Adventure Awaits: Best Campsites in Maryland

Cunningham Falls State Park, Thurmont, MD

This is one of my favorites because you can camp right above the lake and it is truly gorgeous. Completely secluded with hiking trails all around, Cunningham Falls State Park is a scenic destination in the mountains that feels different from the rest of Maryland. It's cooler and more secluded. You can camp, swim at the lake, and hike all in one day and you're only a half hour away from restaurants if you don't feel like eating campfire food.

Assateague State Park, Berlin, MD

If you want to camp in Maryland, you cannot skip Assateague State Park and the wild horses. Located on the Eastern Shore, this is a Maryland classic that you will not find anywhere else. Horses freely roam the land and you are simply their visitors. They are likely to come up to your tent and sniff around and perhaps even see what there is to eat at your picnic table. Combine that with days of swimming at the beach, nice shower facilities and a beach shack with food for an incredibly fun family event.

Bayshore Campground, Rock Hall, MD

You can camp by the Chesapeake Bay in Rock Hall and enjoy beautiful views from every direction. You can also kayak and enjoy the nature trails for a full-on outdoor experience.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Williamsport, MD

For families, this is a sure win. Jellystone Park is a resort in the woods. With a swimming pool, water slides, daily activities in the summer, a playground and top-notch facilities, you come here for summer camp in the woods. Yes, this is still camping but it is also a full-on vacation. Anyone that isn’t sure about camping vs. staying in a hotel should try a resort like this before primitive camping or a state park.

Green Ridge State Forest, Flintstone, MD

If you want to camp old school style where you have to use the bathroom in the woods, then camping at Green Ridge State Forest is the place for you. This is gorgeous primitive camping and you certainly will have the experience of what camping used to be.

Tuckahoe State Park, Queen Anne, MD

If you want a camping adventure—head here. You can try out the ropes course, fish, swim in the lake, or hike in the forest. Plus, it's incredibly beautiful.

Sun Outdoors Ocean City, Berlin, MD

You can bring the entire family to this campground resort (even ones who wouldn’t be caught dead near a tent). You can rent a cottage or camp in an RV, trailer, or tent. The campground is on the water and has a pool, private beaches, fitness center, recreation center, golf cart and bicycle rentals, café, store, and more. This Berlin campground is centrally located if you want to play in Ocean City and then enjoy the quiet of Assateague State Park.

Camp Merryelande, Piney Point, MD

If you want to camp on the beach but are afraid of wild horses, this is a good alternative. Located in Piney Point you can camp in the sand and swim the day away.

Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree, Rohrersville, MD

No one likes to pitch a tent and sleep on the ground. For those who want to be in the great outdoors but prefer to sleep more comfortably, you should head to Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree. This is a cool destination since you can sleep in the trees and have a combination of roughing it with more modern amenities like a bathroom and fireplace.

Washington Monument State Park, Middletown, MD

Nope. This is not the Washington Monument steps from the White House. Instead, it is the original monument built by a farm community in Maryland, smack dab on the Appalachian Trail. If you want to hike this famous trail for a day or weekend, the Washington Monument State Park campground is an excellent base. It has a playground for the younger ones in the group and restroom facilities plus the view from the monument is spectacular.

Key Insights at a Glance