    Cell service variability: Connectivity varies significantly across the region. Roger W. reports "Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars" at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, but coverage diminishes significantly in more remote areas and valleys.

    Tips for camping with families

    Choose sites with water features: Kids particularly enjoy camping locations with safe water access. At Barnum Whitewater Area, Frank G. notes, "The camping area is kinda packed together, but the main draw here is the river." Supervise children closely around all water features.

    Pack insect repellent: Multiple reviews mention mosquitoes as an issue. "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked," reports Aakansha J. about her Big Run State Park experience.

    Consider cabins for transitional camping: For families new to camping or during unpredictable weather, cabin options provide comfort. "Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights," shares Kevin C. about Abrams Creek Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for trailers: Few campgrounds in the immediate Westernport area accommodate larger RVs, but some sites work for smaller trailers. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek," reports Andy C. about Big Run State Park. Always verify site dimensions before booking.

    Plan for water and dump needs: No full-hookup sites exist in the immediate area. Nathan S. notes about Big Run State Park: "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park." Arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks.

    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 28 tent camping locations near Westernport, MD, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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