The 19 Best Campgrounds in Maryland: Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

Are you the type who wants nothing more than to spend all day, and perhaps even night, outside? Maryland’s outdoors is like a giant playground for adults, children, and families. Sometimes there’s nothing better than ditching the electronics and Wi-Fi and trading that all in for connecting with nature and wildlife. There’s something about being outside that’s good for the mind, body, and soul. One of the best ways to connect with nature is camping! (Or even glamping in yurts if you’re like me). Here are some of the best campgrounds in Maryland for the next time you feel the urge to spend some time in nature:

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Best State Park Campgrounds in Maryland

Encompassing nearly 99,000 acres, the state of Maryland is home to 54 state parks. Impressive, right? There are so many options to spend time outdoors including camping. Here are some of the best state park campgrounds in Maryland:

Janes Island State Park, 26280 Alfred J Lawson Dr, Crisfield, MD 21817, USA

Natilee Morales/Google Local

• Location: Crisfield, MD
• Popularity: The waterfront campground here is a hidden gem and you'll experience plenty of privacy here.
• Park Info: Janes Island State Park sits along the Chesapeake Bay and features marshes along with a water trail for paddling.
• Price: Campsites are $21.50-$27.50/night and cabins are $55.50-$86.75/night.

Janes Island State Park has 100 campsites, 49 of which have electric hookups for either tents or campers. There's also the option of either a mini cabin or a full-service cabin. Each site has its own fire ring, picnic table, camping pad, and lantern post. Youth group campsites are also available.

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Rocky Gap State Park, 12900 Lake Shore Dr, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA

Timothy Schickedanz/Google Local

• Location: Flintstone, MD
• Popularity: This is a popular spot for camping and is even open for winter camping.
• Park Info: Rocky Gap State Park is 3,000 acres and home to Lake Habeeb, Rocky Gap Run, and the privately-owned Rocky Gap Casino Resort.
• Price: Campsites are $21.50-$27.50/night; cabins are $50.50-$65.50/night; yurts are $75/night; and the Easter Hill Chalet is $171.75/night.

When camping at Rocky Gap State Park you'll be in close proximity to Rocky Gap Casino Resort, another option for accommodations. However, for those who are camping, there are several options including 278 campsites (30 of which have 30-amp hookups), a family group campsite, two youth group sites, 15 mini cabins, a yurt, and a chalet that can accommodate up to eight people. As for activities at this state park, aside from camping, you can go canoeing, kayaking, or swimming at the lake, trek along the many trails, visit the nature center, or even hit the casino!

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Martinak State Park, 137 Deep Shore Rd, Denton, MD 21629, USA

Jessica Holroyd/Google Local

• Location: Denton, MD
• Popularity: This park is one of the state's best-kept secrets and you should have no problem reserving a campsite.
• Park Info: Martinak State Park is located in the small town of Denton along the Choptank River and Watts Creek.
• Price: Campsites are $18.50-$24.50/night and cabins are $50.50-$76.75/night.

Martinak State Park is a beautiful state park with access to water for boating and fishing. You'll find some peace and quiet here at this underrated park as you set up camp at one of 63 campsites, of which 30 have electric hookups. Cabins are also available and there are six camper cabins as well as one full-service cabin.

New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536, USA

sandy platt/Google Local

• Location: Grantsville, MD
• Popularity: This is a relatively popular campground during the summer months but you may still be able to find a campsite last minute.
• Park Info: The 483-acre New Germany State Park offers 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking as well as a lake for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• Price: Campsites are $18.50-$27.50/night; cabins are $76.75-$116.75/night; and shelters are $16.75-$36.75/night.

New Germany State Park has two campgrounds, one of which is pet-friendly. The park has 12 fully-furnished cabins and some even have separate bedrooms. If you're looking for a campsite, only two offer electric hookups for campers. If you're bringing your dog, the Hemlock Loop is where you'll find pet-friendly campsites. While advanced reservations are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

Swallow Falls State Park, 2470 Maple Glade Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA

Kristin/Google Local

• Location: Oakland, MD
• Popularity: Because of the scenery and waterfalls, this is a popular state park for hiking and camping. Advanced campground reservations are strongly encouraged.
• Park Info: Swallow Falls State Park is located along the Youghiogheny River in Garrett County. This park is home to several waterfalls including one of the state's best known, Muddy Creek Falls.
• Price: Campsites are $21.50-$32.50/night and mini cabins are $50.50/night.

