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The best camping near Cowans Gap State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Cowans Gap Park adventure.

100% (3 reviews)
100% (3 reviews)

This idyllic lake is the campgrounds of your childhood with swimming, boating and even ice cream.  

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Community favorites near Cowans Gap State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Cowans Gap State Park

98%
(167)

Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents100 acres ¡ Clearville, PA
We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 1-3 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 12 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.
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$49
 / night
100%
(2)

Beespoke Farms

1 site ¡ Lodging25 acres ¡ Sabillasville, MD
We are a 25 acre, regenerative farm creating natural products through organic processes. We care for chickens, geese, ducks, cows, alpacas, goats, sheep, dogs, and cats! We have a small pond for great fishing, and lots of nature to explore! Sat in the middle of the Catoctin Mountains, our farm has beautiful mountain top views. The accommodations include 1-2 A frames, beds and bedding for rent as needed, access to electricity and Wi-Fi, an outhouse, and access to fresh water. No heating.
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$50
 / night
98%
(88)

Taylors Landing Camping Club

9 sites ¡ RVs, Tents42 acres ¡ Sharpsburg, MD
UPON BOOKING PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW TO A T ON ARRIVAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Experience the beauty of this historic property, featuring a mix of woodland, grassy hilltops, and clover filled bottomlands. Come and enjoy the near direct access to the CO Canal Historic Park and Towpath and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 7 similar sites available for your camping pleasure as well as our Hilltop site for maximum privacy and star gazing potential. The natural Shade/Privacy nooks will keep the midday sun off of tents and the surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hike up to a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. Whether you stay for a day or a month, immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquil waters of the Potomac River. Throughout the summer, the river offers a user-friendly experience as water levels recede. Embark on float trips, kayaking, excellent fishing, swimming, cave exploring, or visit the historic towns and the Antietam Battlefields nearby for a touch of civilization during your stays. PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW TO A T!!!! For biking enthusiasts, challenge yourself on the nearly 3 miles of single-track bike trails on the property. Alternatively, explore the endless miles of easy biking, hiking, and horseback riding (byoh) on the CandO Towpath. Whether looking for adventure or just chill down time, this location is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. PLEASE READ ARRIVAL INSTRUSTIONS CAREFULLY AND FOLLOW TO A T!!!!
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$55
 / night
97%
(302)

Mulehalla

13 sites ¡ RVs, Tents28 acres ¡ Williamsport, MD
Right off the C&O canal, Mulehalla offers primitive sites that are both beautiful and private with restrooms available. Firewood available for sale as well.
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$38
 / night
100%
(2)

Shelly's Woods

1 site ¡ Tent2 acres ¡ Mercersburg, PA
We took over this property in the Spring of 2023 but it has been family-owned since 1961. The property includes a 34X24 pavilion, a swing set, a fire pit, a portapotty, a porch swing, picnic tables, etc. It is located directly on the West Branch of the Conococheague Creek. You can enjoy kayaking, fishing, being right on the creek, and peace and quiet. There is also a mowed section along the creek that allows you easy access to the water with a small rock-style beach. The land is pretty much all flat and you can pitch a tent/s anywhere. There is plenty of room to park a camper/rv in multiple locations. This property is the perfect place to get away but close enough to town to enjoy local restaurants/amenities. It is only 1 mile away from Historic Downtown Mercersburg, which has bars, restaurants and stores to buy anything you may need.
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$45
 / night
100%
(47)

