A
Andrew H.
Guide
GuideRhododendron Camping Area
Pretty Basic Campsite
I stayed at the non electric campsite area and it was nice. Very wooded and lots of trails to explore
Camping near Bloomington, MD
161 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Bloomington, Maryland area contains several established campgrounds set among the forests and waterways of western Maryland and neighboring West Virginia. Savage River State Forest offers primitive camping with sites spaced far apart along streams, while nearby state parks like Deep Creek Lake and Swallow Falls provide more developed facilities with electric hookups and shower buildings. Campers will find tent sites, RV camping with electric hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the region. Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake offers lakeside camping with boat access, picnic tables, and fire rings, while Middle Ridge Campground provides full-hookup sites for RVs and glamping options.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Deep Creek Lake State Park open from April 15 to December 15, and Swallow Falls open April to December. The primitive sites at Big Run State Park and Savage River State Forest remain open year-round but may have limited access during winter months due to snow and ice conditions. Several campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Roads in Savage River State Forest are paved, but reaching some of the more remote sites may require careful navigation. "Deep woods, privacy, great stream - my favorite kind of camping because it feels like you are all alone," noted one visitor about Savage River State Forest.
Water access represents a significant draw for campers in the area, with many highly-rated sites positioned along streams, rivers, and lakes. At Big Run State Park Campground, sites adjacent to the stream offer natural water sounds and fishing opportunities, while locations near the reservoir provide easy canoe and kayak launching. Visitors commonly mention the privacy between sites at Savage River State Forest as a major benefit. Several reviewers highlight the family-friendly atmosphere at Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, noting amenities like a playground in each camping loop, ranger-led activities, and hiking trails with well-marked blazes. The campgrounds closer to Cumberland tend to be more developed with full hookups for RVs, while those deeper in the forests offer more primitive experiences with greater seclusion.
Best Campgrounds near Bloomington (161)
1. Savage River State Forest
"This was a beautiful state forest, with two state parks sort of bordering it (Big Run & New Germany). The roads were all paved which was nice."
"Very remote western Maryland Appalachia. Sites are right off park road, are huge, rustic, and spaced very far apart from other sites. River runs along the sites."
2. Middle Ridge Campground
"It is not near a main highway unless you call Route 50 through Romney a main highway. It is west of town up a curved mountain road. It is on the top area of "Middle Ridge" mountain. "
"Very positive experience."
3. Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground
"Camp site(Tent camping) Camp site was pretty small and close to each other. The forest where the camp site was situated was beautiful."
"Lots of touristy things around the lake, then you drive by lots of vacation homes on the lakeshore and then you pull into the camp and you feel like you are miles away from all that stuff."
from $21 - $65 / night
Check Availability4. New Germany State Park Campground
"New Germany State Park is a pleasant location with a small lake for swimming and kayaking, as well as numerous trails in the wooded mountains of western Maryland."
"New Germany State Park is situated in Garrett County Maryland. The park has a small lake, a few trails, and two camping loops."
from $18 - $117 / night
Check Availability5. Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake
"General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there)."
"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."
from $22 - $60 / night
Check Availability6. Swallow Falls State Park Campground
"Thirdly, the campground was so close to the nature that we wanted to see. We went to see the falls and they were within walking distance from our campsite. Overall, it was an awesome place to camp."
"Camp ground was just a few minute drive away from the entrance to the trail. Trails were easy enough for kids. Camp site itself was nice and clean but felt a little too close to each other."
from $22 - $33 / night
Check Availability7. Big Run State Park Campground
"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."
"You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. "
from $10 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Rocky Gap State Park Campground
"Rocky gap is one of my favorite parks to camp in Maryland! It is right along a great lake, where you can swim, fish, kayak or just lay about. The camp store is well stocked and the staff is friendly."
