If you prefer your spring and summer adventures a bit more simple, then these camping spots in Maryland may be perfect for you. Previously, we’ve discussed where to head for neat cabin rentals in Maryland and luxury glampgrounds in MD, but those aren’t for everyone. Some people prefer a more rustic approach to camping where the only thing between them and the elements is the vinyl fabric of their tents. Head to these camping spots in Maryland for an unforgettable time paired with gorgeous scenery. Here are some of the downright best campgrounds in Maryland!

1. Assateague State Park, Berlin

Assateague State Park Headquarters, 6915 Stephen Decatur Hwy, Berlin, MD 21811, USA
Flickr / Mrs. Gemstone
At Assateague State Park, you can choose to camp on the oceanside or bayside. The wild horses that roam freely will also keep you company throughout your stay! This is one of the best places to camp in the state.

Learn more about the gorgeous wild horses of the island in this short video:

2. Elk Neck State Park, North East

Elk Neck State Park, 4395 Turkey Point Rd, North East, MD 21901, USA
Flickr / ars5017
With views of the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, Elk Neck State Park is one of the most picturesque places in the state. Pitch your tent among nature and take daily hikes around the white clay cliffs.

3. Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont

Catoctin Mountain Park, 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
There are 50 sites available for the best tent camping in Maryland in the Owens Creek area of Catoctin Mountain Park. While in the area, make sure to hike to the Chimney Rock overlook for scenic views. Yes, please!

The National Park Service did the great deed of creating an awesome "introduction" video to Catoctin Mountain:

4. Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont

Cunningham Falls State Park, 14274 William Houck Dr, Thurmont, MD 21788, USA
Flickr / Fred Schroeder
There are several things to do at Cunningham Falls State Park including visiting the 78-foot waterfall and splashing around in the 43-acre lake.

5. Rocky Gap State Park, Flintstone

Rocky Gap State Park, 12900 Lake Shore Dr, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
Flickr / Chesapeake Bay Program
Some of the best views of the Western Maryland mountains can be seen from Rocky Gap State Park. Make sure to check it out in autumn for gorgeous foliage! This one's a must-do for locals and visitors alike for camping in Maryland.

6. The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree, Rohrersville

Treehouse Camp At Maple Tree, 20716 Townsend Rd, Rohrersville, MD 21779, USA
Yelp / Elsy G.
The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree offers 12 wooded campsites, each with a fire circle, grill, and picnic table. It's within 10 minutes of area attractions including Antietam Battlefield and Harpers Ferry.

7. Bayshore Campground, Rock Hall

Bayshore Campgrounds, 4228 Eastern Neck Rd, Rock Hall, MD 21661, USA
Facebook / Bayshore Campground
You can set up your tent by the bay or pond. This campground also features kayaking, nature trails, and much more. To see rates and book a reservation, visit the official Bayshore Campground website.

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8. Point Lookout State Park, Scotland

Point Lookout State Park, 11175 Point Lookout Rd, Scotland, MD 20687, USA
Flickr / Sang-Min Yoon
Point Lookout State Park boasts an abundance of history and offers sweeping views of the water. Pitch your tent and then walk the beach and nature trails, or cast a line to catch your dinner.

9. Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone

Green Ridge State Forest, 28700 Headquarters Dr NE, Flintstone, MD 21530, USA
Trip Advisor / EAtraveling
For a more primitive camping experience, head to Green Ridge State Forest. The 100 campsites scattered throughout the forest offer a fire circle and picnic table but no other modern amenities.

10. Camp Merryelande, Piney Point

Camp Merryelande Road, Camp Merryelande Rd, Maryland 20674, USA
Trip Advisor / SimonP1776
Camp Merryelande offers campsites right on the beach. Or, you can also choose to set up your tent in the nearby wooded area.