Wilbur's Shed

1 site ¡ RV, Tent60 acres ¡ Blairs Mills, PA
When my father died in 2020 I removed this shed before we sold my childhood home. It measures 8' x 10' and you may sleep in it on a bad weather night (or a good weather night). Currently, it is three sided with the front open that you may use as you please. It has two 50amp outlets, one 30amp outlet, and normal 110 house outlets to charge your phone. Free campfire wood; you may use anything on the ground. Also included: picnic table with six plastic chairs are included, propane grill is provided at no extra charge, 55 gallon plastic barrel filled with drinkable well water - although there may be some forest dirt particles. A porta-potti is on-site, too. If you want to escape from humanity, this sixty acre ridge top is secluded and private. Let your dogs and children run free. You will not have to talk to anyone. You will not even have to deal with the property owner. There is a clear night sky east and south for astronomy. You may walk and explore freely as long as you do not cross the well-painted white property lines. Twenty acres is 'tall forest, thirty acres is newly logged regrowth brush, and ten acres is crop field. You are welcome to bring horses, but please keep them out of the crop-field. This location is two hours south of PSU, five hours west on NYC, and twenty minutes north of the Turnpike Willow Hill Exit. There is some cell service, but it is limited. Can you hear me now? Be sure to save site information on your phone before you leave, in case you lose cell-service. This is not Alaska, but it is not a KOA campground, either. There is a gutter when you turn off the road onto the lane. Please turn at a 45 degree angle and enter the lane gently or your vehicle with scrape the road. I have 30"x20' culvert to install, but I haven't yet made the commitment begin such a significant project.
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$40
 / night
99%
(78)

Paradise By The Pond

1 site ¡ RV, Tent200 acres ¡ Martinsburg, PA
Learn more about this land: A large 2 acre pond you are free to fish in.  A small row boat with life vests is provided. We recently added two kayaks! Large mouth bass and sunfish/bluegills mostly. Down a lane about 1/3 mile, large field, by the woods. No hookups, No electricity, No neighbors very private! Large field for pets to romp.  We are very flexible on check-in and check-out times. There is an extra site for friends to stay together. Just ask about this special feature. 30 Minutes to Raystown.
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$38
 / night
100%
(3)

Cosey Cabin

2 sites ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Greencastle, PA
This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation
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$100
 / night
99%
(479)

Sacred Roots Herbal Sanctuary

8 sites ¡ Lodging, Tents32 acres ¡ Shepherdstown, WV
Looking for a personal retreat or get away ? Escape to our beautiful, RUSTIC 32 acre wild homestead / farm. What do we mean by "rustic" ? The camping experience we offer is about unplugging from the modern world , getting back to basics, and re-connecting with the land. Campsites are nestled in the woods. So although your vehicle will be parked within 50 ft or so from site, you cannot pull directly up to the site because of the trees. Feel free to wander through the herb gardens, eat your meals in the garden pavilion (we have picnic tables there and hammocks), get your Zen on in the meditation hut , and stroll through the woodland medicine path where we grow endangered and at at risk plant plants. (Please note that the woodland medicine path goes to seed by the Fall and is usually munched down by the deer by then, but is still a nice short stroll in the woods). We love dogs...but please leave them at home.
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$40
 / night
99%
(227)

Locust Post Brewery Camp

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents26 acres ¡ Little Orleans, MD
We have about 3 acres available to set up your, tent, camper van or small pop-up camper, there are many more acres to explore. Beautiful mountain views, close to Green Ridge Forest. We also have a brewery with craft beer brewed on site, Maryland wines and Western Maryland Lemonade. We have a small kitchen with pizza, soft pretzels and beer cheese and the like.
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$45
 / night
100%
(22)

