The best camping in Maryland

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From Atlantic beaches to Appalachian Mountains, Chesapeake fishing villages to sprawling state parks―Maryland serves up plenty of variety, and campers won’t have to search far to find a campground, cabin, or glampsite. Whether you’re vacationing along the Chesapeake Bay, hiking and backcountry camping in the northern mountains, or driving your RV along Scenic Byways, there’s an adventure to suit all tastes. Summer is the busiest time to visit, when crowds hit the beach resorts along the Atlantic coast, but the mild temperatures of spring and fall are ideal for camping and outdoor activities. Winters are cold and snowy, so opt for a cozy cabin rental instead.  

96% (5.5K) 4,121 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Maryland

Taylors Landing Camping Club

1. Taylors Landing Camping Club

99%
(588)
Sharpsburg, MD · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Mid-June update: Firefly season is here and it looks to be another good year, although we havent seen biblical numbers like the past years yet. Soon? Under next week's full moon?? The river is at about 85% peak summer quality this week. Very warm and ready for lounging, floating or kayaking. A few details about our sites in the general camping area: Sites 1, 3, 8,9,10,11 have 13x20 shade sails, 2,4,5,6,7 have 10x13 shade sails that are also weatherproof. For larger groups, I recommend any of the sites with the larger shade sails as they have a bit more space than the others. Enjoy the nearly direct access to the CO Canal Historic Park and the kid friendly, serene stretch of the Potomac River we border. Choose from 11 similar sites available for your camping pleasure in our clover filled bottomland as well as our Hilltop sites for maximum privacy, exclusivity and star gazing potential. The surrounding old growth forest makes for a great hiking and biking as well as a very accessible and kid friendly cave to explore. All sites now have either 10x13 or 13x20 shade sails available to keep the afternoon sun at bay: recommended. We have two kayaks on site free of charge. We have some life vests, but if you have your own, bring those along. The river's main beach located between sites 7 and 8, is shaded/filtered sun all day long while our smaller beach at site 1 is sunny most of the day and affords some of the nicest river lounging via a rock ledge that spans 4wd or All Wheel Drive are recommended. If it's been relatively dry, single wheel cars are 100% fine. We have ways to mitigate most weather events. Please pre-order firewood and/or shade sails via a message to me when booking your stay and save the 18% "booking fee" or add them via the "extras" section for your site so I can have it waiting for you. $40 buys you a long night's ++ burn worth of well-seasoned hardwood. Cash venmo paypal zelle all accepted upon arrival. If ordering firewood using the "extra" feature, 1 load is $20.00 which is a 1/2 nights supply. Order 2 if you want a full night/morning supply. I will credit unused wood with a nominal restocking fee.
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Strawberry Crossroads

2. Strawberry Crossroads

98%
(452)
Pittsville, MD · 54 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Private retreat while still having access to hot showers and flushable toilets. . Stocked Catch and Release Fishing Lake. Volleyball, Basketball Court, and Wooded Trail. Primitive camp sites, Rv electrical hookups, to mini cabins there is a level to accommodate. All while only being 20 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Ocean City MD, and Assateague Island. Have a day at the beach then relax by a fire while nature sings you to sleep.
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Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

3. Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

97%
(303)
Walkersville, MD · 4 sites
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet. We HIGHLY recommend a vehicle with AWD or at least a decent ground clearance.
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Assateague Island National Seashore

4. Assateague Island National Seashore

100%
(104)
National park in Maryland · 115 sites
Beach campers, outdoor adventurers, and wild horses all love this Atlantic island.
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Catoctin Mountain Park

5. Catoctin Mountain Park

100%
(23)
National park in Maryland · 84 sites
Get a close-up view of the history of the Old Line State on this park's well-maintained trails.
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Alpaca acres

6. Alpaca acres

100%
(5)
Poolesville, MD · 1 site · Tent, RV
Enjoy a break in the countryside on our 11-acre family-run farm in Poolesville, Maryland. We’re a small family-run farm just off a scenic byroad right in the heart of Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve. We love sharing the beauty of farm life with campers, families, and travelers looking for a quiet spot to enjoy the slower pace of the countryside and connect with nature. Our dry lot is perfect for vans or small trailers. Enjoy a peaceful night under the stars with views of the alpaca and horse pastures. We have a pottery studio on site and depending on availability, you can take a pottery workshop on the wheel, handbuilding, or handbuilding with the alpacas! The studio is Sugarland Studios. The Space: Flat gravel area for one group (up to 6 guests) No RV hookups Seasonal fire pit access Farm-fresh eggs, seasonal veggies, and ceramics for sale Optional alpaca experiences: feed, walk, or photograph with them! Visit our chickens, horses, and veggie garden Our property is set in Montgomery County's agricultural reserve just off the scenic C and O Canal Byway. The setting is tranquil - be prepared to hear the soft mews from the alpacas, neighs from horses, owls hooting, sheep baaing, and chickens chatting. Essentials: Pets not allowed - we love dogs but we can't allow them with our animals Campfires allowed (in our solo stove bonfire pit) Potable water available (bring containers) Quiet hours: 10pm–7am Check-in: noon | Check-out: 11am There are many places directly next to us to go biking, hiking, canoeing, fishing, wine and beer tasting, and antiquing. We're a bike ride away from the Potomac River, C and O Canal, and Riley's Lock. We're next to Rocklands Winery, Homestead Farm, Sugarland Trails and quaint downtown Poolesville (we recommend visiting Locals for a bite to eat and to see the art).
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Maryland Health Society