"The beach at the lake is not far away for any loop."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability9. Barnum Whitewater Area
"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
Check Availability10. CUMBERLAND MD. CAMPGROUNDS. 1 & 2
"Me and a small group of friends stayed here for a weekend and we had a blast it was so peaceful we where right next to the river and had some great trails too hike on."
"Great stay at a well located spot. Beautiful and quiet. Don was very helpful with any request that we had. Would return again. Thanks Don."
from $35 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 10 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 27 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 34 min from Winchester, VA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Bloomington, MD
451 Photos of 161 Bloomington Campgrounds
Aakansha J.
Big Run State Park Campground
Kayla H.
Savage River State Forest
Jen V.
New Germany State Park Campground
Angela S.
Sleepy Hollow Campground
Randy O.
Ottobre's Mercantile
Lee Anne H.
Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground
The Dyrt Tyler B.
Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center
Bumblebee R.
Bumble Bee RV Park & Campground
Janice L.
Middle Ridge Campground
SAMEAN Y.
Great Escape Of Romney, West Virginia
Amber W.
The Oasis at Bear Run Farm
Katie H.
Swallow Falls State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Bloomington, MD
1028 Reviews of 161 Bloomington Campgrounds
- AAlly S.
ScoutYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Awful place
I wish I could give this campground zero stars. Like the reviews below us stated, we were also verbally attacked by the little man on the golf cart. This campground should be embarrassed by the way it treats families. We were supposed to stay Thursday through Sunday with our best friends and our six children. Instead, we packed up and left Saturday after returning from our planned trip to Ohiopyle with our kids. What was supposed to be a fun, relaxing family camping weekend turned into an experience that left us shocked, disappointed, and completely disrespected. We are experienced campers and have spent years creating memories with our children at campgrounds. We are respectful guests, we follow rules, and we have never had an experience like this. Unfortunately, this campground chose poor communication, intimidation, and selective enforcement over basic customer service. During our stay, we had a truck briefly drive down to the swimming area to unload and later reload chairs, coolers, and supplies for our six children. There are no signs stating that vehicles are prohibited on the grass. In fact, there were multiple golf carts in the same area throughout the day, including staff members and seasonal campers, which led us to believe this was permitted. We understand vehicles are heavier than golf carts, but there were zero signage stating no cars allowed. To preface, there was zero damage done to the grass area due to our truck, we took photos prior to leaving the campground to protect ourselves since management is so emotionally unstable. Mind you: this is an army corp engineers campground, by Under federal law(36 CFR§ 327.2), motorized vehicles, including golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and standard cars, must remain strictly on designated paved or gravel roads and parking lots. We found this rule after we got home and did our research. There were about 5 golf carts AND a gator in and out of the beach area through out the day. If someone had simply approached us and kindly explained that vehicles were not allowed there, we would have apologized. Instead, staff chose to sit back after someone complained, watch my children swim for hours, wait for us to clean up and bring the truck down to reload, then turn a simple misunderstanding into a confrontation. A staff member approached the truck in a golf cart, speeding up and hopping out(this is all on video) while my minor daughter was inside, reached into our vehicle and took our tag then proceeded to yell at us to pack our“shit” and prepare to leave. The way this was handled was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Our children were present, witnessed this, and were left scared and confused over a situation that could have been resolved in less than a minute with a respectful conversation. We were also told there is a strict 5 mph speed limit and that radar is used because of a serious incident involving a child in the past, He was hit and life flighted. Yet seasonal campers continued driving golf carts around at unsafe speeds while drinking. Rules and safety expectations should apply equally to everyone, not only when management decides to enforce them against certain guests and not their buddies who pay for a seasonal spot. We went to the office in good faith to discuss what happened and believed the situation had been resolved. We stayed another night, only to be told the following morning that we were no longer welcome back. To permanently ban a family over a first time issue involving a rule that was never communicated is absolutely unacceptable. A well run campground understands that communication and respect go both ways. Instead, this campground made paying guests feel unwelcome and disposable. Management needs to take a serious look at how they handle conflicts because this was not customer service, it was an unnecessary escalation. We will never return to this campground, and after this experience, we strongly encourage other families to think twice before booking a stay here. Especially with young children.
