Sandra P.
Scout
ScoutCoopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Very calm campground
We stayed 2 nights. People are very nice. Bathrooms and Laundry are clean.
Spaced spots surrounded by the forrest. Some trails directly from the camp.
Camping near Kitzmiller, MD
165 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Kitzmiller area in western Maryland features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Swallow Falls State Park and Deep Creek Lake State Park. These public lands provide a mix of accommodation types from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. The mountainous terrain of the Appalachian highlands creates diverse camping environments, with many sites situated near lakes, rivers, and forested areas. Savage River State Forest and Big Run State Park offer more secluded options for those seeking a quieter experience, while developed campgrounds like Robert W. Craig at Jennings Randolph Lake provide more amenities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, with cooler temperatures even during summer months. "Western Maryland is bear country, but also deer, eagle, hawk, and plenty of fish," noted one camper familiar with the region. Road access varies throughout the area, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require navigation on gravel or forest service roads. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in the valleys between ridges. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season when visitation peaks.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the Kitzmiller region. Deep Creek Lake State Park and Swallow Falls provide access to swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. A visitor to Big Run State Park described it as "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." Campgrounds with electric hookups tend to fill quickly during peak season. Bathhouse facilities vary widely across the region, from modern facilities with hot showers at larger state parks to basic vault toilets at more primitive sites. Several campgrounds offer hiking trails directly from the camping areas, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding forests without driving to separate trailheads.
Best Campgrounds near Kitzmiller (165)
1. 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."
"Swallow Falls is one of my favorite places to visit in the greater Deep Creek Lake area, especially since I find the hiking directly around DCL pretty lacking. "
from $22 - $33 / night
Check Availability2. 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. 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."
5. Blackwater Falls State Park Campground
"Like many state park campgrounds, each of the campsites are not that dispersed, so you will be right next to everyone else."
"Our site was near the edge of the campground, which is basically a large grassy area with a bathroom in the middle of the loop."
from $50 / night
Check Availability6. 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."
7. 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. 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 Availability9. Wallman/Laurel Run - Potomac State Forest
"Far enough away from the next campsite to enjoy peace and seclusion. Next to a crik for those nighttime lullabies"
from $5 - $20 / night
Check Availability10. 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 Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 29 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 39 min from Winchester, VA
- 1 hr 58 min from Harrisonburg, VA
Recent Camping Photos near Kitzmiller, MD
457 Photos of 165 Kitzmiller Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Abrams Creek Campground and Retreat Center
Ottobre's Mercantile
The Oasis at Bear Run FarmA
Big Run State Park Campground
Deep Creek Lake State Park CampgroundL
Swallow Falls State Park CampgroundK
Bumble Bee RV Park & CampgroundB
Just Plane Adventures
Just Plane Adventures
Savage River State Forest
New Germany State Park Campground
Sleepy Hollow CampgroundA
Recent Reviews near Kitzmiller, MD
1020 Reviews of 165 Kitzmiller Campgrounds
- KKevin F.Scout
Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Restrooms, showers and visitor center get an F
Stayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
- Tif T.Scout
Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort
Quiet
We are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
Shelby H.
TravelerYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Fantastic for Family
We love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Cari E.
RangerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Pick the loop for you
I stayed at two sites at Ohiopyle and I’ll say it again—picking the loop that best fits your equipment is key to enjoying your camping experience here. Not all loops are created equal! My second, and heavy favorite, was my site on Ivy Road. The sites were had more privacy and most importantly, were far more level and easier to access. This loop/road is also more central to the rest of the campground, the dumpsters, and had access to much nicer (still a smidge dingy), larger bathrooms. The cell service here was also decent as this road is in a less hilly area within the campground.
While the park and town are excellent for exploring, I found that the highlight of my trip was Fallingwater—it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house (personally, I think his best) that offers tours and I was shocked to find that it was less than 10 minutes away. If you need a break from hiking and the river, I cannot recommend it enough!
