Rocky Gap State Park Campground sits along the Maryland border, roughly 20 miles from Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania. The area features rolling hills with elevations between 1,200 and 1,500 feet. Camping options span from primitive tent sites to upscale glamping accommodations. Summer temperatures typically range 75-85°F during day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Trail exploration: Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers a 5-mile trail around Lake Habeeb. Hikers can see all sides of the park on this route, which passes through varied terrain. According to a visitor, "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort."
Water recreation: Nearby lakes provide paddling opportunities with rental equipment available. At Rocky Gap, the lake is "perfect for paddle boarding" with rental options for paddleboards, canoes and kayaks. One camper noted, "Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent." Some parks have specific swimming regulations—"Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas."
Fishing spots: Multiple lakes in the area are stocked for fishing with some requiring no license. At Friendship Village Campground, there's "a catch-and-release fishing lake" that's easily accessible. A visitor mentioned it's a "beautiful place in the early morning hours" for fishing at Fifteen Mile Campground, where many people were observed fishing with a "small boat ramp" available.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Shawnee State Park Campground offers generously-sized camping areas with good separation between sites. One camper noted, "The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit." Many sites feature natural barriers that provide additional privacy while still offering convenient access to facilities.
Clean facilities: Park bathhouses are routinely maintained throughout the season. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve)." Another camper at Cowans Gap praised the "very clean" bathrooms with "hot showers," contributing to the overall comfort of their stay.
Natural swimming areas: Several parks offer designated beach areas with swimming access. One camper at Pioneer Lakes RV Park enjoyed the "awesome beach." At Rocky Gap, a visitor appreciated that "the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public" and that there's "a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
What you should know
Uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling, particularly for RVs. At Shawnee State Park, a camper warned: "We heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across parks in the area. At Hidden Springs Campground, visitors reported "bad Verizon service" and noted that the campground had "no wifi." This can make communication challenging, so plan accordingly for potential offline periods during your stay.
Weather considerations: The area experiences rapid temperature changes and occasional heavy rainfall. One camper at Pioneer Lakes mentioned preparing for temperature swings, while another reported periods of heavy rain during summer months that affected trail conditions. Fall visitors experienced "absolutely amazing fall color on the lake" at Cowans Gap State Park, showing seasonal advantages.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play areas for children. A visitor at Friendship Village noted, "There are 3 play grounds all different and all well kept" plus "a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit." These amenities provide recreation options for children of various ages.
Kid-friendly water activities: Shallow swimming areas and rental equipment suitable for families. At Rocky Gap, "The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping," and there are "trails from the camp loops to the beach" making it easy for families to access water activities. One camper appreciated that their site was "close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites."
Educational opportunities: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers nature programs and outdoor learning. The park features interpretive trails and educational signage about local wildlife and ecosystems. A visitor noted the "lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat."
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Choose full hookup sites strategically based on access needs. At Kentuck Campground, RVers noted the importance of site selection: "For big rig campers, you need to stay at the upper portion of the campground at sites 200-500." This helps ensure adequate space and easier access.
Campground approaches: Some parks have challenging access roads for larger rigs. A visitor at Friendship Village Campground observed that the property is "nestled on the outskirts of Bedford Pennsylvania and is a very easy location to travel to regardless of your rig size." Meanwhile, some parks require caution when navigating narrow, winding roads, especially with larger vehicles.
Hookup configuration: Electrical and water connections may require extensions in some parks. At Laurel Hill State Park, a visitor noted, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable." This practical information helps RVers prepare properly for their glamping trip in Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania.
