Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland provides multiple camping loops with spacious sites surrounded by forest within an hour of Bedford. Campgrounds in this area maintain sites spaced far enough apart for privacy, with many offering electricity and water hookups. The Bedford region's camping season typically runs from May through October, with some premium glamping options maintaining year-round availability through heated accommodations.
What to do
Lake activities: Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers crystal clear water for swimming, paddling, and fishing. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," notes one camper. A 5-mile hiking trail loops completely around the lake, providing varied terrain and views.
Mountain biking: Seven Points Campground connects directly to the Allegrippis Trail system with extensive single-track routes. "This upper loop is also the quietest of the loops and although there were still plenty of boaters in the camp there were just as many bikers," says a review. The campground features a dedicated bicycle skills park near the visitor center.
Historical sites: Visit the Flight 93 Memorial near Shawnee State Park. As one visitor notes, "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial." The park's location provides easy access from the Pennsylvania Turnpike, making day trips to historical sites convenient.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise the generous spacing between sites. "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own sections of woods," reports a Rocky Gap visitor. This privacy factor ranks high in camper satisfaction across most area campgrounds.
Morning views: Shawnee State Park Campground provides unique morning experiences. "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too," writes one reviewer. The natural fog patterns create photographic opportunities across the lake surface at sunrise.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and shower facilities receive frequent positive mentions. "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked," notes a Seven Points camper. Many campgrounds in the area maintain multiple bathroom facilities per loop, with hot water showers and accessible options.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Check campsite details carefully before booking. At Shawnee State Park, "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," advises a camper. Many sites throughout the region sit on hillsides with uneven terrain.
Limited services: Some campgrounds have minimal amenities. At Cowans Gap State Park, "There's NO CAMP STORE. No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping." Stock up before arrival, especially for state park campgrounds.
Seasonal crowds: Peak season brings crowds, particularly to water-focused campgrounds. "Weekend kids were noisy," notes a Cowans Gap visitor, while another mentions the campground "feels like you're out in the country, but it's also not far off the turnpike, so pretty accessible."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Friendship Village Campground offers extensive children's activities. "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do. The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," shares a camper.
Beach access: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas. "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not overcrowded with the public," writes a Rocky Gap visitor. Many local campgrounds maintain separate swimming areas for overnight guests only.
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature multiple play areas spread across different loops. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," notes a Friendship Village visitor, making it easier for families to find recreation without long walks.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, one visitor notes, "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." Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers.
Dump station access: Seven Points offers excellent facilities for waste disposal. "On our way out, we visited the dump station again and got in one of the 4 lanes with no wait. The dump station had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one," reports an RVer. Several campgrounds maintain multi-lane dump stations to minimize wait times during peak checkout periods.
Electric options: Many glamping close to Bedford, Pennsylvania offers varied electrical service. "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," notes a Shawnee State Park camper. Check specific site details as electrical capacity varies significantly between sites within the same campground.