- Cari E.Ranger
Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Great, but…
My happiness with Ohiopyle SP started off rocky from the start due to two factors, which can also impact your stay:
-
No matter what Google Maps tells you, try to avoid taking Sugarloaf Rd into the park—it’s a very steep dirt road that is not at all direct, despite popping you out in the middle of town (which was widely surreal as I landed in the middle of some kind of festival), but most importantly there is no cell service which is frustrating when you’re unexpectedly routed down backroads as night approaches
-
which loop you stay in really matters, more so than many other parks I’ve stayed at. My first few nights were on Hickory road and many were small and wildly unleveled—I saw one individual give up trying to get his small RV backed in due to the site being a basin shape. So you truly need to do your research and find a site that fits your equipment. The bathroom in this leg was also small and dingy, to put it nicely, but serviceable. Personally, I would not stay in Hickory again.
That said, this is a beautiful park with phenomenal hiking and water adventures. The town (which is in the park) was also quaint and lovely, with a variety of food and shopping options.
-
- EEmily M.Scout
Rocky Gap State Park Campground
Wonderful family campground
We had a delightful 2 night stay at Rocky Gap in the Dogwood loop. This campsite was beautiful, well maintained and clean, with great access from our area in Dogwood to both the trails and the beach. The campsite itself was a large pull-through, wooded site, that accommodated our big tent and glamping set up for a family of four. The beach was adorable, with a snack bar, playground, nature center and camp store, and I loved that it was only for the campground's use. We took the lake trail walk one day and got to see the campsites that are right across from the lake with amazing views! Minor complaints are that you can hear the roadway from the campsite (didn't really bother us, just noting it) and there's not a ton of privacy in the campground. Neither of these things detracted from our enjoyment of the park and campground though!
- CCasie T.Traveler
Brooklyn Heights Riverfront Campground
Peaceful and spacious
Stayed with friends at RV6. Non electric spot but huge with a nice fireplace and benches. No picnic table but great views of the river and the peaceful sounds of flowing water. Only toilet facility is an outside port-o-potty but they have spray, tp, hand sanitizer and seems well kept.
- PPam J.Traveler
Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Nice weekend getaway.
We had a great stay. Well manicured grounds. Lots of fallen trees from recent weather. Bathrooms could be cleaner. The camp hosts are awesome people. The area is quiet and peaceful. Lots of bike trails. Lake nice with swimming. Not crowded. Very family oriented. Playgrounds scattered around the campground in really good shape. We stayed at site 173. I loved it. Private. Had a little stream that ran behind it which would have been great for kids to play in. I loved the sound of running water. The fire pit and picnic table were in a little area above the stream surrounded by trees. It was so pretty and felt protected. They sell wood and awesome fire starters on site. Well priced. $5 for big bundle of split wood and $1 for each large fire starter. The Fire starters were so good, I bought extras to take with me. Definitely good quality. Not like the small ones you buy at the store. All in all, I loved it and will go back. I’ll take the grandkids next time. The lake, stream, biking, playground will keep them busy.
I have TMobile and had no cellphone service at my site. But could get service in other areas.
Site 225 looked like a great site. Up on a hill with a view, full hook up, playground close, and cell service.
Guide to Kitzmiller
Camping sites near Kitzmiller, Maryland offer varied terrain with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 feet throughout the Appalachian highlands. The region experiences cooler nighttime temperatures even in summer, often dropping into the 50s, making sleeping bags rated for lower temperatures necessary year-round. Primitive sites along waterways tend to fill by Friday afternoon during peak season from May through September.
What to do
Hiking nearby waterfalls: At Swallow Falls State Park, the largest waterfall in Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls, drops 53 feet. "The trails to the namesake falls are beautiful and very family-friendly, with lots of helpful signage. However, the parking lots and trailheads were PACKED on the weekend, so if you're a day tripper, get there early!"
Paddle on multiple waterways: The region offers both lake and river paddling options within short drives. "Herrington Manor which was right down the road was a great place to go kayaking while we were there," notes one camper who visited Swallow Falls State Park.