7. Maryland Health Society

99%
(37)
Davidsonville, MD · 24 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are the Maryland Health Society, one of the oldest clothing optional resorts and campgrounds in the USA.  Established in 1934, we are 100% not-for-profit and 100% volunteer run.  We have 98 secluded acres of wooded beauty, including cabins, RV sites with 50amp service, tent sites, swimming pool, clubhouse with kitchen and full restrooms, BBQ pit, 5 outdoor showers, 7 miles of hiking trails.  Bordering the Patuxent River, we are 10 minutes from Washington, DC. We host many large fundraising events every year. We are in a rustic setting and our offer total acceptance. We are a 100% AANR Club.
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Maple Grove Farm

8. Maple Grove Farm

97%
(307)
Fallston, MD · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Maple Grove farm is a twenty acre preserved livestock and hay farm in Harford County Maryland. It is home to sheep, alpaca, an old horse, chickens , dogs, and a cat or two. The world headquarters for Remsberg Inc Photo Studios is in the older farmhouse on the property and we lead photo safaris and workshops in Africa and England through the year. Our crack team of Border Collies are here to assist you with all your outdoor activity needs from frisbee tossing to ball throwing. Gather around the fire under the stars and listen to the sounds of sheep doing whatever it is sheep do with one of our loaner dogs at your feet and horses grazing in the sunset on the hill. We are only three miles from W42 (Fallston Airport) if you are flying in. Nearby there are hiking trails and a swimming hole at Gunpowder Falls State Park one mile away. Boordy Vinyards down the road has a farmers market Thursdays and wine tastings other days or get homemade ice cream at Prigel Creamery just past it. Take your canoe up to Eden Mill or Bike on the Ma & Pa and NCR trails nearby.
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Grove Point Stables

9. Grove Point Stables

99%
(68)
Earleville, MD · 2 sites
Grove Point is a unique 178 Acre Waterfront Equestrian Facility, located in beautiful Earleville, MD between the Chesapeake Bay and the Sassafras River. We offer Primitive Camping for both People and Horses. We are family run business speciallizing in Gypsy Vanner Horses, Equestrian Camping and trail riding. All trail rides must be booked in advance through our business at Grove Point Stables. You can check out our website for more details. There are 2 stocked ponds on the farm or you can fish the open waters with a MD fishing license, it is BYO tackle.
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Elk Neck State Park

10. Elk Neck State Park

100%
(15)
State park in Maryland · 254 sites
Blend history, hiking, fishing, and boating into one convenient vacation getaway.
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Greenbrier State Park

11. Greenbrier State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Maryland · 151 sites
Forest hikes, lake cruises, and beachside fun await at this Appalachian Mountain retreat.
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Janes Island State Park

12. Janes Island State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Maryland · 110 sites
When you need a waterside retreat to refresh that worn out soul of yours, Janes Island State Park is a must. Find yourself immersed in the unique and picturesque beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, with forested woodlands providing just the right accent. There are even rustic waterfront cabins that provide just a touch of quaint charm.The island portion of the park boasts 2,900 acres of saltmarsh, with 30 epic miles of water trails to explore. Take your kayak or canoe and go find your own isolated beach to lounge on for the whole day. Sounds pretty damn good, right? The stunning sunsets here can’t be beat, with wild colors scattered across the glassy waters. Like we said, perfect waterside retreat to paired with camp vibes, can't be beat right?
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Pocomoke River State Park

13. Pocomoke River State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Maryland · 207 sites
With 15,000 wooded acres, Pocomoke River State Park’s claim to fame is its stand of loblolly pine and cypress swamps bordering a wild and scenic river. It’s divided into two parts, Shad Landing (south side) and Milburn Landing (north side), which are about a 25 minute drive apart. The combination of ecosystems means the park is home to a plethora of plant and animal life including white dogwood and pink laurel trees, river otters, bald eagles and over 50 species of fish.There is no shortage of traditional camping activities, but the park also boasts an Olympic-sized swimming pool in case you decide “I can’t take this no more," and make like Squints from the Sandlot. The park's name may mean black water, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your baby down to Pocomoke where you can get there fast and then take it slow.
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Mulehalla