If you love hiking and chasing waterfalls, a trip to Swallow Falls State Park is for you! Better yet, why don't you camp here? Reserve one of the park's 65 woodland campsites, each of which comes with its own fire ring, camping pad, picnic table, and lantern post. Three sites have full hookups for water, electric, and sewer and another three just have water and electric. Three camper cabins are also available and each one has heat, a microwave, a mini fridge, a small folding table, a double bed, and a bunk bed. You may find this to be the best place to camp in Maryland!

Best Beach Camping in Maryland

With nearly 3,200 miles of shoreline along the coast, there’s certainly no shortage of beaches around the state. Add in lakes and ponds and you can certainly find some campgrounds for beach camping in Maryland.

Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA

John Unkart author of Saltwater Tales/Google Local

• Location: Berlin, MD
• Popularity: This is a very popular state park with both drive-in and walk-in sites. Camping is available from late April until late October.
• Park Info: Assateague State Park on Assateague Island is known for its population of wild horses. The park is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sinepuxent Bay.
• Price: Campsites are $27.50/night. Campsites with electric are $38.50/night.

Assateague State Park is situated on a barrier island and is known for its population of wild horses and some of these horses like to hang out at the campground! Each of the park's 342 sites has a fire ring and a picnic table. Pets are allowed in certain areas of the campground. This is one of the most beautiful places for camping in Maryland.

Breezy Point Beach & Campground, 5300 Breezy Point Rd, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732, USA

Breezy Point Beach & Campground/Google Local

• Location: Chesapeake Beach, MD
• Popularity: This is a popular spot for camping in Calvert County.
• Park Info: Breezy Point Beach & Campground is open seasonally from May 1 through Oct. 31.
• Price: Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, the fee is $60/night. Between Labor Day and Memorial Day weekends, fees for residents are $60/night from Monday through Thursday and $70/night from Friday through Sunday as well as holidays. Fees for non-residents are slightly higher.

Breezy Point Beach & Campground is typically a popular waterfront campground. Water and electric are included. However, there is no septic. Call the Breezy Point Office at 410-535-0259 for reservations. You won't regret staying here!

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Roaring Point Campground, 2360 Nanticoke Wharf Rd, Nanticoke, MD 21840, USA

Kevin Cole/Google Local

• Location: Nanticoke, MD
• Popularity: This is a popular waterfront campground for both tents and RVs. Reservations are encouraged.
• Park Info: Since 1974, Roaring Point Campground has been a favorite family vacation along the Nanticoke River near the mouth of the bay.
• Price: The cost of tent and RV sites ranges between $50 and $130 per night depending on the site and time of year.

Roaring Point Campground offers primitive campsites as well as water-view campsites and RV sites with hookups. If you're looking for a campground with activities and amenities, you'll love Roaring Point! Between the arts and crafts, hayrides, general store, playground, basketball, fishing, crabbing, and more, families can certainly stay busy. In addition, there are laundry facilities, a bathhouse, fire rings, picnic tables, and pretty much everything you could ever want at a campground.

Sun Outdoors Ocean City, 12550 Eagles Nest Rd, Berlin, MD 21811, USA

sunoutdoors.com

• Location: Berlin, MD
• Popularity: This is a very popular campground with numerous amenities that make it an attractive place to stay.
• Park Info: Sun Outdoors Ocean City is 50 acres and located on the bay near Ocean City. This campground is open from late March through early November.
• Price: Prices start at $54/night.

Sun Outdoors Ocean City offers pristine grounds and campsites for those looking to camp bayside. If you have a dog, bring it along as pets are allowed here! Sun Outdoors offers a unique getaway with options to camp in a tent or an RV or you may opt to rent a cottage. There are tons of amenities here, too, including private beaches, swimming pools, a fitness center, dining options, and outdoor activities. You certainly won't be bored here!

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Top Glamping in Maryland

Enjoy the outdoors but also like the comforts of home? Hey, I get it! This is where glamping becomes a great compromise between sleeping out in the wild and enjoying the creature comforts of home or a hotel room. Here are the top glamping spots in Maryland:

Wild Yough Glamping Huts, 1976 Herrington Manor Rd, Oakland, MD 21550, USA

Wild Yough Glamping Huts/Google Local

• Location: Oakland, MD
• Popularity: This is a hidden gem glampground but since there are only 5 cabins, make a reservation ahead of time.
• Park Info: Tucked away in the woods of Oakland, Wild Yough Glamping Huts offers just 5 cabins for a peaceful getaway.
• Price: Each cabin is $95/night.