Fish in stocked waters: Streams and lakes throughout the area hold trout and other species. "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," reports a camper at Big Run State Park, where stream access is available directly from many campsites.
Winter recreation: For those camping in colder months, the area transforms into a winter sports destination. "Swallow falls is awesome year round. In the winter the snow and ice is beautiful," notes a camper who gives the park five stars.
What campers like
Stream-side camping: Many campers value the water sounds for sleeping. At Big Run State Park, "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Firefly displays: Summer visitors often mention the incredible light shows. At Deep Creek Lake State Park, one camper reports: "We were lucky enough to witness a spectacular light show put up by thousands of fireflies at night."
Wildlife viewing: The mountains host diverse wildlife beyond just bears. "Deer are dense in these parts," notes a camper at New Germany State Park, adding that "bears frequent the area" though most campers report seeing deer far more commonly than bears.
Truly secluded options: For those seeking genuine isolation, Wallman/Laurel Run - Potomac State Forest offers "peace and quiet and a good old fashioned camping experience at a very well maintained campground secluded but not way out in no man's land where it takes you an hour to get back when it's over."
What you should know
Bear precautions enforced: Most campgrounds in the region provide bear-resistant storage. "Bears are common so they emplaced a big old bear box at every site. It's enough room to hold your food for a month of camping!" reports a visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Weather fluctuations: Mountain weather can change rapidly, with temperature swings of 30+ degrees in a single day. "Summer temps usually do not get as nice 85max most of the summer," notes a camper from New Germany State Park, referring to the cooler mountain temperatures compared to lower elevations.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies significantly even within the same campground. "Some of the sites are AWESOME, some are a patch of grass. Its honestly best to carefully look at the site map," advises a visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park.
Reservation timing: For weekend camping, especially at the more developed sites with hookups, reservations are essential. "The electric sites tend to fill quickly during peak season," according to ranger information provided at New Germany State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity programs: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "We arrived and was surprised by a Christmas in July event where there was activities for the kids and a campsite holiday decoration contest. Santa even made an appearance," reports a visitor to Barnum Whitewater Area.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping or during uncertain weather, cabins provide a more controlled environment. "Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins," notes a visitor to Barnum Whitewater Area.
Bring bikes for campground loops: Some campgrounds are perfect for kids to explore safely on wheels. At Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake, one visitor recommends: "Make sure to bring bicycles for your kids to ride around the loop. There is also a pond that you can hike to for fishing. It is far enough that your children would not wonder there on their own."
Check swimming access: Not all waterfront camping areas permit swimming. "The swim area leaves a brown residual stain in your swimwear and on your person," cautions one camper about the water quality at New Germany State Park, suggesting families might want to consider alternatives.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation challenges: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts that affect hookup accessibility. At Blackwater Falls State Park, "Many of the pull thru sites are situated in the wrong direction with the electric hookup on the wrong side."
Length restrictions: Most campgrounds in the area have limitations for larger RVs. "Roads and camper pads are all paved, and the sites are in two loops. All sites have electric hookups, and have a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern ring," reports an RVer at Robert W. Craig, noting that sites 53, 55, and 64-68 have the longest pads.
Dump station access: Plan your arrival and departure with service points in mind. "The dump station is in a weird spot and the only water available is the same used for flushing," notes an RVer about Blackwater Falls State Park.
Low clearance warnings: Some access roads have restrictions. "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kitzmiller, MD?
What camping is available near Kitzmiller, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kitzmiller, MD offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Kitzmiller, MD and 15 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kitzmiller, MD?
Which is the most popular campground near Kitzmiller, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kitzmiller, MD is Swallow Falls State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kitzmiller, MD?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kitzmiller, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Kitzmiller, MD.
What parks are near Kitzmiller, MD?
What parks are near Kitzmiller, MD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Kitzmiller, MD that allow camping, notably Jennings Randolph Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
Keep Exploring