14. Mulehalla

97%
(428)
Williamsport, MD · 13 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
USE ADDRESS TO FIND PROPERTY; DO NOT USE A GPS PIN Right off the CnO canal, Mulehalla offers primitive sites with seasonal restrooms and showers available (cold shower only). 1/10 of a mile walk to the Canal, 9-hole basic disc golf, firewood for sale.
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Creekside Orchard

15. Creekside Orchard

99%
(394)
Street, MD · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to creek-side camping on our picturesque 16 acre farm! Here are a few ground rules to help with your stay -PLEASE READ SO NONE OF THIS IS A SURPRISE-: -Dogs are permitted if they are friendly and are trained well enough to listen and stay at your site. Again, they must stay at your site unless walking with you on a leash. If your dog inflicts damage to the sites (digging holes, chewing up piles of sticks, chewing up toys to bits etc. please clean up after your dogs. We will provide shovels, rakes if you need!) - OVERLANDERS: You can bring your overland camper if you want, but you must park your vehicle in the parking spot across from your site at sites 1-3. It is a safety issue to block the entryway/exit lane. Site 4 is large enough to accommodate your vehicle and these rules do not apply there. -This is a place for relaxation and reflection by the creek. No loud groups, or partying allowed. If your neighbor can hear your music it is too loud. If your host can hear it, you will be asked to turn it down or off all together. -This is a pack it in, pack it out site. This includes food waste, dog waste, and any garbage produced. Please respect that :) DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BURN ANY WASTE IN THE FIRE RING BEFORE CHECKING OUT. DO NOT THROW FOOD SCRAPS IN THE CREEK! -There is NO FISHING, kayaking or boating. Go for a swim and float, no prob! But please float in the vicinity of your camp, so as not to disturb other campers. - Please do not invite visitors to your campsite. This is an insurance issue, no exceptions. If you want friends and family to experience our beautiful spot, please have them sign up and book a site, wouldn't that be more fun anyway!? People coming to our land who are not booked at a site will immediately be shown off the property. -Due to virtually every booking asking for earlier arrival and later departure times, we are strictly adhering to the posted check in and check out times. You can enjoy the following on our sites: - Free, unlimited wood for your campfires. Each site comes with a fire ring. - Seating arrangements (picnic table, wrought iron loungers and chairs and wood benches). - Charming outhouse situated over a septic certified holding tank with toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
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Beespoke Farms

16. Beespoke Farms

96%
(99)
Sabillasville, MD · 1 site
A small, startup farm focused on regenerative agriculture and producing environmentally friendly products through environmentally friendly processes. With roughly 15 acres of grazing and forested space, and another 9 acres developing projects and orchard planting, we're located along the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is both A-frame camping and 'pitch your own tent' camping space available.
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HUNTER'S PARK BY WASHINGTON, DC

17. HUNTER'S PARK BY WASHINGTON, DC

99%
(304)
Damascus, MD · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
THE CAMPGROUND IS REGISTERED WITH MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHORT TERM RENTALS LICENSE # STR25-00075. The campground is situated in the wooded area on the back of 27 acre horse farm which is known as "The Stables at Mezza Luna." There is Wi-Fi to all the sites. Every year in the spring there are 4-6 Thoroughbred foals born that eventually will become racehorses. They live on the farm until they are 2 years old and then they go off to begin their racing career. In the daytime, when you are not sitting around your campfire, you can walk the fence lines and visit with the Mares and Foals or just watch them frolic in the fields. Hint! "They love peppermints, carrots and apples." Who knows, you might get to meet a future Kentucky Derby winner. Nearby attractions include: BLACK HILLS REGIONAL PARK (15 minutes) for boating, hiking or biking Vineyard 61 (5 minutes) Stone Silo Brewery (5 Minutes) Leechwood Haunted Forest (5 Minutes) October weekends only There are also chickens and peacocks that are very anxious to receive your love and affection with any type of treat such as raisins. Kids can even go in the chicken coop and pick out their very own egg they can cook for their breakfast. For the energetic campers and kids there are also lots of trails that you can walk or hike on and there is a small stream the kids can play in. There also is a playground with swings, monkey bars, seesaw and trampoline. There is a dumpster in front of the barn for you to place your trash. Please drop off during your stay or on your way out of the property. Don't miss out out on this hidden gem just minutes from our nation's capital.
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Locust Post Brewery Camp

