Glamping near Jennings Randolph Lake offers upscale canvas accommodations in a region known for its mountain terrain averaging 2,300 feet above sea level. The lake itself spans 952 acres with 13 miles of shoreline between West Virginia and Maryland. Water temperatures remain relatively cool even in summer months, rarely exceeding 75°F, making insulated accommodations particularly valuable for overnight stays.
What to do
Hiking at Blackwater Falls State Park: The park features numerous trails with varying difficulty levels within a 75-minute drive of Jennings Randolph Lake. Blackwater Falls State Park offers spectacular views and wildlife viewing opportunities. "The park overall is absolutely gorgeous. There's something to do for people of any activity level. Nearby towns of Davis and Thomas are so lovely and have charm out the wazoo," notes one visitor.
Fishing at multiple locations: The region offers diverse fishing experiences from stocked trout streams to lake fishing. "The fishing was a lot of fun as well. We caught a solid amount of Bass, so all in all it was a success!" mentions a visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park, which is approximately 40 minutes from Jennings Randolph Lake.
Water recreation on Lake Habeeb: Located at Rocky Gap State Park, the lake provides swimming, paddling and fishing opportunities. "A fair amount of gnats and other bugs but no mosquitoes to speak of. Clean, well run camp store. Nice beach area with volley ball nets. Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent," shares one camper about their experience.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many glamping sites in the region offer generous spacing between accommodations. At Swallow Falls State Park, "The campsites are great and the people who come here are always really friendly, you're bound to make some friends. Hiking here is gorgeous, and a good workout too."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds maintaining clean shower and bathroom facilities rank highest among visitor preferences. "The campground had modern shower houses, although we did not use them. The park attendees were above standard, if not just down right great! From the young ladies in the registration office to the Ranger, finding us a parking spot for our 26' coach so we could tour the falls," reports a visitor at Swallow Falls.
Tranquil settings: Many glamping sites provide peaceful surroundings away from crowds. "We had such a relaxing time there. The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site. We are avid tent campers and loved that we had a very private and secluded spot," notes a visitor to Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The mountain climate brings variable conditions even in summer. A camper at Middle Ridge Campground observed, "We enjoyed our stay at Middle Ridge Campground. The pool is a nice amenity unfortunately the weather wasn't swimming weather when we were there."
Seasonal operation: Many glamping facilities operate on limited schedules. "The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped," reports a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest, which operates from April through October.
Bear awareness: Black bears are native to the region, requiring proper food 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! I would definitely go back, but it's far less rustic than I really like," shares a Deep Creek Lake camper.
Tips for camping with families
Look for camps with dedicated play areas: Several glamping sites feature kid-friendly amenities. "This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," writes a visitor to Rocky Gap State Park.
Consider wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers excellent wildlife encounters. "We had the perfect amount of sun for an afternoon nap after a short hike. Our visit was great, the staff was friendly, the sites were all clean (side note: some of the sites are AWESOME, some are a patch of grass)," notes a Deep Creek Lake visitor.
Pack for variable temperatures: Even summer nights can be cool at higher elevations. "Keep in mind, anytime after mid September can be quite cold overnight. But the foliage is totally worth it!" advises a Blackwater Falls visitor.
Tips from RVers
Check site layouts carefully: Many glamping and RV sites have unique configurations. "The sites are actually in a wooded area not just a big field. Each site has full hookups. We will definitely return," shares a visitor to Five River Campground in Parsons.
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely throughout the region. "We ended up staying 2 weeks as the wifi service is the best we have had on the road. The majority of the site is level and grass. I will be back for the bluegrass festival in August," notes another Five River Campground visitor.
Arrive with supplies: Many glamping locations are remote with limited shopping options. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises a camper from Kentuck Campground.
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