Julie P.
TravelerBenner's Meadow Run RV Campground
great for families!
check in was easy. there’s lots to do for families kids- there’s ponds to fish, swimming pool, mini golf. golf cart rentals. playground. they also have events like family olympics and outdoor movies. site was also very nice and spacious
Meagan S.ScoutEagle Rock Campground
Totally ruined our holiday
Honestly I would not go here. Its a beautiful spot great for fishing and swimming. I wish it was doable. But no. We been here for 4 days for the holiday. We wanted something affordable and full of nature. We really thought this place would be like other campsites. But other than taking out trash (which most people just burn making it stinky the entire time and every single fire pit you probably shouldnt cook on) there are no rules no regulations. People can be in your site looking into your tent and they do not care here. People just go where they want and fish around kids swimming rather than going somewhere else. Music can be blared so loud theres nowhere to go without hearing it. Dogs do not have to he on leash despite the sign at the entrance. (Told essentially to get over it) the dogs will roam everywhere. Its completely taken over by "locals" who aren't actually locals at all. They are just people from other states that stay here all the time and take over during the holidays. If youre already established at this camp you are good to go. But if you are highly respectful people who respect nature and want the peace of real camping. Do not go here. We are packing and leaving 5 days early and will not be back.
Shianna R.TravelerCamp Cacapon
Nice Campground
From a family of tent campers, it was perfect. We rented the river sites. The location was great and the kids had a blast playing in the river and fishing. We brought our own kayaks and enjoyed the easy paddling. The bathrooms were very nice and clean.
Erin M.TravelerCamp Cacapon
Secluded but charming campground!
We rented a tent pad site and a glamping site side by side here and absolutely loved the place. This place is perfect for retreats or group camping experiences since there's only 6-8 tent pads and two glamping tents. Theres a his and hers lavatory cabins that are new and have a large industrial sink to wash your dishes in...big plus. Only a 20 minute drive to downtown berkley springs. Will be coming back this fall when the leaves start changing!
- kkelsi W.Scout
Camp Cacapon
Clean, quiet, gorgeous, fun!
Genuinely the nicest owner and host! We stayed in tent site A and loved it! Mr.Sullivan even greeted us and told us about the Paw Paw trees. My husbands been camping but it was mine and our baby’s first time camping and I was surprising my husband for Father’s Day. I reached out to the owners for help and questions and was met with nothing but kindness. Never once made me feel stupid for asking a question and genuinely wanted to help. We will for sure be back
Lauren S.Guidegreen ridge state forest
State forest iykyk
Gorgeous area and well worth it to go. $10 a night and go to the HQ to book. (address at the bottom of the green sign in pic). 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. Some sites are better than others so try to get in early. Leave no trace
- Lauren S.Guide
Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park
Safe and clean
Five stars because this place was very clean and I felt at ease. The river is gorgeous and so are the trails bring a bike if you have one. There’s a bar within walking distance that’s cash only. Outhouse is clean enough but it does smell a little so check map and try to book a site that isn’t right next to it.
Guide to Bloomington
Camping sites near Bloomington, Maryland spread across elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 feet, creating microclimates that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities. Winter snow affects access to primitive sites at higher elevations from December through March, with primitive campgrounds requiring careful preparation. Roads to remote camping areas often remain open but aren't plowed regularly during winter months.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing access: Savage River State Forest offers excellent paddling opportunities during summer months. "If you want a good primitive camping experience this place is great. Only $10 a night and you're supposed to only have 2 cars and 6 people at a single site but the rangers don't really care much as long as you're not causing trouble. There's multiple boat ramps, and from one end of the reservoir to the other on a kayak is about 2 hours," notes one Savage River State Forest visitor.