Wild Yough Glamping Huts is a one-of-a-kind glamping destination offering a peaceful retreat within a scenic location. Each of the five cabins has a bed with linens, a table, a fire pit, a grill, a picnic table, and outdoor chairs. Common areas at this glampground include a bathhouse, a group fire pit, an area to wash dishes, board games, outdoor games, and more! Not only is it a great place to get away but a place where you can connect with your fellow glampers!

Treehouse Camp At Maple Tree, 20716 Townsend Rd, Rohrersville, MD 21779, USA

Scott Z/TripAdvisor

• Location: Rohrersville, MD
• Popularity: This peaceful retreat is relatively popular but you may be able to find last-minute accommodations depending on the time of year.
• Park Info: Tree House Camp at Maple Tree is 20 acres and abuts the Appalachian Trail. It offers year-round camping in a variety of unique accommodations.
• Price: Treehouses start at $44/night; tree cottages start at $78/night; the Hobbit House starts at $140/night; the Firefly Deluxe Treehouse starts at $120/night, and the Dragonfly Fairy House starts at $150/night. Tent sites start at $41/night.

Tree House Camp at Maple Tree is a rustic getaway offering tree cottages, tree houses, hobbit houses, and tent sites. You'll feel at one with your surroundings here as you'll be truly immersed in the natural landscape in an accommodation that seamlessly blends into the landscape that surrounds it. On the grounds of this glampground you'll find a store, bathrooms, hot showers, and a camp shop. Those who have stayed here absolutely love it! It's one of the best places to camp in Maryland.

Sleepy Hollow Campground, 685 Twin Churches Rd, Grantsville, MD 21536, USA

Sleepy Hollow Campground/Facebook

• Location: Grantsville, MD
• Popularity: This is a low-key campground so it's possible to get a last-minute cabin reservation.
• Park Info: Sleepy Hollow Campground is located in Western Maryland in the Appalachian Mountains. It's also in close proximity to New Germany State Park.
• Price: Cabins start at $65/night.

While Sleepy Hollow Campground offers tent and RV sites, the unique cabins are enticing for many travelers and outdoor enthusiasts who prefer glamping. The A-frame cabins are small and you must bring your own linens but you'll be in for a glamping experience to remember! Each cabin has a bed along with a table, chairs, electricity, A/C, and heat. The cabins are cozy yet stylish.

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Timber Valley Retreat Glamping Clear Spring Maryland, 12731 Big Pool Rd, Clear Spring, MD 21722, USA

Glamping Clear Spring Maryland at Timber Valley Retreat/Facebook

• Location: City name
• Popularity: This is a private campground meant for large groups.
• Park Info: Timber Valley Retreat is situated along the Potomac River near the National Park Service and C&O Canal.
• Price: Contact Timber Valley Retreat directly for rates and availability.

If you're looking for a private campground for a group or family vacation or retreat, consider a stay at Glamping Clear Spring Maryland at Timber Valley Retreat. Accommodations available on the property include two bunkhouses and a lodge. A total of 26 people may stay here. Amenities include a summer kitchen, an outdoor shower, a bathroom, a pond, a paddleboat, a playground, a fire pit, and hiking trails. This place is one of a kind!

Best RV Camping Sites in Maryland

Doesn’t hitting the road in an RV and stopping at select campgrounds around the state or country sound freeing? If you don’t have your own RV but have always wanted to travel around in one, check out RVShare.com. Once you have your RV all set to hit the road, here are some of the best RV camping sites in Maryland:

Double G RV Park, 76 Double G Dr, McHenry, MD 21541, USA

Double G RV Park/Facebook

• Location: McHenry, MD
• Popularity: Mostly seasonal guests stay here but you can still find a nightly or weekly spot depending on the time of year. This campground is open from May 1 through Oct. 31.
• Park Info: Double G RV Park is a family-friendly RV park on the site of what was once a dairy farm. This RV park first opened in the 1990s.
• Price: $65-$75/night.

Double G RV Park is family-owned and operated and you'll also find boat storage, a camp store, and a sunflower field here. This RV park is pet-friendly and offers amenities like full hookups, a fire ring and picnic table at each site, a bathhouse, a playground, a camp store, laundry facilities, and a pavilion.