Peace in the Valley Yurt & Camp

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Berkeley Springs, WV
Welcome to this special space. Down, down, down to the end of a winding gravel road you will find quiet and beauty on forty wooded acres where a stream feeds the wildlife and your soul while a beautifully appointed yurt keeps you cozy and dry. Your place of retreat seems to be a world away, but is just ten minutes off the interstate, 90 minutes from both Washington, DC, and Baltimore. As you descend into this magical place, the first thing you may notice is the frenetic din of our busy world melting away, replaced with the sounds of nature -- birds, trees, water, crickets -- all singing to remind you of timeless truths you've misplaced in your travels. We've been preparing for your visit. Come and rest a while. Explore the woods. Create your art. You will find inspiration in the rustling leaves, but you won't find a neighbor anywhere in your line of sight. We are mapping out trails and special spots around the property for meditation and contemplation. When you're ready to explore beyond the property, a ten-minute drive will take you to historic Berkeley Springs, WV -- home of America's First Spa, where George Washington and many generations since have come to take in the healing properties of the mineral-infused springs. Here you will find locally curated art, a farmer's market, vegan and not-so-vegan dining options, funky shops, and lots of history. Six minutes north, you'll find Hancock, MD and the C and O rail trail that can take you all along the Potomac River for miles of easy riding or trekking. The yurt has a queen bed for two, a mini-kitchen, comfortable chairs, a dining room table and a mini-split for heating and air conditioning. Folks often reserve it as a retreat for anniversaries, birthdays, or just to get a break from the bustle. If you want to bring more than two people, we have two campsites you can use for four more people. You just pay $20 more per person. You'll have the whole property to yourselves (besides us -- we live here full time in the cabin). Your reservation includes the exclusive use of a beautiful fully appointed restroom, so you can enjoy a hot shower after a day of exploring. The restroom is down a short path from the yurt and about a one-minute walk from either campsite. More about that yurt. It's a 20-foot diameter yurt (314 square feet) on an elevated deck overlooking the valley and creek that offers more of a glamping experience -- complete with kitchenette, queen-sized futon bed, and an HVAC mini-split to keep you toasty or cool during your stay. We have shaped this space to be a place of healing and respite. Alison is a psychotherapist; Ross writes and performs music on the side. Our hope for this land is that it becomes a regular stop on your journey -- a place for rest and retreat with a healthy dose of nature. We offer special services for those who feel the need. Ross is a seasoned songwriter and can offer a songwriting workshop to help you refine your work or find your voice. We have invested time and resources to make this very special place available to you. Come share it with us!
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$140
 / night
99%
(152)

Old Soul Farm

3 sites ¡ RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ Gettysburg, PA
We are a small, working farm and apiary. Located back a gravel farm lane, Old Soul Farm is the perfect place to getaway from it all and still be within 10 minutes of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Learn more about this land:Site Option 1: A beautiful view of the farm and surrounding farm properties. It is the furthest away from the barn and owner housing for privacy but an easy field walk in and out.Site Option 2: Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. This location also has a stone fire circle. Site Option 3: Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
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$40
 / night

The best camping near Cowans Gap State Park guide

Overview

About

Gap State Park is a 1,085-acre park in the beautiful Allens Valley of Fulton County. And if you haven't heard of it, well, that suits the locals just fine.

State forest land surrounds this large lake, offering a sense of protected tranquility. In the summer, families come to swim, fish off the pier, and grab ice cream cones at the concession stands. At the lake's southern end, two boat ramps provide access to canoes, kayaks and electric motors.

Hikers find solitude and abundant wildlife on 10 miles of trails. For a challenge, the Tuscarora Trail loop winds up the Tuscarora Mountain. Paved paths provide easy terrain, and there are designated trails for mountain biking and horseback riding.

The clean campground has over 200 sites, with primitive tent sites and 30 or 50 amp hook-ups for RVs. Rustic cabins equipped with bunk beds are a great group option. Despite its many amenities, the park is rarely crowded, except at peak times like Labor Day and Memorial Day.

Notable campgrounds

  • Lakeside Campground - Wake up to the gentle lapping of lake waters at this picturesque site.
  • Forest Retreat Campground - Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the woods at this secluded spot.
  • Mountain View Campground - Offers breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early to secure your ideal spot, especially during peak season.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute opportunities.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of finding a site.

When to go

The best time to visit Cowans Gap State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is stunning. Summer offers warm days perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are quiet but can be quite cold, so ensure you're prepared if you visit during this season.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly for your visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities within this timeframe.
  • Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
  • Some areas may be closed for conservation; respect all signage and barriers.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials.

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