Cross-country skiing trails: New Germany State Park maintains groomed trails from December through March when snow conditions permit. "The park is very popular amongst cross-country skiers in the winter, especially since they have full-service cabins and a warming hut by the lake," explains a camper at New Germany State Park Campground.
Fishing from shore: Big Run State Park provides stream and reservoir fishing access with designated spots for shore fishing. "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites. Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park," reports a visitor at Big Run State Park Campground.
What campers like
Site privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Middle Ridge, "the sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return," notes a camper at Middle Ridge Campground. This family-owned campground provides walking paths and unique amenities.
Tent pad quality: Many campsites feature level, well-maintained tent pads. "I gave it a 5 star for many reasons. First the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Secondly, the tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep, I slept great," explains a visitor to Swallow Falls.
Water temperatures: Lake and stream swimming options vary widely in temperature. "The lake had some pools deep enough to sit in and get fairly wet," reports a Savage River camper, while another notes that New Germany's "small lake was perfect for swimming, and the hikes around the campground were beautiful."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. "No cell service. Beautiful forest. Be prepared for mosquitoes and gnats," cautions a Savage River visitor. At New Germany, reviewers note there is "very little to no cell phone reception in the park, so combined with the lack of hookups, this is definitely an unplugged, 'connect with nature' type of camping experience."
Campsite permit enforcement: Rangers actively monitor permit compliance at certain locations. One Savage River camper reports: "Woke up to a police officer telling me that although he knew very well the site delineation was very ambiguous, he had no choice but to give me a citation for camping in violation of my permit, which is no less than a criminal offense in MD. Officer admitted regularly ticketing campers this way."
Seasonal facility limitations: Bathhouse availability varies by season. A Rocky Gap visitor explains: "We were told there were regular bear sightings and there were bear boxes at each site; we saw many deer but not a single bear. Each site also had a fire ring, lantern hook (but you would need to be much taller than me to reach it!), and very generous sized picnic table." The Rocky Gap State Park Campground facilities change based on seasonal staffing patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Animal viewing opportunities: Several parks offer safe wildlife observation areas. "The owners were amazing family people who were so polite and helpful! They provided daily checks to see if we needed anything such as firewood, which they brought directly to our campground. We have three children who absolutely loved petting and feeding Mules and Donkeys!" shares a Middle Ridge Campground visitor.
Designated swimming areas: Beach access rules are strictly enforced at most locations. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas. It was a hot day and we found a great shallow area and decided to take a dip and the lifeguards came out on boat and kindly told us we could not swim," reports a Rocky Gap visitor.
Recreation facilities: Many parks maintain family-focused amenities. At Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, "there is a playground in each loop. Did have some noisy neighbors- loud music. Hiking trails around the campground were nice," according to one visitor, while another notes it's "a great place to camp. Make sure to bring bicycles for your kids to ride around the loop."
Tips from RVers
Road access constraints: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. One Lee D. at Robert W. Craig warns: "We approached the campground from the southeast through the town of Keyser. DO NOT do this if you have a large RV. There are multiple signs saying that the road was not safe for large trucks; although our 18-foot camper van had no problems, the road was narrow, hilly, and winding."
RV site leveling: Many sites require minimal leveling. "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing! Many other sites/options for 26ft ish size camper," notes a Big Run State Park visitor.
Electrical hookup distribution: Limited power sites require advance planning. At Swallow Falls State Park Campground, "We stayed on site #40 in the Garrett Loop. It is one of only three FHU sites in this loop (the rest are primitive tent sites). The site was level, spacious, beautifully shaded, and convenient to the bath house," explains a visitor, highlighting the scarcity of powered sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bloomington, MD?
What camping is available near Bloomington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bloomington, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Bloomington, MD and 14 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bloomington, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Bloomington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bloomington, MD is Savage River State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bloomington, MD?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bloomington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 free dispersed camping spots near Bloomington, MD.
What parks are near Bloomington, MD?
What parks are near Bloomington, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Bloomington, MD that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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