11. Patapsco Valley State Park, Ellicott City

Patapsco Valley State Park - Hollofield Area, 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, USA
Forsaken Fotos/Flickr
Spend a weekend exploring the park's ruins, waterfalls, bridges, and nature trails. This serene spot is not to be missed. For more details and to book a spot, check out the official Patapsco Valley State Park website.

12. Greenbelt National Park, Greenbelt

Greenbelt Park, 6565 Greenbelt Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770, USA
Trip Advisor / Westcoastweirdo
There are several trails here to explore and the park is also within driving distance of local attractions. For more information check out the official Greenbelt National Park website.

Check out one of the campgrounds firsthand:

13. Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne

Tuckahoe State Park, 13070 Crouse Mill Rd, Queen Anne, MD 21657, USA
Flickr / Lisa G
Tuckahoe State Park boasts a variety of terrain including streams, lakes, fields, forests, and wetlands. You can also add to your adventure by trying out the fun ropes course.

14. Pocomoke River State Park, Snow Hill

Pocomoke River State Park: Shad Landing, 3461 Worcester Hwy, Snow Hill, MD 21863, USA
Trip Advisor / Morris-Madison
On Maryland's lower eastern shore, you can find this beautiful state park. Visit the nearby Cypress Swamp for a truly unique hike. For more information on camping here, visit the official Pocomoke River State Park website.

15. New Germany State Park, Grantsville

New Germany State Park, 349 Headquarters Ln, Grantsville, MD 21536, USA
Trip Advisor / DebbieVandalia_Ohio
This Western Maryland gem offers beautiful mountain views and a quiet lake perfect for fishing and swimming. Get away from it all at New Germany State Park.

Do you have any favorite campgrounds in Maryland? Feel free to share in the comments.

Need a new tent, sleeping bag, or other camping gear? Check out what’s available from our friends at REI!

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More to Explore

Best Places to Camp in Maryland

Tori Jane | March 02, 2023

What are some of the best places to camp in Maryland?

Maryland is a gorgeous state with so many options when it comes to camping! You’ll fall head over heels in love with the beauty of this amazing state and you probably won’t ever want to leave. If this is the case, why not go camping? Some of the best places to camp in Maryland include: 

  • Assateague State Park – All of our state parks are amazing, but the beach camping at Assateague State Park is second to none. 
  • Elk Neck State Park – There are incredible views of Chesapeake Bay and the Elk River here – it doesn’t get a whole lot more scenic than Elk Neck!  
  • Maple Tree Campground – This campground in Rohrersville is both small and out-of-the-way without being too far from the interesting historic landmarks of MD.  

 

Learn more about each of these amazing campgrounds in Maryland, plus a few more!   

What are some of the best campgrounds in Maryland? 

Of course, the list of amazing campgrounds in Maryland doesn’t end with only the ones listed above. There are so many more that it’s impossible to list them all, but a few more worth mentioning are ones like:  

  • Bayshore Campground – You'll find this wonderful camping area near Rock Hall; you have the option to set up camp near the bay or the pond,  
  • Point Lookout State Park – Hiking and incredible beach views make this incredible state park an amazing place to spend the night.  
  • Camp Merryelande – Here, you can camp right on the beach!  
  • Patapsco Valley State Park – Ruins, waterfalls, bridges and so much more; there are things to see and do at this park galore.  

 

Learn more about some of the other incredible options for going camping in Maryland.  

Where are some of the most beautiful places in Maryland? 

Maryland is an amazing state with a lot to see, do, and experience. Much like the campgrounds in Maryland, there are countless amazingly beautiful places in MD that may or may not offer camping but are definitely worth checking out as well, such as:  

  • Swallow Falls State Park – If you’re a fan of waterfalls, this is the one for you.  
  • McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area – One word: sunflowers.  
  • Crystal Grottoes Caverns – fans of caving and geology are going to adore these amazing, immersive caves deep underground.  
  • Soleado Lavender Farm – If you were a fan of McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area, you’ll love this incredible lavender farm as well.  

 

Learn more about all of these amazingly beautiful places in Maryland, plus a few more!   

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