Ramblin' Pines, 801 Hoods Mill Rd, Woodbine, MD 21797, USA

Harley Q/TripAdvisor

• Location: Woodbine, MD
• Popularity: This is a quiet yet relatively popular campground.
• Park Info: Ramblin’ Pines is situated in rural Maryland but is just over 30 miles from Baltimore and 50 miles from Washington D.C. if you're up for an adventure in the city.
• Price: Tent sites are $45-$65/night; RV sites with water, electric, sewer, and cable are $85/night; cabins are $90-$160/night.

Ramblin’ Pines offers weekly, monthly, and seasonal rates. So, if you have the time and the means, you could stay here all summer! This campground offers tent and RV sites in a forest setting. You'll certainly have some quiet and solitude here! Amenities with your stay include a dog park, catch and release fishing, a fitness room, playgrounds, a game and arcade room, a heated pool, a jumping pillow, mini golf, and much more. You can already tell that this is a family-friendly place to stay.

Buttonwood Beach R.V. Resort, 170 Buttonwood Beach Rd, Earleville, MD 21919, USA

Step Ahead/Google Local

• Location: Earleville, MD
• Popularity: This RV resort is quite popular due to its waterfront location.
• Park Info: Buttonwood Beach R.V. Resort is been a fixture along the Chesapeake Bay for more than 50 years. The sites here are privately owned but rentals from the owners are available.
• Price: Check the Buttonwood Beach R.V. Resort for current available rentals.

Set along the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Buttonwood Beach R.V. Resort provides the perfect setting for a summer beach vacation. There's a beach where you can go swimming and fishing, or rent paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. The resort also has a basketball court, places to BBQ, and a lending library. There's also a convenience store on-site.

Cherry Hill Park, 9800 Cherry Hill Rd, College Park, MD 20740, USA

Cherry Hill Park/Facebook

• Location: College Park, MD
• Popularity: This is a very popular campground due to its amenities as well as its tent, RV, and glamping options.
• Park Info: Cherry Hill Park is family-owned and operated and has been in the same family for five generations.
• Price: RV site prices average around $100/night.

Whether camping or glamping, Cherry Hill Park in Central Maryland has got you covered. All RV sites at Cherry Hill Park include full hookups, free cable TV, free Wi-Fi, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Accessible sites are available here. Other accommodations include tent sites, log cabins, glamping pods, glamping yurts, and cottages. If you love amenities, there are pools, a hot tub, a sauna, a splash park, tractor rides, a cafe, golf cart rentals, a dog park...the amenities are almost endless!

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Best Primitive Tent Camping in Maryland

For those of you who don’t mind setting up camp out in the wilderness with no amenities, primitive tent camping is an option. Oftentimes hiking is involved with primitive camping and much more preparation is involved. You’ll need to bring plenty of food, water, a backpack, a tent, a sleeping bag, and a variety of other gear with you. And everything you bring into the wilderness to set up camp must be taken back with you. Here are the best spots for primitive tent camping in Maryland:

127 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536, USA

Kristine Barrett/Google Local

• Location: Grantsville, MD
• Popularity: Primitive camping in the state forest is not nearly as popular as traditional camping.
• Park Info: Savage River State Forest is located in Garrett County and offers over 55,000 acres to explore. Hiking, boating, ORV trail riding, and fishing are among the most popular activities here.
• Price: $10/night

Savage River State Forest has 81 designated primitive campsites in 10 different areas. Primitive camping is allowed year-round in this state forest and you'll have to hike to one of the primitive campsites. But it's well worth it for the solitude if that's what you're after!

Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area, 5120 South St, Halethorpe, MD 21227, USA

scott smith/Google Local

• Location: Halethorpe, MD
• Popularity: Due to its suburban location, this is a popular park for camping.
• Park Info: Located on the outskirts of Baltimore in Ellicott City, Patapsco Valley State Park offers tent and RV sites with no amenities. The camping season runs from early April through the end of October.
• Price: $18.50-$50.50/night

For secluded Maryland camping, Patapsco Valley State Park offers simple campsites in the Hollofield Area of the park. The Hollofield Area is where you'll find some of the park's best views like the Patapsco River Valley. The campground has 73 campsites some of which have electic hookups, and all campsites have fire rings and picnic tables.

Which of these best campgrounds in Maryland have you stayed at in the past? Are there any others not on the list that you’d like to add? Tell us in the comments!

Need new camping gear? Take a look at the selection of tents and other outdoor items you’ll need from our friends at REI!

Want another outdoor adventure in Maryland? Take a look at this video on the longest hiking trail in Maryland from OnlyInYourState!: