5 Maryland Campsites to Check Out This Summer!

Nothing says “summer” quite like a weekend spent camping! Looking to escape the chaos of city life, but want to keep it simple and stay in Maryland? Here are some fantastic places to stay for camping (some don’t even require you to mess with putting a tent up!).

1. The Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campground - Rohrersville, MD

Tucked into South Mountain’s portion of the Appalachian Trail, this campground has a variety of lodging options. Seasoned campers would be content with one of their wooded or open-field tent sites (the field sites give views of the valley!). Another option is one of their three-season treehouses. For the full treehouse experience, though, reserve one of their Tree Cottages - houses on stilts built 8-10ft off the ground, equipped with beds, decks, fire pits, and an indoor wood stove. On the other hand, you may find your nerdy explorer’s heart drawn more to the Hobbit House, with its indoor fairy forest mural, thatch-covered porch, and wildflower-adorned roof!

Click here to book a reservation!

(photo credit: The Tree House Camp - Facebook)

2. Point Lookout State Park Campground - Scotland, MD

If you’re more into ghost tours and Edgar Allen Poe than wine tours and the Hobbit, this one is right up your alley. During the day, set up camp at one of its 143 wooded campsites, and enjoy the water views and picnic areas. Once the sun sets, though, be prepared to meet the bayonet-holding ghost of a Civil War soldier who paces back and forth in front of the lighthouse (did we mention it was a Civil War prison camp that held over 50,000 Confederate soldiers?). Or sneak over to the beach and try to catch a glimpse of the spirit some have seen walking straight into the water. If you decide to stick to your fire circle, though, don’t be surprised if you hear voices over the crackling fire. And those weird noises and footsteps you might hear throughout the night? Sure, it could be a raccoon or a sleepless squirrel - but don’t be surprised if you find boot prints outside your tent, even if they don’t match the boots of anyone in your party…
Click here to reserve your campsite!

(photo credit: Dept of Natural Resources)

3. Assateague Island National Seashore - Assateague Island, MD

Have you ever gone camping and thought, “this is great and all, but I wish I had a horse staring at me through my tent window while I slept?” If so, then Assateague Park needs to be on your summer bucket list. Featuring over 300 campsites, Assateague State Park sits on the Maryland side of the island and offers bayside and oceanside camping year round! The downside? You’ve got to leave your furry family members at home, as most (if not all) the campsites prohibit pets.

Click here to find out more about the various campsites and reserve your spot!

(photo credit: Flickr | Mrs. Gemstone)

4. Cunningham Falls State Park  - Thurmont, MD

Divided into two parts (The William Houck Area and the Manor Area), this park has a lake, waterfalls, campgrounds, and even an aviary! Bring a tent, or rent a camper cabin, and spend your time hiking, swimming, fishing, grilling, canoeing - the possibilities are endless! Hunters will also love that hunting is available on 4,400 acres of the park, but don’t worry - the hunting areas are set far enough aside that it’d be hard to wander your way in by accident.

For more information and reservations, click here!

(photo credit: MD DNR)

5. Green Ridge State Forest - Flintstone, MD

Fun fact: Green ridge is the largest contiguous block of public land in the state, spanning over 47,560 acres. It’s also home to some of the few remaining “primitive” campsites in Maryland. “Primitive camping” is basically just no-frills camping, without plumbing or electricity - just a picnic table, a fire ring, and a dirt clearing to pitch your tent. When you’re not gathered around your roaring campfire, take advantage of the 50+ miles of hiking trails, angling, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, or padding. Horseback riders can even reserve on of 2 horse-friendly campsites to bring their equine buddies along!

For more information and to reserve your own “primitive campsite”, click here. 

(photo credit: MD DNR)