18. Locust Post Brewery Camp

99%
(332)
Little Orleans, MD · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
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 spirits. We have a small kitchen with pizza, soft pretzels and beer cheese and the like.
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Willows Farm

19. Willows Farm

99%
(277)
Union Bridge, MD · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.
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Estes Place

20. Estes Place

98%
(43)
Hancock, MD · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled within 45 acres of wooded hills and valleys, Estes Place offers a tranquil retreat just 5 miles from the Town of Hancock. Situated near the scenic C&O Rail Trail, ideal for paved walking, running, and biking, our location also boasts proximity to popular eateries such as IHOP, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and a variety of local dining options. With capacity for over a dozen tent sites, each offering unique accessibility, seclusion, and amenities, Estes Place caters to a range of camping preferences. Our two main sites feature fire rings for campfires (weather permitting), along with a porta-potty for convenience. Site one is accessible to small campers and pop-up trailers, while sites 3 and beyond are accessible by walking, backpacking, ATV, or very small compact 4WD vehicles. Explore approximately 2 miles of moderate to intense loop hiking trails and gravel roads, meandering past half a dozen year-round streams and foot-long waterfalls teeming with salamanders, frogs, and crayfish. Experience the vibrant wildlife that inhabits our surroundings, from daily sightings of deer and squirrels to nightly visits from barred owls and bats. Keep an eye out for occasional appearances by turkey, sapsuckers, woodpeckers, porcupines, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes, with the possibility of encountering a black bear annually and even a rare sighting of a mountain lion. During March through June, lucky visitors may stumble upon up to 8-inch black morel mushrooms, while certain years bring the elusive cicada and their deafening buzz. Summer nights are illuminated by enchanting displays of lightning bugs (fireflies) amidst the warmer temperatures.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Maryland camping guide

Where to go

Western Maryland

Misty mountain peaks, dense forests, and sparkling lakes await in Western Maryland, which stretches from Hagerstown to Deep Creek Lake. Follow the Mountain Maryland scenic byway through the Allegheny Mountains, rent a canal boat along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, or go whitewater rafting in Swallow Falls State Park. Seasonal highlights include the fall foliage hikes around Oakland, summer swimming and boating on Deep Creek Lake, and hitting the ski slopes in McHenry.

Central Maryland

Sitting pretty between Appalachian peaks and Chesapeake Bay shores, Maryland’s capital region has outdoor escapes within easy reach of both Baltimore and Washington D.C. Take your RV on a drive through history along the Historic National Road, running all the way from Baltimore into the western mountains; hike a 40-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail; or enjoy wine tasting along the Piedmont Wine Trail. Camping favorites include the Cunningham Falls and Susquehanna state parks.

South Maryland

Picturesque coastal towns, Civil War sites, and golf courses pepper the western shore of Chesapeake Bay, where you can enjoy fishing, birding, and oyster tasting to your heart’s content. Snag a riverside campsite along the Potomac River, enjoy beachside walks in the Point Lookout State Park, or hunt for fossils in the Calvert Cliffs State Park.

Eastern Shore

Vacationers flock to Ocean City, where there are enough sandy beaches, golf courses, and boardwalk amusements to keep you busy all summer long. Nearby, there are beachside campgrounds and herds of wild horses to admire at Assateague Island National Seashore, or you can head over to the Chesapeake Bay shore to paddle around the marshes, enjoy birdwatching in the Blackwater National Wildlife, or rent a rustic cabin at Janes Island State Park. 

Frequently Asked Questions

To reserve a campsite at Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland, you can use the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' online reservation system. Visit the Maryland State Parks Reservation website, search for "Rocky Gap State Park," and follow the prompts to select your desired campsite and dates. You can also call the reservation line at 1-888-432-2267 for assistance with your booking.

In Maryland, there are limited options for free camping. One option is the Green Ridge State Forest, which offers dispersed camping in designated areas with no amenities. Be sure to check the regulations and obtain any necessary permits before camping in these areas.

To reserve a campground in Maryland State Parks, you can use the online reservation system provided by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Visit their website at https://reservations.dnr.state.md.us/ and follow the steps to search for available campgrounds, select your desired dates, and complete the reservation process. You can also call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267 for assistance with booking a campsite.

For more information on Maryland State Parks and campgrounds, you can visit Hipcamp.

No, you cannot camp anywhere in Maryland. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and state parks, as well as some private lands where you can find professional campgrounds and RV parks. You can explore various camping options in Maryland, including tent camping, RV camping, and glamping, by visiting Hipcamp. No matter where you camp, it's essential to follow the rules and regulations for each specific campground or park, as they may vary. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect the environment and other campers.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field